Top Ten
March 26, 2018
AB releases $17M as tuition freeze continues
The Edmonton Journal has learned that the Government of Alberta will release $17M to support an ongoing tuition freeze for the province’s colleges and universities. AB Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt emphasized that accessibility to education remains a priority for the government, but Rip McIver of the United Conservative Party called the tuition freeze a “double-edged sword,” insisting that while it relieves students of financial burdens, but it can strain postsecondary institutions. Robyn Paches with the Council of Alberta University Students expressed his approval of the freeze, but acknowledged that it will eventually end: “Our biggest concern is predictability. We want to make sure students are able to budget for what’s coming.” Edmonton Journal
UWindsor's new arts school draws creativity downtown
The University of Windsor has officially opened two new arts facilities, CBC reports. A 20,000 square foot arts-space features facilities for film production, editing, sonic art and “maker-space” studios, while the former Armouries Building is now home to a 66,000 square-foot multi-disciplinary creative centre. Both the city and the province invested in the project, which ran to a reported $60M. “We know that creative arts are an essential part of a community’s well-being,” said UWindsor President Alan Wildeman. “The new teaching and creative work spaces, and the synergy that is being created by more closely connecting our students, faculty and staff with community musicians and artists, will benefit our region for generations to come.” CBC | Windsor Star | UWindsor
UPEI introduces medical and biological physics program
The University of Prince Edward Island has announced that it will offer a new medical and biological specialization program in Fall 2018. “Physics is being recognized now as a strong foundational degree for any career path a student is interested in whether it's medicine, law, finance, journalism, a lot of folks are getting a physics degree,” said UPEI Physics Department Chair Bill Whelan. Whelan explained that the program was developed in response to student demand. CBC
CEGEP anticipates demand for cannabis workers beyond boom
Cégep de l’Outaouais has partnered with the medical cannabis producer Hydropothecary to meet a growing need for trained cannabis worker, reports the Ottawa Citizen. The cegep reportedly plans to introduce a three-year certification for quality control and processing. “That’s where the highest needs are. They already have people with doctorates in biochemistry and pharmaceuticals,” said Cegep Director of Studies Jacqueline LaCasse, who stressed that the program is designed to stay open beyond the initial boom in the medical cannabis industry. Ottawa Citizen
Sault, city in early talks for new arena
Sault College and the City of Sault Ste. Marie are in discussions about an on-campus hockey arena, the Sault Star reports. In a letter to the city, Sault President Ron Common stated that the arena would benefit both the college and local community. Common also pointed out that Sault is the only college in Ontario with varsity hockey programs for both men and women. Sault Ste Marie Chief Administration Officer Tom Vair said that the city and the college have yet to discuss how costs for a new arena will be shared. Sault Star | Soo Today
Freedom and diversity in the Canadian classroom
As debates about free speech and inclusion continue to roil Canadian campuses, academics have sought to clarify their specific points of tension, writes Grace Karram Stephenson. The author recalls a talk in which James Turk argued for absolute academic freedom, such that any and all views, no matter how offensive, should be heard. Turk’s position, Stephenson reports, met resistance from faculty who argued that Turk’s version of academic freedom would further marginalize underrepresented groups. Other faculty members reportedly view the current debate as a “crisis of pedagogy,” but Stephenson argues that the problem is not as endemic as it is sometimes made out to be in the media. “In fact, the majority are not embroiled in controversies over whose freedom is paramount,” she writes. University World News
RDC, UCalgary to offer collaborative bachelors program
Red Deer College and the University of Calgary have announced that they will be offering a four-year collaborative Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree in September 2018. “Red Deer College and University of Calgary Faculty of Arts have a strong history of partnering to offer local students with collaborative degrees,” said RDC School of Arts and Sciences Dean Torben Andersen. Students interested in pursuing the program can study for two years at RDC, apply to admission to the program through UCalgary, and complete the final two years at RDC's main campus. RDC
Millennials want civic leaders to address affordability, transit, employment
Nearly three-quarters of millennials are willing to leave municipalities that fail to address affordability, transit, and employment, according to a survey conducted on behalf of students in Centennial College’s public relations and corporate communications program and CivicAction. “These results send a clear message to the leaders of today about what issues the future leaders of tomorrow care about,” says Sevaun Palvetzian, CEO of CivicAction. The survey also found that 69% of respondents planned to vote in upcoming elections, and that the number of millennials willing to participate in non-traditional forms of civic activity such as boycotts and protests exceeded those of their older counterparts. Centennial
Huron UC students boost own fees for refugees, institution recommits to dreamer scholarships
Students at Huron University College have voted to increase their student fees in order to better support refugees attending the university college. “We consciously have been challenging our students to be leaders with heart,” said Huron UC Principal Barry Craig. “It’s encouraging for old guys like me.” The students voted 75% in favour of increasing the fees paid to the World University Service of Canada from $15 to $20 per person annually. “This is something that many students want to do,” said Huron UC Student Council President Dylan Matthews. “You don’t often hear about student unions lobbying to increase student fees.” Huron UC also reportedly recommitted to offering $60K scholarships to American ‘dreamers’ who faced deportation from the Trump administration in the US. London Free Press | Global News
Confederation, community partners expand ‘Living Classroom’ Program
Confederation College, in partnership with District of Kenora Home for the Aged, Patricia Region Senior Services Inc, and Paramed, recently announced that is expanding its ‘Living Classroom’ Personal Support Worker Program to Dryden. The program combines classroom learning and real-life experience as students complete a one-year certification. Confederation states that the program may also offer paid part-time employment opportunities. “This unique collaborative approach with four organizations brings the classroom into the workplace providing the student the ability to practice the classroom lessons in the workplace immediately,” said Kevin Queen, CEO of District of Kenora Home for the Aged. “The result is a more confident and proficient graduate.” Confederation
