Top Ten
August 13, 2019
ON institutions brace for impact of new opt-out rules for student fees
Post-secondary institutions across Ontario are bracing for the impact of new provincial legislation allowing students to opt out of some previously mandatory ancillary fees, reports the Toronto Star. Since the opt-out period extends well into the fall for many institutions, it will reportedly still be weeks before student governments and clubs know what their budgets will be for the coming year. “As you can imagine, there’s a full-court press on” to inform students of the importance of such services and clubs to the campus, said Tom Harris, interim provost and academic vice-principal at Queen’s University. Harris added that one of the areas that might be significantly affected at institutions is on-campus employment opportunities for students. Toronto Star (ON)
Canada invests $137M in CANARIE
Government of Canada has invested $137M in CANARIE to renew its mandate for 2020-2024. CANARIE’s next mandate will focus on network evolution and initiatives helping Canadian researchers and entrepreneurs realize the benefits of cloud technology, big data, and global research collaborations. “This investment in CANARIE, along with their enhanced mandate for cybersecurity, is just one of the many ways our government is working hard to return science and research to their rightful place,” says Minister of Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan. “We are providing researchers with the digital tools and security they need to conduct the world-leading research that helps all Canadians.” CANARIE (National)
Algoma receives support from Brampton for downtown expansion
Algoma University has received a pledge of $7.3M in grant funding over three years from the City of Brampton to continue its Downtown Expansion. The funds will go towards facilitating a second phase expansion of Algoma’s academic programming and facilities within the city’s Garden Square. “This continues to be an exciting period for the City of Brampton and for Algoma University as we work together to expand post-secondary options for the citizens of Brampton” said Algoma President Asima Vezina. “This investment will increase our campus footprint and accelerate the University’s growth which will contribute to enhancing the vibrancy of the downtown and the retention of talent in the city.” Algoma (ON)
NorQuest diploma program helps with cultural, social, and economic adjustment to life in Canada
NorQuest has announced the new Settlement Studies diploma program, which will help newcomers with the cultural, social, and economic adjustment to life in Canada. “This is a passionate project of ours,” said program developer Alexandru Caldararu. “The best way to describe the program is to put it in an inter-disciplinary human resource context. Although it combines elements of social work, immigration consultation, and community development, the outcome is something greater than the sum of its parts.” The program seeks to help meet the needs and fill in the gaps of the settlement sector, such as equipping settlement workers with the necessary skills needed to engage in trauma-centred care, intercultural conflict management, and other practices. NorQuest (AB)
ON invests $4M in public transit to Conestoga, UWaterloo
The Government of Ontario says that it will invest up to $4M for new transit infrastructure projects that will benefit students, faculty, and staff of Conestoga College and the University of Waterloo. The funding will support the construction of four heated shelters with an area for 40 bikes, as well as improved amenities and protection for passengers at UWaterloo. Conestoga will see increased service with the purchase of six new buses and the installation of nine bus shelters, canopies, and other amenities." These investments will help students pursue their education and connect them to the larger community and jobs, which many students need to support their education," said ON Premier Doug Ford. ON (ON)
Using subconscious communications to your advantage when applying for a job: Barber
Searching and applying for jobs requires a lot of conscious effort, but focusing on subconscious factors can also pay big dividends, writes Joseph Barber. The author outlines several ways that job applicants can use subconscious cues to convince an employer that they are the right person for a job. This includes leveraging mutual contacts when looking to network with a new person, and specific tips about crafting a resume and avoiding common miscues. The author concludes with a description of the many ways a job applicant can create positive emotions in a hirer’s mind when sitting down for a job interview. Inside Higher Ed (International)
Durham introduces Working Across Borders in International Business course
Durham College has launched a new course that will see students virtually cross borders to develop business recommendations for a real-world international company. Based in Durham’s School of Business, IT & Management, the course will help students create sustainable solutions for the organization by incorporating three of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations. “For their final project, students will develop potential business solutions and recommendations for the company,” said Joanne Spicer, Durham’s global learning facilitator. “Then, they will pitch their solutions to their clients via video in the Global Class.” Durham (ON)
US post-secondary presidents prioritizing student mental health more than three years ago: study
More than 80% of top university executives in the US say that mental health is more of a priority today than it was three years ago, according to a new report released today by the American Council on Education. The association found that 29% of all presidents surveyed received reports of students with mental health issues at least once a week, while roughly 42% reported hearing about these problems at least a few times every month. As a result, presidents reported allocating more funding to student mental health problems, with 72% saying that they had spent more money on mental health initiatives than they did three years ago. Inside Higher Ed (International)
ON must create, improve, expand programming to support mid-career, adult learners: HEQCO study
Ontario’s colleges and universities need to address the challenges of a fast-changing economy by introducing new short-term, flexible training programs that cater to the needs of displaced workers and other adult learners, according to a new report by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. The report recommends that post-secondary institutions introduce competency-based education (CBE) programs, as well as facilitate the development of CBE by easing funding regulations and other regulatory constraints on public posts-secondary institutions. “As displacement becomes a regular feature of our modern economy, the government should leverage these investments to create a more flexible and responsive system of lifelong learning in Ontario,” the report adds. HEQCO (ON)
La Salle launches degree in Fashion Design
La Salle College Vancouver has announced that it has received approval to offer a Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design, which will offer a focus on sustainable design principles. "We want to establish a legacy of future designers who possess a knowledge and skill set around textiles, processes, craft and technology,” said Fashion Program Director Katherine Soucie. “The new program will ensure students are business-minded and socially aware and identify with the responsibility of being a cultural producer." The program includes a business development and digital expertise component, a practicum, and fast track opportunities for those who have completed a diploma program. La Salle (BC)
