Top Ten
June 22, 2018
RDC, Olds to open joint campus
Red Deer College and Olds College will open a joint campus in Ponoka, reports the Red Deer Advocate. Between September 2018 and 2020, the campus will introduce courses in English as a Foreign Language, heavy equipment operation, and health care. “Through this collaboration, we are contributing to the success of learners and creating communities that are committed to being regionally based centres of learning,” stated Debbie Thompson, VP Academic and Student Experience and Chief Innovation Officer. Bonnie Ireland, Executive Director of Campus Alberta Central, told the Advocate that the campus might add more programs, based on demand. Red Deer Advocate
Peterson launches defamation suit against WLU
Jordan Peterson has launched a $1.5M defamation lawsuit against Wilfrid Laurier University, reports the Montreal Gazette. Peterson’s statement of claim, filed by lawyer Howard Levitt, says he was labeled as “incompetent, sexist, misogynist, dangerous and racist” during a disciplinary meeting in which former TA Lindsay Shepherd was reprimanded for failing to denounce Peterson’s views during a tutorial. Peterson called the suit “a warning, let’s say, to other careless administrators and professors who allow their ideological presuppositions to get the best of them to be a bit more careful with what they say and do.” In a statement, WLU said it will “defend itself vigorously” against the legal action. Montreal Gazette
Ludmer Foundation donates $10M for brain research at McGill
The Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics & Mental Health at McGill University has received $10M from the Irving Ludmer Family Foundation. According to a McGill release, the donation will help establish a global consortium of leading research institutions, advance the Centre’s mandate to advance big-data research, and support young researchers. “The Ludmer Centre Heritage Fund will help expedite results for patients by facilitating collaboration between our researchers and other leading scientists and institutions, and allowing health care providers to put clinical innovations into practice more quickly,” said McGill Principal and Vice-Chancellor Suzanne Fortier. McGill
CFS, BCFS part ways after years of difficulties
The Canadian Federation of Students voted to end its relationship with all member organizations of the British Columbia Federation of Students, according to The Star. BCFS says that it has accused CFS of corruption and undemocratic practices over the past four years, and has withheld membership dues over the past three years. CFS has denied allegations of corruption and mismanagement. “This is something that our members didn’t take lightly,” said CFS National Deputy Chair Jade Peek. BCFS Chair Aran Armutlu said that the breakup will be a positive thing for both groups, stating that BC students “believe in a national student movement,” but that CFS is not that national organization. The Star
UManitoba receives $1M to establish scholars program
The University of Manitoba Front and Centre Campaign has received a $1M investment from the Gerald Schwartz & Heather Reisman Foundation to establish the Schwartz/Reisman Scholars Program. The program will provide students in the IH Asper School of Business and the Faculty of Law with scholarships valued at up to $30K each year until 2019-2020. “By giving the University’s most promising students strong foundations to build on, we are helping them reach their full potential and go on to make a difference in Manitoba and beyond,” said Gerald Schwartz. UManitoba
USask Medical College fully accredited
The University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine has been granted full accreditation of its undergraduate program from the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS). CBC reports that the college was put on probation in 2013 when the committee found education standards to be lacking. CACMS lifted the probation in 2015. “The college has worked very hard on improvements in our medical doctor program and we are highly encouraged by this positive acknowledgement,” said Dean of Medicine Dr. Preston Smith. “In particular, CACMS does not require a follow up visit, which is a strong indication of confidence in our team and our program.” USask | CBC
Discussing failure alongside success boosts grad morale
After reading an article about the mental-health crisis in graduate education, New York University Professor Jay Van Bavel decided to change his weekly meetings with graduate students, undergraduates, and postdocs. While meetings had previously focused on successes, achievements, and breakthroughs, Van Bavel introduced a much more common event in research: failure. “Opening up the conversation normalized the process and created an instant brainstorming support session,” wrote Van Bavel. “It also sparked a conversation about how we all deal with rejection.” The article goes on to discuss how Van Bavel’s approach improved morale and turned discussion to strategies for improving rejected articles and addressing setbacks. Chronicle
UoGuelph receives $1M Gift to support water research
The University of Guelph has received a $1M donation from Edward Y Morick that will support graduate scholarships in water resources engineering and aquatic biology. The scholarship will support six graduate students each year in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the College of Biological Science. “As a younger man, my only thought about water was that it went well with whisky,” said Morwick. “Half a century later, I realize that water — its conservation, protection and rehabilitation — are serious issues. I hope I do not live to see the day that I turn on a tap and nothing comes out.” UoGuelph
NBCC launches Indigenous Learning and Engagement Initiative
New Brunswick Community College has officially launched its Indigenous Learning and Engagement Initiative. “As an institution, we recognize that we must renew our relationships with the Indigenous peoples of this land to foster a greater understanding among students, staff and the NBCC Board of Governors, and the successful participation of Indigenous students and partners in NBCC’s learning activities,” said NBCC President Marilyn Luscombe. NBCC states that the initiative will increase opportunities for students and staff to learn from and about Indigenous culture and history. NBCC
NorQuest receives $1M gift for diversity and inclusion
Ann Colbourne, Chair of NorQuest College, has donated $1M to promote diversity and inclusion at the institution “This wonderful gift from Dr. Colbourne will certainly have a tremendous impact on the communities we serve,” said NorQuest President and CEO Jodi L. Abbott. “Our clear strategic goals include developing programs and services that anticipate and respond to market demand, and we know diversity training plays a key role in today’s economy.” A NorQuest release states that the donation was inspired by Colbourne’s interest in the college’s Centre for Intercultural Education, which assists the professional sector with diversity and inclusion training. NorQuest
