Top Ten
March 11, 2019
Concordia investigators release sexual misconduct review
An independent review of alleged sexual misconduct at Concordia University has uncovered an “unhealthy climate” in the school’s English department, reports the Canadian Press. The report, authored by a retired Quebec Court of Appeal judge and two psychologists, identified “real or perceived” incidents of sexual violence, which range from unwanted advances to assault. While the report’s authors recommend that Concordia ban all fraternizing between students and faculty, they note that the university has limited authority to do so because the province did not impose such prohibitions in the 2017 Act to Prevent and Fight Sexual Violence in Higher Education Institutions. The report incorporates input from 109 students, faculty, staff, and alumni, adds CP. Victoria Times Colonist (CP) | CBC | Report (QC)
UCalgary looks to unlock “treasure trove” of Inuit knowledge
Canada is host to a “treasure trove of invaluable Arctic data and Inuit Knowledge,” but “much of this information is difficult to access and use,” writes Andrea Kingwell for the University of Calgary. The task of unlocking this data has fallen to UCalgary professor Maribeth Murray, who is also director of the Arctic Institute of North America. Murray’s multi-institutional team of scientists and Inuit partners hope to make the data more accessible to researchers across Canada by creating the necessary cyberinfrastructure. “The goal is to improve data discovery and mobilization of data across a wide spectrum of research, Inuit, government and other end users to advance Arctic science and evidence-based decision making,” said Murray. UCalgary (AB)
Langara looks to create job-ready grads with applied social sciences and humanities diploma
“What if a social sciences and humanities diploma also included training in microeconomics and macroeconomics, entrepreneurship, business-computer applications, accounting for managers, and an introduction to programming and web programming?” To answer this question, Vancouver’s Langara College has developed a two-year diploma program in applied social sciences and humanities. Nicknamed “the DASSH,” the program will also offer education in research methods in psychology, sociology, criminology, and anthropology, a basic understanding of statistics, an introduction to social, personality, and abnormal psychology, as well as an introduction to government and politics, philosophy, essay-writing, and short prose. Georgia Straight (BC)
NB universities ride immigration wave
Immigrants and international students added $168M annually to New Brunswick’s provincial budget between 2011 and 2016, according to a new report from the New Brunswick Multicultural Council. The province saw a jump of 7,900 immigrants between December 2013 and 2018, while the number of employed immigrants rose by 7,700 during that period. CBC adds that NB universities are also looking to attract more international students. St Thomas University, which currently has 158 newcomers to Canada, has boosted its recruitment efforts over the last five years, while the University of New Brunswick has held steady with just over 1,000 during that period. CBC (NB)
Quebec Order of Dentists finds former McGill prof guilty of sexual misconduct
The Quebec Order of Dentists has found a former McGill University assistant professor of dentistry guilty of sexual misconduct involving a former patient. CBC reports that the Order’s disciplinary council concluded that Nareg Apelian sexually assaulted the former patient during treatment. The Order has yet to hold a hearing on what sanctions Apelian will face. In an email, Apelian told CBC he is not guilty and that he plans on appealing the Order's decision. CBC (QC)
Durham supports transition to postsecondary with MOU
Durham College has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Durham District School Board to further partner on transitions, outreach, and accessible programming for secondary school students. A Durham release states that the agreement will facilitate more communication and information sharing to support students as they transition from high school to post-secondary. “This new agreement will help students be better informed and prepared for post-secondary education before they start the application process,” said Shauna Moore, a Student Success Coach at Durham. “By becoming more aware of the doors that are open for them through transition programming, they will be ready to hit the ground running when they arrive at DC.” Durham (ON)
Royal Roads guarantees access for NIC students through admission agreement
Thanks to a new admission agreement, North Island College students in seven diploma programs can now complete their undergraduate education at Royal Roads University. “Royal Roads enthusiastically welcomes students from North Island College interested in completing their bachelor degree with us,” said Royal Roads’ VP Academic and Provost Stephen Grundy. “These agreements will give certainty to students that their university pathway is assured and we look forward to assisting them achieve their educational goals.” Royal Roads states that the agreement covers programs in Professional Communication, Interdisciplinary Studies, International Hotel Management, Global Tourism Management, and Justice Studies. Royal Roads (BC)
YorkU announces upgrades to Lions Stadium
York University has announced that it will embark on major renovations to its York Lions Stadium. According to a release, the upgrades will include artificial turf, an inflatable dome, and a multi-sport facility. “This project will expand access, provide more sporting and community event options at our Keele Campus and enrich the experience of athletes at York, in the GTA and beyond, as they strive for excellence,” said Jennifer Myers, Executive Director of Athletics at YorkU. The proposed facilities will support varsity and campus recreation programs, intramurals, special university events, community and public events and activities, and more. YorkU (ON)
TÉLUQ to collaborate with Tunisian universities to improve professional training
Quebec’s TÉLUQ University has signed an MOU with Tunisia’s University of Sfax to collaborate on teaching and research initiatives in Sfax’s Faculty of Economics and Management. A TÉLUQ release notes that meetings with representatives of the business community of the city of Sfax focused on how the courses offered by TÉLUQ could help Tunisian professionals better meet the needs of their local labour market. TÉLUQ’s delegation also met with the Virtual University of Tunis for a series of conversations that will set the stage for an agreement between TÉLUQ and UVT to offer common training, the sharing of skills, a joint response to calls for tenders, and other areas of collaboration. TÉLUQ (QC)
Conestoga, AIAG build new links in automotive supply chain
Conestoga College has partnered with the Automotive Industry Action Group, a member-driven, not-for-profit association where automakers and suppliers across the global supply chain collaboratively develop and implement solutions to common industry pain points. A Conestoga release states that the partnership will support the development and delivery of integrated educational programming for current and emerging automotive industry professionals. “AIAG is excited about the opportunity to partner with a world class academic institution like Conestoga College to accelerate the development of the next generation of supply chain talent,” said J. Scot Sharland, CEO of AIAG. “Our collaboration will focus on automotive industry purchasing and supply chain management strategy and practice innovation that both anticipates and helps mitigate emerging global challenges and threats.” Conestoga (ON)
