Top Ten
January 18, 2018
York pilot program gives Canadian ‘Dreamers’ first chance at degree
York University is reportedly the first Canadian university to give ‘Dreamers,’ or young people without legal status in Canada, a chance at a degree, reports CBC. A pilot project, a collaboration between York and Toronto’s FCJ Refugee Centre, has allowed 10 young people of uncertain immigration status to study for a degree. “One of the most important things we can give them is access to higher education while they're waiting to learn about their status,” explained York President Rhonda Lenton, who prioritized the pilot project in her first year as president. “Thinking about that access agenda for York, a couple of populations really emerged as important: Indigenous students and those students with precarious immigrant status.”
Brescia announces $14M academic pavilion
Brescia University College has announced that it is constructing a $14M state-of-the-art academic pavilion. The pavilion will include three state-of-the-art food and science laboratories, sensory and research laboratories, two multi-tiered classrooms, study spaces, and an active learning classroom. “Almost 100 years ago, the Ursuline Sisters founded Brescia to be a student-centred and empowering educational experience for women and today students continue to be at the forefront of every decision,” says Brescia Principal Susan Mumm. “In fact, students, faculty and staff have been consulted at every step of the process and we are confident our new academic pavilion will meet the needs of current and future students and will also set a course for the next 100 years.”
No cannabis sales near schools and CEGEPs says Fédération des cégeps, FECQ
Fédération des cégeps and Fédération étudiante collégiale du Québec (FECQ) want cannabis outlets to be banned near schools, CEGEPs and universities, reports Journal de Montréal. The fédération des cégeps is reportedly also calling for marijuana possession to be completely banned for all postsecondary students, regardless of age. FECQ, however, says that students of age should have the right to own cannabis while in CEGEPs, as they do with cigarettes. However, as with cigarettes, FECQ adds that marijuana should not be used while on-campus. FECQ President Jason St-Amour added that the final position of the federation will be determined by its members. Journal de Montréal (CEGEP Federation) | Journal de Montréal (FECQ)
BC invests $4.4M in technology programming across province
British Columbia has announced investments in postsecondary schools across the province supporting education and training related to technology. The $4.4M in funding will allow for the creation of approximately 2,900 additional seats in technology programs at PSE institutions across the province. “We’re helping students in British Columbia by improving access to education with thousands more tech spaces that include degree, diploma and certificate programs,” said Melanie Mark, BC Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “Our vibrant tech sector supports good-paying jobs, like computer programmers, engineers and information system analysts. We are investing millions of dollars in the future creators of an innovative, strong and sustainable 21st-century economy.”
BC (Lower Mainland) | BC (Victoria) | BC (Okanagan) | BC (Kamloops) | BC (Prince George)
NorQuest receives $2M gift from employees charitable fund
NorQuest College has received a $2M gift from the Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund, and will be renaming its Heritage Tower the Civic Employees Legacy Tower in honour of the gift. “On behalf of all of our members, we would like to say how proud we are to be part of the spirited and vibrant growth of NorQuest College,” said the fund’s board chair, Brenda Waluk. “Our members are very committed to making a difference in this community. This is a legacy that will live on for many generations.” The gift will go towards the Maximizing Opportunities campaign, which will support student access and the college’s campus expansion. NorQuest | Edmonton Journal
National pilot shortage means work for aviation graduates, shortage of instructors
Confederation College’s School of Aviation says that the national pilot shortage will mean that graduates will not have difficulty finding work, but that the school is facing challenges finding instructors. “The chances of them finding gainful employment is really high, [whereas] in other years it might not have been,” said Paul de Oude, the chair of maintenance and operations for the aviation school, who later added: “The amount of flight training staff is as low as it's ever been, which of course gives us some challenges in trying to progress students.” De Oude noted that he expects to see the shortage persist for another few years. CBC
Fleming, Lake Superior State University renew degree pathways
Fleming College and Lake Superior State Unviersity have renewed an agreement that provides Fleming students with the opportunity to obtain a LSSU Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree. The agreement enables eligible Fleming graduates of select diploma programs in the School of Justice and Community Development to obtain a LSSU bachelor’s degree in two additional semesters. “We are pleased to continue to partner with Lake Superior State University on this degree pathway,” said Fleming Dean of the School of Justice and Community Development Carol Kelsey. “Providing opportunities for our students to continue their education will expand their knowledge and skills and, ultimately, open up their career prospects.” Fleming
Conciliator announced for Dal faculty contract talks
A conciliator will meet with representatives of Dalhousie University's faculty association and board of governors next week to attempt to establish a new collective agreement. The Dalhousie Faculty Association filed for conciliation last month after it said talks had reached an impasse. The association told CBC that there were a number of issues that could not be agreed on, including workload, pension, and comparability. “The university and the board of governors are encouraged by the tone that we've seen in terms of progress at the negotiating table to date,” said Dal Spokesperson Brian Leadbetter. “Our perspective, institutionally of course, is that conciliation is a normal part of the bargaining process and that we welcome the assistance of a conciliator and we're hopeful he will help us reach a collective agreement.” CBC
Algonquin, Perley Rideau launch “living” PSW classroom
Algonquin College and the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre have formally launched a ground-breaking new health-care classroom and learning environment. The classroom is on-site at the Perley Rideau, and provides personal support workers with a work-integrated learning environment immersed in a professional setting. “This classroom provides an unparalleled opportunity for our students to prepare for their careers,” said Algonquin President Cheryl Jensen. “Together with our Perley Rideau partners, we are preparing these healthcare workers of the future by setting the highest standards in education and training.” CBC | Algonquin
CNA, MUN partnership creates makerspace, incubator with funding
The Navigate Entrepreneurship Centre, a partnership between Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus and College of the North Atlantic’s Corner Brook Campus, has received funding to establish a makerspace at MUN’s Grenfell Campus and an incubator at CNA’s Corner Brook Campus. “We are excited to provide an opportunity for people to develop creativity and ingenuity when it comes to entrepreneurship,” said CNA President Bill Radford. “We all know there are challenges when it comes to business start-ups, and through this initiative, CNA will provide the space, business skills training and support services for entrepreneurs to nurture their ideas into tangible business models.” The spaces are funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; the federal government; and the Provincial Departments of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, and Advanced Education, Skills and Labour. CNA | The Western Star
