Top Ten
February 11, 2020
CAUS releases report calling on AB to create province-wide campus sexual violence policy
The Council of Alberta University Students has released a report calling on the Government of Albert to do more to prevent sexual violence at postsecondary institutions. The Sexual Violence on Campus report analyzes the policies of 21 postsecondary institutions in AB, including how often the policy is reviewed, what it covers, and other aspects that could be better outlined with a provincial framework in place. Having a province-wide policy, says CAUS Chair Sadiya Nazir, "will make sure that institutions who maybe don't have the capacity to deal with campus sexual violence as well as others are still being supported and have the guidelines to make sure that [the government's] robust policies can be implemented." The article reports that Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador also currently do not have any legislation in place regarding sexual violence on campus policies, while Nova Scotia currently has a bill before its assembly. CBC | CTV (AB)
MMF launches $90M postsecondary education accord
The Manitoba Metis Federation has officially launched a 10-year, $90M postsecondary education accord delivered in partnership with the federal government. The agreement allows students with Métis heritage to receive up to $5K for tuition, books, travel support, and living allowances in this academic year. As mandated by the federation, students must undergo a mandatory Métis history class prior to receiving the bursary. "We know education is crucial to live a life filled with healthy outcomes," said MMF President David Chartrand. "Education also pushes the Métis Nation forward and today we are empowering these students to take control of their futures." CBC | CTV (MB)
Canadian higher ed participates in UN's International Day of Women and Girls in Science
To help draw attention to the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, several Canadian institutions are participating in events that celebrate the UN's International Day of Women and Girls in Science day. Queen's University recently held a Little STEMS Pilot PA Day Program to encourage young girls to explore learning opportunities in engineering science, while the Université du Québec à Montréal partnered on the presentation of a Women and Girls in Science event at the Montréal Science Centre. "STEM and the innovation it drives is the future and my job is to make sure girls know they are just as much apart of solving the challenges of the future as their male peers," said Queen's Outreach Coordinator Lindsay Jones. Queen's | NewsWire (International)
St Clair breaks ground on residence, provides housing for international students
St Clair College has broken ground on a new student residence building that is intended to serve its growing international student population. The privately financed five-storey residence was given approval last year and is expected to be completed by Fall 2020. "This is a very unique building because it’s a modular-delivered building,” said St Clair Vice-President Ron Seguin. While the outside structure of the building should be completed this spring, the units will be constructed in a factory and shipped to the site in May. St Clair aims to have students residing in the building by January 2021. Windsor Star (ON)
UCalgary announces creation of $5M agricultural research centre
The University of Calgary's School of Public Policy has announced the creation of a research centre focusing on agricultural development in Western Canada. The Simpson Centre for Agricultural and Food Innovation and Public Education is named after donor John Simpson, who contributed more than $5M to the project. The centre will have four major research focuses: trade policy, climate change, agriculture as a major resource sector, and food and agriculture technology. "Agriculture does produce our breakfast, our lunch and our supper," said Simpson, “and we need to care about how we produce that so that we get the people back onside, to believing that farmers and ranchers in agriculture are good for us.” CBC | Calgary Herald (AB)
ON increases mental health support for postsecondary students
The Government of Ontario has announced increased funding to expand mental health services for postsecondary students across the province. Specifically, the province is providing $1M to Kids Help Phone to expand Good2Talk/Allo J'écoute, the province's 24/7 bilingual mental health support service. "Helping all Ontario's students maintain their mental health is critical to supporting student resilience and success," said ON Minister of Colleges and Universities Ross Romano. "Expanding mental health supports will help reach more postsecondary students so they can succeed in their studies and set themselves up for future success in the workforce." ON | Bay Today (ON)
New plans unveiled for UNBC's $5.9M botanical garden
The David Douglas Botanical Garden Society has unveiled its plan for the second part of the expansion of the University of Northern British Columbia's David Douglas Botanical Garden. The second phase of the project would see a visitor centre, ornamental gardens, First Nations garden, and research plots added to the grounds and will cost $2.7M. Phase three, at the cost of another $3.2M, proposes development of wetlands and an elevated cable walk through the forested lands on the acreage. Society President Linda Naess said the garden serves an important role for promoting wellness for UNBC faculty, staff, and others. "You can take your family up and walk through a labyrinth. You can maybe do a skywalk. Somebody's suggested a zipline," Naess said. "It's endless what you can do there and we think it's good for the whole community." CBC (BC)
McMaster Technology programs receive business school accreditation
McMaster University's W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology has received accreditation for three programs from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The programs receiving accreditation included automation engineering technology, automotive and vehicle engineering technology, and biotechnology. McMaster states that the accreditation makes the W Booth School the first institution in Ontario to achieve ACBSP global accreditation status, and the only engineering school in North America with ACBSP accredited baccalaureate programs. “This accreditation gives students the appropriate recognition for the business component of their degree to help them in their career and other potential educational pathways,” said McMaster Professor Allan MacKenzie. McMaster (ON)
Tentative agreement reached between MtA, MAFA
After a six-day strike, a tentative agreement has been reached between Mount Allison University and the MtA Faculty Association. MtA Faculty and Librarians returned to campus on Monday allowing classes to resume. In a statement, MAFA indicated that it will share the details of the agreement with members in advance of a ratification vote, but no details of the agreement will be released to the public until then. Some of the key issues for faculty staff and librarians during negotiations included accommodations for those with disabilities, job security, and compensation, according to MAFA President Matthew Litva. “This was a challenging round of negotiations, but our striking members stayed strong and united in their determination to achieve a settlement at the bargaining table,” said Litvak. MAFA | CBC (NB)
UWindsor announces launch of Muslim Chaplaincy service
The University of Windsor has celebrated the launch of a Muslim Chaplaincy that will provide faith-based counselling and educational support to campus members. The chaplaincy will join the Catholic, Anglican, and other chaplaincies at the university in offering students the opportunity to book confidential sessions with new chaplain Imam Yousef Wahb, for services like counselling, spiritual care, and campus referrals. "These sessions are totally confidential," explains Wahb, “they come and talk to a chaplain, talk about any sort of emotional, mental, intellectual issues that they may be facing.” UWindsor | CBC (ON)
