Top Ten
February 7, 2020
Humber announces International Graduate School for career-focused learning
Humber College has announced the creation of an International Graduate School that will provide students with collaborative, career-focused learning. Scheduled to open in January 2021, IGS will provide programs with a specialized business focus that features work-integrated learning. Student will also be connected to employment opportunities in Canada’s financial services hub. Humber anticipates that approximately 350 students will begin their studies at IGS in 2021, with enrolment growing to 2,000 students over time. “The Humber IGS is transformational," said Humber Dean of International Andrew Ness. "Students will receive a global classroom experience in one of the most diverse cities in the world." Humber (ON)
JIBC launches online BLES training to increase student access
The Justice Institute of British Columbia has launched online law enforcement training to increase access for students outside the BC lower mainland. Starting in September 2020, the Bachelor of Law Enforcement Studies will deepen students' understanding and application of essential law enforcement and public safety skills. The program is designed to be laddered with a two-year diploma or associate degree in a related field. “Over the years, it’s been a challenge for interested students from other parts of BC to [...] complete our law enforcement degree program,” said JIBC Dean of the School of Criminal Justice & Security and Office of International Affairs Stuart Ruttan. “We’re excited to make this flexible, online offering a reality and expand access of our popular degree program throughout the province and beyond.” JIBC (BC)
NWT replaces Aurora president one year after appointment
The Government of the Northwest Territories has announced that Aurora College President Thomas Weegar has been replaced by Andy Bevan almost one year after Weeger’s original appointment. CBC reports that Weegar received a letter of termination from the NWT legislator's cabinet secretary stating that “he had lost the confidence of Premier Caroline Cochrane” with no additional information given. Weegar stated that although he was surprised by his termination, he was ultimately relieved. "I encountered a real strong resistance to change, [and] I didn't understand it," said Weegar. NWT Premier Caroline Cochrane said the government may consider adding a second person to tackle the job in 6 to 12 months time. “We are on track that we are doing the best that we can to make sure that our polytechnic goes forward," said Cochrane. CBC | CBC (NWT)
Cluster hiring does not necessarily require "tremendous influxes of money"
In this piece, Elizabeth S Chilton responds to the arguments that, "in the absence of tremendous influxes of money, cluster hiring means grouping the set of hires you would have done in a given year into a smaller number of departments.” Writing from her experience of initiating cluster hires at two public universities, the author argues that institutions can still prioritize diversity and inclusion in faculty without substantial financial supports. "We cannot wait for an influx of resources in higher education in order to recruit, retain and support a diverse cohort of faculty, staff and students," concludes Chilton. "Cluster hires are one way to do this." Inside Higher Ed (International)
McMaster's Midwifery program receives inaugural accreditation
McMaster University's Midwifery Education Program has received accreditation from the Canadian Association for Midwifery Education. “Health professional degree programs have an accreditation process, with external visitors reviewing a program to ensure it meets nationally-agreed upon standards, but that process didn’t exist in midwifery until now,” explains McMaster Assistant Dean of the Midwifery Program Liz Darling. “Accreditation helps ensure programs are delivering high-quality education and producing graduates who are ready for entry into practice.” McMaster's program is the first in Canada to receive this accreditation. Currently, there are six Canadian midwifery programs at universities in Ontario, B.C., Alberta and Quebec, with a seventh coming soon to Manitoba. McMaster (ON)
Trent's BSW program receives accreditation status from CASWE
Trent University's Bachelor of Social Work program has received its first four-year accreditation with conditions status from the Canadian Association for Social Work Education. The BSW program, launched in 2014, garnered pre-accreditation status in 2016. The new accreditation by the CASWE will enable students who graduate from the program to apply to social work jobs that require recognition from a national body. “The BSW program at Trent University has a lot to be proud of," said the external reviewers from the Commission on Accreditation from CASWE. "We are excited to see the program make further advancements and wish Trent continued success in providing social work education.” Trent (ON)
Concordia, IPSA sign five-year agreement to explore collaboration opportunities
Concordia University has signed a five-year agreement with the International Political Science Association to explore collaborative initiatives and teaching opportunities. The new agreement will allow the two organizations to l conduct structuring joint-projects, such as the upcoming IPSA-Concordia Summer School on Applied Diplomacy. “IPSA is a wonderful example of Concordia’s commitment to addressing major global policy questions of our time,” says Concordia President Graham Carr. “It is through partnering with leading international organizations like IPSA that we deepen our engagement with the world.” Concordia (QC)
Queen's, McGill partner to advance the use of data science in resolving legal conflicts
Queen's University's Faculty of Law and McGill University's Desautels Faculty of Management have partnered to advance the work of the Conflict Analytics Lab, a research lab that will widen access to justice using technology. The lab will apply data science to conflict resolution and bring together over 30 lawyers, technology experts, and members of the business community to help community members resolve small legal cases. “Data science will improve legal transparency, make dispute resolution more efficient, and increase access to justice," said McGill Professor Maxime Cohen. Conflict Analytics (ON|QC)
ULethbridge launches employment support program to empower students with disabilities
The University of Lethbridge has launched a new program to support employment opportunities for students with disabilities. The CIBC Navigator Program, named after the major donor CIBC, is a five-year project that will support the development co-operative education placement for students with disabilities, provide comprehensive supports to enhance student success, and encourage all students to participate in volunteer or co-operative education opportunities. “As an institution we are strongly committed to inclusion by supporting the development of disability-confident and inclusive co-op placements,” said ULethbridge Director of Co-operative Education and Applied Studies Jasminn Berteotti. ULethbridge | Lethbridge Herald (AB)
An argument against the commodification of Cégeps: Piché
While management at the Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles has already responded to requests from the province to rethink their approach to an English-only branch for international students, Fédération des enseignantes et des enseignants de cégep president Lucie Piché wonders if language concerns are the only issue at stake in this story. Piché points to the increasingly common approach of treating postsecondary institutions as businesses and identifies this as another challenge facing higher ed. While the management of some institutions as SMEs has led to innovation, argues the author, these innovations have often been made on the backs of staff who are denied status and financial compensation commensurate with their labour. These issues, writes Piché, deserve additional attention and consideration. Journal de Montréal (QC)
