Top Ten

September 22, 2009

$30 million for Bishop’s U sports centre renovation and expansion

Bishop's University has received $29.5 million in government funding for the renovation and expansion of its John H. Price Sports and Recreation Centre. The federal and Quebec governments are each contributing $13.25 million to the project, while the City of Sherbrooke is pledging $3 million. The new facility, which will be more than double its current size, will feature a modern 800-seat arena, a double gymnasium, changing rooms, and conference rooms. The project is slated for completion in 2012. Bishop's U News Release

uToronto renames mining building for $9-million gift

The University of Toronto announced Monday a $9-million donation from mining entrepreneur Pierre Lassonde and Goldcorp Inc. to support the construction of and scholarships for a $20-million mining research and innovation centre at the university. The new centre will be built in previously unused space on the top floor and in the roof of the school's Mining Building. In honour of the gift, the entire building will be renamed the Lassonde Mining Building. uToronto News

Concordia opens new JMSB facility

Concordia University held an opening ceremony yesterday for its new state-of-the art John Molson School of Business building. The facility will accommodate nearly 8,000 students taking courses in the business school's 17 undergraduate and graduate programs. The building features a solar wall, a "floating" multipurpose room, and a 300-seat auditorium. Concordia News Release

Cambrian unveils first phase of sustainable energy centre

On Monday, Cambrian College held an unveiling of 3 Living Labs, which represent the first phase of the school's Xstrata Nickel Sustainable Energy Centre. 2 of the Living Labs resemble miniature homes, while the third is a frame holding photovoltaics and solar thermal panels. The labs are designed to be used for research, education, and technology development by Cambrian students, entrepreneurs, primary and secondary school students, and the public. The remaining 3 labs will open in fall 2011. Cambrian News Release

WLU launches Toronto office

Yesterday Wilfrid Laurier University officially opened its new Toronto office, located in the heart of the city's financial district. The office will support a number of initiatives, including WLU's MBA weekend program, co-op education program, career services, student recruitment efforts, alumni relations programs, university development and fundraising activities, and government relations. WLU News Release

UWO librarians, archivists to hold strike vote

Librarians and archivists at the University of Western Ontario will hold a strike vote on Friday. The employees, who are represented by UWO's faculty association, have been in contract talks with the university since May to renew their collective agreement, which expired July 1. Several scheduled meetings with a government-appointed conciliator are set to begin Thursday. Western News

Postscript: Sept 30, 2009
Librarians and archivists at the University of Western Ontario have voted in favour of supporting strike action should scheduled conciliation talks not result in a renewed collective agreement. If the conciliation process fails, the conciliator will issue a "no board" report, after which UWO and the union representing the employees must wait at least 17 days before undertaking any job action. Western News

H1N1 detected at uAlberta experimental farm

3 months ago, the H1N1 virus moved through a herd of pigs at the Edmonton Research Station Experimental Farms, based at the University of Alberta's south campus. After some of the animals at the facility began displaying flu-like symptoms in June, 38 pigs were tested for the virus, and 35 tested positive for influenza. 2 employees also tested positive for H1N1 and have since recovered. The herd of 2,000 pigs have now been deemed virus-free. A uAlberta official says there was minimal risk to other students and the school followed all protocols. CTV

McGill MBA program to take on self-funded model

According to the McGill Tribune, a student newspaper, beginning in fall 2010, McGill University's MBA program will move away from the current government-subsidized model in favour of a self-funded model. The move will see the university's Desautels Faculty of Management covering all costs of the program independently, primarily through raising tuition fees to $29,500. With the self-funded model, the faculty will be able to avoid Quebec's tuition regulations, which the faculty claims have been the most significant constraint in its ability to maintain and enhance the quality of the MBA program. McGill Tribune (student newspaper)

Enrolment boom at Trent

Trent University reports that enrolment for all domestic students at its main campus in Peterborough is up 7% over last year. Enrolment at the Oshawa campus rose nearly 19%. Acceptances from college transfer students have increased 9.6%. A Trent administrator attributes these increases in part to the university's close working relationship with partnering institutions, including articulation agreements with various community colleges. Trent Daily News

Yukon College launches new website

We've recently noticed that Yukon College has introduced a new-look website. The redesigned homepage is dominated by a large graphic banner depicting beaded moccasins. Visitors to the site can change the banner display by hovering the cursor over the links directly above the banner. The phrase "start here. go anywhere" is displayed prominently in the centre of the homepage. The site includes links to the college's Facebook page and Twitter account. Yukon College website

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