November 23, 2021
The University of Victoria has resumed its Indigenous Governance program, which had its enrolment
suspended in 2018 after a third-party review. CBC says that the program has been restructured and is now taught by Indigenous women. The restructuring included alumni consultations, efforts to build stronger relationships with local communities, and re-imagination of content. Four new faculty members were hired in July to help with the restructuring work and teach the program. The new program includes mechanisms to ensure the space is safe for those involved. “Our hope is for IGov to be positioned again as a leader in the training and intellectual development of Indigenous governance both across Canada and globally,” said faculty member Heidi Stark, who is Ojibwe.
CBC (BC)
Dalhousie University has announced that it will be expanding the number of nursing seats it reserves for Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian students. Dal will reserve a minimum of 40 seats for students entering its Bachelor of Science Nursing Program either directly from high school or who have previous university experience. The priority seats will be available starting in the 2022-23 academic year. “In an effort to support our health equity goals, through these prioritized seats we aim to enrich our student body and learning environment, while also providing Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian students greater access to the profession of nursing,” said Dal School of Nursing director Ruth Martin-Misener.
CBC |
Dal (NS)
Seneca College has announced that it is launching a stand-alone baccalaureate nursing degree program to meet the need for nurses in Ontario. The program, which will launch in Fall 2022, will include courses on topics such as infectious diseases and the aging population. A new pathway will also allow students graduating from Seneca’s Practical Nursing diploma program to enter into the third year of the nursing degree. “Seneca is delighted to add a baccalaureate degree in nursing to our credential options for health care professionals,” said Seneca President David Agnew. “This degree builds on 50 years of nursing education at Seneca and allows us to support the urgent need for registered nurses in Ontario.”
ON |
Seneca |
Markham Review (ON )
First Nations University of Canada President Jacqueline Ottmann is calling for a national dialogue about the centuries-long issue of falsified Indigenous identity. Ottmann shared that FNUniv is considering organizing a discussion given its expertise in the area, and said that institutions must include the voices of local Indigenous communities in their dialogue to see progress. Métis Nation—Saskatchewan has said that the method of Indigenous self-identification at postsecondary institutions no longer works. “There’s limited resources and limited space and positions in academia or in other sectors for Indigenous peoples,” said Ottmann. “So when a non-Indigenous person takes up that space and begins to speak for Indigenous peoples, then that is a significant issue.”
CBC |
CTV News (SK)
Université TÉLUQ has formally launched a new research chair – the Chaire de recherche sur les enjeux socio-organisationnels de la société du savoir – which will focus on socio-organizational issues in society such as teleworking and co-working, reconciling the work-life balance, and the increasingly popular hybrid work models. Dr Diane-Gabrielle Tremblay, who is also a TELUQ professor and director of the Alliance de recherche université communauté, will hold the research chair. Tremblay stated that the new chair will allow for deeper research into issues related to socio-organizational relationships and working models.
TELUQ (QC)
Loyalist College has announced that it has launched an Artificial Intelligence and Data Science graduate certificate. Students in the one-year program will learn how to collect, manage, and analyze data in preparation for careers in data systems and AI. The program covers a variety of topics, including data models, data set manipulation, data visualizations, ethical standards, and the design and implementation of AI systems. “As artificial intelligence and data sciences change the world as we know it, we recognize our local industry partners are in need of talented, skilled professionals to support their modernization and remain competitive,” said Loyalist President Dr Ann Marie Vaughan.
Loyalist |
Belleville Intelligencer (ON)
Douglas College has launched a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Digital Marketing. The program is open to graduates with a bachelor’s degree from any background and will focus on digital skills. Students in the program will gain the skills related to Google and Hootsuite certification, e-commerce, advertising, and search engine optimization. They will engage in hands-on learning through projects, capstone practicums, and work in practical marketing settings. “This Digital Marketing program is thoughtfully designed to provide students with foundational and practical knowledge while preparing them to earn industry-recognized certifications,” said Douglas VP, Academic and Provost Thor Borgford. “The College continues to develop and offer programming to keep pace with external demands.”
Douglas (BC)
Music and science faculty councils at Brandon University have voted to update their syllabi to include information on resources for students experiencing discrimination, harassment, or sexualized violence. The preamble to the motion states that the move was made in response to the mishandling of sexual violence on campus and the revelation that not all students are aware of the existing conduct policies and available supports. “Making sure students are aware of it is the bare minimum, and that’s where we’re at. We’re at the 101 stage,” said BrandonU associate professor of gender and women’s studies Corinne Mason. The faculties of arts, education, and health studies are expected to vote on the motion.
Winnipeg Free Press (MB)
A 22-year-old student has been arrested by Niagara police for issuing death threats via text messages. The suspect made comments about bringing a firearm to Niagara College’s campus and threatened a college student. Police say there was no imminent threat to students, the campus, or college employees. Meanwhile, at Western University, a former student was reportedly dragged out of a classroom after repeatedly violating the school’s COVID-19 vaccine policy. The student said that he was arrested by the Western Special Constable Service for the first time on November 10th, and for a second time the following day. Western indicated in a statement that 28 students have been placed on involuntary leave due to non-compliance, and that they have dealt with one individual requiring on-campus intervention.
Niagara Police |
101.1 More FM (Niagara) |
Global News (Western) (ON)
Given the difficulty that many international PhD students may have with writing diversity statements for job searches, Olga Koutseridi offers tips to help conceptualize, write, and discuss them. Koutseridi encourages students to start their writing process by reflecting on how their international status and unique aspects of their identity have prepared them for the position. The author then encourages students to leverage their cultural competence, develop a list of stories that can be used in the statement, and to seek feedback. “A diversity statement is your opportunity to demonstrate to the search committee all the ways that you have been prepared to contribute to their existing diversity initiatives,” writes Koutseridi.
Inside Higher Ed (Editorial)
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