October 29, 2009
Officials at the University of Saskatchewan report that there are 2 confirmed cases and 4 suspected cases of the H1N1 influenza in the university's residences. uSask's associate vice-president of student and enrolment services says fewer students are attending class and growing numbers are going to the health clinic with flu symptoms. Ill students have been given separate bathroom facilities, while others have left residences to ride out the illness at home. This fall, a few cases of H1N1 have been detected at
UWO,
Brock, and, most recently,
McGill.
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix |
CBCWhile some universities in Canada offer second-language courses, "there is a definite lack of more intensive second-language training opportunities," according to a study released yesterday by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages. One recommendation listed in the report is for the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to set up a new fund to provide financial assistance to universities to develop and implement new initiatives to improve second-language learning opportunities. The commissioner calls on the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages to assemble universities, educational organizations, language experts, and government to discuss how to improve such learning opportunities in universities. In addition to the report, the commissioner has launched an online interactive map to help students find universities that offer second-language learning programs and opportunities.
OCOL News Release |
Margin Notes |
Read the full report |
Interactive MapAccording to figures released yesterday by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission, the student population in the region's universities is becoming increasingly diverse. While the proportion of undergraduate students from the Maritimes has declined 13% over the past 5 years, the number from outside the region has risen by 8% during the same period. In 2008-09, students from outside the region accounted for 29% of enrolment in Maritime universities, up from 25% 5 years ago. The change is mainly from foreign students, whose numbers have jumped by 14% over 5 years. Students enrolled at Maritime universities come from 164 different nations, with the majority of international students hailing from China, the US, Bahamas, Bermuda, and India.
MPHEC News Release |
MPHEC Quick FactsThe Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada announced yesterday that Mount Royal University has become its
95th member institution. Last month, the Alberta government bestowed
university designation on Mount Royal. In order to become a member of AUCC, institutions must meet a number of criteria in areas such as academic freedom, governance, and curriculum, as well as have a proven track record in teaching, research, and scholarship.
AUCC News ReleaseTrinity Western University recently celebrated the launch of its School of Nursing. Established in 1993, the Department of Nursing at the university has experienced a steady rise in enrolment, with large demand for admission into the highly competitive program each year. The introduction of a nursing school will allow TWU to take full advantage of partnerships, collaborations, and ongoing connections between undergraduate and graduate programs.
TWU News In a recent referendum, 53% of participating University of Victoria students voted in favour of having a
new athletics and recreation building on the Gordon Head campus. The university's board of governors will make a final decision on the project in the new year after the documents are passed to them next week. Should the project be approved, students would be charged a new fee of $55 per semester. Those fees would not come into effect until the facility opens in the fall of 2012.
Victoria Times-ColonistAccording to a new survey, almost 50% of Dalhousie University graduates found employment within a month after graduating this past May. Of those, about 50% are working in Nova Scotia, and 26% plan to continue their education. 5.4% of graduates surveyed who are working outside of Nova Scotia would rather be employed in the province. Less than 7% reported earning below $20,000 a year, and nearly 55% reported making $50,000 or more. 52.8% of respondents said they were working in the public sector, while 40.2% found employment in the private sector.
Dal News |
Read the surveyAccording to a new Statistics Canada research paper examining high school students' knowledge of educational requirements for their intended career at age 30, about 3 out of 4 students intending to work in a job requiring a university degree are aware of the education they will need. Evidence suggests that knowledge of educational requirements is linked to academic performance and socio-economic background. The report found that students who know that a university degree is required are more likely to go to university, even after accounting for differences in academic performance, sex, and socio-economic background. Higher university attendance rates are observed when students learn earlier, rather than later, that a university degree is needed for their intended career.
Read the reportEarlier this week, Sprott-Shaw Community College, a BC-based private institution, announced the top 20 vote-getters in its international "
Class Act Canada" contest in which 10 participants will each receive a $100,000 scholarship to any Sprott-Shaw campus. The final 10 scholarship winners will be chosen by a judging panel of community leaders, academics, and business. The winners will be announced on December 1.
Tri-City News |
Class Act CanadaThe University of Manitoba has revamped its "
U of More" prospective student microsite. The portal features videos exploring campus life and programs options, faculty news, and a "Why More?" section where visitors can look up information on the university. This year, uManitoba has 9 new student bloggers, whose entries and profiles can be accessed through the microsite.
uManitoba News |
U of More
rtraction