Top Ten

Carleton, IBM expand partnership through multimillion-dollar agreement

Carleton University and IBM Canada have expanded their partnership with a five-year agreement to enhance Carleton’s Institute for Data Science and prepare students for the workforce. The multimillion-dollar collaboration will establish a research and educational initiative framework, develop technological tools and training for students and researchers, and give students opportunities to gain industry expertise and apprenticeship training. IBM will also provide micro-credentials, IBM guest lectures, student apprenticeships, collaboration opportunities, and support community outreach initiatives. “We’re excited to expand our partnership with IBM Canada,” said Carleton President Benoit-Antoine Bacon. “AI, machine learning and cloud technology are transforming how we live and work, and this alliance will provide students with the research and learning opportunities needed to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow and future proof Canada’s workforce and economy.” Carleton (ON)

UCalgary receives $2M in support of Haskayne Capital Expansion Project, Mathison Hall

The University of Calgary has received $2M to support the Haskayne Capital Expansion Project as well as the construction of Mathison Hall through Viewpoint Foundation. Mathison Hall’s round room, which is designed to bring people together, will be named the Viewpoint Circle for Dialogue in recognition of the gift. The room will promote diversity, inclusion, and equality, and will be appropriate for a variety of uses, including Indigenous smudging ceremonies. “Business needs diverse voices around the table in order to have robust and healthy discussions, and the Viewpoint Circle for Dialogue will be an integral part of Mathison Hall for our students and for the business community,” said Haskayne Dean Jim Dewald. UCalgary (AB)

Canada announces pathway to permanent residency for international graduates

Canada has announced a new pathway to permanent residency for international graduates and workers from eligible educational or employment backgrounds. International graduates who have completed an eligible Canadian postsecondary program within the last four years will be able to apply for permanent status between approximately May and November 2021. “We’re creating a pathway for newcomers that will strengthen their job security, expand their career horizons and encourage them to put down deeper roots in our communities where they are giving back,” said Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino. Winnipeg Free Press | CBC (National)

Creating a strategy for “future proofing” postsecondary institutions: Opinion

University leaders must take strategic steps to “future proof” their institutions, write Loren Falkenberg, University of Calgary Senior Associate Dean, Business, and M Elizabeth Cannon, UCalgary President Emerita. The article explains that private companies now offer micro-credentials that train students faster and at a lower cost than university programs; in order to remain competitive, postsecondary institutions must revise their programs and restructure to reduce costs. The authors explain that having a strategy with transparent criteria can help faculty members gain an understanding of the disruptions. “A strategy provides a line-of-sight between the desired future state, the development or cancellation of programs, attracting and allocating funds and how the university will measure the impact of decisions,” write the authors. The Conversation (International)

Tips for negotiating salary in higher education: Opinion

Bell Let’s Talk commits over $3M to postsecondary student mental health

Institutions across Canada will receive additional support from Bell Let’s Talk in implementing the new National Standard of Canada for Mental Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students. Bell Let’s Talk has increased its original funding from $2.5M to over $3M to provide grants to over 123 colleges and universities. The funds will be used to accelerate and enhance the work being done to improve student mental health as part of this standard. “Our partnership, together with Bell’s support, will identify the programs that best help students succeed, work to make real improvements in mental health and wellness across all our campuses, and then share our work as a roadmap for success,” said Sheridan College President Dr Janet Morrison. NewsWire | (National)

UoGuelph, Purity-IQ partner on molecular diagnostics project

The University of Guelph has partnered with Purity-IQ to develop technology that will ensure the authenticity of natural health products. Under the agreement, Purity-IQ will provide $1M to UoGuelph’s Natural Health Products Research Alliance (NHPRA) to support the development of novel molecular diagnostics that will address the issue of ingredient authentication. The collaboration will allow NHPRA to develop industry standards and will further open-access standard operating procedures. “While developing new novel tools and solutions to address the needs of the NHP industry, our team of experts at the University and NHPRA is also tackling fundamental scientific questions, such as the challenges of DNA barcoding in plants and finding solutions to conservation concerns,” said NHPRA founder and managing director Dr Steven Newmaster. UoGuelph (ON)

Queen’s announces plan for new pavilion

Queen’s University has announced plans to build a new pavilion at Richardson Stadium. The new pavilion will be a two-storey building which will house sport-related amenities such as modern training and competition spaces, athletic therapy, hydrotherapy facilities, and a team room for football. The pavilion will connect the stadium at the concourse level, and will house the Gael’s Club, which will offer attendees concessions and an elevated viewing area. The pavilion is made possible by alumni, who contributed over $11M toward the project. “The new pavilion will greatly enhance Queen’s Athletics and its programs and would not be possible without the generous contributions of many,” said Patrick Deane, Principal of Queen’s University. Kingstonist (ON)

King’s introduces Certificate in the Study of Law and Public Policy

King’s University College has announced that it will be offering a new Certificate in the Study of Law and Public Policy. The certificate will be open to students in all programs, and will include courses that introduce legal concepts such as the rule of law, civil liberties, and rights. “The new Certificate in Law and Public Policy will give students a strong foundation in the many fascinating concepts that tie law and government decision-making together,” said Dr Andrea Lawlor, Associate Professor of Political Science at King’s. “Students who complete this certificate will be well-equipped to pursue a future in the many avenues of law and government.” King’s (ON)

ILAC Education Group, Air Canada, partner to reduce travel costs for international students

ILAC Education Group and Air Canada have signed an agreement that will support international students in travelling to Canada for postsecondary education through reducing travel costs. Through the partnership, students who are registered with one of ILAC’s 80 college or university partners will be eligible for a 15% discount on Air Canada’s international flights. “Since the pandemic began we have had over 10,000 students enrolled at ILAC KISS, our virtual school,” says Jonathan Kolber, CEO of ILAC. “Many of them are in the ILAC pathway program and are planning to start their higher education in the coming months. We are pleased to work with Air Canada to further support international students in achieving their dreams of studying at top universities and colleges in Canada.” ILAC (National)

Ravensberg students allege college did not deliver law enforcement curriculum, failed students

CBC reports that Ravensberg college students have alleged that the college failed to deliver its law enforcement curriculum and then failed some students out of the program. The article states that former a Ravensberg student said the college only provided a small gym with little guidance, did not deliver most of its nine certifications, and had students find their own unpaid work to complete “on-the-job training.” Arnold was failed out of the program after experiencing a health issue and failing two exams. Another student said that students were not given significant hands-on training opportunities and that certifications were delayed. This student was late to an exam due to a COVID-19 checkpoint, and was not allowed to write his final exam, resulting in him being failed out of the program. Ravensberg has said that these accusations are “without merit.” CBC ()