Top Ten
June 13, 2018
BC institutions collaborate on social infrastructure initiative
Simon Fraser University, the British Columbia Institute of Technology, the University of Northern British Columbia, and Vancouver Island University, in partnership with the McConnell Family Foundation, have founded the BC Collaborative for Social Infrastructure. A UNBC press release states that the initiative will focus on green campuses, Indigenous entrepreneurship, social procurement, and library outreach programs. “Helping build social infrastructure is a way for universities and colleges to contribute to social and environmental resilience and sustainability, while deepening relationships with their local communities,” stated McConnell President Stephen Huddart. UNBC
‘Irrational exuberance’ can derail cannabis curricula
PSE institutions that have partnered with cannabis producers in anticipation of industry demand need to exercise caution about who they work with, a number of experts tell Douglas Quan in a feature for the National Post. While proponents of the programs state that both students and companies will benefit from exposure to real-world case studies, co-ops, and internships, Quan reports that a number of industry players have come under scrutiny for unscrupulous business practices. “Where the challenge lies is that this is a very new industry,” said Steven Hoffman, a professor at York University. “Universities and colleges will need to be very diligent in making sure they’re partnering with credible, safe and effective industry partners.” National Post
An academic’s advice for dealing with unexpected media attention
There are a few key things a postsecondary education professional should know when struck with an unexpected wave of media interest, writes Erin L Thompson. The author first recommends that a professional gather a team rather than trying to deal with the media blitz themselves. If you go it alone, the author adds, “you will be exhausted, irritable, and overwhelmed. And being exhausted, irritable, and overwhelmed is the surest way to end up making a public comment that you regret, whether it’s merely incoherent or reputation-destroying disastrous.” Other tips include organizing a tool kit that provides basic information about you and your work, in addition to getting back to journalists in a timely and respectful manner. Chronicle of Higher Education
UQAM partners with two Japanese universities to foster research, student exchange
Université du Québec à Montréal has signed a partnership agreement with Hiroshima City University and Kelo University in Tokyo. According to a release, the Hiroshima partnership will consist of a summer school offered through the Institute of Peace, while the Kelo partnership will further research in artificial intelligence. UQAM also invited Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui to deliver a keynote at a peace conference in Montreal scheduled for the fall. The release adds that the partnership could double the number of Japanese students enrolled at UQAM for the upcoming academic year. UQAM
UOttawa's Telfer School of Management introduces BCom in Healthcare Analytics
The University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management will launch a new Bachelor of Commerce option through its Healthcare Analytics program. A Telfer release states that the BCom will focus on data, systems engineering, management, and organizational innovation to improve service delivery under a patient-centred model of participatory medicine. Jonathan Patrick, Program Director of Telfer’s MSc in Health Systems, stated that the program will give students the opportunity to “pursue their undergraduate program in business and to forge a path toward making a social impact.” Telfer
CICan launches partnerships in Chile
Colleges and Institutes Canada has announced the launch of new institutional alliances in Chile as part of the Pacific Alliance Program. A Canadian consortium formed by the College of New Caledonia, Nova Scotia Community College, and Niagara College has partnered with three Chilean institutions: Centro de Formación Técnica de la Universidad Católica del Norte de Antofagasta (CEDUC-UCN), the Instituto Industrial Don Bosco de Antofagasta and Calama, and the Centro de Formación Técnica de Calama. The Canadian consortium will support the Chilean institutions by providing technical assistance and training to directors, instructors, and administrative staff through a competency-based education and training model. CICan
Major political science journals cannot account for publishing gender gap
Colleges and Institutes Canada has announced the launch of new institutional alliances in Chile as part of the Pacific Alliance Program. A Canadian consortium formed by the College of New Caledonia, Nova Scotia Community College, and Niagara College has partnered with three Chilean institutions: Centro de Formación Técnica de la Universidad Católica del Norte de Antofagasta (CEDUC-UCN), the Instituto Industrial Don Bosco de Antofagasta and Calama, and the Centro de Formación Técnica de Calama. The Canadian consortium will support the Chilean institutions by providing technical assistance and training to directors, instructors, and administrative staff through a competency-based education and training model. CICan
Kingston, Queen's partner to target university district partiers
The City of Kingston and Queen's University have announced the launch of a pilot project that will target problem partiers with stricter penalties, starting this fall. During move-in week, homecoming week, and St Patrick’s day, anyone charged with certain offences will have to appear in court before a justice of the peace. CBC reports that Queen’s will also have the opportunity use public court documents to determine how many charged people are Queen’s students. “Finding ways to encourage good citizenship, address these large parties, and promote student and public safety and community well-being is a high priority for me and the rest of my leadership team,” said Queen’s Principal Daniel Woolf. Ottawa Citizen | CBC
Dal tells CUPE requested information would require $55K to retrieve
CBC reports that Dalhousie University has told the Canadian Union of Public Employees that it would cost $55K and take nearly a year to get information about the number of full-time and part-time faculty at the institution. CUPE has been using access-to-information laws to determine the makeup of university teaching staff at 78 publicly funded institutions. “Of the 58 [postsecondary schools] that responded in full, 35 sent the info for free and 21 charged less than $1,000,” said CUPE researcher Chandra Pasma, who accused Dal of trying to hide information behind the fee. Nova Scotia information and privacy commissioner Catherine Tully stated that the $55K fee is likely the largest access bill ever seen in NS. CBC
Trent unveils campus expansion plans
Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area has unveiled its expansion plans for its campus in Oshawa that includes a proposed $26M building. The new building would integrate academic, administrative, and student living spaces to create a full living and learning community. “As we announce a major expansion of our presence in Oshawa, introduce new undergraduate and graduate programs and increase careers and experiential learning opportunities,” said Trent Durham Head Joe Muldoon. “Our partnership with the City will grow for the benefit of everyone in the Oshawa community and the Region of Durham.” Oshawa
