Top Ten
January 23, 2020
Douglas unveils coat of arms created by an Indigenous artist
Douglas College has unveiled the school's first coat of arms featuring artwork by an Indigenous artist. “A coat of arms represents a shared sense of history and tradition,” said Douglas President Kathy Denton. “But whose history and whose tradition?" Local Salish artist, Carrielynn Victor produced the artwork from concepts and designs outlines by the Canadian Heraldic Authority. The coat of arms featured a shield with a crowned heart that is supported by two lions, with a raven on top of the shield and two Douglas fir boughs, and a globe beneath. The bottom of the image reads E’yo’l, Te’lmel, Te’mex, or Excellence, Knowledge, Passion in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓. Douglas (BC)
Sheridan, IADT partner on path to Master of Arts in 3D Animation
Sheridan College has partnered with the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) in Ireland on a new pathway for Sheridan graduates. Through the partnerships, Sheridan graduates of two post-graduate certificate programs are offered advanced entry into IADT’s Master of Arts in 3D Animation. “For over 50 years, graduates of our undergraduate animation programs have made their mark in industry. ... What our students lack is unfettered access to academically rigorous, graduate level, animation education in Canada,” said Sheridan President Janet Morrison. “This new partnership will enable our graduates to further advance their education by developing new skills, honing existing competencies, undertaking advanced research and gaining a graduate credential. Critically, this will qualify them to teach in undergraduate programs themselves.” Sheridan (ON)
NB overhauls SEED program application to promote more equitable access
The Government of New Brunswick has changed the application process for the Student Employment Experience Development (SEED) program to prioritize non-profit groups, First Nations, and municipalities. The changes will also involve the omission of the lottery system previously used to select students and allowed MLAs to recommend employers. NB Minister of Postsecondary Education, Training, and Labour Trevor Holder said that the previous system "meant some unlucky students never received a placement" and "created a disadvantage for rural employers and some non-profits that relied on students to run summer programs." NB | CBC (NB)
CERIC launches revised edition of guide to computing careers for students, advisors
CERIC has released an updated guide to computing careers in response to national demands for computing graduates and a changing technological landscape. The revised guide provides readers with up-to-date information on types of computing careers and the academic pathways to get there. The guide also describes six popular computing specializations alongside the five main disciplines, challenges myths about computing careers, and highlights the many pathways to most computing careers. The guide is currently available for free download and will be officially launched in Ottawa next week. CERIC (National)
Fanshawe receives cannabis research license for product development, waste management
Fanshawe College's Centre for Research and Innovation has been granted a cannabis research license, allowing the school to apply research expertise in food science and waste management to the cannabis industry. The license will allow the college to respond to nation-wide demands for safer and more effective consumer products, and develop waste management solutions for cannabis product development. "Fanshawe's research activities are especially strong in food science and environmental sustainability, so this new cannabis research license is a natural fit for the College to expand our role in the sector,” said Fanshawe Chair of the Centre for Research and Innovation Colin Yates. Fanshawe (ON)
Review of US institutions finds proactive exploration critical to a successful merger anagement
Amidst increasing financial pressures and college closures in the United States, institutions are increasingly considering whether a merger with another institution is the best strategy. Reflecting on research that involved a review of over 100 mergers, the authors conclude that the most common obstacle was the failure of the institutional leaders to proactively examine mergers in their strategic planning. They add that this occurred because leaders believed that even considering a merger implied an inability to maintain their institution. “Consequently,” they write, “colleges that wait too long to consider a merger can find that their financial, political, enrollment, and brand value has declined to the point that they are often unable to identify a willing partner.” Chronicle of Higher Ed (Subscription Required) (International)
YorkU's Business School launches part-time Master of Finance Degree
York University's Schulich School of Business has launched a part-time Master of Finance degree to allow professionals to pursue a degree while they work. Beginning in September 2020, the 24-month program will offer two evening classes per week, and focus on topics like asset management, investment banking, and risk management. The program will also provide students with an accelerated pathway to a chartered financial analyst (CFA) designation. According to Schulich Dean Dezsö J Horváth, the program will "not only provide in-depth specialized knowledge of various areas of management and industries but also give our students a clearly defined career advantage.” YorkU (ON)
UMontréal unveils simulation centre for specialized nurse practitioner training
The Université de Montréal's nursing faculty has officially launched a simulation centre to improve student learning through clinical simulation. According to UMontréal, the school's faculty is the first in Canada to be accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada for its clinical simulation program. The centre will allow students enrolled in the specialized nurse practitioner program to practice real-world employment scenarios through highly realistic modules or with skilled actors. UMontréal (QC)
Carleton partners with Carefor to launch young onset dementia program
Carleton University has partnered Carefor Health & Community Services to launch a young onset dementia program to aid in the advancement of the disease. The Club aims to keep people with dementia active and socially connected, while also allowing people to connect with Carleton trainers to improve their quality of life and give caregivers some free time. “Dementia is a disease that affects more than the individual, it affects the entire family,” says Carefor CEO Steve Perry. "The Club helps keep people active and connected with the community to reduce the stigma and slow the effects of the disease.” Carleton (ON)
New documents suggest former MCFT instructor engaged in bullying, harassment
New documents filed in a lawsuit involving the Maritime College of Forest Technology suggests that instructor Rod Cumberland was fired for harassing students and colleagues, using sexist and discriminatory comments, and undermining his colleagues' authority. Last November, Cumberland filed a wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the college for approximately $115K, arguing that he was fired for expressing personal views on the forest industry's use of an herbicide. However, a recently filed defence statement argues that Cumberland was fired for making disparaging remarks, bullying, belittling, and harassing students. The claims have not been heard in court and a court date has yet to be set. CBC (NB)
