Top Ten
May 25, 2011
SSHRC distributes nearly $9 million for research projects
The federal government recently announced more than $8.9 million in funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada for 9 large-scale research projects that will bring universities and communities together to build knowledge in areas that impact Canadians. Among the areas of research are parental separation and blended families, intimate partner violence in rural and northern communities, and repatriation of First Nations heritage and cultural artifacts. The researchers receiving funding are based at Brandon University, Carleton University, Ryerson University, Saint Mary's University, Université Laval, Université de Montréal, University of Regina, the University of Western Ontario, and York University. SSHRC News Release
NSERC releases report on summit on increasing women's participation in science, engineering
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada has released a report on outcomes from a November 2010 summit that brought together leaders from academia and the private sector with policy makers and students to discuss key issues relating to increasing women's participation in science and engineering. Key points made during panel discussions include harnessing social media tools to encourage girls to consider careers in science and engineering; demystifying and marketing careers in science, engineering, and information technology; and showing students how they can use their education. NSERC News Release | Read the report
StatsCan report explores characteristics of those who delay PSE
In examining who delays the start of higher education and for how long, a new Statistics Canada report finds that the median length of time between high school graduation and start of the first PSE program is 4 months. However, this appears to be substantially longer for males, Aboriginal youth, anglophones, Ontario youth, and youth whose parents have low levels of educational attainment. The report notes that characteristics during the high school years are equally influential. For example, youth with low marks, who worked many hours in paid employment during high school, who skipped classes regularly, who took part in a lot of extracurricular activities not organized by the school, and whose close friends said they were not planning on going to PSE had median gap times between high school graduation and the start of PSE studies that were much longer than the average. Read the report
COU report showcases efficiencies, innovation at Ontario universities
A new report from the Council of Ontario Universities observes that provincial universities are improving administrative efficiencies resulting in innovative ways of using public funds for the benefit of students. By instituting new and modern technologies and collaborating with other organizations, universities are able to cut out many time-consuming steps and increase their response times to institutional processes, says COU. Examples include better document management, increased safety, and a more sustainable campus. COU News Release | Read the report
Durham College celebrates completion of Phase 2 of Whitby campus expansion
Today Durham College will officially open Phase 2 of its Whitby campus expansion. The second phase includes a new 20,000-square-foot wing that features an expanded shop area and space for additional students and programs focused on building trades and technology. The expansion includes the addition of 2 houses on campus -- an older home with dated technology and wiring, and a newer home that will offer the latest in environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technologies. Durham College News Release
uWindsor invests in initiatives to improve student experience
In an effort to support its strategic plan, the University of Windsor has committed over $1.6 million from its Strategic Priority Fund for new initiatives and programs to improve the experience of undergraduate and graduate students. Among the projects approved for the 2011-12 budget year are an Open Learning position, a new Integrated Engineering and Arts undergraduate program, and an internship program for master's students in political science. uWindsor News Release
Ontario invests in Sault College expansion
The Ontario government is investing $1.5 million in Sault College's campus redevelopment project through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation's Infrastructure and Community Development Program. With provincial support, Sault College is expanding by constructing a learning space that will help increase enrolment to 2,500 and support the growth of the institution's programs. Ontario News Release | Sault Star
uAlberta launches Standing Advisory Council on International Engagement
The University of Alberta's provost has established the Standing Advisory Council on International Engagement, whose initiatives aimed at developing an international strategy include developing co-operation with other countries and forming global partnerships, creating more opportunities for uAlberta students to study abroad, and targeting international student recruitment. The new Consortium of the Universities of Alberta, Laval, Dalhousie and Ottawa (CALDO) is an important part of uAlberta's international strategy. CALDO pools resources for graduate students who come with sponsorship from their governments, corporations, or foundations in their home nation. uAlberta ExpressNews
SMU students approve Community Development Initiative Levy
In a referendum attached to the 2011 student association election, Saint Mary's University students approved the Community Development Initiative Levy, a $1 student fee that will direct funds to community development projects in the Halifax Regional Municipality for the next 4 years. Once the fee passed at the election, a fluid amount of approximately $7,000 was guaranteed for the next 4 years, depending on the student population. The levy will be administered by a committee of students, faculty, and alumni. SMU News Release
Trend in US states considering consolidating college boards
A Louisiana legislative panel has endorsed a constitutional amendment that would consolidate several boards that govern the state's public universities and colleges into a single board of trustees. The measure is one of several being considered in states across the US as they look to centralize decision making, cut costs, or both. Lawmakers in Rhode Island and Connecticut have also proposed mergers of institutional boards. Insider Higher Ed
