Top Ten
August 29, 2018
Carleton launches $5M initiative for Employment and Enterprise Development
Carleton University has officially launched a new partnership among Ottawa’s post-secondary institutions to develop knowledge, resources and tools to support students with disabilities in advancing their careers. Titled the David C Onley Initiative for Employment and Enterprise Development, the two-year $5M project was envisioned by Carleton’s Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities and the Research, Education, Accessibility and Design Initiative. “Carleton has a longstanding commitment to accessibility and has always been a leader in providing programs that support student success,’’ says Carleton President Benoit-Antoine Bacon. “We are Canada’s most accessible university and the David C. Onley Initiative takes us a step further.” Carleton
UCalgary launches wearable tech program as demand for graduates explodes
The University of Calgary has received funding from the federal government to train 80 graduate students over the next six years to become experts in the field of wearable technology. “We're talking about Fitbit, and Garmin and Apple Watch — and countless companies that are popping up almost on a daily basis,” said Reed Ferber, director of UCalgary's Running Injury Clinic. “They need well-trained graduates who understand data science, understand the technology, understand the entrepreneurial side of wearable technology — and that's what the training program is all about.” CBC
Postsecondary students need help in finding fulfilling careers: Dickson, James
“Unfortunately, many young people will sail through their entire undergraduate education only to find themselves feeling lost and without direction at the end of the voyage,” write Langara College instructors Caroline Dickson and Kevin James. The authors reflect on the results of a career-planning workshop for high school and undergraduate students that was held in Vancouver, and which confirmed that most students found career planning to be “overwhelming” and that most parents were uncertain about how to offer support. Dickson and James discuss how career preparation and self-reflection can be better bolstered at home, in the classroom, and through work-integrated learning opportunities. The Province
PSE works to Indigenize programs, campus life
The Canadian Press highlights the recent efforts and preparations made by postsecondary institutions across the country as they continue to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada report released in 2015. The article specifically highlights the efforts of institutions such as Ryerson University, the University of Manitoba, University of Saskatchewan, University of Alberta, Saint Mary’s University, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University. “Universities and colleges are inherently colonial. They're inherently anti-Indigenous,” says Shanese Steele, national chairperson for the CFS National Circle of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Students, of the challenges faced in Indigenizing institutions. Steele adds that while creating and hiring Indigenous educators and leaders is important, she hopes to see a priority placed on Indigenous student services such as counselling, academic advising, and food banks. Hamilton Spectator (CP)
Sault opens doors to new Early Learning Centre
Sault College has celebrated the grand opening of the new space for its Early Learning Centre. The new location allows the college to better support its students and community members by increasing the amount of available childcare spaces. The Centre serves as the lab for the Early Childhood Education program, where staff and faculty collaborate on providing onsite learning opportunities to program students. “We couldn’t be more proud to officially open our new Early Learning Centre,” said Nancy Leindecker, Sault Early Learning Centre Manager. “Our beautiful new facility has so much to offer staff, students and community members alike. We are tremendously excited to continue teaching and caring for our young generation in this revitalized Centre.” NationTalk
UBO receives $1.3M to prepare youth with intellectual disabilities, ASD for employment
The University of British Columbia Okanagan has received $1.3M from the federal government to prepare youth living with intellectual disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder for meaningful employment. “Supporting self-advocates as they transition from school to adult life and giving them opportunities to contribute through meaningful work has enormous benefits for both the individual and the businesses they work for,” explained Transiting Youth with Disabilities and Employment principal investigator Rachelle Hole. Hole noted that the TYDE project offers a unique curriculum focused on both self-advocates and their caregivers. The first cohort of self-advocates is planned to test a new online tool in Fall 2019. UBCO
BC minister releases statement on sexual violence and misconduct information campaign
“Student life should never include any type of sexualized violence or misconduct. However, we know that roughly two-thirds of sexual assaults on campus occur during the first eight weeks of school,” says a recent statement from BC Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, Melanie Mark. The province has recently launched an information campaign to prevent sexualized violence and misconduct on and around postsecondary campuses. “Our campaign focuses on raising awareness,” the statement adds. “Sexualized violence and misconduct … have life-changing consequences for everyone involved.” The statement notes that the new campaign will aim to reach students throughout BC through a combination of social media advertising, student newspapers, and print materials to be distributed to popular bars on and around campuses. BC
NAIT, Uganda agreement focused on skills development
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology recently signed a three-year agreement with the Government of Uganda that will see the institute develop a road construction and maintenance program in a remote part of Uganda. The agreement is part of the Uganda Skills Development Project, which seeks to improve technical skills capacity for delivering training programs in priority industries. “The ultimate goal of the project is to help them become a centre of excellence in road and highway construction, not just in Lira but for all of Uganda,” says Ignacio Garcia, portfolio manager with NAIT Corporate and International Training. “The majority of the roads in Uganda are being built by foreigners. The labourers are Ugandan, but the technical work is being done by people from other countries.” Tech Life Today
Advice for leaders preparing to take over a troubled department
“Have you, perhaps against your better judgement, recently accepted the challenge of providing leadership to an academic unit known within its discipline or institution to be, at best, troubled or, at worst, not functioning?” ask CK Gunsalus, Nicholas C Burbules, and Robert A Easter. The authors highlight a number of pitfalls faced by leaders taking over a troubled academic unit. They add that it is crucial for new leaders not to think of themselves as “white knights” who will save the day, and instead insist that these leaders spend the majority of their time listening. The authors conclude by offering a series of other tips for anyone preparing to lead a department or faculty in turmoil. Inside Higher Ed
Durham introduces redeveloped Student Centre
Durham College has redeveloped its Student Centre to offer new student spaces, dining options, and support areas to its student community. The new centre will host DC Students Inc, a service-based association that administers the health and dental plan and provides outreach services; a Tutoring Centre run by Student Academic Learning Services that will host workshops, peer and drop-in tutoring, and a student study space; and new dining options. In the future, the redeveloped space will also include a student lounge and an eSports Gaming Arena. Durham
