Top Ten
March 16, 2020
Class cancellations, moves to online learning announced at several postsecondary institutions
Several postsecondary institutions have announced class cancellations and a move to online learning in the wake of COVID-19, while others are instituting temporary class cancellations to discuss institutional strategy. Colleges and universities including St Clair College, Niagara College, Fanshawe College, Ontario Tech University, the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta, the University of Lethbridge, Ryerson University, Queen’s University, Brock University, York University, the University of Toronto, and Western University have all announced that they are suspending classes for the time being while they discuss strategy, consider alternative delivery methods, and/or move in-person classes to online platforms. All such institutions indicated they will be communicating plans with community members shortly. Meanwhile, universities, colleges, cégeps, and polytechnics in Québec are affected by a QC government decree banning all indoor gatherings of more than 250 people. University Affairs | CBC | Global News | Niagara | Fanshawe (National)
INRS receives $15M for research, faculty positions at five UQ institutions
The Institute national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) has received $15M in funding over five years from the Government of Québec to support research and collaboration among five regional schools within the Université du Québec network. Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Université du Québec en Outaouais, and Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières will receive these fund to create joint research units focusing on issues of health, indigenous issues, cybersecurity, and energy transition. In addition, 15 new faculty positions will be added to INRS. INRS (QC)
Coursera, edX offer free access to institutions affected by COVID-19
Coursera and edX have announced that it will offer institutions free access for courses impacted by COVID-19. Coursera will provide the Coursera for Campus platform free to higher education institutions impacted by coronavirus until the end of July, and will allow students who enrol in Coursera courses on or before July 31st to retain access until September 30th. "Universities can sign up to provide their enrolled students with access to more than 3,800 courses and 400 specializations from Coursera's top university and industry partners," explained Coursera CEO Jeff Maggioncalda. Similarly, edX has launched a Remote Access Program giving students free access to courses and programs from all edX partners participating in the initiative. "We want to help our university partners best support their students during this tough time," said edX CEO Anant Agarwal. Campus Technology (International)
Sask Polytech announces I-CAR Canada courses
Coursera and edX have announced that it will offer institutions free access for courses impacted by COVID-19. Coursera will provide the Coursera for Campus platform free to higher education institutions impacted by coronavirus until the end of July, and will allow students who enrol in Coursera courses on or before July 31st to retain access until September 30th. "Universities can sign up to provide their enrolled students with access to more than 3,800 courses and 400 specializations from Coursera's top university and industry partners," explained Coursera CEO Jeff Maggioncalda. Similarly, edX has launched a Remote Access Program giving students free access to courses and programs from all edX partners participating in the initiative. "We want to help our university partners best support their students during this tough time," said edX CEO Anant Agarwal. Campus Technology (International)
McGill24 raises over $2.95M in a single day
McGill University has announced that the school community raised $2.95M on March 11th, the largest amount of funding a Canadian university has raised in a single day a statement explains. The initiative, McGill24, saw participants provide donations to support student programs, student-athletes, academic units, research initiatives, the McGill Library and more. “We are very grateful for the generosity of our alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends,” said McGill Principal Suzanne Fortier. “The support that we receive every year during McGill24 makes a real difference to our University and to the next generation of students, while showcasing the deep loyalty and affinity our global community continues to have for McGill.” McGill (QC)
Acknowledging, addressing universities role in gentrification
Universities have been recognized as accelerators of gentrification, write Alessandra Renzi, Aaron Vansintjan, Emanuel Guay, Tamar Vukov, and Vijay Kolinjivadi. In this piece, the authors focus on the problems caused by the Université de Montréal's MIL campus' Parc-Extension for "Canada's poorest and most densely populated region" living near the campus. Although UMontréal told the Guardian in 2019 that it was careful to plan for negative impacts the MIL campus may have, the authors note that affordable and social housing units reserved for current Parc-Ex residents will not be ready until after most vulnerable people have lost their homes. The authors discuss ways that institutions can curb the negative effects of gentrification, such as hosting genuine dialogs between the university and the community. In addition, the authors note that "universities can encourage their students’ community involvement in concert with needs defined by low-income communities." The Conversation (National )
Cambrian partners with local schools to deliver dual-credit course in applied technology
Cambrian College, Kenjgewin Teg, the Rainbow District School Board, Manitoulin Secondary School have partnered to offer secondary students a dual credit course in applied technology. The course, offered to students at Kenjgewin Teg and Manitoulin Secondary School, will see participating Grade 11 and 12 students enrolled in Cambrian’s Applied Technology I course as part of Cambrian’s Pre-Trades/Technology program. “This partnership will promote student success, inspire learners and create strong pathways between secondary and post-secondary education," said Kenjgewin Teg’s Director of Operations Brenda Francis. "We are excited to support the growth of our communities and moving one step closer to the vision of Kenjgewin Teg in the purpose and construction of the Anishinabek Skills, Innovation and Research Centre.” Sudbury Star | NationTalk (ON)
BC announces 36 Red Seal construction trades training positions in Surrey
The Government of British Columbia has announced that up to 36 eligible people in Surrey will receive trades training for Red Seal certification. Delivered by Ace Trades Technical Institute in partnership with Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society, the program will provide three 15-week training sessions where applicants can train as an electrician, carpenter, or plumber. "[This] is exactly this kind of initiative that will help to meet the provincewide demand for workers in the certified construction trades," said BC Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Shane Simpson. "In addition to supporting local workers, this project also provides critical opportunities to recent immigrants and foreign-trained tradespeople, assisting them on the path to a rewarding, long-term career.” BC (BC)
Advice for advancement professionals, new presidents from a man who has done both
After completing a one-year term as acting president of a US college, Hugh Porter frequently received questions about what he learned during his assignment. Their interest, he believes, stemmed out of "a desire to understand what advancement looks like from the vantage point of the university’s top leader." To fulfill this curiosity, the author provides five tips each for advancement professionals and new presidents. In terms of advancement professionals, Porter highlights the importance of managing expectations, understanding the complexity of senior admin roles, unencumbering the future, giving feedback, and resisting the impulse to expect miracles. For new presidents, the author recommends prioritizing vision, making external constituencies part of one's strategy, understanding the difference between counting and raising money, travelling sensibly, and taking feedback graciously. Inside Higher Ed (International)
VCC becomes Certiport-authorized testing centre
Vancouver Community College has announced that they have become a Certiport-authorized testing centre. The new offering will allow students to take a Microsoft Office Specialist exam at their Downtown campus. “There is an increasing focus on micro-credentials,” explains VCC Coordinator of the Technology and Trades program Sid Khullar. “Not only can certification increase a person’s earning potential, it can validate one’s skills and increase self-confidence as well.” Khuller added that the exam can assure employers that a worker can complete certain tasks efficiently and accurately. VCC (BC)
