Top Ten
September 27, 2018
UOttawa severs ties with student federation amidst allegations of mismanagement, malfeasance
The University of Ottawa will no longer recognize the Student Federation of the University of Ottawa as a governing body following allegations of misconduct and the misappropriation of funds, reports CBC. UOttawa VP Academic and Provost David Graham stated that the university has “lost confidence” in the student governing body in light of “additional allegations of improper governance, mismanagement, internal conflict and workplace misconduct” following a forensic audit into its finances. Graham added that, in the interim, the university will maintain essential student services usually dealt with by the SFUO. CBC | Ottawa Citizen
Douglas opens new campus
Douglas College has opened a new campus in Anvil Tower, a state-of-the-art facility in downtown New Westminster. The space will house Douglas’ accounting, business administration, business management, finance, hospitality management and office administration programs. “The Anvil Office Tower expansion makes quality post-secondary education even more accessible for our students,” said Judy Darcy, MLA for New Westminster. “Added seats and learning opportunities in such a convenient, central location will draw students from throughout the province, as well as help local students keep studying and working in the community they love.” The New Westminster Record states that Douglas holds a 10-year lease over the space. BC | New Westminster Record
Lakehead signs MOU with local school boards for university achievement program
Lakehead University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two local school boards. According to a Lakehead release, the agreement will give public school students the opportunity to enrol in Lakehead’s University Achievement Program beginning in Grade 4, with annual opportunities for financial assistance until Grade 12. “We know that students who feel a strong sense of belonging are more likely to succeed,” said Nicole Morden-Cormier, Interim Director of Education at Superior-Greenstone District School Board. “Lakehead University’s Achievement Program has been designed to do just that – to ensure that students become familiar with and feel welcome at the University beginning in grade 4.” Lakehead
Northern Lakes breaks ground on new High Prairie campus
Students living in or around the town of High Prairie, Alberta will soon have access to new post-secondary opportunities, thanks to the construction of a new campus for Northern Lakes College. A Northern Lakes release states that the new campus will serve approximately 225 students in a modern, purpose-built learning environment. “This new facility will support generations of learners and enable Northern Lakes College to provide a wider variety of programs and services to the community,” said Northern Lakes President Ann Everatt. The new campus's construction received $21.6M from the Government of Alberta. AB
Ryerson partners with Audible to develop new facilities, programming in audio entertainment
Ryerson University’s Faculty of Communication and Design has partnered with Audible to pursue a multifaceted initiative dedicated to audio entertainment at Ryerson's School of Performance. As part of the partnership, Audible will provide Ryerson students in the Performance Acting Program with a state-of-the-art performance training facility, companion sound studio, and an annual scholarship fund. “With our focus on developing strengths as an educator in audiobook production, we are excited to work with Audible now and in the years ahead to leverage their insight and connections in this flourishing multi-billion-dollar business for the benefit of our students,” said Ryerson FCAD Dean Charles Falzon. Ryerson
AB post-secondary students saddled with growing student, consumer debt
Post-secondary students are accumulating debt at an “alarming rate,” according to Freida Richer, a financial insolvency expert. The Edmonton Journal reports that a student who graduates from a four-year program typically carries a student loan debt of $23K plus $24K of consumer debt. “The trap is that some students think they will immediately jump into that ideal job with that ideal pay and I think that’s a misconception,” said Richer. “That inability to get into that ideal job and ideal rate of pay means it is taking longer and becoming much more of a challenge for people post graduation to pay down that debt.” Edmonton Journal
Okanagan program receives CFA designation
Okanagan College’s Bachelor of Business Administration degree program has received approval from the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute. “Having the CFA designation is a requirement in this day and age for certain jobs, as finance positions are becoming even more competitive,” stated Elena Mitropolsky, a professor of Finance at Okanagan. “People often consider whether they want to pursue an MBA or CFA, and while graduate schools can differ in terms of quality of program, the CFA designation is a signal to employers that the individual has met international standards.” An Okanagan release adds that the college will also distribute up to nine scholarships to students who take the CFA exams. Okanagan
UAlberta receives donation for engineering makerspace
The University of Alberta has received a major donation from philanthropists Ernie and Cathie Elko in support of the Elko Engineering Garage, a 6,000 square-foot engineering space. A UAlberta release states that the gift will cover the facility’s maintenance and operating costs. “We are creating an open-access space for engineering students to be able to collaborate, prototype and invent, that emphasizes learning through doing in a social environment,” said Engineering Garage Director Eric Flaim. The facility is scheduled to open in January of 2019. UAlberta (1) | UAlberta (2)
Canadore Village receives $1M from Canada
Canadore College has received $1M in federal funding for its Canadore Village project, reports the North Bay Nugget. According to Canadore, the Village will feature collaborative inter-professional education spaces and integrated Indigenous, Eastern, and Western healing and wellness practices. The Nugget states that the first phase of the project, which is scheduled for completion in November, includes a remodel of an existing 9,000 square-foot space, plus a new, 24,000 square-foot expansion. The second phase will feature a 144-unit seniors’ living facility. According to the Nugget, the federal government has now contributed over $6M toward the project. North Bay Nugget
ENAP signs agreements in Tunisia, Senegal
The École nationale d'administration publique has completed a mission to consolidate activities in Tunisia and Senegal. According to a release, discussions at the Université européenne de Tunis focused on collaboration with the Tunisian government. ENAP representatives also signed a partnership agreement with the École supérieure de commerce de Dakar in Senegal. The agreement was signed during a conference at Dakar’s Chamber of Commerce. UQuébec
