Top Ten
April 17, 2009
PEI boosts funding for PSE operating grants, student bursaries
As outlined in its latest budget, announced last Thursday, the PEI government will increase grants to the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, and Collège Acadie Î.P.É by $5.2 million. Investment in the George Coles Bursary and Island Student Awards will reach $3.6 million. 2009 PEI Budget HighlightsCourt grants uManitoba restraining order against former student
The University of Manitoba has been awarded an injunction banning a former student from campus property. The university sought the court order due to Mitchell Edwards' repeated harassment of female students. A risk assessment of the 23-year-old found that he would likely continue to intimidate and frighten people if he were allowed back on campus. Court documents reveal that despite being barred, Edwards returned to uManitoba at least 8 times, and was cited for trespassing twice. CBCScientology-linked exhibit at Concordia sparks controversy
Officials at Concordia University have been bombarded with e-mail complaints following the school's decision to allow an exhibition last week that was sponsored by the Citizens' Commission of Human Rights, which is affiliated with the Church of Scientology. Concordia vice-president Michael Di Grappa defended the event, noting that the booking followed standard procedure and Scientology is a recognized religion and charitable organization. Protesters have set up a YouTube video of the event and staged a demonstration outside the exhibit last Thursday. Montreal Gazette | YouTubeUQAM faculty extends strike
Last Tuesday, faculty and language instructors at the Université du Québec à Montréal voted to renew their strike until at least April 24. The professors, who have been without a contract since June 2007, are seeking a salary increase of 11.5% over 3 years, and want the university to hire 300 more faculty. Quebec's education minister has not ruled out the possibility that the province will step in to end the stalemate between the faculty union and UQAM administration. Montreal GazetteUBC postpones decision on NCAA membership application
The University of British Columbia announced last Thursday that it will delay its decision on whether or not to apply for membership in the US-based National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Division II level until next year. According to a report from a review committee, respondents to surveys and open houses were quite divided on the benefits of UBC joining the NCAA. There are also too many critical issues to be addressed, with academic accreditation being particularly important. Last month, Simon Fraser University confirmed it will apply for NCAA Division II membership by the June 1 deadline. UBC News Release | Vancouver Province$3 million for uSask vet college
Last week, the federal government announced $2.7 million in funding for the University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine to support upgrades to the Diagnostics Laboratory and Large Animal Clinic. The college is completing a 2-storey diagnostics addition and basement that will add approximately 3,000 square metres of new space to existing diagnostic facilities. uSask News Release | Saskatoon Star-PhoenixuAlberta, McGill among Canada's Greenest Employers
The University of Alberta and McGill University are among 30 workplaces selected as Canada's Greenest Employers for 2009. uAlberta was chosen for its "green demolition" program in which building materials are reused in on-campus renovations and a multi-year, $25-million energy management program that includes upgraded energy-efficient lighting. McGill was picked for creating the position of Environmental Officer and its membership with the Canada Green Building Council. 2009 Canada's Greenest Employers | McGill ReporterDal may remove credit cards from tuition payment options
Dalhousie University is considering discontinuing payment of tuition and residence fees through credit cards. The move would save the university $1.3 million in transaction fees. A number of Canadian universities do not accept credit card payments for tuition; UBC, uCalgary, McGill, uToronto, McMaster and Queen's have such policies. Dal NewsUVic receives $2-million donation for visual arts
On Friday, BC philanthropist Michael Audain donated $2 million to the University of Victoria's department of visual arts to establish the Audain Professorship in Contemporary Art Practice of the Pacific Northwest. In honour of the gift, the university will name the visual-arts department's main exhibition and public gathering space the Audain Gallery and Atrium. Globe and Mail | Victoria Times-Colonist
