Top Ten
October 9, 2018
McGill receives $2M partnership grant for nursing research
McGill University’s Ingram School of Nursing has received $2M from a major partnership grant for a research project focused on improving the nursing work environment through leadership training. “We know there is a serious problem, with nurses reporting dissatisfaction with their work environments to the degree that they want to leave the profession,” said ISoN Professor Laurie Gottleib, who is leading the program. “The goal of our research is to create a paradigm shift from the current deficit-based management model to a strengths-based approach, to help create healthier working environments for nurses and healthcare workers, and to create better patient outcomes as a result.” The grant is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and additional partners.
Judges association determines that Lakehead Interim Law Dean cannot be removed from bench
The Canadian Supreme Court Judges Association has determined that Justice Patrick Smith cannot be removed from the bench following his decision to step in as Interim Law Dean at the Lakehead University Law School, CBC has learned. Chief Justice Robert Pidgeon ruled that while Smith’s decision to take the position following the resignation of former DeanAngelique EagleWoman risked shaking the public’s confidence in the judiciary, his conduct in doing so was not so egregious as to warrant a review for his dismissal. According to the Judges Association, Smith sought and obtained permission from Chief Justice Heather Smith (no relation) before accepting the role at Lakehead, and the Chief Justice also sought advice from a senior counsel before making her decision.
LSAT’s decision to go all digital reflects general trend in graduate exam delivery: Kaplan
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) will shift to a fully digital format after July 2019, reports Inside Higher Ed. The Law School Admission council stated that the structure and substance of the test will not change, and that the long lead-up to the change is designed to accommodate test-takers who have been preparing for the test in its paper-and-pencil format. Inside Higher Ed says that the change reflects increasing competition from the GRE, which has started to earn recognition from a growing number of law schools. According to an analysis from Kaplan Test Prep, the change “follows the trend that we have seen among all major graduate-level admissions exams over the past decade.”
Saudi students told they can still obtain UPEI degree
The University of Prince Edward Island has offered to help former students who were ordered to leave Canada during a diplomatic dispute with Saudi Arabia this past summer, reports CBC. While most of UPEI’s Saudi students—which consisted of 32 undergraduates and one graduate student—left Canada, eight chose to remain, paying their own way after the Saudi government cancelled their scholarships. UPEI has written to the departed students to tell them they might still be able to obtain a UPEI degree, and that those who have enrolled in other universities might be able to transfer their credits back to UPEI.
AB contributes $12M for new neurosciences centre at UAlberta Hospital
The University of Prince Edward Island has offered to help former students who were ordered to leave Canada during a diplomatic dispute with Saudi Arabia this past summer, reports CBC. While most of UPEI’s Saudi students—which consisted of 32 undergraduates and one graduate student—left Canada, eight chose to remain, paying their own way after the Saudi government cancelled their scholarships. UPEI has written to the departed students to tell them they might still be able to obtain a UPEI degree, and that those who have enrolled in other universities might be able to transfer their credits back to UPEI.
UQAT receives $2.1M from industry, government
The Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) has received a combined $2.1M from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s Research and Development Co-operative Grants, as well as contributions from industry and government parties. The funds will support a total of 6 projects that have focuses on mining, forestry, conservation, and related topics. UQAT explains that RDCs are provided to support mutually beneficial collaborations between universities and the private sector.
UWindsor reveals mental health strategy at inaugural Campus Health Day
The University of Windsor held its first Campus Health Day, where UWindsor Interim President Douglas Kneale and Associate VP of Student Experience Ryan Flannagan highlighted the university’s new Student Mental Health Strategy. According to a UWindsor release, the Strategy features a $1.5M investment that will include two new full-time support positions and resources for a new wellness fund. The Strategy will also emphasize proactive wellness activities and preventative measures while improving upon its existing mental health infrastructure. CBC reports that Campus Health Day also addressed the mental health concerns of international students living away from home for the first time.
URegina student, faculty unions call for more from university, province
The University of Regina and the provincial government must do more to support students and faculty, argue URegina Students’ Union Interim President Jermain Mckenzie and URegina Faculty Association President Sylvain Rheault in a recent letter to the editor of the Regina Leader-Post. “Recently, decisions have been made that signal other priorities have taken precedence over students and staff at the university,” argue the authors.“ Millions have been spent on expensive capital projects, which have had little or no impact on the academic outcome of students.” Harvey King, the Executive Director of the URegina Centre for Continuing Education, wrote a rebuttal to this allegation describing how the College Avenue Campus Renewal Project has directly benefited the institution, community, and students.
Regina Leader Post (1) | Regina Leader-Post (2)
Study fails to improve student study time, but establishes way to measure interventions
A recent study from the University of Toronto has found that text messages and online communications that were designed to ‘nudge’ students into studying more had little impact on their study time. However, Doug Lederman reports that study conducted by U of T researcher Phil Oreopoulos and his colleagues offers a prime example of how to measure the impact of educational technology. “We are optimistic that these types of online interventions, over time, will make a difference,” explained Oreopoulos. “And our ability to learn the truth about their potential impact is improving all the time, too.”
UFV receives $1.12M family donation to support scholarships, innovation, and entrepreneurship
The University of the Fraser Valley will provide students with new space to hone their entrepreneurial skills, thanks to a $1.12M donation from the Esposito family of Abbotsford. $1M of the funds will be used to support a centre for innovation and entrepreneurship to be named after the Esposito family, while an additional $125K will support annual student awards. “This is a way to support the future of Abbotsford and help all people wanting to further their education and build meaningful lives and careers for themselves,” noted Paul Esposito Sr. “We are looking to inspire growth in others and help them succeed.”
