Top Ten
October 14, 2016
Colleges, institutes add $190B to Canadian economy: report
Canadian colleges and institutes were responsible for generating over $190B in added income for the Canadian economy in 2014-15, according to a new report by Colleges and Institutes Canada. The report found that graduates of these institutions earned an average of $3.80 for every dollar they spent on tuition and associated costs, while Canadian society in aggregate received $5.40 in added national income and social savings for every dollar it spent supporting students at these institutions. International students were also found to generate roughly $1.6B in additional income for the Canadian economy. “This study confirms the tremendous impact that colleges and institutes have across the country,” noted CICan President Denise Amyot. “It is a meaningful measure of the value of a college education, both to graduates who benefit from the skills they have acquired for the duration of their careers and to society as a whole.” CICan | Report
uSask signs agreement with Confucius Institute safeguarding academic freedom
The University of Saskatchewan has signed what it calls an “unprecedented agreement” with the Confucius Institute Headquarters to protect academic freedom and transparency at the Confucius Institute on uSask's campus. The Chinese-funded institute has raised questions in the past about the academic freedom of instructors, and in May 2016, a uSask report recommended that the university’s agreement with the institute be revised to ensure the protection of freedom of speech. uSask states that the new five-year agreement with the CI will “respect uSask’s institutional values, priorities and policies, and that [uSask] will maintain control over the hiring, curriculum and academic practices of the CI.” uSask
Federal government introduces new gender equity provisions for CERC applications
The Canadian Government has stipulated that any university wishing to apply for one of 11 new Canada Excellence Research Chairs will need to prove that it has detailed equity plans and recruitment strategies to promote the participation of women and other under-represented groups. Of the 27 CERC chairs that currently exist across the country, only one is reportedly filled by a woman. Science Minister Kirsty Duncan adds that in addition to the equity requirements, the chairs will be awarded in “priority areas” such as sustainable technologies and business innovation. “When all people, regardless of gender, race, age and ability, are welcomed into the lab, they can work together to create breakthroughs that will help Canada seize new opportunities and respond to grand, global challenges,” says a federal release. Hamilton Spectator
NAIT, SAIT receive major federal infrastructure investments
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology have together received more than $50M in new funding from the federal government. NAIT will receive roughly $35M to construct the Productivity and Innovation Centre, a facility that will support the institute’s many applied research programs. SAIT will receive nearly $21M to fund three distinct projects: the Green Building Technologies Lab and Demonstration Centre, upgrades to the school’s John Ware Building, and mechanical/electrical improvements to the Senator Burns Building, projects that are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at SAIT by 10%. Canada | Edmonton Journal | Calgary Herald | SAIT
UNB recruitment office opens in Beijing
The University of New Brunswick has officially opened a new recruiting office in Beijing. On hand for the grand opening was NB Premier Brian Gallant, who noted that the office is part of an ongoing effort to address both declining PSE enrolments and a declining NB population. The office reportedly employs a Mandarin-speaking representative who acts as a consultant to UNB, providing information and materials on its behalf to students, parents, recruiting agencies, and partners. “We are thrilled by the prospects and the future we are building,” said UNB President Eddy Campbell. “With a dedicated recruitment office in Beijing, and staff fluent in Mandarin, UNB will be able to bring prospective students, their parents and our partners further benefit.” NB
BCIT renames energy education centre to honour contributions of industry partner
BCIT has renamed its Centre for Energy Education and Research the Spartan Controls Centre for Energy Education and Research in recognition of a $2.5M contribution and 25-year collaborative relationship with the industrial solutions company Spartan Controls. BCIT notes that the facility is a key resource for energy education and research, supporting cross-disciplinary, hands-on learning and innovative research. “This new name symbolizes the significant connection between BCIT and Spartan Controls—and it speaks to a robust partnership that brings together advanced technology and thought leadership to push the boundaries of knowledge well into the future,” says BCIT President Kathy Kinloch. BCIT
Canadian universities feature among world’s best in Better World MBA Rankings
Five Canada universities have made the top 15 in the Better World MBA Ranking, a major global ranking that evaluates graduate business programs on their integration of sustainability into the education of future business leaders. Released by Toronto-based media and research company Corporate Knights, the rankings named York University’s Schulich School of Business #1 in the world, followed by McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management (#6), the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business (#9), Saint Mary's University’s Sobey School of Business (#11), and the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business (#14). Overall, Canadian universities accounted for nine of the 40 institutions that were ranked. Corporate Knights (release)
PSE no longer a luxury: CFS releases report calling for free tuition nationwide
“We need a post-secondary education system that dismantles barriers instead of building them. A crucial first step is the fight for free tuition,” says Canadian Federation of Students National Chairperson Bilan Arte. It is with this goal in mind that the CFS has released Time to Think Big: The Case for Free Tuition, a report that outlines why and how Canada should implement free tuition for postsecondary study across the country. The report bases its call in part on the premise that PSE has become a baseline requirement for obtaining most forms of secure work, making it just as essential as other free forms of education such as primary and secondary school. The report also outlines how the country would pay for free tuition by redirecting existing public expenditures and introducing forms of progressive taxation. CFS
Loyalist to enhance Health and Wellness Centre with $2.4M federal contribution
Loyalist College is looking to help Canadians of all ages live healthy and fulfilling lives thanks to a new $2.4M federal and provincial investment in its Health and Wellness Centre. Loyalist will contribute an additional $800K to bring the project’s total budget to $3.2M. The investments will be used to ensure that Loyalist’s students, professors, and researchers have access to state-of-the-art facilities where they can collaborate to support lifelong learning and skills training. “[The Centre] will create important synergies to help people of all ages live healthy, fulfilling lifestyles, in their homes and communities,” said Loyalist Interim President Dianne Spencer. “Thanks to [this funding], we will update key experiential learning spaces, including the Human Simulation Lab where students and community health partners use the latest virtual simulation technology to participate in realistic, interactive practice scenarios.” Loyalist | Quinte News | County Live
SaskPolytech and uRegina’s Paul J Hill School of Business create diploma-degree pathway
A new pathway agreement between Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina’s Paul J Hill School of Business will give SaskPolytech students the opportunity to earn a diploma and a degree in four years. According to the agreement, students who complete a two-year Business diploma at SaskPolytech and meet entry requirements will have the opportunity to transfer into uRegina’s four-year undergraduate business degree program with advanced standing. “This partnership with the U of R allows students to continue seamlessly on their learning path,” said Sask Polytech President Larry Rosia. “In addition, it provides them with a wide and diverse range of perspectives and learning opportunities that will ensure they get the most out of their education.” SaskPolytech
