Top Ten
December 8, 2017
Canada ranks fourth among parental preferences for study abroad: study
Nearly half of parents who took part in a worldwide survey say that they would consider sending their children abroad for university. Of the 8,481 parents across 15 countries who took part in the survey, 42% said they would consider an international university education for their child, compared to just 35% of parents in 2016. The study conducted by HSBC found that the USA still topped the list of preferred destination among parents, followed by Australia, the UK, and Canada in fourth place. The PIE News
Serious gender-based violence cases brought against UAlberta students remain steady
Recent figures from the University of Alberta show that the number of serious sexual assault or harassment complaints at the school have remained steady over the past two academic years. The Edmonton Journal reports that thirteen cases of what the university categorizes as sexual assault, threats of violence based on gender, creating a condition that threatens the safety or wellbeing of others, and sexual harassment were referred to the University of Alberta’s Student Conduct and Accountability office in the 2016-17 academic year. In 2015-16, those complaints numbered 12. The Journal notes that while the numbers may seem low, they only reflect “the most serious and egregious cases of gender-based violence” at the school. Edmonton Journal
Overconfidence can be an academic problem for students: study
Undue optimism about grades may be harming the performance of many Canadian PSE students, according to a recent study by Brock University Associate Professor Michael Armstrong. The study found that lower-achieving students are more likely to overestimate their chances of a high grade, which led them to study less than needed. A grade forecasting exercise also revealed that 29% of participants said their forecast grades were lower than expected, while only 6% said they were higher. Nearly half of students said that they were studying more than planned after the experiment, while only 3% said that they were studying less. University Affairs
Admin must support both ‘burner’ and ‘builder’ student activists
“We must support students who are doing the vital work” of activism, writes Chris Purcell, whether this activism is conducted by a “burner” or a “builder.” A “burner,” Purcell explains, is an activist that disrupts existing power structures and norms, while a “builder” seeks to build new structures that work differently or more inclusively for students on campus. The author notes that “both burning and building strategies are essential for forward progress,” and explains that there is danger in only rewarding activism that is comfortable for administration. Instead, Purcell describes how broadening the definition of valuable activism permits students to imagine a campus and a world that is more inclusive and equitable, and concludes that “it is our job to encourage this quest for justice, even if it challenges our power and our comfort.” Inside Higher Ed
JIBC delegation forges new relationships with public safety agencies in Asia
The Justice Institute of British Columbia has signed a new partnership agreement with Shanxi Police College in Taiyuan, China that will send students from China to JIBC for its four-month International Law Enforcement Studies program in the spring of 2018. “We are proud of JIBC’s long-time partnerships with public safety agencies in Asia. That track record resulted in very productive meetings and exploration of expansion of JIBC training opportunities during our tour of the region,” said JIBC President Michel Tarko. “These agencies want to provide the best possible training to their recruits and turn to JIBC for its experience and exceptional reputation in paramedic, first-responder and emergency management training.” JIBC
UCalgary student, professor create new transition programming for students with ADHD
A professor and student at the University of Calgary have developed group-based intervention program to ease the transition for students with ADHD as they enter the university environment. Psychology student Alana Dietrich and Emma Climie, assistant professor in the Werklund School of Education, say that being proactive and offering resources to at-risk students can help build skills for positive mental health before concerns arise. The ADHD Skills: Building Capacity in Students with ADHD program runs from six to eight weeks, offering first- and second-year students who self-identify as having ADHD the opportunity to engage in conversations focusing on specific topics such as time management, communicating with faculty, and self-advocacy. UCalgary
Douglas trains “death doulas” to support Canadians through their final days
A new program out of Douglas College is training professionals whose job is to do provide solace to those at the end of their lives. Bearing the title of “end-of-life doulas” or “death doulas,” these professionals provide people with physical, emotional, and spiritual care at the end of life. In addition to giving people “permission” to think and talk about death, doulas can act as a guide to help someone facing the end of their life make decisions about what their death will be, says Douglas Instructor and End-of-Life Doula Jennifer Mallmes, adding, “We’re all born and we’re all going to die at some point, and the opportunity is to have the conversation in a thoughtful way.” Global News
Tips for humanities PhD programs to prepare students for careers
“I came into my program knowing exactly what kind of professional outcome I wanted because I had learned the hard way,” writes Alfredo Cumerma. The author recounts their experience of dropping out of a PhD program before making a second attempt, despite mental health challenges and the knowledge that “institutionally, humanities departments as a whole have not often been wired for evolving market demands.” Cumerma offers several tips for how humanities PhD programs can better support students in career preparation, which include stipends for internships, integrated technology training, dedicated advising personnel, and employer education. Inside Higher Ed
GPC, Office of the Treaty Commissioner sign strategic alliance
Great Plains College and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner have signed a strategic alliance that will see the two work together to educate on Treaties and Indigenous knowledge. The organizations will also collaborate on the promotion of Indigenous-inclusive learning environments. “The Office of the Treaty Commission has had an enormous impact on our student culture and in its support for Indigenous students in particular,” said GPC Vice President Academic Brian Gobbett. “The college is committed to incorporating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge in capacity building, community service and teaching. We are happy to have an ongoing relationship with the Office of the Treaty Commissioner and pleased to formalize it through the signing of this strategic alliance.” NationTalk
USherbrooke deploys mobile clinic for high-quality remedial-education
In 2018, Université de Sherbrooke will deploy a mobile school adjustment clinic that will provide high-quality remedial-education support to students at 48 primary schools in Estrie. Students will receive support in reading, writing, and mathematics, which are skills that USherbrooke says play a fundamental role in student self-efficacy and self-perceptions. The initiative will double the number of students that are currently served by the Clinique Pierre H Ruel and will considerably broaden this training platform. The initiative was established with a $500K donation from TD Bank Group. Newswire
