Top Ten
August 31, 2018
Fanshawe students to enjoy $66M state-of-the-art building in London’s core
Students of Fanshawe College’s culinary arts program will enjoy a state-of-the-art training facility when they walk into the school’s new 114,000 square foot building in downtown London on Tuesday. The $66M building spans six floors and will house Fanshawe's Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Arts school and its Information Technology school. In addition to the 25 labs that include computer labs and kitchens, the location includes a restaurant (Chef's Table) where shoppers can sample the students’ work. “This building is incredible,” said Fanshawe president Peter Devlin. “The students will be in the downtown core next to businesses and industries that need our graduates.” CBC
UQTR partners with AUF, Madagascar university on education and training
L'Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, the Institut supérieur de Technologie d’Antananarivo in Madagascar, and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie have signed an agreement to collaborate on a new initiative. The initiative aims to strengthen the education and training offerings of nine institutions at three different levels of education in order to ensure the employability of Malagasy youth. The $7.5M project will involve a number of important partners, including the training institutions, private sector organizations, and government groups from Madagascar and Quebec. UQTR
Anonymous student tells story of asking for help after sexual assault at Canadian university
“My story is unsettling and, sadly, all too common,” writes a Canadian university student in a reflection on their experience of sexual assault and its aftermath. The student was immediately connected with a counsellor, whom the student says was “an invaluable support at a crucial time.” The ensuring journey takes the reader through the experience of engaging health services, academic accommodations, and the campus human rights office. “The fact that I had to knock on so many doors at least paved the way for a number of changes that will ensure administrators have the proper knowledge to implement the university’s policies,” the author concludes. “I can only hope that this article will inspire other universities to take similar measures to ensure their policies are followed.” University Affairs
ON human rights commission releases new policy, recommendations on accessible education
The Ontario Human Rights Commission has released its new Policy on accessible education for students with disabilities. OHRC has made a number of recommendations for the government, post-secondary institutions, and K-12 schools to undertake to make the education system inclusive and allow students with disabilities to thrive. “All students have the right to an education that allows them to meet their full potential and contribute to society, and yet students with disabilities continue to face obstacles accessing education services in Ontario,” said OHRC Chief Commissioner Renu Mandhane. “Our policy and recommendations call on key players in the sector to take proactive steps to remove barriers and put an end to discrimination in education, so that all students can gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.” Nation Talk | OHRC
U of T to draw on “innovation architecture” in construction of new 14-storey PIE Complex
The University of Toronto is planning to build a new 14-storey tower in downtown Toronto that will be designed according to principles of “innovation architecture.” Alex Bozikovic writes that the new Partnerships in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (PIE) Complex will feature adaptable and bright workspaces counterbalanced by large volumes of space for informal work, socializing, and conversations that spur innovation. “We’re looking to create very flexible work spaces, and also facilitate social and professional exchange,” says Gilbert Delgado, U of T’s chief of planning, design and construction. “Researchers can be in their labs, and have gracious places to go several times a day, to take a break and have spontaneous encounters.” Globe and Mail (Subscription Required)
UQAR receives $1.2M to study groundwater
Université du Québec à Rimouski has received $1.2M from the Government of Quebec to undertake a study of groundwater in the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions. Over the next three years, researchers from UQAR will map regional properties and examine the quantity, quality, and vulnerability of groundwater resources. The project will see the team conduct a pilot project in the Gaspé Peninsula to create a preliminary estimate of groundwater resources, as well as developing a report with recommendations on the relevance of completing a comprehensive project for the province. UQAR
MRU opens Calgary’s first permanent Pride crosswalk
Mount Royal University students, staff, and faculty have stood together to celebrate the opening of Calgary’s first permanent Pride crosswalk. MRU reports that the campus crossing is a sign of its commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive campus for everyone. “All of the colours combine to represent our pride,” said MRU Provost Lesley Brown. “The pride flag also represents some big words: Bravery. Courage. And the strength that it takes to ‘come out’ – whoever you are and whatever ‘coming out’ means to you.” The cost of the sidewalk’s installation was covered by local Calgary business Zoom Painting, which says it will refresh the colours annually free of charge for five years. MRU | Global News| The Star Calgary
UWindsor’s Canterbury College to build new residence
Canterbury College at the University of Windsor is constructing a three-storey student residence that will help to attract graduate and international students to the institution. The $6M Canterbury College student residence will house 62 students and replace three houses currently owned and occupied by the college. “The new residence will significantly elevate the profile of Canterbury College in its role as part of the broader University of Windsor community to enrich the lives of our students,” said Canterbury Principal Gordon Drake. Drake explained that plans for the residence has been under development for the last two to three years. Windsor Star | UWindsor
Universities face growing demand for supports as youth express emotional needs more openly
The post-millennial generation feels more empowered to speak about its needs, and as a result, universities are being held to a higher standard when it comes to mental-health services, reports the Montreal Gazette. The article highlights a number of initiatives that McGill University has introduced to help address this growing need. The Gazette reports that in 2016, about 44,000 Canadian students across 41 post-secondary schools responded to a survey that found about a fifth were dealing with immense anxiety, depression, and other mental-health illnesses. Montreal Gazette
Maple League introduces multidisciplinary course on time
The Maple League universities will be offering a new multidisciplinary course focused on the theme of time. Mount Allison University, Acadia University, St Francis Xavier University, and Bishop's University are collaborating to offer students a richer, more relevant learning experience. Students will be enrolled in the course at all four institutions and will attend classes both in-person and through videoconferencing.“Made possible by 21st-century technology, this course is a striking demonstration that the liberal arts approach to learning – at the core of all four of the Maple League universities – is more relevant than ever for students, as they seek to understand our increasingly complex and fast-paced world,” says Maple League Executive Director Jessica Riddell. MtA | StFX
