Top Ten
October 30, 2018
Research Infosource releases Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities 2018
Research Infosource has released the Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities 2018 rankings. In the overall rankings, the University of Toronto took first place, followed by the University of British Columbia, Université de Montréal, McGill University, and the University of Alberta. In the Research Universities of the Year listings, the Medical category was lead by UofT, McMaster University, and McGill; the Comprehensive category was lead by University of Waterloo, University of Guelph, and Simon Fraser University; and the Undergraduate category was lead by Lakehead University, University of Lethbridge, and Université du Québec à Rimouski. Research Infosource (Top 50 List) | Research Infosource (RUY)
NWT accepts recommendation to transform Aurora into polytechnic
The Northwest Territories government has released its response to a foundational review of Aurora College, CBC reports. Of the 67 recommendations put forward by the report, the NWT government has accepted 51, including that of transforming Aurora into a polytechnic university. According to CBC, the report’s most controversial recommendation—to relocate the campus from Fort Smith to Yellowknife—has been partially accepted. Many in Fort Smith have expressed outrage at the notion of moving the campus, stating that the loss of the college will hurt the community. Chris Joseph, the foundational review’s project lead, told CBC that key stakeholders must address an array of questions before making any conclusions about the new location. CBC
ON government “made the right decision” to cancel campuses: Groarke
In an op-ed for the Globe and Mail, Trent University President Leo Groarke argues that the Government of Ontario was right to cancel funding for three new university campuses in the Greater Toronto Area. According a HECQO study cited by Groarke, post-secondary enrolments for 18-to-20-year-olds in Ontario will not recover to 2015 levels until the year 2033. Building new campuses in a period that is characterized by a lack of students would place a further strain on existing institutions that are struggling to fill seats, the author states. Groarke adds that the Ontario government should reallocate the $300M that was set aside for the campuses to initiatives that “keep the province’s current institutions healthy.” Globe and Mail
DCC sued by students over police foundations course
Three former students are suing Discovery Community College, a private career college in Surrey, BC, for refunds averaging $10K each. The students claim that they were led to believe that the college's police foundations course would lead to a “rewarding career in police services.” Multiple law enforcement agencies that the students contacted, however, reportedly “denied any kind of ... acceptance of this program.” The students are suing the college to recover tuition funds that average $10K. “We have investigated the complaints and believe they are without foundation,” said DCC Director of Education Patrick Kelly. “As the name of the program indicates, the PF (police foundations) program is a foundation program.” None of the claims have been proven in court. CBC
UBC MOA prepares for major $8.8M renovation project
The University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology will be undertaking an $8.8M renewal project in late autumn. The museum's Great Hall will be earthquake-proofed to protect the building and its collection. “In Vancouver, we are all too familiar with the idea of ‘the Big One’—a catastrophic earthquake that threatens to unleash irreparable damage upon our city and beyond,” said MOA Curator of Education Jill Baird. “That’s why we are taking measures to seismically upgrade the Great Hall and educate our community with the Shake Up exhibition.” The upgrade will be celebrated with presentations by experts and curators from UBC, the MOA, and Simon Fraser University; music, dance, and storytelling by cultural groups from earthquake-prone regions; and the launch of a new exhibition exploring earthquake science and technology, as well as Indigenous cultures. Georgia Straight | MOA
AlgomaU, police service partner up to SHIFT Indigenous relations
Algoma University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sault Ste Marie Police Service for a new training program that aims to build relationships between police and the Indigenous community. An AlgomaU releases states that local elders and community members will supervise the program, called Shifting Indigenous Frontline Tactics (SHIFT). “The Sault Ste Marie Police Service is eager to continue working with our partners in the Indigenous community and at Algoma University on this new and exciting learning opportunity,” said Deputy Chief Sean Sparling. AlgomaU adds that it will facilitate the ongoing development of SHIFT’s curriculum in consultation with its Indigenous partners. AlgomaU
Former StFX finance director charged with theft, fraud
CBC has learned that RCMP have charged James Edward Marlow, the former Finance Director of the Coady International Institute at St Francis Xavier University, with theft over $5K and fraud over $5K. StFX is claiming damages of at least $243K in a lawsuit, adds CBC. Marlow has neither denied nor admitted to the charges, but states that he will make reparations. StFX spokesperson Cindy MacKenzie told CBC that the school will not comment on the case while it is before the courts, but stated that StFX is reviewing its segregation of duties and internal controls to prevent similar incidents in the future. CBC
UPEI opens new student space
The University of Prince Edward Island has repurposed a former residence building into a dedicated student space, reports CBC. In addition to an admissions office, international students centre, accessibility services and an experiential education hub, the newly renovated space houses the Mawi'omi Centre, which is ventilated to accommodate smudging ceremonies. "I think what this building provides for students are the services they need to be adaptable, to be flexible and to be resilient," said Associate VP of Students and Registrar Donna Sutton. CBC adds that the federal and provincial governments kicked in $2.87M for the project in 2016, while the university provided $410K. CBC
North Bay considering two new colleges as part of downtown expansion
The president and CEO of two private colleges says that he is eager to move forward on projects in North Bay, Ontario, reports the North Bay Nugget. Carlos Carvalho, who runs CTS Canadian Career College and Modern College of Hairstyling and Esthetics, said that North Bay Mayor Al MacDonald tabled proposals for both campuses as part of his recent re-election campaign. According to the Nugget, Carvalho’s proposal also includes a new public library, farmers’ market, and a business incubator. The plan also includes partnerships with community groups to make use of proposed classroom spaces after hours, the Nugget adds. North Bay Nugget
Queen's grad student pleads guilty to poisoning fellow researcher
Former Queen’s University graduate student Ziejie Wang has admitted to poisoning a fellow researcher in the chemistry department, reports the Ottawa Citizen. The victim, who was also Wang’s roommate for a short period, initially got sick after biting into a snack pie that had been tainted with carcinogenic N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Later in the same week, the victim detected the same bitter taste in a second pie and a piece of raisin bread that he brought into the lab. After setting up a hidden camera at his desk, the victim captured footage of Wang contaminating his lunch. The Citizen states that Wang’s motivations were not revealed in open court. Ottawa Citizen | Montreal Gazette
