Top Ten
November 22, 2010
Staff cuts feared as uCalgary faces $22-million shortfall
Tasked with bringing in a balanced budget for 2011-12, the University of Calgary, which is facing a $21.7-million deficit, is spending $30 million on an ongoing administrative review, and the institution is in the midst of labour negotiations with support staff, while a round of talks with faculty is set to begin early next year. uCalgary's vice-president of finances and services says he will turn in a balanced budget despite the fact a deficit budget was approved by the Alberta government last year. While the VP says layoffs are not being considered, some faculty members worry the upcoming year will be tough, with one professor telling the Calgary Herald he thinks there will be a lot of pressure to reduce support staff. Calgary Herald
UPEI, alumni call for public consultation on degree legislation
At a meeting last Thursday, the University of Prince Edward Island's board of governors passed a resolution to urge PEI's advanced learning minister "to allow sufficient time for consultation to take place with all stakeholders before making any changes to the University Act or introducing a Degree Granting Act." The university's senate has endorsed a similar statement, whose sentiment is being expressed by several groups, such as UPEI's alumni association, which has launched an online petition asking for public consultation on the proposed degree-granting legislation. The province's Opposition leader has also told Premier Robert Ghiz that Islanders should be consulted before major changes are made to higher education. UPEI News Release | Read the petition | CBC (alumni) | CBC (Opposition)
uWindsor law prof alleges university "demonized" her character
A University of Windsor law professor who is fighting the institution over alleged racism and sexism in its search for a new law dean now claims the school is "demonizing" her by publicly disclosing negative comments in her review process. The professor states it was unfair for uWindsor to include anonymous criticisms of her to justify the search committee's decision, and to thereby "rebroadcast...negative opinions about [her], without providing any basis for determining their weight or authority." National Post
Ontario ignoring ILO ruling on part-time college employees, union says
The Ontario Public Service Employees Union states the Ontario government has snubbed the International Labour Organization (ILO) by refusing to respond to the union's allegations regarding the rights of part-time college workers to unionize. An ILO report asks the province to open consultations with OPSEU to deal with the situation. Nearly 2 years ago, thousands of part-time college employees cast ballots, which have remained uncounted. In a submission to the ILO earlier this year, the National Union of Public and General Employees noted that despite amendments made to the Colleges Collective Bargaining Act, part-time employees were still being denied their right to join a union and bargain collectively. OPSEU News Release | NUPGE News Release
Toronto Star publishes special section on continuing education
Monday's Toronto Star included an 8-page section on full-time and continuing education programs at Ontario post-secondary institutions. The section covers the work of students at George Brown College's Institute Without Boundaries, who were invited by the mayor of Lota, Chile to help the city prepare for a more prosperous future. Other articles profile graduates of Centennial College's Community and Justice Services program and the University of Toronto's project management certificate. The section also features OCAD University's course on collecting contemporary art, Seneca College's aviation programs, Durham College's Community Integration through Cooperative Education program, Humber College's Teaching English as a Second Language certificate program, and Ryerson University's new certificate course in strategic marketing.
University presidents' mission to India a success
The AUCC-organized visit by 15 university presidents to India earlier this month was seen by participants as a successful foray that could foster a deeper engagement by Canadian post-secondary schools in India. "Coming as a group, we've made a major impact in ways that we never would have if just one or two of us had come representing our own institutions," says Dalhousie University president Tom Traves. In additional to the announcement of $4 million in new scholarships and institutional partnerships, the week-long mission also saw the creation of a new alumni network, ICAN, aimed at Indian students who have studied in Canada and returned home. University Affairs
NSCC Waterfront campus opens Centre for the Built Environment
Yesterday Nova Scotia Community College's Waterfront campus celebrated the opening of its Centre for the Built Environment (CBE). The facility is a "living" learning and research lab where students in trades and technology programs can monitor and learn from the building's renewable energy technologies in real-time. The centre features solar, wind, and geothermal energy systems, interior living walls, a green roof, and an external living wall. NSCC News Release
Boréal opens Centre Louis-Riel
At its Sudbury campus last Thursday, Collège Boréal held an official opening ceremony for its Centre Louis-Riel, which offers Aboriginal and Métis students a number of services in a culturally responsive environment conducive to their academic success. The centre's facilities include work stations, a seminar room, and a relaxation space. The centre also offers tutoring, help with career placement, and the application process for student financial assistance. Boréal News Release
Lambton College paramedic program receives national accreditation
Lambton College's paramedic diploma program has been accredited by the Canadian Medical Association, making the Sarnia-based institution one of 3 Ontario colleges to gain CMA accreditation. The program is also recognized by the Canadian Forces. Graduates could land guaranteed positions through a commitment to the Canadian Forces Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Education Plan, through which students could receive funds toward tuition, books, and academic equipment to complete their paramedic studies. Lambton College News Release
York U launches new resources for prospective students
York University's admissions and recruitment team has launched new ways of attracting and connecting with prospective students. New this academic year is the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, a database that collects and retains prospective student information, from their first contact up to the time they declare interest in programs of study, and beyond to submission of an application form. The CRM allows the admissions and recruitment office to provide students with information that is customized to their interests, and target specific groups or cohorts with recruitment campaigns in a more cohesive way. York U has also introduced a future student portal and an iPhone application that gives users access to news from current students and to the university's online communities. Y-File
