Top Ten
February 1, 2021
Queen’s adjusts tuition fees for international PhD students
Queen’s University has announced that it will adjust tuition fees for international PhD students. Under the new tuition policy, international students will pay the same tuition fees as domestic students. The changes come as part of an effort to strengthen graduate education and enhance the Queen’s graduate experience, and draw on recommendations from the Working Group on Graduate Student Success. “With this new tuition policy, we are setting up international PhD students for success and making Queen’s a more attractive choice for graduate education for the most promising emerging scholars from around the world,” says Fahim Quadir, Vice Provost and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS). Queen’s (ON)
Loyalist, Siemens partner on mechatronics micro-credentials
Loyalist College and Siemens have signed a MOU that will provide an opportunity for students to work towards Level One and Level Two of Siemens’ Mechatronics Systems certification. The MOU also outlines curriculum enhancements and applied research and learning opportunities for students, among other initiatives. “For surrounding manufacturing leaders, these mechatronics micro-credentials are the start of exceptional sector-specific support, including a dedicated training centre, industrial assistance, and customizable training,” said Loyalist President Dr Ann Marie Vaughan. Students will train in a designated lab space at Loyalists’ Belleville campus Bay of Quinte Skills Centre, which is currently undergoing renovations. Loyalist | Siemens (ON)
Staying “in the game” while nearing retirement: Opinion
Using a game analogy can help academics who are nearing the end of their careers to understand what will happen when their careers have formally finished, writes Graham Crow. The article explains that older scholars may be able to stay “in the game,” but sometimes feel “forced out” in order to make way for new, younger scholars. The author describes how academics who want to stay “in the game” may join new teams to continue to stay “on top of their game.” “[A]t all career stages, there are numerous ways in which the ‘playing fields’ are not ‘level’, and for those who wish to continue playing it takes determination, stamina and strategy when the odds are stacked against you.” Times Higher Ed (International)
MSVU’s Strategic Human Resource Management major receives accreditation
Mount Saint Vincent University has announced that its Business Administration program’s Strategic Human Resource Management major has received Charter Professionals in Human Resources of Nova Scotia accreditation. The accreditation will allow eligible graduates to apply for a waiver for the CPHR National Knowledge Exam and is retroactive to 2015 for previous graduates. Students whose exams are waived only need to complete their required HR experience. “This accreditation confirms the exceptional quality of the MSVU Business Administration program in Human Resource Management,” said Dr Peter Mombourquette, MSVU Business & Tourism Department Chair. “It means our students are getting an education that will set them up for success, starting with a leg up in achieving their professional HR designation.” MSVU (NS)
The need for English-language education in Quebec: Editorial
The Montreal Gazette Editorial Board has written an editorial about the challenges faced by English-language educational institutions. The article states that English cegeps have been targeted with admission restrictions or diminished funding because they are seen as “vectors of anglicization,” but that the number of people choosing English cegeps is increasing. The authors argue that strengthening English education options is also valuable to the Quebec community and encourages young people to stay within their communities. The article concludes by calling for English educational institutions to be supported with resources and leadership so that they can contribute to the province. Montreal Gazette (QC)
USask receives funding from Agriculture Development Fund
University of Saskatchewan-affiliated Prairie Swine Centre and Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) have received $3.5M in operational funding from the Canadian and Saskatchewan governments. The funds are part of a $7.5M investment through the SK government’s Agricultural Development Fund (ADF). “We are thankful for the ongoing support through the ADF,” said VIDO Director Dr Volker Gerdts. “Infectious diseases continue to threaten animal health and production, and this funding helps ensure our cutting-edge research and development benefits producers.” SK (SK )
NAIT receives $1M to create the “Libra Endowment Fund”
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology has announced that they have received a $1M donation from an anonymous donor. The funds will be used to create the “Libra Endowment Fund,” which will provide financial aid to students who are studying applied sciences and technology through eight $5K bursaries. First- and second-year students in the Bachelor of Applied Information Systems Technology, Digital Media and IT, Computer Engineering Technology and Computer Network Administrator programs are eligible for the bursaries, which are based on financial need. “This is an extremely generous donation that will impact generations of NAIT students,” said Robyn Khunkun, AVP of advancement and alumni relations at NAIT. “It’s life-changing. $5,000 will cover a good portion of their annual student expenses.” NAIT (AB)
NIC’s Wildfire Training program returns to Campbell River and Port Alberni campuses
North Island College has announced that it will be offering its Wildfire Training program again to prepare people to fight wildfires in British Columbia and Alberta. The course will be offered at NIC’s Campbell River and Port Alberni campuses. The course, which is funded through the Government of Canada and the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement, is offered at no cost to students and takes four weeks to complete. Students will learn a variety of skills, including tool use, teamwork, and fire suppression. Students will also gain industry certifications and qualifications, such as radio training and WHMIS. NIC (BC)
UAlberta offers Introduction to Indigenous Business course
The University of Alberta is offering a new course, Introduction to Indigenous Business, designed to educate students about challenges and opportunities faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs. The course was developed by UAlberta professor David Deephouse as a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). "We should all be doing it within businesses as part of corporate training, but also through our educational training and business education," said Deephouse. CBC (AB)
UQAT launches new specialized degree in education
University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue has announced it will launch a new bachelor’s degree through its L'Unité d'enseignement et de recherche (UER) en sciences de l'éducation. The new degree will train future teachers to effectively support students with learning challenges and disabilities, from preschool up to adult education. The program, which has been designed to meet documented needs in the local region, will be available in Fall 2021 at UQAT’s Val-d’Or campus. UQAT (QC)
