Top Ten
June 6, 2018
Federal government invests $158M in humanities and social science research
The federal government has announced $158M in funding for over 800 research projects to be distributed through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. A release states that the funds will support projects on education, immigration, youth, Indigenous arts leadership and climate change. “It is my honour to support these talented researchers and help them push the boundaries of knowledge that will mean a better environment, better health, better society, and a better economy for all Canadians,” said Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.
MUN receives federal, provincial support for $36M Animal Resource Centre
CBC states that Memorial University has received funding from the federal and provincial governments for a $36M Animal Resource Centre. The new ARC will provide space for researchers and teaching faculty with the Faculties of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, and the School of Science. The centre will also replace aging facilities, helping MUN to maintain its certificate of good practice from the Canadian Council on Animal Care, according to MUN veterinarian Jennifer Keyte. “Memorial does hold a certificate of good animal practice but the CCAC has identified that our facilities no longer meet the standards. So that was the need for this new building,” Keyte said. CBC
Professors of colour face distinct structural challenges: Zoledziowski
In an article for the Globe and Mail, Anya Zoledziowski interviews several professors of colour to investigate the pressures that non-white faculty face. These faculty members describe the unpaid “emotional labour” that goes into supporting students of colour and how this impacts other responsibilities and career trajectories. They also discuss their experiences facing systemic inequities with race and ethnicity. University of Alberta professor Malinda Smith explains that the emotional and invisible labour unique to professors of colour is disproportionately imposed upon women.
Georgian receives $1M investment from ABSC for research centre
The Automotive Business School of Canada will invest $1M over the next four years toward a state-of-the-art facility at Georgian College. “The ABSC Board chose to invest in the Advanced Technology, Innovation and Research Centre (ATIRC) mainly because we fully support Georgian’s determination to advance research and innovation activity in central Ontario,” stated ABSC Board Member John White. A Georgian release states that the investment will be put toward a space for students to network with industry leaders, and which will feature a 24-foot digital wall to stream “speakers and thought leaders from all over the world.”
SaskPolytech, BCIT sign MOU to recognize military service for degree pathways
Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and National Advanced Placement & Prior Learning have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that recognizes military training and experience. According to a SaskPolytech release, the agreement will provide academic pathways for service men and women transitioning into civilian careers. “This agreement paves the way for the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired through military experience to be applied as credit for placement towards a certificate, diploma or degree at SaskPolytech,” stated SaskPolytech President Larry Rosia. The MOU integrates SaskPolytech into a previously existing partnership between BCIT and NAAPL.
New Indigenous think tank at Ryerson addresses “urgent need” for policy analysis
Ryerson University has launched the Yellowhead Institute, an Indigenous think tank that brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers together to analyze policy and law that affects First Nations communities. “We’re hoping to reverse the very long history of excluding Indigenous people from policy decisions and legal decisions that affect our communities,” Yellowhead Director Hayden King told CityNews. “It should be Indigenous people themselves that make decisions about their future.” A Ryerson release states that the Institute has released its first report, which provides a critical analysis of the Liberal government’s Indigenous Rights, Recognition, and Implementation Framework.
MRU, 41 Canadian Brigade Group sign MOU for degree pathway
Mount Royal University and 41 Canadian Brigade Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provides degree pathways for Canadian Armed Forces members. According to the release, CAF members who have completed their Primary Leadership Course – Army and Intermediate Leadership Qualification Course – Army may apply their credentials to MRU’s Mount Project Management Extension Certificate and Leadership Development Extension Certificate. “Creating and supporting personalized learning pathways is at the core of what we do at Mount Royal,” said Brad Mahon, Interim Dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education and Extension. “Being able to facilitate that for former and serving Canadian Armed Forces members is an honour.”
Francophone institutions call on ON candidates for improved funding
Francophone and bilingual PSE institutions in Ontario have called on the candidates of the upcoming provincial election to address funding gaps specific to their programs, reports leDroit. According to Carol Jolin, President of l’Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario, the province needs to strike a balance with programs offered in Anglophone institutions. La Cité collègiale President Lise Bourgeois told leDroit that the AFO’s requests reflect how Francophone and bilingual training in PSE must keep up with the demands of the knowledge economy.
UWindsor to launch certificate program in anthrozoology
The University of Windsor will offer a new certificate program in anthrozoology in September 2018, reports CBC. The program is focused on the study of the relationship and interactions between humans and animals, and will include courses on animals in literature, law, and entertainment. UWindsor professor Beth Daly explained that students have expressed a strong interest in the program since the university began offering courses on the topic. "One course turned into two courses and now several years later and a lot of paperwork later we now have a certificate in anthrozoology,” she said.
Lethbridge expands Health Care Aide Program to meet market demand
Lethbridge College has announced that it will expand its Health Care Aide Program from 24 to 30 seats while also adding a new part-time online cohort for 16 students. “The industry is changing. Health care aides are increasingly being incorporated into the healthcare models within our acute-care, long-term and assisted-living facilities,” said Karla Wolsky, Chair of the Schools of Health Sciences and Allied Health. According to Alberta Health Services, the province employs 6,800 health care aides, making the profession the largest for continuing care in Alberta. The Lethbridge release states that the profession is also undergoing above-average annual growth that augments pre-existing employment turnover and retirements rates, thereby creating a significant demand for professionals in the field.
