Top Ten

September 25, 2019

YorkU, HEC Montréal featured in Forbes’ Best Business Schools 2019

Forbes has released its list of the Best Business Schools in 2019, which was compiled based on an examination of over 100 schools and research with 17,500 alumni around the globe. York University's Schulich School of Business was ranked 9th in the two-year international MBA programs, while HEC Montréal was ranked 16th in the one-year international MBA programs. A survey conducted by Forbes with business school alumni found that “a degree at a leading business school […] pays for itself in roughly four years.” Forbes (International)

Lethbridge unveils new space to encourage collaborative research

Lethbridge College has announced the opening of the new home for its Centre for Applied Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. The centre, which aims to promote the economic growth, sustainability, and social development of the region, features offices and a new space called The Pivot: an open-concept area where students, faculty, researchers, and industry partners can work collaboratively. According to manager of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Megan Shapka, the new space will “act as a student business incubator space, giving students access to resources, technology, business advisors and one-on-one coaching.” Lethbridge (AB)

“Proceed with Caution” when adopting student internships: Hora

“We need to proceed with caution when advocating for the widespread adoption of internships,” writes Matthew Hora. A strong supporter of student internships, Hora recommends that institutions address three issues before labelling internships as an optional or required component of degree-completion: institutional capacity, equitable access amongst students, and embedding problem-based learning into all programs and courses. “Until we can guarantee that our institutions and employer partners are truly prepared and capable of offering robust, equitable and transformative experiences for all students, an indiscriminate embrace of internships could, in fact, be inimical to our students’ well-being,” concludes the author. Inside Higher Ed (International)

Sault looks to enhance use of data in health care through new certificate in Health Infomatics

Sault College is offering a new certificate in Health Infomatics, a program that aims to provide students with a better understanding of how Information Technology relates to the Healthcare Information Technology Domain. Although the one-year certificate is available to domestic and international students, the Sault Star reports that international students may pair health infomatics with a second graduate certificate at Sault College. According to Sault VP Academic Colin Kirkwood, the program would be beneficial for people looking for employment in hospital or public sector administration or “anybody who’s looking at data relating to health care.” Sault Star | Sault (ON)

Western, London Police partner to share information on student illegal behaviour

Western University and the London Police Services Board have signed a memorandum of understanding that will allow for the exchange of information in relation to limited and serious cases of alleged illegal behaviour by Western students at unsanctioned events. The release states that the MOU is limited to serious offences such as sexual assault, trafficking narcotics, and providing alcohol to minors – and that the information shared through the MOU “would eventually become publicly available” through the courts. “Safety is our number one concern when it comes to these extremely large, unsanctioned street parties,” said Western Vice-President (Operations & Finance) Lynn Logan. “Our focus will be on those who put the safety of others at risk.” WesternU (ON)

Three categories of change that higher ed will need to address in coming years: Simon

“As a sector, all of us in higher education must be able to adapt to the changing needs of our institutions and the larger society in which those institutions exist,” argues John Simon. To help higher ed professionals better prepare for changes spawned by demographic shifts, technological advancements, and workplace restructurings, the author recommends that institutions be clear about the essential and irreplaceable aspects of higher ed, question fixed views about knowledge requirements for workplaces, and consider increasing access to “education in modular form.” Inside Higher Ed (International)

UNBC reaches agreement with TA union

The University of Northern British Columbia and CUPE 2278, which represents approximately 78 teaching assistants at the university, have ratified their first collective agreement. “We were pleasantly surprised by the speed of the negotiations,” said bargaining committee chair Andrew Guest. “We met and it was very collegial and constructive. It was important for both sides to change the nature of the relationship between TAs and the university, and reach a new kind of relationship.” CUPE (BC)

UQAM opens Laval campus in Guy-Rocher Pavilion, Montmorency College

Université du Québec á Montréal has announced the opening of its new campus on the fourth floor of the Guy-Rocher Pavilion in the Laval-based Montmorency College. Although UQAM has been associated with Montmorency for 20 years, the opening of the new campus strengthens ties with the college and increases access to higher education. Initially composed of certificates, UQAM's Campus de Laval programming now includes several bachelor's degrees and three graduate programs. The new campus provides UQAM students with a versatile study environment reserved exclusively for UQAM students and is open days, evenings, and weekends. UQAM (QC)

NIC unveils new space for health care, early childhood education programs

North Island College has announced the opening of its new learning space at the former Surgical Day Care space at St Joseph’s General Hospital in Comox, BC. Renovations have transformed the area to include two classrooms, study areas, meeting rooms, and skills labs, allowing students to complete theory and lab components of their program in the same community. NIC will use the space to host the Health Care Assistant and Early Childhood Care and Education programs for 2019-2020. “We are looking forward to making the most of this space over the next few years while we seek more permanent solutions to the severe space constraints at our Comox Valley campus,” states NIC President John Bowman. NIC (BC)

Holland College responds to local need for workers, extends disability services program

Holland College has announced that by January 2020 students will soon be able to take the Human Services program at the college’s West Prince Campus in Alberton, PEI. Currently offered at Holland College’s Prince of Wales Campus in Charlottetown, the Human Services program teaches students about various intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities and how to help people with disabilities achieve their full potential. Holland College’s VP Academic Natalie Milton reports that the expanded course offering responds to concerns by local NGOs and government concerned about the shortage of Human Service workers in the region. PEI (PEI)