Top Ten
April 2, 2018
Carleton support staff remain on strike after mediation adjourned
Carleton University support staff remain on strike after a 19-hour round of mediation was adjourned last week. “The mediator will follow up with both parties about continuing the process,” Carleton stated on its website. “The university is committed to returning to the bargaining table and is hopeful that negotiations will resume as soon as possible.” CBC reports that the university wants CUPE 2424 to remove language that guarantees employees will pay no more than 6% of their earnings toward the pension plan, stating that this language unfairly allows members to make lower contributions than members of other unions. However, CUPE 2424 states that it is unable to remove this language without a “significant concession” from the university. CBC
UofT Dalla Lana School named national scientific partner of CPTP
The University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health has become the national scientific partner of the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project. This partnership will provide CPTP with a strong national scientific vision and support for cutting-edge research on the possible causes of cancer and chronic diseases. “I am pleased to congratulate the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health on its new role as national host of the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project,” said Federal Minister of Health Ginette Petitpas Taylor. “Our Government is committed to supporting projects and partnerships that will help to prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses so that Canadians can live healthy lives.” UofT has also announced that the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research will be a partner in delivering the expertise and services needed to lead this research platform. Newswire
NSCADU, Art Gallery of NS announce new cultural hub on Halifax waterfront
The Nova Scotia government has announced plans for a proposed cultural hub on the Halifax waterfront. The hub will reportedly include new space for the Art Gallery of NS and the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University, with community partners planning to issue a request for detailed project proposals in the coming weeks. NS Minister of Labour and Advanced Education Labi Kousoulis stated that “[a]n enhanced partnership with the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia will create a unique hub for creative innovation that will be a magnet for students and faculty from across Canada and globally.” Halifax Today
Turpin outlines fiscal pressure at raucous town hall
During an hour-long town hall at the University of Alberta, President David Turpin delivered a slide presentation outlining the fiscal pressures faced by the university before being shouted down by students, CBC reports. According to Turpin, UAlberta must permanently cut 4% of its operational costs—or $30M—to alleviate its $157M deficit. Turpin has recently come under fire for the Board’s decision to increase international tuition, residence fees, and the student meal plan rather than cutting costs to senior administration. According to the Edmonton Journal, UAlberta has also cut four staff positions in the Faculty of Education. Meanwhile, the provincial government has distributed $17M to backfill a tuition freeze while providing a 2% increase for postsecondary institutions across the province. CBC (1) | CBC (2) | Edmonton Journal
Despite fiscal constraints, UManitoba weighs options for international student health care
After the \Manitoba government announced it will repeal universal health care for international students, the University of Manitoba is assessing how it might help cover medical costs, the Winnipeg Free Press has learned. Coverage for the students, however, will reportedly burden the university’s already tight budget, due in part to a reported 0.9% reduction in provincially distributed operating grants. The Free Press adds that UManitoba has already cut 12 service and support positions following the Pallister government’s order that all public sector employers reduce 15% of their administrative and management staff. According to Academic VP Janice Ristock, UManitoba will also increase tuition by 6.6% for 2017/18, the maximum allowed under provincial legislation. Winnipeg Free Press
How to market the “why” in higher education to foster thriving
To “truly differentiate” themselves, Tim Jones writes, “schools need to articulate why they do what they do and de-emphasize what they do.” To articulate the “why,” thought-leaders should first listen carefully to faculty, who are most adept at communicating why they do what they do. Jones adds that alumni can also offer insights on how an institution has fostered their ability to thrive. The question of “why” has important implications for marketing, Jones argues, as it gives clarity to the values, goals, and principles that define a brand and influence experiences across every conceivable communication, behaviour, activity, and operation of the institution.” Inside Higher Ed
Gender wage gap an ongoing problem in the academy: Frederickson
Maclean's reports that male professors earned a median income of $136.8K per year, 11% more than their female colleagues, in 2016/17. To investigate the reasons behind this discrepancy, Frederickson first compares the results from NSERC and SSHRC competitions, finding that although men secure more funding, grants do not significantly influence the overall wage-gap, and nor does the fact that senior faculty consist mostly of men. While Frederickson cannot glean a clear cause for the wage gap from the statistical data, she argues that it is a longstanding problem that has yet to be addressed. Maclean's
Provincial funding to provide trades training for Indigenous students at TRU
Thompson Rivers University has reportedly received $1M from British Columbia's Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills, and Training for construction craft worker apprenticeships, Red Seal certifications, and a carpentry and joinery foundation program. According to Kamloops this Week, the investment is part of the provincial government’s Aboriginal Community Based Training Partnerships program. “This training will be hands-on, tied to our industry partnerships and very beneficial for our people,” said Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Chief Fred Seymour. Training will reportedly take place over three years, with participants registered as TRU students. Kamloops this Week
Booth UC, Cybint Solutions team up to fight cybercrime
Booth University College has partnered with global cyber education company Cybint to offer two online cyber literacy training courses this fall. A Booth UC release states that the courses are relevant for anyone, including the public, students, and professionals who are hoping to stay ahead of the growing trend in cybercrime. “Educating everyday users, employees or both on cybersecurity risks is key today,” says Booth UC Business Program Chair Angela Davis. “These courses provide that education and also include practical tools that students can start using today.” Booth UC | Winnipeg Free Press
UofT students vote to reject discounted, mandatory TTC pass
A recent referendum by the University of Toronto Students’ Union saw students reject a mandatory Toronto Transit City pass that would have provided them with unlimited travel for $70 a month. “Transit and housing remain significant barriers to affordable and accessible post-secondary education for our diverse student body,” said UTSU President Mathias Memmel, who noted that the referendum result was an indication that the program wouldn’t work without an opt-out provision. “We look forward to working constructively with ... provincial parties and city council in advance of the upcoming election.” The program cost would have been added to student dues, and was premised on additional opt-in from the University of Toronto St George, OCAD University, Ryerson University, or George Brown College. Toronto Star
