Top Ten
May 31, 2018
UManitoba alumnus donates $7.5M to College of Dentistry
Gerald Niznick, widely recognized as the originator of modern implant dentistry, and his wife Reesa Niznic have donated $7.5M to the University of Manitoba's College of Dentistry. A UManitoba release states that the college will be renamed the Dr Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry. “Our alumni continue to make an important impact on the health of our nation, and in Dr. Niznick’s case, internationally,” said Anthony Iacopino, dean of the College of Dentistry. “We are honoured that Dr. Niznick has chosen to invest today in the instructors, support staff and students of dentistry who carry on that legacy of impact and innovation.” Winnipeg Free Press | UManitoba
Brock, UTech Jamaica sign MOU
Brock University and the University of Technology in Jamaica have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will foster articulations for accredited programmes, exchange and internship opportunities for faculty and staff, collaborative research projects, and joint publications. “The City of St. Catharines has long held a special partnership with Port of Spain and the country of Trinidad and Tobago,” said Brock President Gervan Fearon. “We want to continue that partnership by helping students from across all Caribbean nations experience post-secondary education in the Niagara region.” Fearon also announced the creation of the Caribbean International Scholarship, a $4K merit-based award that will be first disbursed in 2019. Go Jamaica | BrockU
RDC announces post-diploma certificate for health care professionals
Red Deer College has announced that it will launch a Health Care Management Post-Diploma Certificate program in 2019. The 16-month certificate will train working professionals for management and leadership positions in health care. “The program is designed for diploma or degree holders, applying foundational business concepts to the opportunities and challenges faced by a diverse group of health care organizations,” said RDC Donald School of Business Dean Darcy Mykytkshyn. To accommodate the schedules of working professionals, RDC will deliver the program through a blended format that includes online instruction and four “executive weekends” at the Donald School of Business. RDC
RRU, Songhees Nation agreement outlines objectives for land use
Royal Roads University and the Songhees Nation have signed a framework agreement outlining how the two parties can use the 556 acres of land occupied by the university. According to a Royal Roads release, the Department of National Defence has declared the land to be surplus and facilitated nation-to-nation discussions about its future. The framework agreement outlines several mutual objectives that include the development of programming opportunities for Indigenous communities, the preservation of heritage buildings, and a planning framework that includes future partnership opportunities. Victoria Times Colonist | Royal Roads
Profs believe language, cultural norms foremost challenges for international students
A recent survey found that US professors believe that limited English proficiency and different academic expectations are the two foremost challenges for international students, writes Elizabeth Redden. The author states that the findings are consistent with earlier studies in which professors have questioned international students’ language proficiency while also stating that they feel their teaching practices do not align with those students’ cultural beliefs. The article goes on to discuss the findings of interviews with international students, within which students cited communication and financial barriers as key challenges. Inside Higher Ed
Victoria University receives $1M for professorship in Muslim Studies
The University of Toronto’s Victoria University has received an anonymous $1M donation in support of a professorship in Muslim Studies at Emmanuel College. A release states that the donation will secure funding for a Muslim position in the Master of Pastoral Studies, which offers a Christian, Buddhist, or Muslim stream. “Our students and professors are exploring how particular religious identities enrich each other in a learning community where Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and those from other faith traditions engage in respectful discussion,” said Interim Principal Phyllis Airhart. According to the release, the Muslim stream includes courses on the Qur’an, the history and theological tradition of Islam, Islamic law and ethics, Islamic spirituality, and Islamic thought. U of T
WLU senate approves freedom-of-expression statement
Wilfrid Laurier University's senate has approved a freedom-of-expression statement that describes the school's commitment to not censoring difficult or controversial ideas. WLU says that the final statement "unequivocally embraces the principles of free expression required in an academic environment." The approximately 1,000 word-long statement is available on WLU's website, and was developed in consultation with experts from around the world as well as community members. The statement includes restrictions around threats, defamation, discrimination, harassment, invasion of privacy and confidentiality, and hate speech. The Record
