Top Ten
June 5, 2020
OFI announces $16M in funding for six ocean research projects
Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI) has released details on six ocean research projects that will be supported by a combined $16M in funding. One project worth nearly $2M will conduct research on the continental shelf surrounding Prince Edward Island to look at freshwater offshore aquifers. Another project—OneOceanHealth—will receive roughly $1.2M to consider the connections between ocean, marine animal, and human health. Other projects that received funding include sea floor mapping in the Northwest Atlantic ($2M), climate change impacts on the Northwest Atlantic biological carbon pump ($4M), future ocean and coastal infrastructure ($4M), and combining community-led knowledge in Northern Canada with traditional science (over $4M). “Each project links multiple Atlantic universities [and] builds partnerships with industry, government, and Canada’s Indigenous communities,” said OFI Associate Scientific Director. “These are the partnerships that Canada must embrace in order to achieve a sustainable future.” CBC | OFI (NS, NL, PE)
UBC, Kelowna announce plans for downtown mix-used building
The University of British Columbia, in partnership with the City of Kelowna, have announced plans for a downtown mixed-use development that will feature community-facing academic space, office space, and university rental housing. “Since our creation in 2005, we have grown from 3,000 students to over 11,000 today and we expect our community to continue its development, reaching a population of over 20,000 by 2040,” said UBC Okanagan Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal Deborah Buszard. “With this kind of expanded presence over the coming years, it only makes sense that we would create community-facing academic space in the heart of Kelowna, in close proximity to many of our community partners working in health, tech, business, and arts and culture.” UBC (BC)
Loyalist, Trenval partner to offer free webinar series to support displaced workers
Loyalist College’s Training and Knowledge Centre and the Trenval Business Development Corporation have launched a free webinar series to support workers displaced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The six-part webinar series will cover topics like understanding entrepreneurship, remote business development for the micro-entrepreneur, and managing money as a micro business. In addition, Loyalist and Trenval will also be offering a free Small Business Series for small business owners and employees. “For those suffering job loss or reduced hours in the Bay of Quinte region, Loyalist College is here to help you get back on your feet and find hope for the future,” said Loyalist President Ann Marie Vaughan. Loyalist (ON)
MUN leadership responds to open letter opposing president’s support of offshore oil industry
Hundreds of students and faculty at Memorial University have penned an open letter asking senior leadership to recommit to climate change initiatives and avoid further statements of open-ended support for the oil and gas sector on behalf on MUN. The open letter responds to comments MUN President Vianne Timmons made at a virtual news conference about the university’s relationship with the oil and gas industry. Timmons has since responded to the open letter, confirming senior leadership’s commitment to the MUN Crisis Pledge and indicating that action statements included in the open letter will be brought “to the senior leadership table for discussion this week.” CBC | MUN | Open Letter (NL)
York launches people analytics program
The York University School of Continuing Studies has launched what NewsWire is describing as “Canada’s first university continuing education Certificate in People Analytics.” Beginning September 2020, the online, part-time program will teach the fundamental concepts of data analytics, visualization of data insights, and the application of data-driven insights to address HR-related problems. "Although the COVID-19 crisis has led to unprecedented job losses across Canada, emerging professions such as people analytics are experiencing a demand for skilled workers to help organizations navigate the difficulties created by the pandemic," said York Assistant Vice-President, Continuing Studies Tracey Taylor-O'Reilly. NewsWire (ON)
UNB announces LPN-BN Pathway
The University of New Brunswick’s Fredericton campus has launched a pathway to nursing education that will allow more practicing Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to continue their education. Starting Fall 2020, LPNs who wish to become Registered Nurses will now be able to take necessary courses from home using technology-enhanced learning tools. Debbi Amirault, UNB program director, described the pathway “as a way to help remove barriers for potential students to access nursing education. This pathway demonstrates our commitment to nursing and to the people of our province.” UNB (NB)
NOSM leadership calls for expansion, more medical students
Leaders in the Northern Ontario medical community are calling for the expansion of Northern Ontario School of Medicine due to a shortage of doctors in the region. NOSM President Sarita Verma and NOSM Physician Workforce Strategy assistant dean, Sarah Newbery say the challenges of health-care delivery in Northern Ontario need to be urgently addressed through measures such as reconsidering the allocation of medical student seats and re-focusing education efforts on regions where the need is greatest. “Now is the time to focus on how we continue to work to build a sustainable health-care system for Northern citizens so that they can access the reliable, high-quality care that will improve their health outcomes individually and as a population,” the authors explain. Sudbury Star (ON)
Lambton, Tiidal partner to create experiential learning opportunities for students
Lambton College has partnered with Tiidal Gaming Group Inc to enhance the learning experience of students enrolled in the college’s Esports Entrepreneurship & Administration program. As part of the new collaboration, Tiidal will provide internships within Lazarus Esports, the company’s competitive gaming and content division, to five students enrolled in the program. Additionally, the collaboration will allow Lambton to leverage Tiidal's streaming network to market and promote the Esports program across a network of gaming enthusiasts and professionals. “Whether it be internships, event participation, event management or guest speakers, I am very proud that our faculty are so dedicated to creating these practical experiences for our students which we know often leads to post graduate success,” said Lambton Senior Dean, Business, International Education & Computer Studies Chris Slade. Lambton (ON)
Sask Polytech, Supply Chain Canada partner to offer eligible students SCMP designation
Saskatchewan Polytechnic has partnered with Supply Chain Canada to allow eligible student to earn credits toward their Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation. The partnership will see Sask Polytech Supply Chain Management Post Graduate Certificate graduates from April 2020, onward with an overall cumulative average of 70% or higher have advanced standing towards modules and workshops needed to achieve the SCMP designation. “This partnership with Supply Chain Canada represents a win-win scenario,” said Dean (interim) for the Sask Polytech School of Business and School of Information and Communications Technology Doug Rempel. “We are excited about the opportunities the SCMP designation will provide to our Supply Chain Management graduates.” Sask Polytech (SK)
Schools respond to students’ racist social media posts
Canadian postsecondary institutions are addressing incidents where students have created social media posts with racist content. The Guelph Mercury and GuelphToday report that a student from the University of Guelph posted TikTok videos containing racism and hate. The Brandon Sun reported that a group of students at Brandon University posted racist content that stretches as far back at October 2018 and as recently as Tuesday. UofGuelph indicated through a tweet that the school made contact with the student and “is taking appropriate actions to address this troubling situation.” The video has also been removed from the Overheard at Guelph Facebook page. At Brandon University, officials are investigating reports through their Diversity and Human Rights Office and have also reported the complaints to the police. Guelph Mercury | GuelphToday | Brandon Sun | Brandon (ON, MB)
