Top Ten
March 11, 2011
Queen's rector criticized for claiming to represent student body in open letter
Queen's University students are accusing rector Nick Day, who holds the highest elected post for a student at the institution, of exploiting the influence of his office within Queen's and misrepresenting them as defenders of Israeli Apartheid Week in an open letter he wrote in response to Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff's statement condemning the growing Canadian university tradition. Queen's principal Daniel Woolf says it was "inappropriate" for Day to sign the letter as a Queen's representative. The university says it has been contacted by students, alumni, and others who believe Day should no longer have the privilege of holding the office of rector. The Alma Mater Society has passed a motion to hold a referendum later this month to decide whether they will ask the University Council to remove Day. Queen's News Centre | National Post
uPhoenix ceases Canadian operations
Apollo Group Inc.'s executive director for public affairs confirmed to the Vancouver Sun that all University of Phoenix activity and classes in Canada ceased in October 2010. The BC government told the paper that uPhoenix "completed its phase out of its BC operations in January and has now left all Canadian jurisdictions. This was a business decision made by the university." The Apollo Group official said the decision to halt Canadian operations had nothing to do with the company's legal troubles in the US. Meritus University, a Canadian subsidiary of Apollo Group, is slated to close in April. Report Card (Vancouver Sun blog)
LSBF opens campus in Toronto
The London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) opened its first North American campus in Toronto last week, offering certification in the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The Ontario capital's position as a destination for immigrants gives the program its student base, says an official with ACCA Canada. LSBF's Toronto operation is starting with 150 students, some of whom are already well on their way to completing the 14 required "papers" from prior study online or with another institution. Globe and Mail
Algonquin College releases design of $52-million student commons
On Thursday, Algonquin College and its Students' Association unveiled the design for the new $52-million, 110,000-square foot student commons, which will serve as the heart of the college's Woodroffe campus in Ottawa. Anchored by a 700-seat auditorium for lectures and performances, the facility will feature an atrium lounge, study spaces, food services, several student services, and Students' Association board and administration offices. The latest artist's renderings of the facility are available on the college's website. Algonquin College News Release | Student Commons -- Gallery
$6 million for Manitoba's Technical Vocation Initiative
The Manitoba government announced Thursday more than $6.4 million in new funding for the Technical Vocation Initiative (TVI), which helps give students the tools and skills needed to meet the rising demand for workers equipped with technical vocational skills. The 4-year program initiative will build on the success already achieved through TVI, expanding to new focus areas, such as increasing technical-vocational education opportunities and access to northern and remote communities. Manitoba News Release
McGuinty hints more space, funding for PSE students
At a major Liberal fundraising dinner last Wednesday, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty told the crowd that students seeking a spot in college or university can expect more help. "In our province, no keen and qualified student will be turned away for lack of space on our part or lack of money on theirs," he said. While the premier did not disclose details on the PSE plans, party sources say more will come in the Liberal election platform to be released in a few months. The Ontario government reported last week an 81% high school graduation rate for 2009-10, up from 68% in 2003-04. The Liberals are aiming for a 85% graduation rate, as well as a 70% PSE participation rate, up from the current 63%. Toronto Star
Mount Royal appoints new president
Mount Royal University's board of governors announced Thursday the appointment of David Docherty as the Calgary-based institution's ninth president. Docherty will succeed Dave Marshall, who will step down from his post on June 30. Docherty will come to Mount Royal from Wilfrid Laurier University, where he has held a number of senior positions, including chair of the political science department, dean of the faculty of arts, and, most recently, senior advisor of multi-campus initiatives. Docherty will assume his new position at Mount Royal on August 1. Mount Royal News | WLU News Release
Contact North course registrations up 26%
Contact North, Ontario's distance education and training network, reports a 26% increase in the number of course registrations supported from students in small, rural, remote, Aboriginal, and Francophone communities across Northern Ontario for the fall 2010 semester compared to fall 2009. This past fall, Contact North supported nearly 12,000 registrations in 629 online live courses offered by public colleges, universities, school boards, and literacy and other training organizations through its local access centres in Northern Ontario. During the same period, 645 students in 2,772 course registrations in online anytime programming were supported at 18 local access centres in the Central, Eastern, and Western regions. Contact North News Release
Germany offers best support to encourage international study, report finds
According to an analysis by the British Council, the UK's international cultural relations body, Germany has the best political and financial support in place to encourage studying abroad. The analysis notes that German universities had attracted more international students by teaching a larger number of courses in English, and the country was also an attractive study destination as tuition fees were subsidized by the government. Australia places second in the council's "global gauge" for international PSE, followed by the UK, China, Malaysia, and the US. The factors the British Council took into account in its ranking include each country's "openness" to international study, the levels of support for those working or studying abroad, and quality assurance and degree recognition worldwide. Times Higher Education
YouTube to launch school for content creators
YouTube announced Thursday a partnership with the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts and Columbia College Chicago to launch a new media program series for aspiring digital filmmakers. The YouTube Creator Institute will offer on-campus and online courses to its users so they can "hone their digital media skills and accelerate their YouTube careers." Classes will begin in May, with course work ranging from cinematography to social media strategy. Associated Press | YouTube Creator Institute
