Top Ten
October 11, 2019
Flexibility key to rethinking the traditional MBA program
A variety of Canadian universities are rethinking traditional MBA offerings to meet student and employer needs, reports Maclean’s. Whether it is blended-learning models, mandatory internships and experiential learning projects, or the replacing of traditional programs with new business programs like sustainable innovation, MBA programs across the country are trying to diversify their pool of applicants by altering traditional offerings. “Flexibility—that is the key word in what we have been doing here, to try to adapt to the student needs as much as we can,” says McGill University’s Dean of Desautels Faculty of Management Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou. Maclean’s (National)
Flexibility key to rethinking the traditional MBA program
Employing the ‘real world’ rationale to explain why one imposes a hard deadline policy in a course is a mistake, writes John Warner. Speaking from experience, the author explains that in his various jobs as a writer, a teacher, a blogger, and a researcher, deadlines are indeed often flexible. The ‘real world’ skill involved is that of managing deadlines rather than meeting them. Although there is nothing “inherently wrong” with implementing a hard deadlines policy in a course, Warner ultimately suggests that “it's more honest to simply acknowledge that the power structures in a course mean that an instructor has the authority to set deadlines.” Inside Higher Ed (International)
Ivujivik-Puvirnituq-UQAT Group launches Inuktitut education lexicon 35 years in the making
A partnership between education stakeholders in two Nunavik communities – Ivujivik Ivujivik and Puvirnituq – and the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue has celebrated the launch of the Inuktitut Lexicon in Education. Work on the lexicon began in 1984 as part of the group’s Inuit teacher training programs, as it was clear that specialized Inuktitut terminology would need to be developed for use in education. "It's a tool, like the dictionary," said Sarah Angiyou, a teacher in Puvirnituq. "We'll use it to perpetuate our mother tongue. It's very important to continue the work and get the lexicon into students' hands. That's how we can keep our language alive." The release states that the lexicon’s launch "is the culmination of a complex, multi-step process to arrive at a consensus on every translation, every Inuktitut word, and every definition.” Newswire | Lexicon (QC)
ECUAD closed by suspected arson
Emily Carr University of Art + Design has been closed since Saturday after a suspected arson in its new building in east Vancouver and is expected to stay closed for another week. The Times Colonist reports that standing water has been removed, the air quality is healthy, and fire safety and security systems are fully functioning, but adds that many of the classrooms and shops impacted by the damage are not yet safe to use. Police are currently investigating and have stated that the fire appears to have been set by a person who broke into the university on the weekend. Times Colonist | CBC (BC)
MacEwan launches new Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies program
MacEwan University has established a new Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies (BECCS) program that focuses on the curriculum needs of early childhood learning. Beginning in September of 2020, the program contains a close theoretical engagement component and a practical learning component at Early Learning at MacEwan, both of which will allow graduates of the program to support educators who work directly with children. “This new degree is crucial,” says MacEwan Vice Chair of the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Alberta Nicki Dublenko. “It not only builds capacity for educators in our province, it will also set the bar for the foundational knowledge we expect early childhood educators in Alberta to have.” MacEwan (AB)
MtA launches new diversity certificate program, provides students with intercultural skills
Mount Allison University has recently launched a new certificate program that will enable students to develop cultural competence and knowledge of how to build an inclusive society. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate will introduce students to the historical and contemporary injustices facing marginalized groups, as well as a practical component that will provide students with the intercultural skills that many employers seek. “Research [...] shows that despite a high demand for intercultural fluency, most employers say that education providers in their countries do not sufficiently develop these skills in students before they enter the job market,” notes MtA Department Head of Sociology Erin Steuter. MtA (NB)
How service work can fulfill career, research ambitions: Opinion
“Due to its third-tier status behind research and teaching (or teaching and research, depending on the institution) faculty members rarely strategize how to meet standard service requirements like committee work,” writes Christine Tulley. Instead of treating committee work as an afterthought, Tulley recommends five kinds of committees that could serve one’s career ambitions: committees that accomplish most work within its meetings times; committees that allow one to take a leadership role as the chair or spokesperson; committees that have a definite endpoint; committees that enhance understanding of the university and look good on a CV; and committees that match one’s research interests. Inside Higher Ed (International)
George Brown partners with Chinese technical college, shares expertise in health sciences
George Brown College has partnered with the Changzhou Health Vocation Technical College (CHVTC), China to explore how the institutions might share expertise in the field of health sciences. Potential areas for future collaboration include: faculty and student exchanges; exchange of research, teaching, and faculty development; creation of pathways for diploma and degree options; and the development of a joint program. “In certain areas we are more advanced and in other areas the Changzhou school is more advanced. Together we can do great things through collaboration,” said George Brown VP Academic Cory Ross. George Brown (ON)
Olds partners with Zone Startups Calgary to support new agriculture technology companies
Olds College has partnered with Zone Startups Calgary to support early stage agriculture technology companies. Through the partnership, AgTech portfolio companies affiliated with Zone Startups will be able to test and validate their technologies at Olds’ Smart Farm. In turn, Zone Startups will provide existing Olds Smart Farms tech companies with commercialization programming and support. “The Olds College/Zone Startups collaboration will make a meaningful impact on the AgTech community and lay a foundation for expedited technology commercialization,” states Zone Startups Calgary Director Joe Martini. Olds (AB)
Northern announces graduate certificate program in Accommodation and Human Rights Management
Northern College has announced the creation of a new graduate program that seeks to address a need for persons trained in human rights, disability management, and accommodations. Beginning in the fall term of 2020, the program trains students in the fields of human rights, mediation, alternate dispute resolution, and disability management and advocacy. “The world of work is changing rapidly and the need to assure skilled labor means more attention to accommodating those who face workplace challenges,” says Northern’s VP of Academic and Student Success Audrey Penner. “The need for this program was clearly identified in our labor market research and we are excited to co deliver with our Northern Partners.” Northern (ON)
