Top Ten
July 10, 2020
No-confidence motion against NSCAD U board of governors garners over 95% support
Faculty at NSCAD University have voted in favour of a no-confidence motion against the university’s board of governors after they fired the institution’s president last month. "Full and part time faculty, librarians and technicians at NSCAD University powerfully expressed their lack of confidence in the Board of Governors with 95.6% of members voting and 96.3% of those voting NO CONFIDENCE in the Board,” stated the NSCAD U faculty union. Fourth-year NSCAD student Brody Weaver described the results of the vote as “reassuring,” stating that “it really shows that we're all on the same page, except for the board of governors.” CBC (NS)
AB postsecondary grant met with criticism by advocates for students with children, dependents
The Government of Alberta’s decision to amalgamate two financial support grants in favour of a more general program is receiving pushback from advocates that say the decision could make postsecondary education less accessible for students with children or other dependents. In late June, AB announced that the Alberta Low-Income grant and the Alberta Maintenance grant—available to students that are financially responsible for a child, parent, or partner—would be amalgamated into the Alberta Student Grant for Full-Time Students. According to an AB representative, the move will help provide approximately 6,400 more students with funding with the same amount of funding from the newly merged programs. However, Council of Alberta University Students chairperson Rowan Ley argues that the loss of the maintenance grant will it make it more difficult for some students to attend postsecondary as the program is not available to students in four-year programs, and offers students $1.5K less funding per semester. CBC (AB)
GPRC, GHSD partners to expand trades training for students
Grande Prairie Regional College has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Golden Hills School Division (GHSD) to develop the Acme High School Tri-Campus Community Innovation Centre. The agreement will allow the institutions to collaborate and provide a modern virtual learning opportunity with the intention to expand the vision and scope of rural technical and trades training within Alberta. “The goal of the Acme High School Tri-Campus Community Innovation Centre is to create virtual learning spaces through the collaboration with businesses and post-secondary institutions to support the development of a visionary shift in the delivery of both practical and theoretical trades training,” said Bevan Daverne, GHSD Superintendent of Schools. GPRC (AB)
Queen’s, partners launch program to support women-led, rural-based businesses
Queen’s University and Kingston Economic Development Corporation have launched the WE-CAN Project, an initiative that will support nine rural, women-led businesses. More specifically, the program will provide three months of mentorship to area female entrepreneurs through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy. “The Rural Mentorship Program is supporting women who are building rural-based businesses and who face unique challenges, such as isolation, lack of networks and limited access to resources,” said Queen’s Director of Research and Innovation Partnerships Janice Mady. Whig Standard (ON)
BCIT launches Artificial Intelligence Management program
The British Columbia Institute of Technology’s School of Business + Media has launched an Artificial Intelligence Management (AIM) option for its Business Information Technology Management (BITMAN) program. Described by the institute as the only program of its kind in Canada, the full-time, two-year diploma will equip students with knowledge in artificial intelligence and machine learning management. “We created the Artificial Intelligence Management option curriculum to train entry-level AI management knowledge workers,” explained BITMAN Program Head Malcolm Ferrier. “These job-ready business AI analysts will be prepared to help an organization design and implement artificial intelligence, machine learning, and business intelligence solutions.” BCIT (BC)
Loyalist supports students with online Student Food Cupboard
Loyalist College has launched an online store for the Loyalist Student Food Cupboard in a bid to make healthy, nutritious food more accessible to students in need. “Many of our students have been impacted financially by COVID-19 and struggle with food security,” said Loyalist President Ann Marie Vaughan. “By creating an online shopping platform for the Student Food Cupboard, we can quickly meet the needs of our students, provide an accurate inventory of what’s available, maintain physical distancing in accordance with Public Health and reach a broader base of students to directly meet their needs.” Students can place orders for food, school supplies, and personal hygiene items free of charge and pick up their orders at a predetermined time at the school. Loyalist (ON)
RRC offers free online class on social change to drive program interest
Red River College is offering a free class on social change to drive interest in the college’s Social Innovation and Community Development program. The class, Social Innovation Foundations, will be delivered asynchronously and employs inquiry-based learning methods. Students will be required to spend approximately 60 hours a week doing ‘in-class’ learning, and another three to five hours studying. “We're in a revolution about social responsibility,” said RRC instructor Ginger Arnold. “There's a real need for... adults of any age, really, to step up their social responsibility and be focused on helping to make communities a much better place to be." Winnipeg Free Press (MB)
YorkU launches Graduate Diploma in Management
York University has launched a Graduate Diploma in Management that is designed for those with non-business degrees who are seeking to understand the core principles and skills required for managing an organization. The Diploma, which can be completed in two semesters, introduces students to major areas in the study of management, including organizational theory, marketing, accounting, finance, operations management, and management information systems. “As a new grad, it’s important to find ways to distinguish yourself in the job market,” explained YorkU Graduate Program Director Aliaksandr Rusetski. “In addition to your area of expertise, management plays a key role across all sectors.” YorkU (ON)
Laval, CCNQ partner to create Unité mixte de recherche Capitales et patrimoines
Université Laval has signed a collaboration agreement with the Commission de la capitale nationale du Québec (CCNQ) to create the Unité mixte de recherche Capitales et patrimoines (UMR-cp), a research unit that will advance expertise in the study of heritage sites in capital cities. The centre’s first project, backed by $2.5M in funding over five years, will see the creation of a research program devoted to the Cartier-Roberval archaeological site in Québec City. More broadly, however, UMR-cp will also produce innovative research publications, as well as spearhead the organization of scientific events. In coming weeks, UMR-cp will also create a website to present central research activities for the benefit of both the public and experts. Laval (QC)
Job losses, tuition increases implemented as part of UNBC’s 2020-21 operating budget
As part of a $3.4M reduction of their 2020-21 operating budget, the University of Northern British Columbia’s Board of Governors has approved 21 job cuts and approved a tuition fee increase. Job losses account for $1.4M of the reduced operating budget. Twelve of the eliminated positions were vacant, while nine people will lose their jobs directly. Students will see a 2% tuition increase, which comes to an average of $109 per undergraduate student. "We had to make some very tough and unfortunate decisions," UNBC interim president Geoff Payne said. Payne pointed to inflation, other cost drivers, and trouble meeting targets for enrollment as the main reasons for the decisions. Prince George Citizen (BC)
