Top Ten
June 12, 2020
ON announces postsecondary reopening plans
The Government of Ontario has launched a plan for the gradual resumption of in-person instruction at postsecondary institutions for the summer term. Beginning July 2020, limited in-person education and training may restart for students who were not able to graduate due to pandemic closures. Institutions that choose to open in July will be responsible for establishing their own plans are in accordance with public health advice and any ministry guidance. In September, all students will have the opportunity to attend postsecondary education through virtual learning, in-class instruction, or hybrid formats. In addition, ON also announced that they will begin working on a digital and academic modernization framework this summer. ON (ON)
MB offers non-profits financial incentives to encourage student hires
The Government of Manitoba has announced changes to the province’s wage subsidy program that will attempt to stimulate job creation through financial incentives for non-profit organizations. Specifically, $6K in financial aid will be made available to non-profit organizations that hire students. Each organization will receive $3K upon confirmation of the student’s hiring, with the remaining funds will be paid out at the end of the summer. MB Premier Brian Pallister stated that the changes are part of an effort to convince young people to work rather than taking federal subsidies. "It isn't just the money,” he said. “It's what you get in terms of knowledge and experience from the work." CBC (MB)
OCAA announces suspension of Fall athletics for 2020
The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) and its members have announced the decision to suspend varsity sports and recreation activities for the 2020 Fall semester at the 27 member schools. The decision was made in response to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic and impacts baseball, softball, rugby, rugby sevens, outdoor soccer, golf, and cross country running. “The safety of the entire OCAA membership and our participants is our top priority, but we understand and share the deep disappointment this especially causes for our 4,000 student-athletes,” said OCAA President Nathan McFadden. “We will get through this, and when we resume competition, the viability of the OCAA will be more important than ever before in uniting both our campuses and communities together in sport.” At this time, athletics for the 2021 Winter semester are expected to take place with reduced schedules. OCAA (ON)
VCAD, ECUAD partner to offer continuing studies pathways
Visual College of Art and Design and Emily Carr University of Art + Design have partnered to create pathways for continuing studies. The partnership will allow VCAD students enrolled in 3D Modeling Animation Art and Design, Game Development and Design, and Graphic Design programs to pursue continued education in ECUAD’s bachelor degree programs, including 3D Computer Animation, Interaction Design, and Communication Design. “We hope our students will use this opportunity to further their education in art and design and become valued and sought-after professionals in the industry,” said VCAD Regional Director of Operations Teresa Vaccaro. VCAD (BC)
Construction underway at zero-carb Forensics Crime Scene facility at Trent
Trent University has announced that construction is underway on their Forensics Crime Scene Facility, a building that aims to be Canada’s first zero-carbon building certified by the International Living Future Institute. The facility will also offer features such as cameras installed in crime-scene spaces to record students’ analyses, moveable walls to stage up to eight crime scenes, and modern equipment to process and analyze evidence while minimizing cross-contamination. “We are very proud that this new facility will enhance the caliber of learning for our Forensics students while giving back to the environment,” said Trent President Leo Groarke. Trent expects students will have access to the building beginning in January. Trent (ON)
FEC-CSQ, MQF oppose Dawson expansion project
The Fédération des enseignants de cégep (FEC-CSQ) and the Mouvement Québec français (MQF) are voicing their opposition to a Dawson College expansion project due to fears that the addition in the Anglophone college would undermine the linguistic balance in Montréal. In an open letter, FEC-CSQ president Lucie Piché asks the Government of Québec to withdraw this expansion project as he believes that its development will increase the anglicized public space in the city. Relatedly, the MQF is calling for the suspension of this expansion project and the holding of a substantive debate on the anglicization of the college network in Quebec. In response, Dawson directeur général Richard Filion argues that a vast majority of the QC population agrees with the expanded access to the English-language cégep. Journal de Montréal (1) | Journal de Montréal (2) (QC)
Langara Beyond 49 campaign comes to a close after surpassing goal
Langara College’s Beyond 49 campaign has come to an official close after raising $2.9M for student scholarships and College initiatives, exceeding its goal of $2.5M. “Over the last 18 months, our community has come together in so many ways to support Beyond 49, providing new opportunities and valuable resources for our students for years to come,” said Langara President Lane Trotter. “Through the generosity of our donors, we’ve far exceeded our goal.” The campaign funded projects in all areas of the college, and donors were able to pick and choose the projects they supported. The project has funded the Indigenous Upgrading Program run in the community at Musqueam, new software and computer equipment for the GIS lab, and sustainability initiatives such as solar panels. Langara (BC)
UQAM launches part-time training option for preschool, elementary teacher certification
The Université du Québec à Montréal’s Faculté des sciences de l'éducation has announced that they will now offer part-time training that will provide certification to preschool and elementary school teachers. The new stream within the program will allow teachers who do not hold a certificate to obtain one once they meet the regulatory requirements. While other schools have opted to create a qualifying master’s degree, UQAM vice-doyen aux études à la Faculté des sciences de l'éducation Henri Boudreault states that such program are not yet recognized by the Comité d'agrément des programmes de formation à l'enseignement and do not currently lead to the teaching certificate, while UQAM’s part-time training is duly approved. UQAM (QC)
Great Plains partners with educational organizations to enhance programming
Great Plains College has enhanced its programming related to short-term training and microcredential courses through partnerships with The Learning Network (LERN) and ed2go. The two companies provide professional development and personal special-interest courses that allow students and professionals to improve their resume. “In today’s competitive job market, continuous personal and professional development is essential to get ahead and gain the skills that today’s employers are looking for,” said Great Plains Region Manager Fritz Eckstein. “The variety of programs and courses offered by ed2go and LERN provide access to the latest knowledge, trends, and innovations.” Great Plains (SK)
12 questions to ask before considering a move to the provost’s office: Opinion
“With a new administrative hiring season upon us — no doubt altered from the norm by the COVID-19 crisis — some deans will be considering a move into the provost’s office,” writes Richard Badenhausen. Writing from the perspective of an administrator at a small, private, independent college during a time of great change and financial pressure, the author offers 12 questions for deans that may be considering a move to the position of provost. The questions cover subjects such as one’s ability to apologize and comfort level with making unpopular decisions, as well as one’s experience with shared governance and dealing with students. Chronicle of Higher Ed (International)
