Top Ten
November 30, 2020
Vanier develops Creativity and Innovation College-wide major
Vanier College has developed a new Creativity and Innovation College-wide major. The program allows students to get credits through courses, activities, and guest lectures that will develop their expertise in their chosen area of interest. Students can demonstrate their talent to future employers or admissions officers through the projects they have completed. Graduates receive both a Majors certificate and a Diploma of College Studies from their program. “Humans learn a lot when they work on their passions,” said Vanier teacher Avery Rueb. “The Creativity and Innovation Major gives Vanier students college credit for working on projects they care about deeply, be it making videos for YouTube, playing hockey, rapping, knitting, playing board games, cooking or anything else.” Vanier (QC)
Western, King’s, Brescia extend holiday break
Western University, King’s University College, and Brescia University College have made the decision to extend the break before Winter Term classes begin. Classes for the three institutions will resume on January 11, 2021. King’s and Brescia have confirmed that the February reading week will take place as originally planned. Additionally, all three institutions will close earlier than planned, giving employees an extra two days off to rest. “We hope this extra time off will allow you to rest and recover a little longer, coming back stronger and ready to take on the winter term,” said Western President Alan Shepard. King’s | Western | Brescia (ON)
Becoming president of an institution during COVID-19: Opinion
Those moving into the role of university president during the pandemic have faced new challenges, write Pascale Castonguay and Moira MacDonald. The authors explore the experiences of new presidents and how they have dealt with pandemic challenges, what new skills they have learned, and how their visions for their institutions have been altered. Speaking to those stepping into leadership roles, Dennis Prud’homme, president and vice-chancellor at Université de Moncton recommends “not being afraid to talk to their fellow presidents and get their opinions. My colleagues at other institutions offered me their help and a sympathetic ear when I needed their opinions, and that’s very valuable for a new president.” University Affairs (International)
Future Skills Council’s report prioritizes lifelong learning
The Future Skills Council has released a new report that sets priorities for education, training, and accreditation following pandemic-related challenges faced by Canadians. The priorities, which are aimed at building a sustainable workforce, include creating equal opportunity for lifelong learning, approaching skills development in innovative ways, and providing all Canadians with labour market and career planning information. Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough stated that the report, “is a call to action for all Canadians to continue learning, acquire new skills and create opportunities for all across the country.” Canada | Canada (National)
Sask Polytech joins Next Generation Manufacturing Supercluster
Saskatchewan Polytechnic has joined the Next Generation Manufacturing Supercluster. Through this membership, Sask Polytech will engage in work related to the Internet of Things, machine learning, cybersecurity and additive manufacturing projects. The polytechnic will also provide discounted training through NGen’s AmpUP program. “Manufacturing supports 1.7 million jobs across Canada, and is one of the key drivers of our economy,” said Larry Rosia, president of Sask Polytech. “Sask Polytech is excited to be one of the first postsecondary institutions in the country to join the Next Generation Manufacturing Supercluster.” Sask Polytech (SK)
Holland College offers second year ECCE program part-time
Holland College has announced that it will be offering the second year of its Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) program on a part-time basis to students who are certified as early childhood assistants. The courses will be delivered in blended format in the evening or on weekends, with students able to complete the program in two years. This model will allow people who are already working in early childhood education to continue postsecondary studies while working, allowing them to apply their theoretical experience. Holland College | (PEI)
NIC offers free Women in Construction Trades sessions
North Island College is launching free Women in Construction Trades sessions, which will give women an overview of the programs NIC offers and the opportunities graduates have for employment. Sessions, which will be offered in Campbell River, Comox Valley, Port Alberni, and Port Hardy, are one to two weeks long, and will be delivered in a blended format. The topics will vary by location, and may include welding, joinery, automotive, and carpentry. Students will have hands-on opportunities within NIC’s training shops. “These orientation sessions are designed for women who are interested in exploring the trades, seeking information on NIC’s trades training or considering a career change,” said Cheryl O’Connell, dean of Trades and Technical Programs at NIC. My Comox Valley Now (BC)
ULaval, ENAP launch digital-focused research chairs
Université Laval and École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP) have established two new research chairs to support public administration as it adapts to changes brought on by digital transformation. The Research Chair on Public Administration in the Digital Age will focus on the effects of digital transformation in the public service sector. The chair will look at the effects of this transformation on public service employees, and monitor digital innovations across the world and their application to the public sector. The Research Chair in the Exploitation of Information Resources will analyze and establish governance around the challenges that emerge from the digital age. The chairs are supported by funds from the Secrétariat du Conseil du Trésor du Québec and other industry partners. UQuébec (QC)
Lakehead plans to divest from fossil fuel holdings
Lakehead University has announced its plan to divest from its fossil fuel holdings by 2023 after approval from the Board of Governors. Following expert consultations and feedback from the university community, the Board decided the divestment reflects the institution’s goal of becoming a leader in sustainability, and is consistent with its current Strategic Plan and Sustainability Action Plan. “Lakehead University has a responsibility to be pro-active in facing the challenges associated with climate change through education, research, and its investments,” said Lakehead president Moira McPherson. “I am especially proud of our students, who continue to show their commitment and leadership to addressing this global issue.” Lakehead (ON)
UWindsor distances itself from fraternity after circulation of hateful messages
The Delta Chi fraternity at the University of Windsor, which has US-based leadership and is not officially affiliated with the institution, has allegedly circulated hateful private Facebook messages. CBC reports that the messages were uncovered by two university anti-racism groups. The article states that the messages included racist and Anti-Black comments, comments that promoted violence, and other offensive language. UWindsor has suspended the fraternity’s ability to book space on campus, and has contacted the fraternity’s US leadership and the police. The student community expressed outrage and UWindsor President Rob Gordon condemned the messages as “disturbing, unacceptable, and entirely incongruent with the values of our school and the work we are doing to create a more inclusive and equitable community at the University of Windsor.” CBC | UWindsor (ON)
