Top Ten
May 29, 2017
USask, Northlands to help northern SK students access science, engineering programs
The University of Saskatchewan has officially partnered with Northlands College to offer a program designed to reduce barriers between people living in northern Saskatchewan and postsecondary science and engineering programs. The 42-week Pre-Engineering and Science program is offered by Northlands College and includes high school upgrading, 10 university courses, and programming designed to help students successfully transition to USask. “I am proud to say that this new PRES program will provide residents of northern Saskatchewan the chance to locally begin science and engineering programming leading to a range of colleges at the U of S,” said Patti McDougall, vice-provost teaching and learning at USask. Northlands President Toby Greschner added that “the strength of our institution is partnerships, and this partnership with the University of Saskatchewan is another example of how we are all working together to increase educational opportunities.” USask
US students weigh in on the importance of authenticity in the classroom
Students not only prefer, but learn more from professors who are “authentic” in the classroom, according to a new US-based study. Inside Higher Ed reports that the authors of the study interviewed roughly 300 college students on their perceptions of professors’ authentic and inauthentic behavior and communication, finding that “authentic” instructors were perceived as approachable, passionate, attentive, capable, and knowledgeable. Inauthentic professors, on the other hand, were perceived as unapproachable, disrespectful, inattentive, lacking passion, and not capable. Students also reported higher levels of learning and deeper understanding in learning experiences that they described as authentic. Inside Higher Ed
UNB launches first 3D metal printing centre focused on marine, defence industry
Canada’s first 3D metal printing centre focused on the marine and defence industries has been launched at the University of New Brunswick. A UNB release states that the new Marine Additive Manufacturing Centre of Excellence is the first of its kind in Canada to combine research, commercialization, and workforce development and training. This initiative is the product of a partnership between the University of New Brunswick, Custom Fabricators and Machinists, and community colleges in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The multi-million-dollar centre is currently funded by a $2.7M contribution from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, and a $750K contribution from Irving Shipbuilding Inc. The nearly $5-million centre is expected to triple its funding in the coming year as other partners join the initiative. UNB | CBC
UOttawa, Chinese Academy of Sciences launch innovative research centre
The University of Ottawa and the Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica have announced the launch of the Joint Research Centre on Systems and Personalized Pharmacology. A UOttawa release notes that the first-of-its-kind research centre will build on the efforts of the SIMM-UOttawa laboratory, which was created in 2012. The new centre will receive significant investments from the two institutions and create a number of educational and research opportunities for the schools’ researchers and students. “Our visit to Shanghai successfully established more international opportunities for our students and professors, while strengthening our academic institution and those of our partners in China,” said UOttawa President Jacques Frémont of his recent visit to Shanghai, where he signed an MOU focused on the new centre. UOttawa
Humber opens first offshore English Language Centre
Humber has launched its first offshore English Language Centre in Taiyuan, China, where it will offer English for Academic Purposes at Shanxi Technology and Business College. A Humber release notes that the centre will be responsible for delivering the college’s English for Academic Purposes program to Chinese students. The program will give Shanxi students the opportunity to improve their English proficiency, with the goal of ensuring that they can meet the English language entry requirements needed to study abroad. “The establishment of offshore English Language Centers at partner institutions is a key strategic element of Humber’s award-winning internationalization strategy,” says Humber Vice-President of Advancement and External Affairs, Alister Mathieson. The Humber release also notes that plans are in progress to expand the program with other partner institutions around the world. Humber
UNBC launches largest fundraiser in school history
The University of Northern British Columbia has launched its $15M Northern Leadership Campaign, the largest fundraising campaign in school history. A UNBC release states that the campaign will specifically focus on strengthening research and teaching excellence at the school, inspiring next-generation leaders, and creating local solutions with global impact. “This is the largest campaign in the history of the university,” said UNBC president Daniel Weeks. “This is a celebration of not only the beginnings of the university but the realization of our capacity to really grow and help secure the future of the north.” Weeks announced at the campaign’s launch that $13M of the $15M goal has already been raised. Prince George Citizen
USB renews Haiti-Manitoba PSE agreement
The Université de Saint-Boniface has signed a three-year renewal of the Haiti/Manitoba Continuing Education and Training agreement. The agreement commits USB to ongoing collaboration with the Haiti-based Center for Research and Training in Educational Sciences and Psychological Interventions, along with nine other partners in the field of education. Under the agreement, the participating partners will provide opportunities for a minimum of six master’s-level trainees from Haiti to undertake an internship in Manitoba each year from 2017 to 2019. “The purpose of the agreement is to encourage the exchange and dissemination of knowledge between the two academic institutions while fostering collaboration and dialogue among practitioners in the area of learning, teaching and leadership in education,” said USB Rector Gabor Csepregi. USB
Cégep de Victoriaville receives $4.3M to support research and innovation
Cégep de Victoriaville will work to help Canada become more competitive in the organic agriculture market, thanks to an investment of nearly $4.3M from the Canadian government. Cégep de Victoriaville will use the funds, along with a $5.3M investment of its own, to establish an organic agriculture research facility. The facility will include multi-purpose buildings and greenhouses where work will be done in plant breeding and organic fruit and vegetable production. “This major investment will allow us to strengthen our position as a leader in the field of organic agriculture in Canada,” said Victoriaville Director General Paul Thériault. “This is the most significant development project in the Cégep de Victoriaville’s nearly 50-year history.” Canada
Sault to create first net zero building in Sault Ste Marie
Sault College plans to build what many are describing as the first net zero energy building in Sault Ste Marie, reports the Sault Star. The 5,000 square-foot Franklin Prouse Centre on Sault St Marie’s waterfront will reportedly not draw any power from the energy grid, but will instead use solar power and geothermal heat, along with conservation techniques, to meet its energy needs. Sault President Ron Common says that the centre is “a model” and “demonstration project” for the college’s students. “We definitely want to get this thing completed in the course of this year so it's available for the September 2018 start,” adds Common. The college also reportedly plans to break ground on an early childhood education centre in the near future. Sault Star
UVic Indigenous students with financial need set to benefit from new donation
The University of Victoria will provide more support to Indigenous students with financial need, thanks to a $500K donation from the Joyce Family Foundation. “This generous gift helps bridge the funding gap for Indigenous students who do not receive band funding, particularly for non-status and Métis students,” says Lalita Kines, acting director of UVic’s Office of Indigenous Affairs. UVic President Jamie Cassels adds that “the generosity of the Joyce Family Foundation will have a tremendous impact on our ability to enhance access and support for Indigenous students. It will advance our objective to help Indigenous students achieve their full potential and strengthen our capacity to be a partner in their academic success.” UVic
