December 16, 2020
The Government of Manitoba has announced that it will be distributing $25.6M in transitional support to public postsecondary institutions. The funds, which are from the Transitional Support Fund, are intended to enable postsecondary institutions to adapt to the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, including enrolment changes and increased costs due to the change to online learning. “A strong and responsive post-secondary education system is essential in Manitoba’s economic recovery and these investments in post-secondary institutions will ensure our universities and colleges will continue to play a critical role in protecting Manitoba’s future,” said MB Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler.
MB (MB)
College of the North Atlantic and the Iron Ore Company of Canada have signed a MOU to support students developing new skills, as well as collaboration in the areas of workforce development, student and faculty work assignments, and applied research opportunities. The partnership will also support the creation of a future skills training program and the development of IOC internship opportunities. “CNA is excited to be able to provide strategic solutions and offer training opportunities to a major industry leader,” said CNA President Liz Kidd. “We look forward to working with IOC to develop specialized training and educational programs and ensure the right people possess the appropriate skills to excel in their roles within the company.” IOC has committed to investing $2M in CNA over three years
CNA (NL)
Lethbridge College and its community partners have released the final report on the Southwest Alberta Regional Skills Study. The report found that there is an increasing mismatch between the skills people have in the area and the jobs available. The study predicts that over 8,000 new workers will be needed in southwestern Alberta in the future, with the greatest increases found in the health care, arts, entertainment, recreation, and educational services. The report further highlights opportunities for postsecondary institutions to work with other organizations to meet the demands for new skills and play a part in region’s labour market development
Lethbridge (Release) |
Lethbridge (Study) (AB)
Postsecondary institutions need to support chaplains, who support the heart and soul of higher education, writes Reverend Brian E Konkol. The author explains how chaplains contribute to postsecondary education through exploring and honouring identity, creating and cultivating community, and illuminating and igniting purpose. Konkol further describes how chaplains can help students to better navigate the complexities of their lives, as well as the challenges of upheaval and crisis. “By supporting chaplains, we can more fully educate the whole student, both inside and outside the classroom. We can ensure that our graduates will not only do good but also be well.,” writes Knokol.
Inside Higher Ed (International)
The University of Calgary has announced the launch of a new PhD program in Law. The program is geared toward students who are interested in pursuing academic research and writing in law. Students will have the opportunity to conduct sustained research in their area of interest. “We are delighted to be able to announce that our application to begin offering a PhD program in Law has now received provincial approval,” said Lyndsay Campbell, Associate Dean and Graduate Program Director at UCalgary. “Being able to offer a PhD is a real milestone for our Faculty, and it builds on the recent expansion of our LLM programs.”
UCalgary (AB)
Centennial College and Air Canada have signed a MOU to help South Korean students travel to Canada to study. South Korean students who have a Centennial acceptance letter will be able to take advantage of promotional rates on Air Canada flights and a streamlined booking process. “We are delighted to have negotiated this agreement that has the interests of our students at heart,” said Centennial President Craig Stephenson. “Reducing barriers to booking a flight to Canada during a tough time for international travel, while offering promotional rates, are just two of the benefits that this partnership brings to South Korean students beginning their learning journey with us.”
Centennial (ON)
MacEwan University has received a $1M legacy gift from an anonymous donor. The endowed gift will be used to fund the Larissa Bursary, a bursary for students in MacEwan’s Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts programs who are majoring or minoring in computer science. The bursary is meant to enable students who are having financial trouble to finish their program. “We are incredibly grateful for this thoughtful and generous donation,” said Melike Schalomon, dean of MacEwan’s Faculty of Arts and Science. “These bursaries will make a real difference in the lives of students who are struggling financially to complete their studies, and make it easier for them to go on to contribute to the field of computer science in a meaningful way.”
MacEwan (AB)
Laurentian University and the Climate Risk Institute (CRI) have signed an affiliation agreement, which Laurentian says will strengthen its commitment to action on climate change. The agreement will create new opportunities in student learning, research collaboration, and program development. “The Climate Risk institute is pleased to have this tie to Laurentian University. Our partnership will go a long way to providing students with experiential learning opportunities and to advance collaboration on climate change research in Ontario and Canada,” said CRI President Al Douglas. “This linkage will also provide support to northern Ontario communities as they continue to develop plans for increasing climate change resilience.”
Laurentian (ON)
Denise K Magner has provided a number of tips for ensuring that the holidays are still restful and restorative this year, during the pandemic. The article explains that even though the holidays may seem bleak because of loneliness or fear, energy should be channeled into resting rather than academic activity. Magner suggests embracing the break through resting and recharging and doing a digital detox from social media and email. Additionally, the author explains how planning the break to prioritize leisure activities can help to stave off “cabin fever.”
The Chronicle of Higher Ed (International)
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine has launched an Indigenous Health Practitioner Pathway program. The program will introduce Indigenous youth to the possibility of a career in health care and prepare them for further education and training. “Systemic racism in early education, at the elementary and secondary school levels, has disproportionately disadvantaged Indigenous people, making it even more difficult to get into university and medical school,” said Sarita Verma, NOSM Dean and President. “This pathway is another tool that NOSM is using to address those barriers.”
NOSM (ON)
rtraction