April 22, 2022
Lakehead University has announced that it is embarking on a 10-year initiative to revitalize Indigenous languages in and around the institution. “This plan is designed to provide institutional support for students, faculty, staff and Indigenous partner communities for language revitalization,” said Lakehead graduate student and plan author Vicki Monague. “It supports the development of fully fluent Indigenous speakers and will result in systemic support for linguistic and cultural justice for Indigenous Peoples.” The university will spend its first year consulting with the community before rolling out its 5-year and 10-year goals, which will include the creation of Indigenous-language immersion houses on campus and the development of immersion curriculum with First Nations elementary schools.
LakeheadU |
TBNewsWatch (ON)
The Université de Sherbrooke and the Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation du Québec have announced the formal launch of the Digital and Quantum Innovation Platform (PINQ
2). PINQ
2 will support the acceleration of digital transformation in Quebec by housing a collaborative ecosystem to support economic growth and train the next generation of people to work in digital professions. PINQ
2 has received a combined investment of $18M and will collaborate with Prompt, Prima, and Mitacs to gain access to financing for projects on PINQ
2’s platform. “Quebec is increasingly becoming a leader in quantum science and technology,” said QC Minister of the Economy and Innovation and Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development Pierre Fitzgibbon. “To continue on this path, we need the most advanced technologies, such as PINQ
2 , that enable innovation and create links between researchers and the entrepreneurial community.”
PINQ2 |
USherbooke (FR) |
Newswire (EN) (QC)
Several colleges and universities from across Canada have ranked among the top 100 Greenest Employers. A total of 12 institutions were named on the list: Durham College, Humber College, McGill University, Mohawk College, RRC Polytechnic, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, the University of Northern British Columbia, the University of Toronto, the University of Victoria, Wilfrid Laurier University, and York University. Employers are evaluated according to factors such as the unique environmental initiatives and programs they have developed, their ability to successfully reduce their environmental footprint, the degree to which their employees are involved in environmental programs, and the extent to which the initiatives are linked to the organization’s identity.
Canada’s Top 100 |
Newswire (National)
The University of Lethbridge has developed and adopted a new Iniskim Governance Process in order to meet the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The process, which was developed with guidance from Dr Leroy Little Bear and Elders in Residence, focuses on supporting students through their academic journey and helping to create employment opportunities for them. Advisory circles will draw on guidance from the Awahksaataaksi Council to lead initiatives focused on education and employment opportunities for youth. All units at ULethbridge will align themselves with the new strategic priority, and Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing will be infused across campus.
ULethbridge (AB)
The Government of Quebec has announced that it has received funding to launch a new Université du Québec à Rimouski branch in the eastern part of the province. UQAR will offer courses in management sciences, nursing, social work, and education at three of Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles’ campuses. QC Premier François Legault announced $1.35M in annual funding to support UQAR’s expansion in the region and support in-class learning opportunities in in-demand areas. UQAR has also announced that it is planning to develop training for businesses and expand its research activities in Gaspé. The move aims to encourage students to study and find employment in the region.
Journal de Montréal |
Montreal Gazette (QC)
Algonquin College has announced that it has launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software Development graduate certificate program. The co-op program will train students in AI techniques used in machine learning, troubleshooting, optimization, configuring AI models, and analysis. The program will include an Ethics for Artificial Intelligence course which will teach students about ethical considerations in developing and deploying software. “[E]mployers in the industry have told us they need graduates with more practical skills and knowledge so they can be productive faster,” said Algonquin Academic Chair of Information & Communications Technology Sandra Brancatelli. “We wanted to create a program that utilizes the expertise of our faculty and create pathways for our students.”
Algonquin (ON)
The College of the North Atlantic has announced that five programs in the School of Engineering Technology have received full accreditation from Technology Accreditation Canada. TAC has accredited the Architectural Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Petroleum Engineering Technology programs. CNA states that the accreditation proves that the programs have undergone a rigorous audit and testing process and have been found to meet Canada’s engineering technology standards. The programs are also internationally recognized by the International Engineering Alliance under the Sydney Accord. “This accreditation ensures that our college will provide a high-quality educational experience giving our students that vital peace of mind,” said CNA Dean of the School of Engineering Sonny Hegde.
CNA (NL)
Postsecondary institutions should embrace open educational resources (OER)s to help them meet their full potential, writes David Steele. Steele describes a recent report that highlighted the importance of financial, professional, and structural institutional commitment to OERs. The research suggests that OERs give instructors and students more freedom with material, help students feel more invested in their learning, and support students in forming a cultural connection to the material, but that there still needs to be more understanding and support around OERs for the institution to reap these benefits. Through discussions with subject experts, Steele encourages members of leadership to provide top-down support for OER adoption and suggests that faculty members “start small” when implementing OERs.
Inside Higher Ed (Subscription) (Editorial)
Carleton University has announced that the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education has recognized its sustainability achievements with a STARS (sustainability tracking, assessment and rating system) Gold rating. The rating system evaluates the institution’s achievements in five overall categories: Academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership. “Carleton is committed to being a leader in sustainability and we have strong engagement and collaboration across campus,” says Carleton President Benoit-Antoine Bacon. “There is still a lot of work to be done, but we can collectively take pride in this important international recognition of what we have achieved to date.”
Carleton (ON)
Lethbridge College has partnered with Borea Construction to offer new Borea employees training in Lethbridge’s Wind Turbine Technician lab. Lethbridge will offer two-week training sessions to equip employees with the skills needed for their work building wind turbines. “It’s been great to work with Borea to develop a training solution that works for them and prepares their new employees for the jobsite,” said Director, LC Extension Jason Donkersgoed. “We expect many of these Borea students will later return to the college to upgrade their skills in the technician program. It really benefits all sides.”
Lethbridge (AB)
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