Top Ten
May 6, 2011
Ignatieff assumes teaching position at uToronto
In his resignation speech following the federal election, outgoing Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff expressed interest in returning to teaching. On Thursday, he was appointed as a senior resident at the University of Toronto's Massey College, effective July 1. Ignatieff will start teaching in September for the 2011-12 academic year -- in the law faculty, the political science department, the Munk School of Global Affairs, and the School of Public Policy and Governance -- and will be on his own in negotiating future academic contracts. Massey College's master says the appointment will provide a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" for students to learn from Ignatieff's experience and expertise. He has previously taught at Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard. Globe and Mail | National Post | Toronto Star
LSUC approves Lakehead law degree program
Late last month, the Convocation Benchers of the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) voted unanimously to approve Lakehead University's proposed common law degree program. In its decision, LUSC approved the proposed program with certain conditions, such as receiving appropriate governmental approval and funding. Lakehead's senate will meet this Friday to consider a motion to approve the proposed law faculty and law degree program. Pending senate approval, the university will devote time and effort toward obtaining government approval and funding. Lakehead News Release
OCAD U reveals new visual identity
At Thursday night's opening celebration of its 96th Annual Graduate Exhibition, OCAD University unveiled its new visual identity. The new logo features black and white pixel "windows" -- modular frames to hold actual student art and design work. Every year, graduating student medal winners will be invited to design a logo within the basic window framework, providing OCAD U with a set of logos for that year. The unveiling of the visual identity kicks off a summer-long implementation process for the new look. OCAD U News Release | OCAD U Visual Identity
Grebel launches $6-million capital campaign
On Friday, Conrad Grebel University College, an affiliate of the University of Waterloo, kicked off the public phase of its $6.3-million capital campaign to expand its academic building, which has not been renovated or expanded since it was built in 1976. The expansion will triple the capacity of the Mennonite Archives of Ontario, double study space in the library, add 5,000 square feet in music department space, and create a new community education facility for Grebel's peace and conflict studies program. More than $2.9 million has already been raised in gifts and pledges. Grebel News Release
Mount Royal president on revitalizing Canada's undergraduate experience
Policy-makers at all levels have turned their attention to revitalizing the undergraduate experience. One of the major forces behind the potential redesign of the undergraduate education delivery model is the opinion that the current model is financially unsustainable. In the latest issue of Policy Options, Dave Marshall, the outgoing president of Mount Royal University, argues that the situation is unsustainable not for financial reasons, but for reasons of quality. The system needs to be redesigned to make sure money is spent in the right place for the right outcomes, he writes. To arrive at the appropriate design to maximize learning outcomes, the approach to policy-making on this issue needs to change, with measure and design considerations examined ahead of cost containment considerations. Policy Options
Centennial launches emergency-management institute
Last Tuesday marked the launch of Centennial College's Emergency Management and Public Safety Institute (EMPSI), designed to prepare leaders who have knowledge of our complex, networked environment and its threats and risks. EMPSI commits to developing specialized training and certificate and degree programs for professionals involved in all facets of emergency management, public health, and safety planning. Centennial Media Advisory | Inside Toronto
McGill reinstates Quebec tuition rates for foreign students taking French
International students in deregulated academic programs at McGill University will once again be able to take French-language courses at the Quebec tuition rate. Last summer, McGill began charging some foreign students higher fees for French courses, a move that stemmed from government deregulation of tuition rates in recent years for international students in particular academic disciplines. McGill's deputy provost notes that the reinstatement is consistent with the university's values as an institution in, and of, Quebec, and that McGill encourages its students to learn languages, especially French. The deputy provost cautions that the change would create a shortfall of up to $500,000 in the budget for the coming year, requiring McGill to find ways to make up for the loss. McGill Reporter
UBC designated as Canada's first "Fair Trade Campus"
The University of British Columbia has been named Canada's first "Fair Trade Campus" as a result of its national leadership on Fair Trade purchasing. The designation is by Fairtrade Canada, the Canadian arms of a global non-profit Fair Trade certification system that supports producers in developing countries and encourages individuals and organizations to buy ethically-sourced consumer goods. To support the institution's Fair Trade commitments, a Vancouver coffee company is creating its first Fair Trade-certified blend of coffee for UBC that will launch at campus food service outlets this September. UBC News Release
Young people not that environmentally engaged, uAlberta study finds
A University of Alberta study observes that youth are not necessarily leading guardians of the environment. A survey of 350 uAlberta students revealed a 10% lower level of participation in environmentally-friendly activities than the general public. 70% of respondents felt it was too costly to live to a more sustainable lifestyle, and 45% felt it took too much time. A further 16% of students surveyed consider their environmental impact a low priority. Though a values scale showed that three-quarters of respondents felt strongly about preserving the environment, they did not appear to be acting on that conviction. The study recommends that issues of cost, knowledge, and time for students be addressed. Measures could include on-campus education campaigns, tangible greening campus projects, and increased basic environmental curriculum for all students. uAlberta ExpressNews
Youth employment holds steady
Among Canadians between the ages of 15 and 24 employment held steady in April, reports Statistics Canada in its latest Labour Force Survey. Over the past 12 months, employment among young people was little changed. 15- to 24-year-olds in BC made the most gains last month with a 1.3 percentage point increase in their employment rate, while Alberta recorded the highest youth employment rate, which sits at 61%. Statistics Canada | Labour Force Survey
