Top Ten

$32-million makeover of UBC's Chemistry Building

The University of British Columbia has reopened its oldest building, which has been updated with new state-of-the-art research and learning facilities in celebration of the university's 100th birthday.  The Chemistry Building is the latest to receive updates thanks to a $120-million partnership with the BC government.  UBC became BC's first post-secondary institution on March 7, 1908.  UBC News Release | BC News Release

OCUFA criticizes uToronto, Ryerson "thank you" ads

The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations has issued a public criticism of both the University of Toronto and Ryerson University for what it estimates to be as much as $80,000 spent on full-page newspaper ads "to thank Queen's Park for recent grants."  "At a time when universities are struggling for cash, it seems a poor choice to spend to thank the government for what it should be doing in the first place.That money would have been better spent on student aid and scholarships."  The Toronto Star | OCUFA News Release

Ryerson unveils plans for new campus centrepiece

Ryerson University has unveiled plans for the expansion and redesign of its School of Image Arts, with the new Ryerson Photography Gallery and Research Centre.  The building is designed by internationally-acclaimed Diamond and Schmitt Architects, and the Centre itself "places the University among the top international centres for photography and related disciplines."  The dramatic glass building will be open to the public.  Ryerson News Release

St. Clair College receives $1 million from Shoppers VP

St. Clair College's new fitness and recreation centre has received a $1 million donation from Shoppers Drug Mart exec, Andrew Faas.  Faas "got his start" at St. Clair and is a graduate of the business marketing program.  He has also worked with Chrysler Canada, Loblaw's, Central Canada Grocers and National Grocers.  The $1 million donation from the Faas Foundation starts off a $12-million campaign to update the 30-year-old facilities -- which are "crap" says one student.  The Windsor Star

NSCC moves Aviation Institute into new digs

Nova Scotia Community College has announced plans to relocate its Aviation Institute to a new home in Dartmouth.  The new location will take in 180 students for classes in September, and its new 60,000 square feet of space will allow for growth of its "world-class" programs.  NSCC News Release

UBC, uAlberta receive birthday stamps

Tomorrow, Canada Post will issue two new 52-cent stamps to commemorate the centenary years of both the University of Alberta and the University of British Columbia.  uAlberta has planned a year of celebration, but will officially reach 100 years in the Fall.  UBC celebrates its birth this coming Saturday.  uAlberta | UBC

Dal follows uManitoba and goes "trayless"

In an effort to save water and reduce detergent effluent, Dalhousie University is doing away with cafeteria trays. 18 months ago, Dal switched from styrofoam to bamboo and reed plates, which are 100% biodegradable and compostable.  The no-tray policy will save about 3,000 litres of dish water per day, harmful chemicals, and electricity used by dishwashers. uManitoba is given credit as setting the "green standard" for cafeterias in Canada, and even across North America.  The Globe & Mail

UoGuelph student has "Best New Blog in Canada"

Danielle Takacs, a University of Guelph student, has won the 2007 Canadian Blog Awards Best New Blog for her political blog "Galloping around the Golden Horseshoe."  Takacs noticed the lack of female bloggers writing on politics and started her blog as an effort to correct this imbalance.  UoGuelph News Release 

What's your policy on virtual debauchery?

Student shenanigans in residence and on campus are not new -- but never before have they been so thoroughly and publicly documented as now, thanks to cellphone cameras and social networking sites.  Most institutions have a general code of conduct that students are expected to follow -- do they have a responsibility to monitor social networks for proof of violations that otherwise would slip by unnoticed? The Chronicle of Higher Education (Subscription Required)

Social media are here to stay

According to senior marketers at 71 global blue chip companies, social media marketing "is not a passing fad."  About half of those interviewed in a new study felt that using platforms such as Facebook, MySpace and blogs is "a vital component of corporate communications that should be monitored and allocated resources."   Academica Group has spent the last 14 months researching social media marketing potential for higher education institutions, and offers a free social network profile page via SkoolPool as well as custom social media solutions.  TNS Canadian Facts | SkoolPool | Social Media Solutions