Top Ten
October 29, 2018
StFX receives $5.3M for business school
St Francis Xavier University has received $5.3M from philanthropist Gerald Schwartz in support of the newly-christened Gerald Schwartz School of Business. $4M will be used to create entrance scholarships and bursaries at the business school, while the remaining $1.3M will support StFX's marketing and recruitment work. "This is tremendous news for StFX, and great news for StFX business students. These scholarships and bursaries will have an incredible impact on the lives of many young people,” said StFX Dean of Business Tim Hynes. “A huge ‘thank you’ to Mr. Schwartz for the generosity and foresight to establish this wonderful legacy in support of talented young leaders.”
Fleming, Turku University sign exchange agreement
Students at Fleming College and Turku University of Applied Sciences in Finland can participate in year-long exchange programs thanks to a new agreement between the two institutions. Students in one of two Fleming Business Administration programs are eligible to study at Turku, while Turku engineering and business students will be able to study at Fleming. “Opportunities to study abroad are enriching for our students, allowing them to experience different cultures and business practices and gain an international outlook, which is imperative in today’s connected, global economy,” said Maxine Mann, Dean of Fleming’s School of Business and School of Trades and Technology.
Okanagan and UBCO team up for sustainable research, training
A new partnership between Okanagan College and UBC Okanagan will see the two institutions work together for a more sustainable future. An Okanagan release states that the agreement outlines how the two institutions, in partnership with local industry, government, and the community, can facilitate new research and training opportunities for students. “Through this new collaboration, UBC researchers, working side-by-side with faculty and students from the College, will develop solutions that help bridge the gap from where we are today to the greener future we seek for tomorrow,” said Deborah Buszard, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Principal of UBC’s Okanagan.
ON open to slashing free tuition
The Toronto Star has learned that the Government of Ontario is open to making cuts to the province’s free tuition program. When asked about the status of free tuition following the government’s decision to cancel three major university-college expansions, Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities Merrilee Fullerton stated that “we need to get Ontario back on track.” According to the Star, the financial aid system was implemented by the previous government to support lower-income families by providing non-repayable grants for 210,000 students. “Our government is being forced to clean up the irresponsible and reckless financial decisions of the previous Liberal government,” Fullerton said.
ULethbridge president calls for more Indigenous support, study abroad, skills development
The Lethbridge Herald reports that during an address to the Universities Canada Network, University of Lethbridge President Mike Mahon asserted that Canadian universities must do more to support Indigenous students and encourage undergraduates to study overseas. “Just under 11 per cent of Indigenous people in Canada have university degrees,” compared to 25% of the non-Indigenous population, Mahon added, "so we’re actively working to advance reconciliation through education.” Mahon further noted that many Canadian workers need opportunities to “refresh and evolve” their skills.
Humber partners with Cimetrix Solutions for Industry 4.0 initiative
Humber College has inked a five-year partnership with Cimetrix Solutions to support students working on 3-D printing applications. According to a Humber release, the partnership will include outreach activities in support of STEM, recruitment pathways for students, a donation towards additive manufacturing equipment, and a funding for a student who demonstrates proficiency in advanced manufacturing and automation applications related to Industry 4.0 practices. “Partnering with Cimetrix will bring expertise and understanding pertaining to the latest additive manufacturing applications to our students and applied research partners and provide opportunities for collaboration that are key to Humber’s polytechnic model of education,” stated Humber CEO Chris Whitaker.
Yukon College's Geological Technology receives national accreditation
Yukon College’s Geological Technology program has received national accreditation from Technology Accreditation Canada for the college's Geological Technology program. “This significant achievement demonstrates the College’s commitment to its students, faculty, industry and government,” remarked Richard Stamper, TAC Executive Director, “and signifies that the program is relevant and aligns with the current standards of the profession.” A Yukon release states that the auditors noted the program’s broad curriculum, and commended the faculty for developing multiple entrance pathways for more students to enroll in the program.
UNBC workers ratify new contract
Members of Unite Here Local 40 at the University of Northern British Columbia have ratified a new contract with the university's food provider. The union states that the new contract will see workers from UNBC's Agora dining hall and Tim Hortons receive raises of at least $2 per hour and bonus pay, with entry-level wages increasing substantially. The agreement will also see the establishment of a new pension benefit for workers, improvement to medical benefits, and the framing of of strong anti-harassment and anti-discrimination standards. "We are very pleased that these issues could be resolved before it came to a strike," said cook Jeannie Gilbert. "We feel this agreement addresses our concerns and allows us to continue providing service to the students who rely on us.
NL partners with USask to support Indigenous law students
Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Justice and Public Safety Andrew Parsons announced that the provincial government has partnered with the University of Saskatchewan to reserve two seats in its College of Law for Indigenous students from NL. NL will also fund two articling positions in the Department of Justice and Public Safety upon those students’ graduation. The initiative makes NL the second jurisdiction to partner with USask's College of Law. Parsons stated that the government expects its first two students to enroll in Fall 2019.
Confederation, Resolute renew and expand partnership
Confederation College and Resolute Forest Products have announced that they are renewing and expanding their longstanding partnership. The partnership will provide students with new and meaningful opportunities, improve the training and educational programming options at the college, and will see Resolute contribute $150K to the college's TEC campaign. “A skilled workforce is a vital component to economic growth and this partnership, along with Resolute’s investment in equipment, will help our students receive the hands-on training needed for them to successfully meet the diverse labour demands of these industries," said Confederation President Kathleen Lynch.
