Top Ten
November 24, 2010
$276 million for Canada Research Chairs
During a speech yesterday to kick off a 2-day conference to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Canada Research Chairs program, federal Industry Minister Tony Clement announced a $275.6-million investment to fund 310 new or renewed Canada Research Chairs at 53 universities. The investment includes $13.4 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation for research infrastructure associated with the new Chair awards. CRC News Release
PSE funding, debt reduction program subject of NB throne speech
In its throne speech Tuesday, the New Brunswick government said it will provide predictable sources of multi-year funding for public post-secondary institutions. The province plans to collaborate with stakeholders to make the Timely Completion Benefit program more responsive to the needs of university and college students. In order to provide quality apprenticeship programs, the provincial government, in conjunction with the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Board, is developing a new governance model through which these programs will be provided. The province announced it will launch new initiatives to ensure greater access to PSE for all New Brunswickers, particularly those groups of students traditionally underrepresented at the PSE level. NB News Release | NB Throne Speech
FPSE calls for merger of BC's higher ed ministries
The president of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC says the provincial government should merge the 2 ministries responsible for higher education now that one minister is in charge. Last month, a cabinet shuffle saw the former ministry of advanced education and labour market development split into 2 departments -- one for colleges, the other for universities. The minister who oversaw colleges has resigned to join the BC Liberal leadership race, and the minister of science and universities is now handling both portfolios. "They split the ministry and all of the sudden now they're saying one minister could look over both," says FPSE president Cindy Oliver. "So what was the point of splitting them in the first place?" FSPE News Release | Georgia Straight
Summerside supports PEI's proposed degree legislation
The City of Summerside supports the Prince Edward Island government's plan to allow more universities in the province because the city would like to have one. Summerside's mayor believes a university would keep students in the city. According to a report the city commissioned 5 years ago, 70% of students who live on the eastern half of PEI who go on to university enrol at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown. On the western half of the province, 70% of students leave PEI for university. Summerside's mayor says the city approached UPEI a few years ago about offering various course in Summerside, but the institution was not interested. CBC
uWindsor plans multimillion-dollar Innovation Centre
The University of Windsor is moving ahead with plans to construct a $25-million to $40-million "Innovation Centre" on campus to house a parking garage and substantial office and retail space. On Tuesday, the institution's board of governors voted unanimously to issue a request for proposals for the design of a new 5- to 6-storey structure that would include 1,000 parking spaces and 39,000 square feet of rental and office space. uWindsor president Alan Wildeman says a feasibility study is expected to be completed by June. If approved, construction of the Innovation Centre could begin as early as fall 2011. Windsor Star
UPEI appoints new president
UPEI announced yesterday that Dr. Alaa S. Abd-El-Aziz has been selected as president-designate of the institution. Abd-El-Aziz is currently the provost of the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus, which he joined in 2006. A graduate of Cairo's Ain Shams University and the University of Saskatchewan, Abd-El-Aziz taught chemistry at the University of Winnipeg, where he also served several administrative roles. He will assume the role of UPEI president on July 1, 2011, succeeding Wade MacLauchlan, who has led the institution for nearly 12 years. UPEI News Release
New president at U Sainte Anne
On Tuesday, Université Sainte-Anne announced that Allister Surette will take office as president and vice-chancellor of the Nova Scotia-based institution on July 1, 2011. Surette has been vice-president (development and partnerships) of U Sainte-Anne since 2003. Between 1998 and 2003, he was CEO of Collè de l'Acadie. Surette was elected to the Nova Scotia legislature in 1993 and held numerous political positions until 1998. Surette will succeed André Roberge, who will complete his second term and his tenth year as president and vice-chancellor on June 30, 2011. U Sainte-Anne News (in French and English)
Ryerson continuing ed school uses QR codes in new ad campaign
Ryerson University's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is using QR code technology in its current advertising campaign, which features pictures of Chang School students in different disciplines, accompanied by testimonials about how the school helped their professional development. Each ad features the tag "The future belongs to you. Make your mark," as well as the QR code, which, when photographed by a smartphone, will bring up a website that provides an overview of the school's programs, success stories, and contact information. The ads invite students to submit their own success story at Ryerson's website for the chance to be featured in a future poster. Marketing Magazine
uCalgary picks up international marketing awards
The University of Calgary is the recipient of a number of the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals' MarCom Awards. The institution's university relations office picked up a platinum award in the ads category, while the faculty of medicine earned platinum awards in the annual report and magazine categories. The faculty also won gold awards in the writing/news release and communication plan categories. UToday | 2010 MarCom Awards
Carleton environmental science program receives national accreditation
Carleton University's Honour Bachelor of Science Environmental Science program has been accredited by the Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada. One of only 3 Canadian universities currently accredited, Carleton's program has been recognized for equipping undergraduates to be successful and competent environmental scientists when entering the labour market. After graduation and 5 years of experience, graduates can write their professional certification exams. Carleton News Release
