Top Ten
June 25, 2018
QC invests $38M for UQÀM renovation
The Québec government will invest $38M in the renovation of the Sanguinet pavilion at l’Université du Québec à Montréal. UQÀM states that the renovation has been necessitated by the growth of the university’s School of Management Sciences over the last ten years. UQÀM President Magda Fusaro stated that the renovation will revitalize Montréal’s Quartier Latin, while also supporting the city’s business community. UQÁM adds that the project is part of the university’s 100 millions d’idées fundraising campaign. UQÀM
CRCC announces new tri-agency grants focused on Indigenous research, reconciliation
The Canada Research Coordinating Committee has announced the launch of new tri-agency Indigenous Research Capacity and Reconciliation—Connection Grants. These grants support interdisciplinary events and outreach activities that address themes such as supporting Indigenous talent and research, engaging Indigenous knowledge, mobilizing knowledge and partnerships for reconciliation, and fostering mutually respectful relationships. The projects must involve the participation of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit communities in their leadership and governance. The grants are valued at $50K for six months with the possibility of a six-month extension. SSHRC (1) | SSHRC (2)
Bombardier announces funding for Centennial, U of T, Ryerson programs
Bombardier will invest $1.5M over the next five years to fund the Aeromaterials Research Centre, which is part of an ongoing collaboration with Centennial College. A Centennial release adds that Bombardier will also contribute $1M to help create two more ARCs at Ryerson University and the University of Toronto. Centennial President Ann Buller stated that “[o]ur new space will allow us to expand our aviation technician AME programs and introduce new ones in aerospace manufacturing, which will triple our aviation-related enrolment to more than 1,000 full-time students.” Centennial
Queen's, TTO partner on launch of Mohawk Language and Culture Certificate for Tyendinaga community
Queen’s University and Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na (TTO) Language and Cultural Centre have partnered on the launch of a Certificate in Mohawk Language and Culture. The certificate will give students knowledge of the Mohawk language and embed them in culturally rich learning experiences. “This certificate is distinctive in the way it provides training in both Mohawk language and culture directly to members of the Tyendinaga community,” said Queen’s President Daniel Woolf, “and I am proud that Queen’s is a part of this important initiative.” Queen's (1) | Queen's (2)
NSCC staff vote to leave NSTU, form new union
Faculty and professional support staff at Nova Scotia Community College will form their own union after voting to leave the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, reports CBC. The decision to leave followed concerns that the NSTU, which also represents K-12 teachers, could not address the specific needs of academic staff. “I don't blame the NSTU for what happened, I just think we need a union that is focused on us and won't have their attention divided," said Barb Gillis, President of the new NSCC Academic Union. In a statement, the NSTU expressed disappointment about the NSCC staff’s decision, but wished them “a smooth transition over the coming weeks and months.” CBC
Lambton, Nipissing pilot degree pathway
Lambton College is piloting a new degree pathway in partnership with Nipissing University. According to a Lambton release, the agreement will allow students enrolled in Lambton’s three-year Advanced Technology diploma programs to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration degree through Nipissing. Lambton adds that the programs offer a blended delivery model that incorporates online and in-class learning, and that students who wish to complete an accelerated degree have the option of completing within sixteen months. Lambton
ULethbridge to launch minor in small business
The University of Lethbridge has announced that it will launch a Family and Small Business Minor in September. “From evaluating market opportunities and testing assumptions to analyzing financial resources and spotting growth opportunities, the Family and Small Business minor will give students broad knowledge of small business enterprises,” said Bruce Thurston, a faculty member with the Dhillon School of Business. ULethbridge states that the minor will include courses in small business management, growing a business, financial management, and small business diagnostics. ULethbridge
SRC formally expands mentorship for Indigenous PSE students
The Saskatchewan Research Council has announced that it is formally expanding the Aboriginal Mentorship Program. The program helps connect First Nations, Inuit, and Métis postsecondary students in STEM fields with an SRC mentor in a similar discipline. The students also gain work experience through a hands-on summer job at SRC. A SK release also notes that an MOU between SRC and the University of Regina will see both groups collaborate on the promotion of this program to students in the Regina-area, while an MOU between SRC and Gabriel Dumont Institute Training & Employment will help guarantee funding for Métis students in the program for the next three years. SK
Loyalist, fire departments forge partnership
Loyalist College has partnered with the Hastings Prince Edward Mutual Aid Fire Training Complex to enable firefighters to earn certifications close to home. Loyalist’s new fire service career preparation and development program will allow volunteer and career firefighters to participate in online theory courses and hands-on practical training at the complex. “We’ve trained to standards for years, but the requirements moving forward is to prove you have that training,” said Belleville Fire Chief Mark MacDonald, adding that having Loyalist as a partner would bring additional credibility and authenticity to the program. Loyalist Senior Vice-President Academic Ann Drennan described the partnership as “a real joy.” Quinte News
TRU, Indian delegation build on existing partnership with transfer opportunities
A delegation from Punjab, India, visited Thompson Rivers University to build on an existing partnership between Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University and TRU. A release states that the delegation sought to incorporate transfer credits from engineering, business, trades, and joint degree programs offered by I K Gujral Punjab Technical University, Ranjit Singh Technical, and TRU. “This union is important for our students because a large percentage of them wish to travel abroad for higher education and obtain a degree. It’s a great learning experience and there’s considerable interest to study in Canada,” said Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, Vice-Chancellor of Ranjit Singh Technical. TRU
