Top Ten
July 20, 2020
StFX reviewing wording of COVID-19 waiver
President of St Francis Xavier University Andrew Hakin has indicated to the campus community that changes will be made to a legal waiver that asked students to waive their right to sue the university in relation to COVID-19 related circumstances. A spokesperson for the university confirmed that the administration is in discussions with students and other stakeholders, including parents and the board of governors, and will "review its decision to ensure it presents the best way forward." NS MLA Labi Kousoulis spoke with student leaders negotiating with StFX who revealed that they are seeking to have the waiver’s wording changed or replaced by a code of conduct. "At this point, the waiver that was circulated, I'm quite certain will not be the waiver the students will be expected to sign," said Kousoulis. CBC | Times Higher Education (NS)
McGill’s Dobson Centre receives $3M donation to support programming, new facility
McGill University’s Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship has received a $3M gift from the John Dobson Foundation to support innovations and entrepreneurship at the school. The funds will help support the Centre’s programming, as well as the creation of a permanent physical facility on campus. “The generous support we have received from the John Dobson Foundation will allow the University to continue to lead in the training and development of the next generation of innovative McGill entrepreneurs,” said McGill Principal Suzanne Fortier. “We thank the Foundation for their vision and for helping to bring the Dobson Centre to the next level of success, making it an important force for innovation in Montreal and Quebec.” McGill (QC)
Sheridan, Queen’s among Canadian institutions partnering with BlackNorth Initiative
Sheridan College and Queen’s University are among many leading Canadian institutions and organizations that have partnered with the BlackNorth Initiative to address and dismantle systemic anti-Black racism and create opportunities for underrepresented members of the Black community. Sheridan has committed to conducting unconscious bias and anti-racism education and, by 2025, ensuring that 5% of its student positions and 3% of its donations create opportunities for the Black community, among other initiatives. Through their partnership with Queen’s, BlackNorth will contribute $65K to the Cecil Allan Fraser Bursary, which provides financial support to Black Canadian or visible minority/racialized students enrolled in the university’s JD program. Sheridan | Calgary Herald (Queen’s) (ON)
Canadian universities make delivery, student support announcements in preparation of Fall term
As the beginning of Fall term approaches, many Canadian universities are announcing their new or revised Fall delivery plans, as well as introducing supports for students. Queen’s University has announced that their residences will operate at half capacity this Fall in accordance with public health guidelines. Canadian Mennonite University has announced that they intend to offer a full slate of in-person courses, while offering some virtual options for those who request it. CMU President Cheryl Pauls said they will offer smaller class sizes while ensuring physical distancing is happening. In terms of student supports, the University of Guelph has announced that it will reduce student compulsory feeds for the fall semester by between 30-40%, while Dalhousie University has launched the [email protected] program to help new students with their transition to university and to build community. UofGuelph | Queen’s | CBC | Dal (National)
Boréal launches early childhood education training
Collège Boréal, with the support of the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC), has announced that it will be expanding its early childhood education training. As part of a national training and capacity building project administered by ACUFC, the college will offer online training opportunities in Fall 2020 in order to help strengthen the Francophone early childhood sector. Boréal will offer a diploma program in childhood services and four micro-credentials in leadership and administration in childhood services. Boréal (ON)
Brock, BUSU, GSA collaborate to reduce costs to students
Brock University, the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU), and the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) have partnered to reduce ancillary fees for students in the upcoming year. Brock stated that the reductions will collectively save students over $4.2M. “The University appreciates the leadership and flexibility our student unions have shown in advocating for students and helping them deal with the unique situation the COVID-19 pandemic has caused,” said Brock Provost and Vice-President Academic Lynn Wells. Brock also recently ratified the agreement that was tentatively reached with the faculty association on June 19th. Brock | Brock (ON)
ITHQ launches vegan, vegetarian-focused continuing education for chefs
The Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec has launched a new program focused on vegetarian cuisine. The continuing education program - Alimentation végétale - will train chefs, cooks, and other cuisine professionals to offer full, balanced vegan menus that are environmentally friendly. The program will revolve around three areas: Adapting recipes, using plant substitutes, and the acquisition of nutritional knowledge. ITHQ stated that the program will help chefs to reinvent cuisine by providing alternatives to animal proteins. ITHQ (QC)
UNB receives funding for COVID-19 research
The University of New Brunswick has received over $400K from the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF), the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation (NBHRF) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency for projects investigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will support researchers from disciplines that range from nursing to education to chemistry who are contributing to the pandemic response. “NBHRF is proud to join with NBIF and APPTA to offer this opportunity to our outstanding New Brunswick researchers, their teams and their collaborators. The response from the research community illustrates that this excellence is in place,” said NBHRF Interim CEO Leah Carr. “We look forward to the contributions they will make to the development of new knowledge and its dissemination to not only the medical community, but the policy makers and the population at large.” UNB (NB)
Lambton establishes new pathway programs with Ryerson, JAMK
Lambton College has announced two new pathway agreements that will enable graduates to pursue further education at universities. Graduates of Lambton’s Workplace Safety & Prevention program will be able to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science (Workplace Health & Safety) at Ryerson University. Graduates of Lambton’s Sports & Recreation Management, Office Administration – Executive, Office Administration – Health Services, and Business Administration programs will be able to pursue an International Business degree at JAMK University in Finland. Lambton (ON)
Fleming partners with local studio to create employment opportunities for new Canadians
Fleming College, Madderhouse Textile Studio, the New Canadian Centre, and the Newcomer Sewing Crew have partnered to provide opportunities for women who are new to Canada to create hand-stitched cloth face masks while earning a living wage. Masks created through the program will be distributed to Fleming students, faculty, and staff as they return to campus for summer bootcamps. “We are thrilled to work with Madderhouse Textile Studios and the New Canadian Centre to provide important work for the Newcomer Sewing Crew, a collaborative project that in turn will help keep our Fleming community safe,” said Fleming President Maureen Adamson. “As a public asset, Fleming has an obligation to create opportunities that unlock potential in our community. We are grateful for the work done by the Newcomer Sewing Crew and are pleased to showcase the face masks to our Fleming community.” Fleming (ON)
