Top Ten
October 15, 2008
NL flight class cancellations affect Chinese students
In June, pilot lessons at Gander Flight Training were halted, putting 21 Chinese students in academic limbo. The affected students are not sure why their classes were cancelled. Although the students haven't trained since the spring, Ontario-based Maylan Flight Academy continues to pay their rent and meal expenses. The students say they have not had any direct contact with anyone from Maylan, and all information they get comes from the school in Gander. CBCAlleged breach of privacy at Ryerson
According to the Eyeopener, a student newspaper, Ryerson University violated Ontario privacy laws by leaving confidential documents, such as payroll stubs and student numbers, in empty, unlocked offices. The documents, along with boxes labelled "shred" and "confidential," were found scattered across the office space. An investigation will be conducted into the breach. Affected individuals will be informed of the situation and what's been done to secure their records. The Eyeopener (student newspaper)McGill may introduce controversial travel policy for students
According to the McGill Tribune, a student newspaper, McGill University is proposing an international travel policy that will bar students from participating in any university-related activities in countries classified as dangerous. The proposed directive is drawing criticism from students and faculty, who say the policy could affect student research and recruitment. Liability issues are in part driving the implementation of the policy, as Quebec civil law allows students to sue McGill if they are injured overseas, even if they sign liability waivers. McGill Tribune (student newspaper) | EditorialInternational enrolment boom at SMU
Foreign student enrolment is up at Saint Mary's University, with 7% more international students this year. The rise in foreign student enrolment has nearly doubled the number of such students on campus, who make up 15% of SMU's student population. Local student enrolment has also gone up, and graduate enrolment jumped 5% this year. Despite these increases, overall enrolment has dropped nearly 4%. SMU News ReleaseMcMaster first university to own powerful microscope
McMaster University is the first post-secondary institution worldwide to get a powerful electron microscope that will allow researchers to view atoms in far greater detail. The $15-million microscope will be used to study how hundreds of everyday products, such as beer cans and sunscreen, work at the nano level. The microscope, which was built in the Netherlands, arrived at McMaster in June. Researchers across Canada will have access to the microscope. Globe and MailNL students receive $12 million in up-front grants
In the next few weeks, the Newfoundland and Labrador government will be distributing $12.4 million in non-repayable grants to the province's post-secondary students. 70% of students receiving loans will benefit from the up-front, needs-based grant program, which was introduced in May 2007. NL News ReleaseSyncrude donates $5 million to Keyano College
Last month, Syncrude Canada Ltd donated $5 million to Keyano College, based in Fort McMurray Alberta. $1.8 million will fund the Syncrude Aboriginal Trades Preparation Program, which will begin in January. The remainder of the investment will support future opportunities at Keyano. Syncrude recently donated $1 million to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Keyano Campus ConnectionuSask student union approves increased levies for renovations
Last Thursday, the University of Saskatchewan's Student Council voted in favour of a $13 hike in infrastructure fees collected by students to provide the extra funds needed to renovate Place Riel Student Centre. The fate of the renovations was questioned last month when it was revealed construction costs had grown by $5 million. Despite the successful vote, the renovations need final approval by uSask's board of governors. Saskatoon Star-Phoenix
