Top Ten
October 15, 2018
Maclean’s releases 2019 university rankings by student satisfaction
Maclean’s has released its 2019 rankings of Canadian universities by student satisfaction. Based on a survey completed by 23,000 students across the country, this year’s rankings introduced a new question on how well universities are making Indigenous histories, cultures, and languages visible on campus. The top spot in the Medical/Doctoral category went to Université de Sherbrooke, while Wilfrid Laurier University claimed top spot in the Comprehensive category. Bishop’s University earned the top spot in the Primarily Undergraduate category. Respondents to the survey gave their opinions on professors and staff, residence life, and opportunities for extracurricular activities and experiential education, such as co-op programs. Students also weighed in on such topical issues as mental health services and whether they think their university is doing enough to prevent sexual assault on campus. Maclean’s
Humber to develop next-gen technologies through partnership with DMG Mori Canada
Humber College has entered into a five-year partnership with DMG Mori Canada to develop Industry 4.0 technologies. A Humber release states that the partnership will also feature awards and scholarships to be distributed by DMG Mori, in addition to employment pathways and recruitment opportunities for students. “Our students and faculty will benefit from DMG MORI’s expertise and learning on their machine tooling systems, as they prepare for the highly-skilled, advanced manufacturing jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Humber President Chris Whitaker. Humber
Dal unveils new $64M facilities with support from industry, students
Dalhousie University has officially opened two new buildings at its downtown campus that will house programs in its engineering and architecture faculties. CBC reports that the $64M facilities were funded by the federal government and several of the region’s largest corporations, which include energy conglomerate Emera and Irving Oil. $7M in student fees also helped pay for the building, CBC adds. “With all this expansion, there's a lot more space for us to work actually on this campus rather than go off campus between classes. We can stay on campus. It's really nice to see how the faculty and the community has really come together,” said Electrical Engineering Sierra Sparks. CBC | Dal
Fraudsters target international students in Peterborough with “Welcome to Canada” tax
A new phone scam in Peterborough has been targeting international students, the Peterborough Examiner has learned. Potential victims receive a call that claims Canadian law requires them to pay a $2,500 “Welcome to Canada Tax.” The Examiner adds that in a follow-up call, someone posing as a city police officer will threaten to immediately arrest the student if they do not make the payment through a bitcoin machine. Police are working with Fleming College and Trent University to warn international students about the scam. Peterborough Examiner
VIU opens new health centre, expands space for trades
Vancouver Island University showcased its new Health and Science Centre this week, as well as upgrades to its existing Marine, Automotive, and Trades Complex. Nanaimo News Bulletin states that the Health and Science Centre features electronic patient simulators and lab spaces that replicate critical care, home care, and emergency room care settings. A VIU release adds that the expansion to the trades complex will facilitate the equivalent of 128 full-time student spaces while meeting the needs of industries and employers in motorcycle mechanic, marine mechanic, heavy mechanical trades, and carpentry programs, including an Indigenous construction program. Nanaimo Bulletin | VIU
Universities “need to do more” for reconciliation: MacEwan President
Although Canadian universities have made substantial steps toward reconciliation, they continue to fail Indigenous peoples, writes MacEwan University President Deborah Saucier. In addition to ongoing systemic barriers that can prohibit Indigenous youth from accessing post-secondary education, preconceptions about the value of Indigenous knowledge, language, and traditions present an intangible barrier for meaningful reconciliation within universities as historically colonialist spaces. Saucier adds that industry in Canada will need to draw on Indigenous talent if it is to thrive in the future. To respond to this need, MacEwan has introduced the pimâcihisowin Foundation Program, a pathway that helps Indigenous students obtain credits and skills for MacEwan programs. In addition to facilitating spaces for Indigenous students, Saucier adds, universities need to integrate the value of Indigenous knowledge. Maclean’s
Students speak out about StFX’s handling of reported sexual assault case
CBC has learned that students at St Francis Xavier University are calling on the university to revisit its sexual violence policies in response to its handling of a reported case of campus rape in which a student left the school after learning her assailant had been permitted to return to classes. StFX professor Nancy Forestell told CBC that students were angry that the student had been permitted to return after he had been criminally charged, and that neither the victim nor the university community had been informed of the university’s decision. The Head of Student Services at St FX told CBC that the university acknowledges a “communication gap” between the Student Life office and the complainant. CBC
Exploring TWU’s relationship with LGBTQ rights
While its law school’s failed accreditation bid fuelled a narrative that Trinity Western University’s faculty and students uniformly disavow non-heterosexual relationships, Sadiya Ansari finds that the Christian institution is home to a range of diverse attitudes about Christian sexuality. In a feature article for Maclean’s, Ansari profiles several LGBTQ students at TWU, speaks to a faculty adviser who runs a group that supports LGBTQ students, and unpacks the implications of official campus debates that present evangelical and non-evangelical perspectives on same-sex relationships. The author also finds that TWU President Bob Kuhn’s decision to drop a mandatory covenant that prohibited same-sex relationships suggests a shift in the university’s administrative culture beyond its efforts to earn law school accreditation. Maclean’s
RRC Cannabis course isn't “Cheech and Chong”: Executive Director
Red River College’s School of Indigenous Education will roll out its introductory course on cannabis retail, cultivation, and regulation in November, reports CBC. Rebecca Chartrand, Executive Director of Indigenous Strategy at RRC, said that the course was developed in joint consultation with industry stakeholders, Manitoba's Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority, and three doctors with expertise in medical cannabis. According to CBC, RRC decided to develop the course in response to queries from local communities about its potential offerings prior to legalization. “For me, it's really important that we support those First Nation communities that are looking to grow into the industry,” Chartrand added. CBC
Laurentian opens new health research facility with community partners
The Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, a collaborative initiative between Health Sciences North Research Institute, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Laurentian University, has opened a new satellite site in Sudbury. A release states that the satellite will facilitate research opportunities for scientists, clinicians, and learners. While researchers had to previously travel to Toronto if they wanted to work with ICES analysts, they may now do so without having to travel. “ICES North is a critical resource that will allow us to strengthen our collaborative and meaningful community-based research to address the priority health concerns faced in our region,” stated NOSM Dean and CEO Roger Strasser. Nation Talk
