September 28, 2021
Community leaders and the leaders of postsecondary institutions across Canada are reflecting on how to commemorate and honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In the
Globe and Mail, residential-school survivor Geraldine Shingoose emphasized the importance of listening to the stories survivors tell: “I ask Canada to see us, to hear us and to believe us.” St Jerome’s University President Peter Meehan described how as a Catholic institution, SJU has a “deeper sense of responsibility in the Truth and Reconciliation process” and needs to advance its commitment with action. Vancouver Community College President Ajay Patel issued a message encouraging community members to continue to listen, learn, and work towards societal healing.
The Globe and Mail |
SJU |
VCC (National)
The Université du Québec à Montréal, Concordia University, and their partners have officially celebrated the launch of the Campus de la transition écologique. The campus will serve as a hub focused on ecological transitions. In alignment with the UN’s sustainable development goals, it will reflect six themes of intervention: Agriculture and biodiversity; water cycle and wetlands; forestry; citizenship and climate justice; culture and heritage; and energy and mobility. At the launch, the partners shared that the event had received over $500K in funding from the Government of Quebec and City of Montreal.
Journal de Montréal |
UQAM (QC)
Several institutions have announced that they will be closing their doors and/or hosting live virtual events and on-site memorials in honour of survivors and to share stories. Algoma University will be hosting a day of online and in-person events, including the lighting of a sacred fire, talks from survivors and elders, and a walk from Shingwauk Hall to the water at Bellevue Park. Algonquin College has announced a podcast, interviews and videos, a Sunrise Smudge, and numerous events in partnership with organizations across the City of Ottawa. The University of Fraser Valley will be hosting several talks and events, including a panel discussion on renaming and destatuing that will involve scholars from across Canada and the US. Portage College will be hosting a virtual Sunrise Ceremony and has released a list of resources that can be accessed on and off campus. The Justice Institute of British Columbia will be hosting an online observation on September 29th with Elder Caroline Buckshot and Lorelei Boyce. Though the day is not a provincial holiday in Ontario, Centennial College has announced that it will be closing for the day in order to give employees the opportunity to attend events and reflect.
Algonquin |
Centennial |
JIBC |
Portage |
UFV |
UWinnipeg (National)
Dalhousie University has issued a message to its community condemning a street party that drew thousands of individuals to Jennings Street. CBC says that police broke up an afternoon party that was spilling into the street from student properties, and that a “flash mob party” happened later that evening. Ten people were arrested for public intoxication and numerous open liquor tickets were issued. Dal has requested that students who attended the parties get tested for COVID-19 and refrain from coming to campus for a week. Dal said that it will be sanctioning students for violations under the Code of Student Conduct, and has reaffirmed its commitment to being a good neighbour.
Dal |
CBC |
News 1130 (NS)
Two students from the University of British Columbia passed away after being hit by a car that veered onto the sidewalk near the Totem Park student residence building, reports
CTV News. The two 18-year-old students who had been on the sidewalk were pronounced dead at the scene. The 21-year-old vehicle driver was arrested and taken to a local hospital. “It is difficult to comprehend and express the enormity of the loss of these two bright and promising young adults,” said UBC President Santa Ono. “On behalf of the university, I wish to extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and loved ones. Our community mourns with you.”
CBC |
Times Colonist |
CTV News (BC)
Nipissing University and Canadore College have partnered with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Auxiliary to provide students with direct entry into the OPP Auxiliary Program. Students in the program will be able to gain hands-on policing experience that will enable them to see what a law enforcement career might be like. “This new pathway opens up a wealth of opportunities for our students, especially those in our criminal justice program who may have an interest in pursuing a career in policing after graduation,” said Nipissing President Dr Kevin Wamsley. “Partnerships like this provide our students with invaluable experiential learning and create pathways to connect the classroom to the workplace - where theory meets practice.”
Nipissing |
Canadore |
My West Nipissing Now (ON)
In a recent
Inside Higher Ed article, Scott Jaschik discusses the issues with using algorithms to lead admissions. Jaschik explains that some postsecondary institutions use algorithms to determine the minimum scholarship a student must be offered to influence their decision to study at the institution, which does not necessarily lead to student persistence and graduation. Jaschik highlights the perspectives of others who advocate for reforms for algorithm use to ensure that students are receiving the support they need for success and that they are treated fairly by institutions. The author explains that other perspectives include the idea that algorithms can be used appropriately to help those making decisions about groups of students.
Inside Higher Ed (Editorial)
Lakehead University and OpenText have partnered on a program that will see 25 Indigenous students participating in internships through the OpenText Indigenous Internship Program. Students completing the four-month, virtual internships will work in OpenText’s software engineering, marketing, finance, information technology, or human resources departments. The program will enable students to gain soft and technical skills that will prepare them to enter the workforce. “We understand the barriers that Indigenous students face when looking for ways to start and nurture careers,” said Lakehead President Dr Moira McPherson. “Partnerships like this one with OpenText will contribute greatly to our students’ futures by providing experiences to work hand-in-hand with professionals in their field, apply skills and knowledge they gained at Lakehead University, and share their culture and history with others.”
Lakehead |
CBC (ON)
The University of New Brunswick has officially opened the new Barry and Flora Beckett Residence. The residence will be able to accommodate 100 students. It includes two large lounges, a study lounge, and two laundry rooms, and uses geo-thermal technology, which allows students to control their bedroom’s temperature. “This building marks the next phase for the community of UNB Saint John and our students,” said UNB VP Saint John Dr Petra Hauf. “We are committed to making this campus a more inclusive and comfortable place to live and study and this new residence is one way for this to happen.”
UNB (NB)
Using passive networking can be beneficial to doctoral students who are looking to expand their networks and prepare for career success, writes Andrew Crain. The author describes how passively networking, which may consist of joining and engaging with the LinkedIn community for a few minutes each week, helps people build their network and create a professional brand. Crain says that this can help prepare doctoral students to engage in active networking and leverage their network during job search activities. “[P]assive approaches to networking offer a convenient starting point for further developing your relationship-building skills and for setting the stage for more defined networking outcomes in the future,” writes Crain.
Inside Higher Ed (Editorial)
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