Top Ten
July 6, 2017
New generation of scientists tackle fisheries issues on NL
After years of cuts to fisheries science in Newfoundland and Labrador, CBC reports that a new generation of researchers have arrived in the province on a wave of funding for fisheries and marine research. “There is a new generation of researchers,” says Nicolas Le Corre, who is collaborating on a postdoctoral thesis with Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Marine Institute. The article discusses how growing up with the threat of climate change and new technological and analytical tools have impacted these new researchers’ approach. The article goes on to highlight MUN’s Marine Institute’s master’s programs and its new doctoral program in fisheries science, which will begin in September. CBC
Queen’s implements competency-based medical education
Queen’s University School of Medicine has launched a new competency-based medical education model, and Queen's states that it is the first school in North America to implement CBME across all of its specialty programs for medical residents. Queen’s partnered with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada to develop the CBME model, which sees residents move on to their next rotation after demonstrating competency in the clinical tasks and activities expected of them, instead of after completing a set amount of time. “All the evidence points to using a competency-based approach as the fundamental and logical next step in medical education,” says Queen’s CBME Lead Damon Dagnone. Queen’s
A discussion on ethics in the admissions process
Based on factors such as academic performance, interest in previous events on campus, and other demographic information, prospective students may be treated differently or offered a different acceptance package based on how likely they are to accept an offer of admission. “Is this practice legal?” ask Gary Saul Morson and Morton Schapiro for The Chronicle of Higher Education. “Sure. Is it ethical? That is not so clear.” Morson and Schapiro discuss the ethical use of predictive analytics and applicant information in the admissions process and highlight where admissions officers may risk stepping into dangerous territory. Chronicle of Higher Education
Milton receives extra funds to prepare for new postsecondary campus
The Town of Milton has approved nearly $700K to expedite the Milton Education Village secondary planning program and implementation strategy, to ensure that the necessary framework will be in place for the future university campus. Milton has reportedly been working to establish a postsecondary site that includes a 400-acre integrated neighbourhood that will host a university campus, an integrated transit hub, student and residential housing, and more. Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College were the sole applicant to formally express interest in constructing a campus in Milton, and Inside Halton reports that an announcement cementing WLU’s future in Milton is expected this fall. Inside Halton
CAUT seeks to intervene in SCC cases involving Trinity Western
The Canadian Association of University Teachers has stated that it has filed a motion before the Supreme Court of Canada to intervene in two appeals involving Trinity Western University and the law societies of Ontario and British Columbia. “Universities violate academic freedom when they require academic staff to commit to a particular ideology or statement of faith as a condition of employment, and it’s on this basis that CAUT is interested in joining the cases,” said CAUT executive director David Robinson. TWU has reportedly filed an objection to CAUT intervention. CAUT
YK, AB partner to evaluate Yukon for degree granting
The Government of Yukon and the Government of Alberta have partnered to ensure Yukon College meets the established standards for delivering its own degree programs. The parties have signed an agreement that marks the first phase of a review that saw reviewers selected by the Campus Alberta Quality Council visit the college for an organizational evaluation in June. “We will be profiling the quality of our faculty, staff, students and alumni during the Campus Alberta Quality Council institutional assessment,” said Yukon President Karen Barnes. “Offering made-in-Yukon programs rooted in the three pillars of Indigenous self-determination and governance, climate change and sustainable resource development and innovation will enable the college to meet the growing needs of our students, partners and stakeholders.” YK
Canadore, Kenjgewin Teg sign principles-based PSE agreement
Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute and Canadore College have signed a memorandum of understanding that aims to strengthen Indigenous Anishinabek postsecondary education through a student-centred approach. The agreement is reportedly the first of its kind in Ontario. “Creating meaningful and respectful relationships in Indigenous education is critical now in our history; when we reflect back on this day many years from now, it may be one of those critical moments which represented one small step but significant enough to make a tremendous difference in Indigenous education for the next generation,” said Stephanie Roy, executive director of Kenjgewin Teg. “Our shared desire to lead and support Canada’s First Peoples and non-Indigenous Canadians through its healing and reconciliation journey,” added Canadore President George Burton. Nation Talk
UWSA breaks ground on daycare expansion
The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association has broken ground on a major expansion on the UWSA Day Care that will allow for 32 more children and nine new employees at the centre. “As the students’ association, we are proud to own and operate a daycare which is an essential service for student parents,” said UWSA President Laura Elsie Garinger. “Students continue to make accessible childcare on campus a priority and we are committed to removing barriers to postsecondary education for all students.” Construction on the nearly $1.2M expansion is funded by the Province of Manitoba, the UWSA, and UWinnipeg, and is expected to be completed in November 2017. UWinnipeg
UOIT rebrands school of graduate studies
The University of Ontario Institute of Technology has announced that it has renamed its former Office of Graduate Studies in order to reflect the school’s role and programming. The newly renamed School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies also announced that it will implement a strengthened Graduate Professional Skills program over the coming months. “The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is central to the academic life of the university, with our graduate students and postdoctoral fellows exploring and extending the boundaries of knowledge across disciplines,” said School Dean Langis Roy. “We look forward to collaborating with all units on campus to offer an outstanding experience for our scholars, and preparing future leaders as they seek to enable major social, intellectual and economic advancements.” UOIT
Youth employment must become priority
In reflecting on recent Statistics Canada data and the recommendations made in the 2014 Ivany Report, The Chronicle Herald calls for a greater prioritization on youth employment in the Nova Scotia region. “For young people, working on landing their first work experience — one that fits their interests and/or training — is both exciting and challenging.” says Laurie Edwards, director, career counselling services, Nova Scotia Community College. The article discusses employment trends, the habits of successful job hunters, and a number of supports and initiatives that have been enacted in the province to better support job-seeking youth. The Chronicle Herald
