Top Ten
September 17, 2008
uWindsor faculty on strike
University of Windsor professors, librarians, and academic staff went on strike yesterday after negotiations between the university and its faculty association were called off at 2 am. As a result, classes were cancelled yesterday, except for medical students. uWindsor's faculty association's president says the issue that caused talks to break down was the quality of research and education at the university. uWindsor Daily News | Windsor Star$11 million for Alberta graduate scholarships
On Tuesday, the Alberta government announced an $11-million investment in graduate student scholarships, bringing annual funding for graduate-level awards to over $23 million. Along with the extra funding are 2 new programs. The Graduate Citizenship scholarship will provide 50 students with financial awards for their volunteer and community activities. Under the Profiling Alberta's Graduate Students program, students who participate in major national and international research gatherings have the chance to access over $1 million. Alberta News ReleaseLiberal policy on PSE
At a campaign stop at the University of Western Ontario yesterday, Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion said that his party, if elected, would establish a 20-year $25-billion education endowment fund. The Liberals would increase university-based research by 60% to $500 million a year. The plan includes a $100-million fund to support scientists, researchers and graduate students in taking on projects that go beyond their disciplines. The policy offers a $500-million reform of the national student loan program, including a guaranteed $5,000 loan for every student. Liberal News Release | Western News | CanWest News Service | CBCPolytechnics Canada promotes applied research funding in federal election
Polytechnics Canada has submitted 2 questions about applied research funding to Canada's 5 main political party leaders. The organization asks if a leader's party believes Canada needs to invest more in applied research, and if so, how the party would increase such an investment. Polytechnics Canada recommends the new government help fund a 3-year pilot project to create applied research clusters at polytechnic institutions. Leaders' responses to the questions will be posted on the group's website on September 29. Polytechnics Canada News ReleaseCFS, CASA launch election-based websites
The Canadian Federation of Students recently launched an election-based website called "VoteEducation.ca," which provides policy analysis, voter information, press releases, and up-to-date campaign information in relation to PSE. The site will also feature a Party Report Card on each party's PSE platform. Meanwhile, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations is running a similar site, with a special focus on PSE accessibility. The site includes a video entitled "The Education Challenge," which urges students and the public to consider the issue of accessibility when voting next month. CFS News Release | CASA News Release | VoteEducation.ca | CASA Election CentreProvidence Challenges the Stereotypes
Providence College and Seminary, in Otterburne Manitoba, launched a new brand identity in fall 2008 and an assertive, edgy new campaign that is "stepping out of the box for our Christian Higher Education market," says Sara Beth Dacombe, Communications Coordinator. "We believe what sets us apart is that our school is not hesitant to talk about the tough issues in life, and we hope to attract young students of faith who are also ready to live differently."
The new campaign uses three ads to encourage people to think, live, and serve:
“Think” shows a pretty blonde in a classroom setting who seems confused, with the headline, “Christians use their faith as a crutch.” This ad is meant to show the stereotype that many young Christians go on to secular university or even a good Christian school and still find themselves unable to clearly and intelligently converse about their faith with others.
“Live” shows a young man holding a sign saying, “God Loves,” while an angry mob behind him holds signs saying, “God hates.” This ad is meant to show the stereotype that many Christians feel they can judge others and act in public with messages of hate.
“Serve” shows a homeless person with the headline, “The end is near, so Christians don’t care,” to show the stereotype that some Christians think they aren’t going to be on earth very long so they don’t need to care about issues like homelessness, poverty, or even the environment.
Dacombe continues, "We know there are many Christians who fall outside of these stereotypes and are doing good work, but we especially want to speak to young people and the public who may hold these stereotypes, and that’s what’s holding them back from seeing Christians in anything but a negative light. It is possible to be intelligent, to have a skilled profession, and to be active in today’s society and be a Christian. And our school is ready to step outside of the box and attract some attention to that fact."
The Challenge the Stereotype campaign begins in September 2008 and will run for at least eight weeks in national education magazines, and across radio, print, web, and bus advertising in Manitoba, Canada.
