Top Ten
July 12, 2018
China terminates over 200 transnational joint programs, institutions
The Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China recently approved the termination of 234 of its 2,342 transnational programs, including five jointly managed institutions. The move is reportedly an effort to improve quality and regulatory control, and to eliminate under-resourced programs. The largest number of terminated cooperative programs involve universities from the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. The list of canceled programs involving Canadian institutions include programs offered by the Beijing Institute of Technology and the Northern Alberta University of Technology, the Harbin Institute of Technology and Cape Breton University, and East China Jiaotong University and the University of New Brunswick. The Pie News | Inside Higher Ed | China Ministry of Education (Cantonese)
Selkirk, Ireland Institute of Technology Tralee sign MOU
Selkirk College and Ireland’s Institute of Technology Tralee have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate academic exchanges for students and faculty, articulation of programs, degree completion opportunities, and other joint projects. “Along with study abroad opportunities in Asia, South America and other European countries, we will now have an option for students to complete their bachelor's degree in Ireland after completing a two-year credential at Selkirk College,” stated Danny Beatty, Selkirk’s Manager of International Education & Development. According to a release, the Institute of Technology offers courses in business, hospitality and tourism, engineering, computing, nursing, and social sciences. Selkirk
Concordia's Galilei, Ubisoft partner on CR:MTL
Galilei, a company created by Concordia University, has partnered with videogame developer UbiSoft to make Montreal a technology hub, reports the Montreal Gazette. The initiative will focus on extended reality, or XR, which uses virtual reality technologies for widespread applications. Concordia will host the hub, XR:MTL, with Galilei running the day-to-day operations. “Montreal’s combination of world-class research, technical and creative talent positions us to become a global leader for XR,” said Galilei CEO Stéphane Marceau, adding that XR has potential outside of entertainment in the architectural, medical, and automotive fields. Montreal Gazette | VR Focus
Emphasis on quantity, productivity has given rise to productivity syndrome in higher ed
The principle that productivity trumps quality is “giving rise to a kind of productivity syndrome,” writes Mitchell Aboulafia. The author argues that the emphasis on quantity, which is easier to evaluate than quality, has led to an academic culture that “has become monomaniacally infatuated with productivity as the marker of a successful life.” The article discusses the impact that productivity syndrome has on tenured, tenure-track, and contingent faculty members; the institution’s work environment; and the culture of higher ed. The author concludes by challenging faculty to consider intentionally opting for work environments that do not focus on quantity or productivity first and taking time away from publishing. Chronicle of Higher Ed
Royal Roads, NWT School of Community Government sign MOU for training services
Royal Roads University and the Northwest Territories’ School of Community Government have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding that aims to enhance training services for community government, elected officials, and staff. “Royal Roads has a mandate to meet labour market needs throughout Canada. We help leaders develop the skills to succeed and better serve their communities,” said Royal Roads President Allan Cahoon. According to an RRU release, the two organizations have previously partnered in areas such as additional curriculum and course development, instruction, distance learning design and delivery, and joint research activities. RRU
Queen’s announces name of Innovation and Wellness Centre: Mitchell Hall
In honour of a leading donor and alumnus, Queen’s University has announced that its new Innovation and Wellness Centre will be officially named Mitchell Hall. “This gift, together with significant contributions from fellow alumni, the federal and provincial governments, and other friends of Queen’s will enable Mitchell Hall to be a powerful example of a shared commitment to research, innovation, and student wellness at Queen’s,” said Tom Harris, Queen's Interim Provost and Vice-Principal Academic. Queen’s states that the building was funded through $50M in contributions from private donors, with an additional $22M from the federal and provincial governments. Queen’s
Humber partners with SEW-EURODRIVE for Industry 4.0 initiative
Humber College and SEW-EURODRIVE have announced a five-year partnership to develop training and applied research opportunities in Industry 4.0, which includes clean technologies, renewable energy, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing. A Humber release states that SEW-EURODRIVE will showcase their Industry 4.0 laboratory at Humber's Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation as part of the agreement. "By collaborating with SEW-EURODRIVE, we are finding new ways to invest in our students and strengthen Humber's expertise in advanced manufacturing education and training," said Humber President Chris Whitaker. Humber adds that the partnership will also include a $4M investment in SEW-EURODRIVE technology at Humber, employment, and exchange pathways between Humber and SEW-EURODRIVE, and educational programs in Industry 4.0. Cision (Humber)
#MeToo, public education empower victims to seek out BrandonU’s Sexual Violence Support Office
Carla Navid, the Co-ordinator of Brandon University’s Sexual Violence Support Office, told the Brandon Sun that growing awareness of her role and the #MeToo movement have encouraged more people to seek help. “That tells me that people are more aware on our campus that this role is here .... they know they can come forward and that they can get help, and that’s the best part of my job is working with the survivors,” Navid stated. The Sun adds that the uptick of people coming forward also coincides with BrandonU’s recently updated Sexualized Violence Policy. Brandon Sun
NS announces new residencies for medical students
Nova Scotia will add ten residency spaces for family physicians in 2019, reports CBC. The government hopes that the decision will help alleviate a province-wide shortage of doctors. According to CBC, 52,000 NS residents are actively seeking a doctor. CBC adds that the initiative also seeks to provide residencies for medical school graduates without placements. “We're one of the few jurisdictions that have committed to a sustained residency expansion,” said NS Health Minister Randy Delorey. “That's important. I think that will do wonders for our recruitment over the near and long term.” CBC
UManitoba faculty member charged with possession of child pornography
University of Manitoba Assistant Professor Trevor Pemberton has been charged with the possession of child pornography, as well as importing, distributing, selling, or possessing child pornography for hte purposes of distribution or sale. The Winnipeg Free Press reports that Pemberton worked as an external research collaborator with the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba. “The university takes charges like these very seriously, and the university will co-operate with the Winnipeg Police Service, if asked,” said UManitoba Director of Communications John Danakas. Danakas explained that Pemberton has been put on leave with no assigned duties, meaning that he cannot be on campus or have contact with staff or students. Winnipeg Free Press
