Top Ten
June 12, 2011
UBC approves $85 M heating plant conversion
Last week, UBC’s Board of Governors approved a five-year, $85-million project to convert an aging steam heating system on its Vancouver campus to a hot water system, which will heat more than 100 buildings, reduce campus energy consumption by 24% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 22% (the equivalent of removing 2,000 cars from the road). The efficiencies are expected to save UBC $4 million annually, and contribute to realizing the "most aggressive carbon-reduction targets among the world’s top universities." Construction will begin July 4 2011. UBC Media Release
MEAGlow semiconductor research lab opens at Lakehead
Last Friday marked the official opening of the MEAGlow Semiconductor Research Laboratory at Lakehead University, a state-of-the-art facility that houses a chemical film growth reactor, capable of growing very thin crystal layers of nitride semiconductors on micro, nano, and sub-atomic scales. The lab is a joint project between Lakehead and MEAGlow Ltd., established with funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, and FedNor’s Economic Development Initiative. Lakehead Media Release
UNBC again denied Canada West Athletics membership
At its annual general meeting in Victoria BC, members of the Canada West Universities Athletic Association voted not to accept the application of the University of Northern British Columbia “Northern Timberwolves.” The vote would have required 75% support to pass. This is UNBC’s second attempt to join CWUAA in two years, following recently approved Mount Royal University. UNBC remains a member of the British Columbia Colleges Athletic Association (BCCAA). UNBC Media Release
Fanshawe College launches new website
Last week, Fanshawe College launched a brand-new external website with social media integration, enhanced accessibility standards, and tighter information architecture (developed by Academica Group’s technology team). The homepage features dynamic banners with embedded video, multiple approaches to navigation, and a prominent program search function. The site was built by Fanshawe College using Academica Group’s Drupal-based HigherEd Content Management System. Fanshawe homepage | Fanshawe news
Rotman, Ivey among world’s top 50 MBA programs
Last week, Business Insider released its rankings of the top 50 full-time MBA programs in the world. The global list, led by Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton, includes just 2 Canadian schools: the University of Toronto’s Rotman (#41), and the University of Western Ontario’s Ivey (#49). The BI Rankings claim to focus on the value of student and alumni networks, and the brand value of the school and its MBA degree. BI Rankings | National Post
Douglas College receives first-ever ACCC Internationalization award
Douglas College is the recipient of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges’ inaugural Internationalization Excellence award, which is given to a college or institute that has shown leadership in internationalizing its entire institution for the benefit of its learners and community. Internationalization is a key strategic driver for Douglas College. Students from over 40 nations now account for about 10% of the college's full-time student body. Every year, over 100 students participate in overseas programs such as practicums, field schools, internships, work experience, and cultural and academic exchanges in countries such as China, Hungary, and Uganda. Douglas College News Release
Student unemployment at 15% in May
Canada’s unemployment rate fell to 7.4% in May, but student unemployment remained double that at 15% - slightly improved from 16.5% last year at this time, but still about 8% below its pre-recession level. In the 27 countries of the European Union, the jobless rate for those under age 25 averages 21%, but in Spain it is a staggering 45%. Some speculate that the recession has hit hospitality and tourism jobs hard, reducing traditional summer demand for student workers. Globe & Mail
Alberta PC leadership candidate aims to boost PSE enrolment
Last Thursday, Alberta Progressive Conservative leadership candidate Alison Redford released her PSE platform, pledging to improve what are Canada’s worst levels of PSE participation (just 17%). As premier, Redford said she would introduce 3-year funding cycles for colleges and universities, increase trades enrolment, allow high school seniors to participate in apprenticeship programs, and improve access to PSE for Aboriginal and rural students. Redford is one of 6 candidates vying to replace Ed Stelmach this fall. Redford’s Blog | Calgary Herald
World IPv6 Test Day as the internet runs out of numbers
Last Wednesday was World IPv6 Day, and Georgian College was among hundreds of major companies, institutions and internet providers testing out IPv6. Although there were a fair number of glitches, the Internet didn’t break (in case you were worried): Facebook had over 1 million IPv6 visitors, and xbox.com reported the transition was so smooth that they will remain on IPv6. IPv6, the 6th iteration of the internet protocol, will replace the current IPv4 over the next decade, to meet the global demand for more and more addresses. Ars technica | Georgian media release
Online ad spending in US expected to grow 20%
eMarketer expects US online advertising spending to reach $31.3 billion in 2011, a 20.2% increase over 2010 spending. By 2015, almost $50 billion will be spent on online ads in the US, eMarketer predicts. Online video advertisements remain the fastest-growing format, with an increase of over 52% predicted this year. Search will continue to take the bulk of ad dollars throughout the forecast period. eMarketer predicts search ad spending will total $14.38 billion this year. eMarketer
