Top Ten
December 15, 2017
Entry-level jobs requiring university degrees not keeping up with graduation numbers: StatCan
The number of private sector entry-level jobs in Canada requiring a university degree is nowhere near the number of university students graduating each year, according to recent StatCan data. While the data suggest that those with university degrees earn more than their peers, they also show that there were only 14,000 entry-level jobs in Canada requiring a university degree in 2016. In comparison, the number of university graduates that year was 250,000. The data also show that as jobs require more experience, they tend to require higher levels of educational attainment. Global News
Canada appoints first four Canada 150 research chairs
Canada has announced the appointment of four researchers who will make up the first batch of Canada 150 Research Chairs. Federal Science Minister Kirsty Duncan announced in Ottawa this week that three of the four science-centred positions will be occupied by women, which is part of the government’s efforts to capture global academic talent while promoting diversity. The Globe and Mail reports that the new chairs will be Margo Seltzer (University of British Columbia), Miguel Ramalho-Santos and Donna Rose Addis (University of Toronto), and Caroline Colijn (Simon Fraser University). More than 25 research chairs are expected to be hired under the one-time $117M program that was unveiled in the 2017 federal budget. More hiring announcements are expected early in the new year. Globe and Mail
Final cost of Algonquin Jazan campus reaches nearly $9M
Algonquin College’s campus in Saudi Arabia cost the college nearly $9M, according to CBC. The campus was opened in 2013 under a five-year contract with the hope that the campus would generate revenue and bolster the institution’s international reputation. However, the campus faced a number of difficulties and was reportedly transferred to Interserve Learning and Employment last August. “This marks the last chapter in our involvement in Saudi Arabia and means that all outstanding claims will now be settled,” said Algonquin President Cheryl Jensen. “We are now able to move forward.” Algonquin
The case for non-traditional academic leaders
“The job of university president was, until recently, a gig reserved almost entirely for the seasoned professor battle-hardened by decades in academia,” writes Scott Beardsley, who adds that today, many “non-traditional” candidates are taking on leadership roles at universities. The author notes that this trend is controversial for many, who see these candidates as lacking the values and context necessary to run a university. The growing scarcity of traditional candidates, however, coupled with other trends, has made it increasingly common for schools to look outside the academy for new leaders. The author concludes that these leaders must understand that universities are unique organizations with unique values, and that they cannot be managed in the same way a business can. Times Higher Education
NL expanding employment planning services to CNA campuses
The employment assistance services program in Newfoundland & Labrador will soon be available at College of the North Atlantic campuses around the province. Gulf News reports that according to Advanced Education, Skills and Labour Minister Al Hawkins, the program’s expansion is part of a plan to develop the college’s campuses as local and regional economic generators and community hubs. “The expansion also aligns with the vision and goals of the Workforce Innovation Centre which is focused on identifying ways to better help people prepare for, find, return to, or maintain sustainable employment,” Hawkins said. Gulf News reports that Employment Assistance Services help EI-eligible individuals with job searches, resume writing, labour market information, as well as career and employment needs assessments. Gulf News | CNA
While STEM gender gap favours men, other fields see opposite imbalance: Attfield
While the gender gaps within STEM fields have been discussed and are a continuing concern, “it is far from the only gender gap disparity in this country,” writes Paul Attfield for the Globe and Mail. Attfield points to programs such as veterinary medicine and public relations as examples of those that are impacted by student ratios that are heavily skewed in favour of women. The article goes on to highlight Canadian PSE institutions and companies that are experiencing these gender gaps, the theorized causes of the gaps, and how the gender imbalance is being managed. Globe and Mail
City of Peterborough presents Trent, Fleming with Key to the City
Trent University and Fleming College have each received a key to the city from the City of Peterborough in recognition of the important role that postsecondary institutions play in the community. “It is very meaningful for Trent to receive this honour because our connection to the community is so much a part of who we are,” said Trent President Leo Groarke. “It’s extra special to be awarded this with Fleming, because the Trent-Fleming partnership is a key component of what we do.” The awarding of the key is reportedly a milestone first for an external organization. Trent | Peterborough Examiner
The role of a journal editor requires ringmaster skills
“Editing an academic journal is a vital and rewarding task, but also time-consuming and often frustrating,” write eight contributors for Times Higher Education. These current and former editors of academic journals note that one will need the “skills of a ringmaster” to become one of these academic gatekeepers. One contributor notes that while submissions management systems can be frustrating for many, these tools are invaluable for managing the submissions process at a journal. The contributor also notes that while there are many who criticize abuses of power on behalf of journal editors or peer reviewers, such instances are very rare and easily corrected by a journal’s editorial staff. Times Higher Education
Selkirk to launch Autism resource SPECTRUM in new year
Selkirk College has announced that it is launching SPECTRUM: Lifespan Autism Resources & Training in January. SPECTRUM is an online, innovative course that offers perspectives about Autism Spectrum Disorder across the lifespan, as well as providing an awareness and understanding of practical resources and support approaches. “There is a strong community need for basic information about autism and the impacts it has at all ages,” says Selkirk Education Assistant & Community Support Worker (EACSW) Program instructor Jane Green, adding that “information creates insight, acceptance and inclusion.” The program is reportedly useful for education assistants, teachers, early childhood educators, and community support members in particular, as well as general community members. Selkirk
GBC, Sysco partner to support Hospitality and Culinary Arts students
George Brown College and Sysco Toronto officially opened the new Sysco Large Quantity Cooking Lab at GBC earlier this week. The opening marked the beginning of a five-year partnership that will see the two parties work together on enhancing programs and facilities at the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts building. “The new Sysco Large Quantity Cooking Lab equips our students with the most up-to-date food technology tools the market has to offer,” commented GBC President Anne Sado. “Allowing our students to use these new tools sets them up for success upon graduation.” GBC
