Top Ten
July 4, 2017
MUN introduces new, primarily online PharmD program
Memorial University of Newfoundland will introduce a new doctoral program for practicing pharmacists in Fall 2018. The program is the first online program of its kind in Atlantic Canada, says MUN CITL Interim Director Robert Wells. The new entry-to-practice PharmD program will replace the current bachelor of science (pharmacy) program, according to MUN Interim Dean Lisa Bishop, and will enable professionals to complete the majority of the program online. “While the program can be completed from anywhere, the opportunity to interact with fellow students and instructors is still there, and for students with families, they can complete their coursework during times that suit their schedule,” said Bishop. “We see the value in providing an advanced degree, which will help support the health-care system.” MUN
Innovation requires more supports, infrastructure to succeed in Canada
“Despite the romanticized image of the lone entrepreneur having a eureka moment in the garage, the reality is that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation,” writes Jean-Michel Lemieux, senior vice-president of engineering at Shopify. Lemieux reflects on the program offered through a partnership betweenCarleton University and Shopify’s, and how other full-stack education programs could enable students to receive coordinated classroom learning and hands-on training in order to foster the necessary talent. The article then goes on to focus on what Canada will need to do to build stable tech ecosystems and the benefits that this will have on the country and the economy. Globe and Mail
MtA develops, launches guide for graduates with disabilities
Mount Allison University’s Meighen Centre has developed a guide that aims to assist students with disabilities as they transition from university to the workplace. “We’ve tried to demystify some of the questions students have around the transition from university into the world of employment,” explained disability services advisor Matt Kalichuk, who further noted that the guide covers topics such as the job search, discussing disclosure with an employer, and the legal rights and obligations around asking for accommodation. “There is so much help and so much offered out there that we didn’t know was available, that students didn’t know was available,” said Kalichuk. “The guide pulls them all together in a way that makes sense for students.” MtA
Laurentian unveils mobile laboratory for occupational safety and health research
Laurentian University’s Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health has unveiled what the Sudbury Star calls Canada’s first mobile laboratory for occupational safety and health resources. Mobile-CROSH is a custom designed 40-foot mobile lab that includes a clinic room, meeting area, and lab space. “It’s designed to take our researchers and our portable research equipment into the field to do occupational health and safety research,” said CROSH research chair Tammy Eger. Mobile-CROSH aims to serve as a bridge to communities that are often excluded from occupational health and safety research due to their location. Faculty and graduate students from programs such as engineering, computer science, nursing, and human kinetics will make use of the mobile lab. Laurentian | Sudbury Star
Duncan reflects on good year for science, groups press for basic science funding
“It was a good year for science,” commented Science Minister Kirsty Duncan, reflecting on a number of initiatives undertaken in the past year. However, the Ottawa Citizen states that it is still too early for details on what Duncan’s response will be to the calls for support for basic science. “It’s a big number”, says Duncan of the $1.3B that was called for in the Naylor report, and that federal funding is “not a quick fix” after years of stagnated funding. The Ottawa Citizen further reports that an independent group of young scientists including University of Ottawa biologist Jeremy Kerr has also asked for more solid funding for basic research; and that Katie Gibbs of Evidence for Democracy is calling for a smaller amount of approximately $485M to restore Canada’s role in basic science. Ottawa Citizen
Survey finds Canadian students most likely to fund own postsecondary
A global study of 8,400 parents across 15 different countries and territories found that Canadian students in Canada are the most likely of the surveyed markets to help fund their own educational goals. The survey also found that over a third of parents in Canada are taking advantage of a special education savings program, that over three-quarters are optimistic about their children fulfilling their potential, and that just under half did not have specific postsecondary courses in mind for their children. One quarter of parents also said that they’d consider sending their child abroad for postsecondary education, compared to the global average of 41%. Newswire
WLU launches online public safety programs
Wilfrid Laurier University has launched a master’s degree program and five graduate diploma programs in public safety, all of which are offered in a wholly online format. WLU reports that the master’s program is Ontario’s first and only fully online Master of Public Safety program, and that the program will use an innovative approach to teaching, student service, and the use of technology. “Delivering all courses online will allow students to access education easily despite barriers related to rotating shifts, demanding schedules and competing priorities,” said Lauren Eisler, acting dean of WLU’s Faculty of Human and Social Science. The development of the master’s program was funded by eCampus Ontario. WLU
USB to build shipping and receiving centre for chemical and pathogen agents
Université de Saint-Boniface has announced the construction of a specialized centre for shipping and receiving chemical and pathogen agents. The project has received a combined $1.4M investment from the provincial and federal government. “These facilities will provide state-of-the-art equipment and the areas required to meet the strict workplace health and safety regulations,” said USB Vice-President (Administration and Finance) René Bouchard. “They will also effectively meet the future growth of our scientific research programs, while facilitating the creation of strategic research partnerships. This project will help ensure adequate training for students and the efficient transfer of knowledge in a regulated and standardized environment, consistent with national and international requirements.” USB | MB
Seymour Schulich discusses philanthropy, reasons for giving to higher education
Over the past two decades, philanthropist Seymour Schulich has given what he estimates to be $350M to postsecondary education in the form of direct faculty sponsorships, student scholarships, and more. When asked about his reasons for giving, Schulich states two reasons in particular: “to be counted among the great Canadian philanthropists” and to encourage other wealthy Canadians to do the same. Schulich has donated funds to York University, McGill University, the University of Calgary, Dalhousie University, Nipissing University, and Western University; and the Globe and Mail reports that if the various Schulich faculties were relocated to one campus, they would represent a mid-size Canadian institution of 16,500 students. Globe and Mail
GPRC, SAIT partner on business administration pathway
Grande Prairie Regional College and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology have partnered on a new pathway program that will allow learners to complete a four-year Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a major in Accounting through SAIT on GPRC’s campus. “SAIT is pleased to partner with GPRC to provide students in Grande Prairie with an innovative pathway to achieve a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, accounting major, through SAIT,” said SAIT Vice President, Academic Brad Donaldson. “Working together, we will ensure students are career-ready when they graduate — equipped with the applied education experience, critical thinking skills, and industry relevant knowledge employers demand of future accountants.” GPRC
