Top Ten
January 19, 2018
International PhD students at U of T to pay domestic tuition fees
The University of Toronto has announced that starting in Fall 2018, international doctoral students studying at the university will pay the same tuition fees as domestic students. The change will see these students’ fees drop from an average of $21,560 to $6,960. The Toronto Star notes that the benefit will not apply until the students’ fifth year of study, since the first four years are already covered by funding packages provided by the university. “We’re always looking for ways to attract the top research talent,” said U of T Dean of the School of Graduate Studies Joshua Barker. “We’ve got efforts going on a number of fronts and this is one of our initiatives.” Toronto Star | Inside Higher Ed | U of T
OSAP applicants to see program tuition, estimated coverage online
Ontario Student Assistance Program applicants will be better able to plan and budget for their college or university education. OSAP applicants will now be able to see each program’s estimated tuition costs and an estimate of the amount that will be covered by OSAP, and those attending an ON institution will receive a bill that has already been reduced by their OSAP aid amount. “We're making the new OSAP even easier to use so more students can benefit from free or reduced tuition,” said ON Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development Deb Matthews. “By opening up applications earlier, providing new tools to estimate financial support and delivering grants and loans upfront, students and their families will have the information and support they need to make their dreams a reality.” ON
Canada, YK unveil new learning space at Yukon
Yukon College has formally unveiled the Innovation Commons, a new learning space developed with $3M joint funding from the Federal Government and the Government of Yukon. The new space sports features such as 10 breakout rooms, a second-level mezzanine, an immersive learning theatre, and a central service-focused staff nucleus. The college will also receive an upgrade to its power supply. “The Innovation Commons has been designed to prepare learners for flexible, collaborative learning experiences – necessary skills for the 21st century,” said Yukon President Karen Barnes. “This revitalized space will be the cornerstone of inspired creativity, collaboration and innovation amongst the student body at Yukon College and the future Yukon University.”
UQAM launches largest fundraising campaign in school history
Under the theme “Cent Millions Idées,” Université du Québec à Montréal has launched the largest fundraising campaign in its history. On the eve of its 50th anniversary, the university has set a bold target of $100M to be spread over the next five years. The school has already raised $35M. UQAM Principal Magda Fusaro notes that since its founding in 1969, UQAM has helped transform the face of Quebec society, claiming that its action, dynamism, and audacity have made it possible to improve access to higher education and contribute to the province's scientific, social, economic and cultural growth.
RRC introduces revised Architectural Technology program
Red River College will be offering a revamped Architectural Technology diploma program in September 2018. The new program was developed in consultation with representatives from the industry, and was created to address the current and future needs of the architectural, engineering, and construction sectors. “As industry evolves in Manitoba, it’s important that we continue to redesign and create new programs that not only anticipate the changes that are emerging in industry, but allow our students to adapt to those changes as they enter into meaningful and rewarding careers,” says RRC President Paul Vogt.
UoGuelph professor suspended after allegedly insulting student with severe anxiety
A University of Guelph professor was suspended after students alleged that he insulted a classmate with severe anxiety. UoGuelph student Regan Devlin said that the professor referred to the student's educational assistant as a “handler” who “needed to control” the student. The Guelph Mercury reports that another student stood up mid-lecture and voiced her criticism, inspiring other students to walk out of class. “The University of Guelph is a community whose members respect and care about one another,” said UoGuelph Provost and Vice President Charlotte Yates. “We are committed to civility and diversity. I appreciate the care and concern demonstrated by students who have reached out to me and to other U of G administrators and faculty about this situation.”
UCalgary to launch North America's first masculine studies program
A newly appointed research chair at the University of Calgary says that he hopes a new masculine studies program will spur a new age of “detoxified masculinity.” UCalgary Professor and Chair of Masculinity Studies Michael Kehler says that he hopes the new program will start a conversation about how to be boy and a man in the age of #MeToo and #TimesUp. Kehler says the current confusion surrounding toxic masculinity offers an opportunity to more closely examine those tenets of male mythology that have dominated pop culture for years. “There's lots of opportunity here to really break down all the myths about what it means to be a boy, and to be a man,” he says. “I think we're on the crest of beginning to rethink and reconfigure masculinity, given the current climate around #metoo.”
MtA, Horizon Health Network sign MOU for health-related research
Mount Allison University and Horizon Health Network have signed an MOU that will see them partner on the expansion and advancement of health-related research in New Brunswick. Researchers will share resources and expertise and work to create opportunities for new approaches and studies in health research. “Mount Allison is pleased to join this new agreement with Horizon Health Network and help to drive health-related research in the region,” said MtA Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Research Jeff Ollerhead. “I look forward to hearing about and supporting the comprehensive, in-depth collaborations that will undoubtedly arise from this partnership.”
Olds, Calgary Economic Development partner to create agri-food corridor
Olds College has partnered with Calgary Economic Development to develop an agri-food corridor north of Calgary in hopes of boosting sustainable food production through the use of cutting-edge technologies. The partnership aims to create thousands of businesses on the 100-kilometre stretch of mostly farmland, which already has dozens of farms and sustainable agri-food businesses operating on it. “Today, more than ever before, agriculture and food producers are looking to technology and science to optimize their operations,” said Olds President Stuart Cullum. “Through the creation of the Calgary-Olds Smart Agri-Food Corridor, we will establish a strong regional position that will attract agriculture entrepreneurs, start-up companies and technology developers.”
Filling the long-worn shoes of a senior administrator
When a long-serving leader retires or moves into a new role, the new leader may face some unique barriers and difficulties in taking over the role. In particular, Judith S White explores the contradictory message of change that many new leaders experience: calls on the new leader to drive significant change in the department and a general resistance to newness. “Change is hard; something is always lost in transitions, regardless of the gains,” writes White, before advising new leaders to embrace the past successes of the department under the previous leader and investigate ways to build on those previous successes.
