Top Ten
March 4, 2019
‘Match day’ places more med students, but number of new doctors without residencies still a concern
The first round of residency assignments for doctors-in-training has produced better results than 2018, but medical school leaders remain deeply concerned about the number of new doctors who lack positions, reports the Star. Those who go unmatched have to wait until the following year for a residency, but there are no guarantees that they will succeed on the second go-round. University of Toronto doctor Patricia Houston told the Starthat her institution, which had the highest number of unmatched doctors last year at 28, had a much better 2019. But she is worried about the apparent “vagaries of the algorithm” used by the country’s matching system that can produce disparate results year-over-year. Star (National)
NSCADU faculty take to picket line
Faculty and librarians at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University are on strike, reports CBC. The faculty union says that workload, wages, and job security are the key sticking points, but NSCADU President Dianne Taylor-Gearing told CBC that the school cannot make any concessions that might jeopardize its fiscal situation. NSCADU student union president Kassidy Bernard said that her group plans to join the picketing workers, and encouraged students not to cross the picket line if possible. CBC adds that the union’s contract expired in June 2018, and that the two sides have met 18 times to try and strike a deal. CBC (1) | CBC (2)
US tech boot camp study classifies programs, finds issues with access
RTI International, a nonprofit research institute, has published a study that provides an overview of the technology boot-camp industry in the US. The study, which classifies boot camp programs into five distinct groups, found that 50% of boot camps are intensive, comprehensive career preparatory programs; 39% are focused on providing very basic introductions to material; 7% are offered by traditional institutions, but ineligible for university credit; 4% are fellowship programs; and less than 1% are post-secondary replacement programs. The study also points out key issues around access to boot camps such as high tuition costs, difficult admissions processes, and few delivery options. Inside Higher Ed | RTI (International)
UQAM introduces major in sign language and interpretation
The Université du Québec à Montréal has introduced a new major in sign language and interpretation. A UQAM release states that the program replaces an earlier Certificat en interprétation visuelle, and that the sign language program will feature 20 courses that provide in-depth training in the theory and practice of semiotics. According to UQAM Professor Anne-Marie Parisot, the change was brought about because of recent developments in sign language research. Interpreters used to be perceived primarily as caregivers for deaf people, Parisot said, but are now recognized as linguistic and cultural transfer professionals, as well as interpreters of any language. UQAM (QC)
Tech sector enjoying a boom in SK: Genest
Saskatchewan’s high-tech industry is booming, reports CBC. So much so, in fact, that the province’s universities cannot produce graduates fast enough. “The University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, SIIT and SaskPoly — all of those institutions, for 15 to 20 years, longer in some cases, have been turning out top-rate engineers and computer scientists,” said Aaron Genest, President of SaskTech, a company that advocates on behalf of tech firms in SK. Genest added that these institutions could expand their programs while industry works with school boards to attract more potential tech workers. He added that immigration could also help meet the demand for local talent. CBC (SK)
Laurentian social work programs receive accreditation from CASWE
Laurentian University has announced that its Honours Bachelor of Social Work (HBSW) and Baccalauréat spécialisé en service social (B.S.S. spéc.) programs have received four-year accreditation by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education. The accreditation process included a self-study and application, as well as site visits and site visit reports. “Laurentian University is committed to offering high-quality programs,” said Laurentian Interim President Pierre Zundel. “This renewed accreditation reflects the excellence of our HBSW and B.S.S. spéc. programs and is a testament to the commitment and expertise of our faculty.” Laurentian (ON)
UQTR introduces first-of-its-kind dual pathway for mechanical engineers
The Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières has introduced a dual-pathway co-op program for its Mechanical Engineering program, which the university says is the first of its kind in Canada. A UQTR release states that the dual-pathway enables students to spend two days at a work site and three days in the classroom each week, thereby adding more than 1,000 hours of paid work experience to a program. UQTR Rector Daniel McMahon said that the pathway synthesizes the university’s dedication to innovation with regional relevance, as the program provides local stakeholders with the opportunity to recruit trainees close to home. UQTR (QC)
Niagara joins global network for lifelong learning
Niagara College has joined the Age-Friendly University Global Network. A release from Niagara states that the network is dedicated to the role higher education can play in responding to challenges and opportunities associated with an aging population. “Niagara College’s commitment to aging reflected in the breadth of activities and research brings an added richness to the Age-Friendly University Global Network,” said Brian MacCraith, Leader of the AFU Global Network. “This is a rapidly growing network with a shared challenge to promote an inclusive approach to healthy and active aging through research, enhanced learning opportunities for people across generations, and through innovations that address specific issues affecting older adults.” Niagara (ON)
Holland helps skilled workers get out the door faster
A new initiative out of Holland College will enable students in some trades programs to stay on the job as they complete their certifications online, reports CBC. “This is aimed at apprenticeships, the whole apprenticeship business,” said Holland President Sandy MacDonald. “We feel we can improve our apprenticeship completion rates if we do it online.” CBC explains that currently, colleges require students to leave their apprenticeships for up to eight weeks to complete their programs in the classroom. Currently, Holland only offers two courses for online completion, but MacDonald said the college is looking to expand the project. CBC (PEI)
SLC Therapeutic Recreation graduates now able to apply for TRO registration designation
St Lawrence College has announced that graduates of its Therapeutic Recreation program will be able to apply for the registration designation with Therapeutic Recreation Ontario. Following an extensive curriculum review, TRO determined that SLC’s program provided the education and practical experience required for registration. “Receiving this certification puts our graduates ahead in terms of employability,” said SLC Associate Dean School of Community Services Louise Chatterton Luchuk. “The registration designation demonstrates excellence in the field of Therapeutic Recreation, and we are very pleased with this positive outcome.” SLC (ON)
