Top Ten
January 21, 2020
MB institutions, business council release report on role of PSE in changing labour market
Manitoba postsecondary institutions and the Business Council of Manitoba have released a report that proposes six key projects to proactively address changes in the province's economy and workforce. Proposed initiatives detailed in the Horizon Manitoba report include: leveraging successful industry-education partnerships; determining the scope of MB's postsecondary institution's regional economic impact; increasing Indigenous participation in postsecondary education and the labour market; creating a work-integrated learning initiative; developing labour market analysis tools; and tracking and analyzing the path from postsecondary to employment. UWinnipeg | CBC (MB)
Auditor general reviews federal government's management of student loans program
Canada's auditor general is examining the federal government’s management of billions of dollars in the Canada Student Loans program, as well as its financial literacy programming. Although not expected to be completed until April, an early look at the report indicates that the government is evaluating how Employment and Social Development Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency have managed "risks to the public treasury" and the collections of student loans. Another inquiry will investigate how well the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has worked to improve students' financial literacy. CBC | Time's Colonist (National)
StFX partners with Maritime Launch Services to promote research, rural economy
St Francis Xavier University has signed a memorandum of understanding with Maritime Launch Services Ltd (MLS) to explore options for the growing commercial space transportation industry. MLS has proposed to construct and operate a private commercial space launch site for launching satellites into low Earth orbit, with the broader goal of establishing a commercially-controlled North American launch site. “We are also enthusiastic about the new opportunities that this presents for student employment here in rural Nova Scotia in knowledge-based careers that diversify the rural economy,” says StFX Vice President of Research and Graduate Studies Richard Isnor. StFX (NS)
Cambrian to launch pathway program for Indigenous students
Cambrian College has announced a program that will provide Indigenous students with a culturally relevant pathway to college education. Beginning in September, the one-year General Arts and Science-Indigenous Specialization certificate program will combine Indigenous programming with core academic courses in English and math. Program graduates will earn transfer credits they can put toward further education at Cambrian or other postsecondary institutions. “This program is a collaborative response to the voices of our Indigenous communities, faculty and students who want accessible, culturally relevant programs for Indigenous students,” states Cambrian Chair of General Studies Bradie Granger. Cambrian (ON)
McGill defends decision to leave fossil fuel investments intact
McGill University Principal Suzanne Fortier has defended the institution's decision to refuse divestment from the fossil fuel industry on the grounds that such a move would be a "symbolic gesture." According to Fortier, McGill's plan to reduce the overall carbon footprint of its endowment will ultimately be more effective than a divestment plan, as fossil fuel investments only make up about 2% of the institution's portfolio. Fortier adds that divestment is financially challenging, as the process would involve removing investments from any portfolios that do not explicitly ban fossil fuel investments. “We’re looking at every single one of our investments to see where we can reach a lower carbon emission level in our portfolio and making sure we have targets and timelines we can meet," said Fortier. Montréal Gazette (QC)
Brock partners with UK university to offer pathways for business students
Brock University has partnered with Lancaster University in the United Kingdom to offer pathways for Brock's business students. The agreement will allow Goodman School of Business students to study at the Lancaster University Management School as part of the Goodman's Bachelor of Business Administration Co-op International Double Degree program. Through this agreement, undergraduate students can now study and work abroad and earn degrees from two universities for the price of tuition at Brock. “Goodman is thrilled to expand our portfolio of double degree schools to include Lancaster University,” said Goodman Dean Andrew Gaudes. Brock (ON)
Addressing a disconnect between experience, institution's applicant wish list
Based on her experience working with candidates in the academic job market, Karen Kelsky describes a common applicant worry: a potential disconnect between a candidate's teaching experience and the hiring institution's wish list. Prior to an interview, Kelsky recommends conducting thorough research into the ecology of a school, the department, and its student demographics. The author concludes by reminding applicants to consider what they learn through this research, as “if you learn how to talk the talk at a teaching-intensive college, but don’t really want to walk the walk, you will be miserable, your students will be disadvantaged, and you might not get tenure." Kelsky also recommends that during the interview process, applicants actively demonstrate the knowledge they acquired through their research. Chronicle of Higher Education (International)
Georgian, Lakehead launch executive leadership program
Georgian College and Lakehead University have announced the launch of a leadership program targeting senior-level professionals and managers. The Executive Leadership Program will focus on personal leadership style and technique, communication skills and emotional intelligence, and teaching tools to drive performance and cultivate productive teams. “We are building capacity to create the leaders of tomorrow by investing in their development today,” said Lakehead Orillia Campus Principal Dean Jobin-Bevans. “This program plays a key role in responding to the needs of our communities by helping to upgrade skills and further their education.” Georgian (ON)
UBC unveils expanded Undergraduate Life Sciences Teaching Laboratories
The University of British Columbia has officially opened its renovated Undergraduate Life Sciences Teaching Laboratories. The $91.4M project has expanded the building to house all undergraduate life and biological sciences and equip the space with technologies to support collaboration and hands-on learning. The building has also been improved to meet CleanBC and LEED Gold standard certification. “When students learn in modern, cutting-edge laboratories, they get to explore practical problems in a supportive environment that prepares them for the job market,” said BC Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology Bruce Ralston. “The new Undergraduate Life Sciences Teaching Laboratories will help students lead in exciting fields of discovery and succeed in our growing life-sciences sector.” BC (BC)
CRA email scam targets university students
Students at Ontario universities are being warned about email scams after University of Waterloo students were targeted with a CRA scam sent through the institution’s email systems. The email scam told recipients that they are eligible for a tax refund and encourages them to submit personal information to receive the money. "It seems like the scammers are using pretty much the same email to target multiple people," said Waterloo Regional Police Constable Andre Johnson. "So it's just ... taking an extra second to look at the sender account, looking at the directions and again — no Canadian agency or institution would ask for personal details online like that.” CBC | UofGuelph (ON)
