Top Ten
January 25, 2017
One in five UNB students report being sexually assaulted while enrolled: study
A new study of sexual violence at the University of New Brunswick has found that as many as 21% of students say they have been sexually assaulted since enrolling at the school. Jenn Richard of the Fredericton Sexual Assault Centre says that while results are far too high, the release of the study shows a growing willingness for schools to report on and address sexual assault. “There is not only a conversation with students happening, but now there's a conversation happening within the institutions themselves, with administration and faculty,” says Richard. UNB Vice-President of Academic George MacLean adds that the report is “meant to be a living document. ... This research will be ongoing so we have a better sense down the road of where the trends are on campus and the types of responses that need to be put in place.” CTV News | CBC | Global News (Video) | UNB | Report
New report examines sustainability challenges facing ON universities
Universities across Ontario will likely face financial challenges as the number of 18 to 20-year-olds living in the province drops over the next two decades, write Harvey Weingarten, Martin Hicks, Linda Jonker, and Greg Moran of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. In a new report on the sustainability of ON universities, the authors argue that now is the time for the province to examine the sustainability of its institutions, particularly in light of the province's current review of funding formulas, Strategic Mandate Agreements, and tuition policy framework. “While there is a sense of urgency to gain a better understanding of the sustainability landscape, there is no sense of panic about the situation at hand,” the authors write, adding that the purpose of the new report is to “start a conversation with universities and government about the pressures institutions face, the strategies they are using to meet them and the tools they need from government to do so.” HEQCO | Report
Private college students move to sue NB over exclusion from tuition program
Three students in New Brunswick have filed notice stating that they intend to sue the New Brunswick government over its Tuition Access Bursary program, reports CBC. The students argue that the program violates the rights of students at private colleges and universities by rendering them ineligible for tuition assistance that is provided for students enrolled at publicly funded institutions. Two of the students attend Oulton College in Moncton, and the third attends Crandall University, a Christian Liberal arts school in Moncton. The New Brunswick Association of Private Colleges and Universities has said that it will support the three students in whatever way it can. CBC
UManitoba receives $36M for research facilities
The University of Manitoba will construct two new research buildings thanks to $36M in support from the federal and provincial governments. The funds will be put toward the Stanley Pauley Engineering Building and the university's Innovation Hub building. Stanley and Dorothy Pauley have also donated $5M to demolish an old music annex and construct a new building that will support research and innovation in electrical and computer engineering. The MB government would not state whether the money would be counted as a contribution to UManitoba’s Front and Centre fundraising campaign. MB’s former NDP government had promised $150M to campaign, but since the 2016 provincial election, the governing Conservatives have said that they will review all of the promises made by the former government. Winnipeg Free Press (Subscription Required)
Why conversations about skills need to get past hands vs minds: THE contributor
“We know that there is a great shortage of engineers, and we also need to train more apprentices,” writes University of Sheffield Vice-Chancellor Sir Keith Burnett. “But why do they have to be different types of people, one with greasy overalls and the other at a computer terminal?” Burnett argues that higher education systems can be damaged by a “spurious split” between the vocational and academic worlds. This distinction, the author argues, is both wrong and harmful, implying that one class of people works with their hands and another with their minds. “How about a surgeon, an architect or a musician?” Burnett asks, adding that the professional world offers innumerable examples of roles that do not fit into current conversations about skills and vocational training. Times Higher Education
Canada, RDC invest to renew infrastructure in AB
Red Deer College will be embarking on two infrastructure projects thanks to a $9.5M investment shared between the college and the Government of Canada. The Green Energy Master Plan will see RDC reduce its energy costs and consumption and install new and alternative energy sources and strategies, leading to a smaller environmental footprint for the college. The Alternative Energy Innovation Labs Project will allow for the creation of a makerspace, enhancements for RDC’s Trades and Technology labs, and improvements to the ventilation in the school's Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing. RDC
Students ask WLU for greater access to Lazaridis Hall
Wilfrid Laurier University will reportedly be reexamining student access to its flagship business school building after receiving complaints from students who say that they have been shut out from parts of Lazaridis Hall. The Record quotes WLU students who have petitioned for access to more study space in Lazaridis Hall, highlighting their requests for quiet spaces and access to rooms currently reserved for graduate students. “We don't think it's going to be a significant issue to overcome,” commented WLU Spokesperson Kevin Crowley, who noted that WLU agreed with the students that the building should be used efficiently. “It's not that the space doesn't exist. It's just that we have to do a little bit of negotiating.” The Record
uLaval reopens historic villa in Percé, plans to revive international summer schools
Unviersité de Laval says that it plans to reopen the Historic Villa Frederick-James in Percé nearly two years after announcing its closure. The reopening is reportedly part of uLaval's plan to revive its international summer schools, and the school plans to offer between four and six training programs over the summer in the picturesque Gaspé Peninsula. The school was closed in 2015 due to budget cuts from the provincial government. “What has always been said is that we would go back to Percé, but with the support of the region. It's complicated to manage this remotely,” commented Marie-Andrée Doran, vice-president of studies and international activities at uLaval. La Presse explains that a committee was set up in February 2016 to consult with local stakeholders, including the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, and to determine the best use of the historic building. La Presse
200 Humber students fall ill from Norovirus
Humber College says that Norovirus is responsible for the illness that struck more than 200 at the college in recent days, reports the Canadian Press. The college reports that lab results received by Toronto Public Health have confirmed that the highly contagious virus struck the school’s North Campus last week. Since that time, the college has been rigorously disinfecting the campus and placing particular emphasis on common spaces and “high touch” areas. Self-serve food items have been suspended until further notice, and all open food from last week has been disposed of. Humber adds that the majority of students who have been ill have reported that they are now feeling better. Guelph Mercury (CP) | Toronto Sun
triOS to address professional shortage with new insurance diploma
triOS College Business Technology Healthcare says that it will work to address an impending shortage of insurance professionals through a new insurance diploma and insurance specialist diploma program, reports Canadian Underwriter. Set to begin in Spring 2017, the program will focus on producing trained professionals to help replace a retiring workforce in the insurance industry, particularly those who focus on property and casualty insurance. “Companies need people who have the specific skills that belong to their industry,” says triOS CEO Frank Gerencser. “The goal of this program is to give students all the insurance specific skills that they need, as well as the workplace expertise that will help them succeed.” Canadian Underwriter | triOS
