Top Ten
June 4, 2018
USask receives $2M for sports science facility
The University of Saskatchewan will boast a new, state-of-the-art sports science and health facility thanks to a $2M donation from Ron and Jane Graham, reports the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. In addition to dedicated spaces for injury diagnosis and rehabilitation, the Ron and Jane Graham Sport Science and Health Centre will feature spaces for collaboration between researchers and practitioners. “This is a dream facility that we never imagined we would have, because we are talking about a 6,000-plus square-foot facility where we are going to be able to do research and practice in a shared space,” said Chad London, Dean of the College of Kinesiology. A USask release states that the Centre will be part of the new Merlis Belsher Place multi-sport complex. Saskatoon StarPhoenix | USask
THE World Reputation Rankings see U of T, UBC, McGill in Top 100
Times Higher Education has released the 2018 World Reputation Rankings. THE explains that the rankings are “based on the world’s largest invitation-only opinion survey of senior, published academics.” 21 countries are represented in the top 100 list of the most powerful global university brands, which features three institutions from Canada. The University of Toronto tied for 22nd with ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich; the University of British Columbia placed in 38th, and McGill University placed 41st. THE states that it only gives unique ranks to the Top 50 schools “because the differentials between institutions after that point become narrow.” Times Higher Education (1) | Times Higher Education (2)
Seneca, Humber introduce new degree pathways
Seneca College and Humber College have announced a partnership facilitating degree pathways between the two institutions. Students in Seneca’s Graphic Design Diploma may apply their credits toward Humber’s Creative Advertising Honours Degree, while courses from Humber’s Computer Programmer Diploma are transferable to Seneca’s Software Development Honours Degree. “Our system will be stronger, but more importantly our students, and students from our partner institutions, will have broader options and greater access to world-class education, ” said Humber President Chris Whitaker and Seneca President David Agnew. The two institutions have also agreed to consult each other before implementing new courses or programming to avoid redundancies and potentially foster more pathways. Global Newswire (Seneca)
Trent launches online Circumpolar Studies Diploma
Trent University has announced that it will launch the Circumpolar Studies Diploma, an online program that will focus on the region’s people and landscapes, geographical and historical contexts, security, and political issues linked to climate change. “This comprehensive curriculum reflects the most current thinking about topics of importance to everyone – from undergraduate students looking for an understanding of our changing world to those who live and work in the North in an era of rapid change,” said Trent professor Heather Nicol. The Diploma incorporates expertise from several programs at Trent, including the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies and the School for the Study of Canada. Trent
Camosun to name new health sciences building for donors
Camosun College has announced that it will name its new health sciences building after Jo Campbell and the late Alex Campbell. According to the Victoria Times-Colonist, a donation from the Campbells has brought Camosun to the halfway point of its $5M goal to purchase equipment and technology for the new building. "This campaign will support thousands of health and human services students, helping Camosun provide our community with highly educated, compassionate health and wellness professionals every year," said Jeety Bhalla, Chair of the Camosun College Foundation. Jo stated that the donation was motivated by the care Alex received when he underwent treatment for cancer. Victoria Times-Colonist | Camosun
Higher ed must embrace the skills economy: Robinson
To account for the ongoing shifts in the labour market, the higher education sector must emphasize skills development, innovate credentials, and bring students and employers closer together, writes Nobina Robinson. One possible means to foster skills development, she suggests, is to revamp admissions’ processes so that they emphasize competencies rather than grades. Robinson adds that credentials must adjust to a model of lifelong learning as the labour sector comes to demand continuous skills upgrading. Finally, the author suggests work-integrated learning and applied research projects can foster job-market experience for new graduates. Such initiatives can make Canada a leader on the global stage, Robinson concludes. plant.ca
QC invests in digital infrastructure for CEGEPS
A Fédération de Cégeps release states that the Quebec government will invest nearly $240M in digital infrastructure to support instructor training, new equipment, and research and teaching tools throughout the CEGEP network until 2023. Bernard Tremblay, President and CEO of the Fédération, thanked the province for its investment, adding that the CEGEP network anticipates an influx of careers in the digital sector over the next five years. The investment is part of a $1.2B budget for digital infrastructure in K-12 and PSE in QC. According to the release, nearly $390M of that budget will support the higher education sector. Fédération de Cégeps
ON colleges ask candidates to address budget shortfall
Ontario Colleges are calling on the candidates of the upcoming provincial election to address a $100M funding shortfall. George Burton, president of Canadore College, stated that the changing job market demands specialized training provided by colleges: “It’s absolutely essential that we continue to deliver high-quality programs and apprenticeships that keep a wide world of opportunity for the leaders of tomorrow.” In addition to greater operating budgets, a Durham College release requests tuition-free education and a targeted funding increase for STEAM disciplines. BayToday.ca | Waterloo Record
Chemists, Indigenous leaders push for Indigenous knowledge in chemistry education
A group of chemists and Indigenous leaders are looking for ways to engage in reconciliation through chemistry education, reports the Star Metro Edmonton. University of Saskatchewan Professor and New Credit First Nations member Malcolm King explained that one solution is incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing and western ideas into chemistry education. “Some of the stuff, for instance, would be the knowledge of Indigenous plants and how they develop,” said King. King further noted the importance of removing barriers through the improvement of science education in Indigenous communities. Toronto Star
Loyalist partnership with Irish institute creates new degree options
Loyalist College has annoucned that graduates of six of its diploma programs will now have the option to earn a degree at the Institute of Technology Tralee, Ireland in as little as one academic year. “Loyalist continues to establish new diploma-to-degree pathways to give Loyalist graduates more options to seamlessly and cost effectively earn a combination of credentials that will give them a competitive advantage in the marketplace,” said Loyalist President Ann Marie Vaughan. Vaughan further added that IT Tralee is similar to Loyalist in its staff-to-student ratio, ensuring that students receive personal attention and support. Loyalist
