Top Ten
August 7, 2009
Application boom at Calgary institutions
The University of Calgary, Mount Royal College, Bow Valley College, and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology are reporting increases in applications, and the latter 2 schools attribute the growing interest to the economic downturn. Overall applications are up 9% at SAIT, and 26% at Bow Valley. The highest increase in applications at Bow Valley -- 56% -- appears to be coming from individuals wanting to upgrade their high school marks. uCalgary and Mount Royal officials say it's unclear how much of an impact the recession has had on their respective schools' enrolment. Calgary HeraldStudent unemployment rate rises to 21%
According to new Statistics Canada data, last month's unemployment rate for students between the ages of 15 and 24 jumped 7.1% from July 2008 to nearly 21%, the highest July level since comparable data became available in 1977. Employment was down almost 11% for students in this age group in July compared to 12 months earlier. In June, the unemployment rate for students aged 20 to 24 rose to 14%. Statistics Canada | CFS News Release | Globe and MailLow vacancy rates in 2 Manitoba cities put students in "panic mode"
Record-low rental vacancy rates in Winnipeg and Brandon have left some PSE students in both cities struggling to find housing before classes begin next month. One property manager in Winnipeg says he's found a lot of people knocking on doors of buildings inquiring about upcoming vacancies. The student union president at Brandon University says rental properties are being acquired so quickly that many students are having to take places sight unseen or pay more than they can afford just so they have somewhere to live. Winnipeg Free PressFemale student assaulted at Carleton sues university
In December, a Carleton University student who was sexually assaulted in a campus laboratory nearly 2 years ago launched a lawsuit against the school, claiming Carleton officials were negligent by failing to provide adequate safety measures. In a statement of defence, Carleton says the victim "failed to take appropriate or any action for her own safety." The university states, for example, she did not notify the safety department of her intention to work late alone. The 25-year-old woman, who has since graduated, is seeking $525,000 in damages. The suit is ongoing, and court reports indicate a mediation session was last held in June. Ottawa Citizen | CUSA News Release
Postscript: Aug 11, 2009
The lawsuit raises important questions about responsibility for safety, says Connie Guberman, a University of Toronto status officer. While female students should take precautions, such as walking in groups, she says there should be a partnership in responsibility. Since the incident and following a safety audit, Carleton has taken drastic measures to increase the safety of its female students by cutting down trees that blocked sightlines, and creating "safe paths" that are well-lit and include closed-circuit television. National Post
Postscript: Aug 17, 2009
On Friday afternoon, Andrew Lister & Associates, the law firm for the plaintiff "Jane Doe", announced an out-of-court settlement had been reached with Carleton University. The agreement "recognizes" her pain and suffering, and does not in any way reflect an institutional belief that the plaintiff is to blame for the assault. The terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.
