December 15, 2021
The University of Toronto has launched the Defy Gravity campaign, which seeks to raise $4B for U of T’s highest priorities and engage 225,000 alumni in volunteering, mentorship, leadership, and giving donations. The campaign will support U of T’s leadership in areas such as pandemic recovery, clean tech, and health. “We’re one of the few institutions anywhere with the breadth and depth of talent that’s needed to solve the toughest problems and to imagine a better world,” said U of T President Meric Gertler. “Through the campaign we’re launching today, together we can make U of T an even more powerful engine of progress.” The campaign includes a scholarship launched by Toronto Raptors’ Fred VanVleet, which will support incoming Black and Indigenous students at Rotman Commerce.
U of T (1) |
U of T (2) (ON)
The Université de Sherbrooke’s Institut de pharmacologie de Sherbrooke is leading a consortium of institutions, hospitals, incubators, and other organizations in a $27M project focused on pharmaceuticals. The consortium, called Acuity Quebec, involves over 20 partners, including the Université de Montréal and the Institut national de la recherche scientifique. The three-year project will involve using artificial intelligence, chemistry, molecular imaging, and pharmacology to better predict efficacy and reduce adverse effects of new pharmaceutical molecules.
USherbrooke (QC)
Unethical workplace leader behaviour will not be halted by banning non-disclosure agreements, write Dalhousie University Professor Peggy Cunningham and University of Texas Associate Professor Minette Drumwright. Cunningham and Drumwright argue that NDAs are only a symptom of the real problem: Networks of complicity formed by perpetrators that increase their power and hide their unethical actions. These networks become entrenched as members perpetuate a toxic work culture and use intimidation, fear, rumors, and threats as well as NDAs to silence victims. Cunningham and Drumwright argue that these networks must be identified and disbanded, and survivors provided with resources and networking in order to address the unethical behaviour.
The Conversation (Editorial)
Carleton University and Dream Legacy Foundation will establish a Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub through an over-$5M investment from the Government of Canada’s Black Entrepreneurship Program. The hub will conduct research, collect data, and identify barriers and opportunities related to Black entrepreneurship. Carleton and Dream Legacy will establish regional research hubs across Canada, which will be led by local postsecondary institutions. The regional hubs will work collaboratively with the community to co-develop research on Black entrepreneurship.
News Wire (ON)
The Government of Manitoba has announced that it will be supporting the Swan Valley School Division in the creation of a new technical vocational institute called the Northern Lights Institute of Trades and Technology. The institute, which will be established in northern MB, will receive $150K in funding annually for the next five years. It will provide support to high school students and adult learners to help them transition to postsecondary education and employment opportunities. “If we find very effective programs, that’s something we can implement across the province,” said MB Education Minister Cliff Cullen. The funding was provided as part of MB’s New Teachers’ Idea Fund.
Winnipeg Free Press (Subscription Required) |
MB (MB)
The Université de Quebec system, Cégep de Trois-Rivières, and Cégep de La Pocatière were among many institutions in Quebec and around the world affected by a major software vulnerability called Log4Shell. Due to the security vulnerability, the institutions temporarily shut down their websites, as well as select IT systems and services. QC Minister Eric Caire explained that there is a patch available for the software issue.
Le placoteux |
Le Nouvelliste numérique (QC)
Royal Roads University has announced that it will be launching a Master of Arts in Executive and Organizational Coaching (MAEOC). The program aims to provide the basis for a career in coaching and teach learners about human-centred coaching approaches. The program will specifically focus on training for those who will be working in companies and organizations. “[Coaching] is a flourishing new professional field,” said RRU AVP, Professional and Continuing Studies Zoë MacLeod. “[T]he opportunity for more research, more learning and to really deepen our understanding and knowledge through graduate-level programming was compelling.” RRU says that interest in the program is high because there are currently no programs of this type in Canada.
RRU (BC)
Humber College has partnered with Applied Systems to develop and launch an insurance technology certificate program. The program will give insurance professionals the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with Applied Systems’ technology. The curriculum was collaboratively developed and focuses on industry fundamentals in three main functional areas: underwriting, loss adjusting, and brokerage operations. “Humber’s Faculty of Business prides itself on providing its students with real-world learning experiences based on industry practices,” said Humber Faculty of Business Senior Dean Alvina Cassiani. “We are excited to offer this unique learning opportunity to our students and grateful for Applied Systems for investing in the next generation of insurance professionals.”
Globe Newswire (ON)
The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law has taken steps to answer Call to Action 28 through the implementation of an Action Committee, the Indigenization of Curriculum, and other changes. Dean of Law Dr Richard Jochelson reinvigorated the Truth and Reconciliation Action Team to advise the faculty and implement changes to the curriculum. UManitoba has taken steps such as hiring an Indigenous Student Support Coordinator, including significant Indigenous content in orientation days, and increasing Indigenous content in required first-year law courses. The faculty will also be offering a mandatory course for students in the second year of the Juris Doctor program called Indigenous Methodologies and Perspectives, which will meet the requirements of Call to Action 28 and include land-based learning opportunities.
UManitoba (1) |
UManitoba (2) (MB)
Lakeland College and Kwantlen Polytechnic University have received gifts that will be used to support student success. Lakeland has received a new Demco 1050 grain cart, which is equipped with scales that will increase efficiency on the field and allow for inventory tracking. The grain cart was donated by alumnus Roy Kubica after students at the Student-Managed Farm made a proposal for the cart. KPU has received an electron microscope from Ballard Power Systems which will be used to further research capacities at the institution. Students who use the microscope will gain experience and skills that they can transfer to the STEM labour market.
KPU |
Lakeland (AB | BC)
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