Top Ten
July 15, 2009
uCalgary expected to cut 200 positions
In an internal memo addressed to staff Tuesday, University of Calgary president Harvey Weingarten warns of at least 200 job cuts this fall in an effort to reduce a $14.3-million shortfall. To manage the deficit, the university plans to increase enrolment and cut its 2009-10 operating budget by 3%. Weingarten blames the economic downturn, citing the poor market performance of the university's endowment funds and pension plan. He notes more job cuts beyond the 200 expected will likely happen in the future. Calgary Herald | CBC
Postscript: Oct 2, 2009
A University of Calgary spokeswoman confirms that 40 employees at the institution have lost their jobs this week. The staff reductions are meant to bring university support staff numbers in line with other institutions. A union representing some staff at uCalgary says 23 of its members working in IT services lost their jobs on Tuesday. In July, uCalgary president Harvey Weingarten announced that 200 positions would have to be cut at the university. Calgary Herald
New visa requirements jeopardize study plans of Mexican, Czech students
Students from Mexico and the Czech Republic planning to study at Canadian institutions this fall are being told they may require a temporary travel visa on top of their study permit, given new visa rules effective today. Schools such as the Universities of Alberta and Regina are assessing the impact of the new requirements, and are contacting incoming students from both nations to ensure they get the information they need as soon as possible. Regina Leader-Post | Edmonton Journal$20 million for new conservatory at Mount Royal
The Alberta government announced Tuesday $20 million towards the construction of a new conservatory and performance hall at Mount Royal College. Plans include a 650-seat performance hall, 82 studios, 16 practice rooms, 2 large studios, and various classrooms and rehearsal areas. The federal government will consider pledging up to $20 million from the Building Canada Fund for the project. College officials hope to break ground for the new Mount Royal Conservatory by next spring, with an opening slated for fall 2011. Alberta News Release | Mount Royal News | CBC | Calgary Herald (video)Past Miramichi councillor says city needs university
John "Jake" McLaughlin, a former Miramichi NB city councillor, says the provincial and federal governments have ignored the town's desire for a university. He says the lack of such a facility has caused Miramichi to be passed over for several high-end projects, such as a research centre. While the city's community college campus offers university courses, McLaughlin claims the school has not received its fair share of government funding. If ever another academic facility comes to Miramichi, McLaughlin would like it to be polytechnic in nature. He is considering launching a petition to get the government to act on this issue. Miramichi LeaderConcordia joins Project Hero
Concordia University announced Tuesday that it is the first Quebec university to participate in Project Hero, a program in which 4-year scholarships are offered to children of Canadian Forces personnel killed in the line of duty dating back to February 2002. Project Hero is the brainchild of Kevin Reed, whose goal is to have every university in Canada partake in the program. uRegina is considering offering such a scholarship, and confirmed participants include Brandon U, uCalgary, uWindsor, uOttawa, and MUN. Concordia News Release
Postscript: Sep 23, 2009
McGill University is the latest institution to take part in Project Hero, a program in which 4-year scholarships are offered to children of Canadian Forces personnel killed in the line of duty since 2002. McGill is the second university in Quebec following Concordia to partake in the program. McGill News Release
