Top Ten
May 2, 2018
ULaval receives $27M for genomics research, announces construction of data centre
The Université Laval has received over $27M for two genomics research projects focused on prenatal screening and the early detection of breast cancer. Researcher François Rousseau, a genetic screening specialist, will use the funding to conduct a feasibility study of a test for fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Breast cancer researcher Jacques Simard will use the funding to develop a test that will consider more genes when screening for cancer, allowing for a more individualized approach. The funds were provided by partners such as Genome Quebec, Genome Canada, and Canadian Institutes of Health Research. ULaval has also announced that it has begun construction on a major data centre. ULaval (1) | ULaval (2) | Le Soleil
UCalgary launches Doctor of Business Administration program
The University of Calgary has announced the launch of the Haskayne School of Business Doctor of Business Administration program. “We are at the forefront of a growing global trend — business doctoral degree programs around the world are innovating to bring together theory with real-world practice,” said Jim Dewald, Dean of the Haskayne School of Business. “We expect the cohort to include local, national and international students.” Successful students will reportedly complete eight courses, a field exam, a thesis proposal with an oral exam, and a thesis with an oral defense. According to a UCalgary news release, the program is aimed at working professionals with at least 10 years of work experience, including seven years of senior leadership. UCalgary
Over a quarter of CEGEPs in the red as of June 2017
Le Journal de Québec has reportedly learned that 13 out of 48 CEGEPs reported a deficit in their financial statement last year. According to QC legislation, CEGEPs must achieve a balanced budget or become subject to a recovery plan. QC Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur spokesperson Bryan St-Louis stated that four CEGEPs are currently the subject of a recovery or over-hiring plan, while other CEGEPs that are able to use accumulated surpluses in previous years are not considered to be in financial difficulty. Journal de Québec
Loyalist collaborates with Province Brands of Canada on applied research
Loyalist College’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis has announced that it is collaborating on research with Province Brands of Canada. The research will aim to support Province Brands of Canada as they develop and commercially scale-up their process for converting cannabis plant components into a solution that could be used to produce fermented beverages, such as beer products. “Loyalist’s ARC is uniquely positioned to collaborate with Province Brands of Canada to conduct the analytical testing and process development they need,” said Loyalist President Ann Marie Vaughan. “This will be the first project of its kind in Canada to utilize the whole cannabis plant, creating an opportunity to eliminate waste streams in cannabis and industrial hemp industries.” Loyalist
UNBC president’s use of emergency provision elicits faculty outcry
The University of Northern British Columbia’s Faculty Association claims that UNBC President Daniel Weeks improperly used an emergency powers provision to dismiss five faculty members over the last year and a half, the Prince George Citizen reports. According to the Citizen, the provision grants the president the power to relieve an employee of duty if they pose “significant harm to another person or to the property of the institution,” or if they are under investigation. In an email to faculty and staff, Weeks called the UNBCFA’s claim that he had used the provision five times “inaccurate.” Prince George Citizen
Abandoned residence items at UOttawa get second chance
A program through the University of Ottawa called Dump and Run or Déposez et dégagez gives a second life to objects abandoned in residence. This year, fifty volunteers collected food, clothes, kitchen items, and other abandoned items from the university’s 11 residence buildings. Collected items that are deemed salvageable are then distributed through the university’s Free Store and local charities. “It's very important to me that we're doing this because we're recovering all this stuff,” said Brigitte Morin, UOttawa waste diversion coordinator. “So not only are we avoiding sending things that are perfectly good to landfill, we're redistributing it to people who will use it.” Radio Canada (FR) | CBC (EN)
UWinnipeg approves 6.6% tuition hike
The University of Winnipeg’s Board of Regents approved a 6.6% tuition increase for the next academic year, reports CBC. According to a UWinnipeg news release, the tuition hike was necessitated by the province’s decision to reduce the university’s Operating Grant by 0.9% for 2018/19. CBC adds that the province scrapped the previous tuition cap, allowing universities to now implement a 5% increase, not including the rate of inflation. Education Minister Ian Wishart stated that the hike still requires Manitoba universities to maintain below-average tuition rates relative to other western provinces. Additionally, UManitoba will reportedly cut eight staff support positions while leaving five faculty positions empty. CBC | UWinnipeg
Carleton receives $800K for accessible experiential learning program
Carleton University’s Career Services Office, Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities, and Research, Education, Accessibility and Design Initiative have reportedly received $800K from the province to create the Carleton University Accessible Experiential Learning (CUAEL) project. According to a Carleton news release, CUAEL will facilitate full and part-time job opportunities and internships for students with disabilities. “We believe that Carleton is well placed to develop a model program in employment preparation, with the objective of moving the employment success rate of students with disabilities towards par with the general population,” said Suzanne Blanchard, VP of Students and Enrolment. Carleton
La Cité to launch optician program
According to CBC, Ottawa’s La Cité college plans to launch an optician program to address the shortfall of opticians in the Ottawa area. The program will reportedly be the first to offer training in French. The program will also help meet local labour needs, as Michaël Dumoulin, Director of l'Institut des sciences de la santé et de la vie at La Cité, explains that local opticians have trouble recruiting qualified individuals. CBC adds that La Cité will work with Quebec’s regulating body to ensure that its graduates can work in the province. CBC
Canadian campuses aim to offer free menstrual products
As Centennial College’s “Free the Tampon” initiative gains momentum, other universities across the country are starting to follow suit. Shannon Brooks, Centennial's Associate VP of Corporate Services, stated that the initiative costs approximately $7K per year. "The cost is negligible, the impact is huge, and it's just one more way we can support our students in making life a little bit easier for them so they can focus on learning." Allisa Lim, VP of Ignite Student Life at Humber College's Lakeshore campus, states that Humber provides menstrual kits with gender neutral packaging in several public spaces. Student societies at the University of Calgary, McGill University, and the University of King's College in Halifax reportedly provide free menstrual products, as well. CBC
