2 dead in shooting at Ohio State U: Early yesterday morning, an Ohio State University employee fatally shot a co-worker and wounded another before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot. In a statement yesterday, Ohio State U reported that at no time were any students in danger, and classes and work schedules would go ahead as usual. The incident follows recent shootings at Northern Illinois University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Ohio State U News Release | Update on Campus Shooting | Associated Press | Add/Read Comments
Saskatchewan to investigate "unacceptable" use of FNUC scholarship fund:
Saskatchewan's advanced education minister has asked the province's
justice department to investigate what he calls the "unacceptable" use
of a $390,000 scholarship fund at the First Nations University of
Canada. The school's recently-appointed chief operating officer alerted
the province that he had discovered the previous university
administration used the fund, now standing at $15,000, to pay
day-to-day bills, with the fund later replenished with future cash
flows. The COO has asked the government for $100,000 to replenish the
fund, but the minister says that won't happen at this point. "We have
to get to the bottom of this before we talk about dollars." Regina Leader-Post | CBC | Add/Read Comments
Mixed reaction to PSE commitments in Ontario throne speech: In response to Ontario's throne speech Monday, Colleges Ontario welcomes the province's commitment to produce more university and college graduates, stating that "the government clearly recognizes the demand for post-secondary education and training continues to grow." The Council of Ontario Universities says its institutions are up to the task of tackling the province's ambitious goals of increasing domestic and foreign enrolments and developing an online university, and look forward to working with the government on these goals. Not all are pleased with the throne speech. The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations argues the plan to add 20,000 PSE spaces will harm the quality of education unless it is matched with increased operating funding for new faculty hiring and student support provision. The Canadian Federation of Students echoes OCUFA's sentiment, expressing disappointment that the throne speech made no commitment to address underfunding of provincial institutions. Colleges Ontario News Release | COU News Release | OCUFA News Release | CFS News Release | Add/Read Comments
Join Academica Group at SEMM Forums in Boston, Calgary, and Toronto:
Academica Group's Ken Steele is among the presenters at the upcoming
SEMM Forums in Boston (April 8), Calgary (April 20), and Toronto (April
22). Ken will also be participating in the SEMM Forum on International
Student Recruitment in Toronto on April 23. Top Ten subscribers can
save $100 on the regular registration rate for each of the Canadian
events by signing up before the "early-bird" deadline of March 12 and
using the promotional code AG21. Subscribers interested in the Boston
event can save $50 on the regular registration rate by using the same
code above. SEMM Forum Boston | SEMM Forum Calgary | SEMM Forum Toronto | SEMM Forum on International Student Recruitment
College students struggling with math at risk for not graduating, study finds: According to findings released yesterday by the Seneca College-led College Mathematics Project, a third of students in first-semester math courses are at risk of not completing their chosen program, as math is the basis for many fields, particularly business and technology. The study observes that success in college math is affected by course selection in secondary school, math learning before and in college, and the age and sex of students. The report recommends school and college instructors teach math in a practical and applicable way, and that all levels of education integrate "learning skills" to better prepare students for higher levels of education. Seneca News Release | College Mathematics Project | Add/Read Comments
Massive scholarship program drawing more Saudi students to Canada: A front-page story in Saturday's Globe and Mail reports that in the space of 2 years, Canada has become the third most popular destination for students from Saudi Arabia, following Britain and the US. Approximately 10,000 Saudi students are studying at Canadian institutions, and between 2,200 and 3,000 new students are expected to come here at the end of the month. Driving the influx of these students is Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Scholarship Program, introduced to Canada in 2007. The program foots the bill for about 62,000 students to attend foreign institutions, providing tuition, health insurance, a monthly salary to cover expenses, and one return trip to Saudi Arabia each year. Globe and Mail | Add/Read Comments
uWaterloo to house $34-million diabetes research network: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada announced Monday that the University of Waterloo, in alliance with McMaster University, will serve as the centre for the foundation's clinical trial network. The federal government has pledged $20 million to support the launch of the network, and the foundation is contributing nearly $14 million. uWaterloo's expertise in computer science and data management will be the backbone of the network, while McMaster will offer its experience in clinical trials. JDRF News Release | Waterloo Region Record | Add/Read Comments
uAlberta student paper accused of making racist jokes in election piece: The Gateway, a student paper at the University of Alberta, is considering issuing an apology after some students complained about an election-day humour piece criticizing campaign posters that referred to the "brown guy in this election" and labelled one candidate a "love interest in a Bollywood blockbuster." One student wrote to the paper that "just because racist jokes are meant in jest doesn't mean it's appropriate." One candidate says the paper was "pretty critical, pretty rude," but doesn't think the piece was meant to be racist, unlike what happened in the University of Calgary student election, where some posters were marked with racist graffiti. Edmonton Journal | Poster Slam | Add/Read Comments
Construction begins for new CTRC Humboldt facility: A sod-turning ceremony was held yesterday in Humboldt, Saskatchewan for a new school facility that will house Grades 9 through 12 and Carlton Trail Regional College, and will be connected to the Humboldt Uniplex, which includes a hockey arena, curling rink, and aquatic centre. Saskatchewan's advanced education minister says the new Humboldt Collegiate Institute will allow CTRC to offer more post-secondary training opportunities to students. The facility, which has received $18.5 million in provincial and federal funding, is expected to be completed next year. Saskatchewan News Release | Add/Read Comments
uRegina embarks on new master plan: The University of Regina is developing a new master plan to guide campus development during the next 5 years and beyond. Proposals could include an addition to the Education Building, an extension of the Library Building, and more on-campus residences. uRegina began collecting ideas last night at an on-campus forum. The target for completion of the plan is this December, with implementation to begin in 2011. uRegina News Release | Regina Leader-Post | Add/Read Comments
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Academica Group is Canada's leading source of market intelligence and full cycle marketing services for higher education. Our website describes our pioneering market research, branding, recruitment and web technology services for colleges and universities, and our ongoing policy research for national and provincial government and education agencies.
Academica's Top Ten is a daily digest of top news and opinion affecting post-secondary education in Canada, published as a free service to our clients and friends. This digest was edited by Katherine Fletcher and Ken Steele at Academica Group, based on publicly-available information. Neither the editors nor Academica Group assume liability for comments or information posted by others. Please send your comments, news releases, or submissions to today@academica.ca or call toll-free in North America, 1.866.922.8636 ext. 205.
Higher education major focus of Ontario throne speech: In its throne speech yesterday, the Ontario government unveiled its 5-year Open Ontario Plan, in which colleges and universities will play a key role. The plan begins with increasing PSE spaces by 20,000 students this year. The plan intends to raise the province's post-secondary attainment rate to 70%. The plan also targets e-learning with the creation of the Ontario Online Institute, meant to give students access to the best professors in top university programs from their home computers. The province intends to aggressively promote its post-secondary institutions abroad, and increase international enrolment by 50% while maintaining spaces for Ontario students. Ontario News Release | Read the throne speech | Add/Read Comments
WLU, professor in academic freedom dispute over Brantford property issue: A Wilfrid Laurier University professor opposed to the demolition of some old buildings in downtown Brantford, on land WLU has eyed for redevelopment, says she was rebuked by school officials after sending an e-mail to the contracted demolition company warning of potential controversy, an e-mail that upset the City of Brantford. The point of contention is that Lisa Wood used her institutional e-mail account that identified her as an associate professor. In conversation with Laurier Brantford, the city's mayor stated Wood purported to represent the university because she had used her school account. A university spokesman says professors must make it clear that when they speak out, they are speaking for themselves. A grievance officer with WLU's faculty association says an identifying tag at the bottom of Wood's e-mail does not constitute representing the university. Waterloo Region Record | Add/Read Comments
Student expelled from private Halifax college wins court case: Last Friday, a Nova Scotia small claims court ruled in favour of a dissatisfied student expelled from the Halifax campus of the Centre for Arts and Technology, a private institution. The student was kicked out last September after he reportedly violated a policy banning students from speaking negatively about the school when he told a pair of prospective students on a campus tour that the centre is a waste of money. The court found the expulsion was unjust because the school did not inform students about such a policy. The school has been ordered to refund the student $15,600 in tuition, and pay $100 in damages. Halifax Chronicle-Herald | Add/Read Comments
uCalgary investigates racist graffiti on student election campaign posters: The University of Calgary is investigating an incident in which campaign posters belonging to a pair of candidates in a recent student election were marked with racist graffiti. On one poster of a female Muslim student, swastikas were drawn on the forehead of the woman's picture, along with an arrow pointing to her hijab with a note reading, "This is a hate crime." University officials say the vandals have not been caught, and the school will be watching carefully to see if a trend forms. Calgary Herald | Add/Read Comments
Fanshawe proposes $14-million expansion in Woodstock: Last Thursday, Fanshawe College officials presented to Woodstock city council a plan outlining a $14-million expansion of the school's existing facility in Woodstock, while asking the city for a $1-million contribution to the project. Fanshawe has submitted an application for $11 million under the federal Community Adjustment Fund for the project. The college plans to put $1 million of its own funds towards the expansion, and raise another million through a capital campaign. Should all funding be received, the expansion would be complete by spring 2011. Woodstock Sentinel-Review | Add/Read Comments
SFU opens 3D digital theatre: Last Friday, Simon Fraser University's Surrey campus unveiled its new digital theatre, the result of a complete retrofit of the 200-seat Westminster Savings Centre Union Theatre, the largest lecture theatre at the campus. Surrey-based Lightyear Digital Theatre donated over $400,000 worth of equipment, software, and installation to the theatre. The facility's features include an active 3D display, surround sound, and digital broadcast capabilities. SFU News Release | Add/Read Comments
Co-op students find better work, earn more, study finds: A 3-phase study from the University of Waterloo finds that co-op students earn higher salaries and get more prestigious jobs following graduation compared to their non co-op counterparts. Drawing data from Statistics Canada's Youth in Transition Survey, the study reports that women are more likely to be in co-op at the college level, and men at the university level. Those in university co-op programs tend towards studies in engineering, applied and physical sciences, and mathematics, while college co-op students tend to express an interest in the humanities and the fine and applied arts. Waterloo Region Record | Add/Read Comments
Majority of students concerned about meeting university costs, survey finds: According to a survey released yesterday, nearly 60% of students reported being very or somewhat concerned with having sufficient funds to pay for their university education. If faced with a $1,000 tuition increase, students were more likely to say they would take out more loans or work more to meet costs. The survey observes that students from the lowest socio-economic backgrounds were more likely to change habits, drop courses, leave PSE, and take on loans if facing cost increases. The report is the first of 3 derived from the "Canadian Student Survey," conducted in the fall term of the 2009-10 school year. CASA News Release | Read the survey | Add/Read Comments
uAlberta invites students to assess drinking habits using online tool: The University of Alberta is encouraging students to take an online survey called "Check Yourself" to assess the impact of their alcohol consumption. A coalition of uAlberta student services groups hopes the survey's results will help the groups better understand issues surrounding student drinking and how to reduce alcohol-related problems on campus. The University of Western Ontario is offering a similar assessment to its students. uAlberta ExpressNews | Check Yourself | Add/Read Comments
Brescia principal launches blog: Colleen Hanycz, the principal of Brescia University College, an affiliate of UWO, recently launched a blog called "The Weekly LEADer," which began as an internal communication in the fall. Hanycz is committing to writing at least weekly until the end of April. Should response be as favourable as it has been to the internal communication, the blog will run from September through April in the years ahead. Western News | The Weekly LEADer | Add/Read Comments
Postscript: York U suspends student over anti-Semitic website: York University has suspended a student under police investigation for posting anti-Semitic content online. The student has been ordered to appear before a disciplinary panel, and cannot attend classes in the meantime. The Canadian Jewish Congress is "now breathing a sigh of relief" knowing that the student has been suspended. "York has done the right thing." National Post | Add/Read Comments
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Academica Group is Canada's leading source of market intelligence and full cycle marketing services for higher education. Our website describes our pioneering market research, branding, recruitment and web technology services for colleges and universities, and our ongoing policy research for national and provincial government and education agencies.
Academica's Top Ten is a daily digest of top news and opinion affecting post-secondary education in Canada, published as a free service to our clients and friends. This digest was edited by Katherine Fletcher and Ken Steele at Academica Group, based on publicly-available information. Neither the editors nor Academica Group assume liability for comments or information posted by others. Please send your comments, news releases, or submissions to today@academica.ca or call toll-free in North America, 1.866.922.8636 ext. 205.
uManitoba asked to reconsider allowing Israeli Apartheid Week events: In a letter sent last month, B'nai Brith Canada asked the University of Manitoba to reconsider its decision to allow Israeli Apartheid Week events on campus this week. Speaking at a news conference last Thursday, the Jewish organization's senior legal counsel stated the events have spread misinformation and hatred on campuses in other cities, and should be banned from universities in Winnipeg. The IAW events will go on as planned, uManitoba president David Barnard wrote in response, stating that the university is committed to a respectful work and learning environment that includes academic freedom of thought and expression. Winnipeg Free Press | Winnipeg Sun | Add/Read Comments
McMaster releases new president's contract: McMaster University has posted online the 5-year contract of incoming president Patrick Deane, who begins his term on July 1. Deane will receive an annual salary of $340,000 with a maximum 15% performance bonus (compared to $524,000 for current president Peter George). Perks include a $10,000 annual car allowance, up to 6 weeks of vacation time, and paid membership at the Hamilton Club. The contract does not include any form of post-retirement benefits or access to McMaster's contributory pension plan, both of which are proving difficult to maintain as the university faces a financial crunch. The public posting of the contract is part of McMaster's ongoing move towards greater transparency. The university released George's contract in 2008 following a 2-year battle with the Hamilton Spectator over a freedom-of-information request. Hamilton Spectator | Read Deane's contract | Add/Read Comments
uWindsor investigates suspected cheating on mid-term exam: The University of Windsor's academic integrity office is probing a possible case of cheating on a mid-term psychology test that may result in over 1,000 students having to rewrite the exam. The office will determine whether or not questions used on the exam were distributed before the test was administered. An e-mail sent to students states evidence suggests a test bank was compromised, therefore exam results are deemed invalid and students must retake the test. Windsor Star | CBC | Add/Read Comments
Cambrian shelves broadcast new media program: Late last month, Cambrian College's board of governors decided to suspend the school's broadcast new media program due to declining enrolment. The college may resurrect the post-graduate program should there be renewed interest in the community. Students currently enrolled in the program will not be affected. Northern Life | Add/Read comments
MacEwan students, staff challenge pool closure: Some Grant MacEwan University students have launched a campaign urging the institution to reverse its decision to close its pool in favour of an expanded fitness centre. One student is organizing rallies and a poster campaign, while another is starting a petition to keep to the pool open. A Facebook group dedicated to the cause yielded over 750 members within 24 hours of its creation. In a letter to MacEwan's public-relations department, one university employee described the pool's removal as "an active deterrent to fitness." Edmonton Journal | "Save the Grant MacEwan Pool" Facebook Group | Add/Read Comments
UVic pro-life group protests club status revocation: Youth Protecting Youth, a pro-life club at the University of Victoria, took to campus grounds last Tuesday to protest the UVic students' society's recent decision to revoke the group's club status. YPY's president says the society is acting in a discriminatory matter by denying the group resources just because it may hold a view some may see as unpopular. The student government cited 35 harassment complaints directed at YPY as the reason to revoke the group's status until the definition of "harassment" and other policies are clarified. Saanich News | Add/Read Comments
Laurentian graduate TAs join CUPE: Graduate teaching assistants at Laurentian University recently voted to join the Canadian Union of Public Employees. The 233 graduate TAs will join the union's growing family at the university. CUPE already represents 20 sessional instructors at Thorneloe College, an affiliate of Laurentian, and 60 food service workers at the university. CUPE News Release | Add/Read Comments
NAIT, SAIT listed among Alberta's best workplaces: The Northern and Southern Alberta Institutes of Technology have been recognized by Alberta Venture magazine as 2 of the province's best workplaces. NAIT was chosen as the best workplace for working parents, while SAIT was selected as the best workplace for benefits. Both institutions were finalists in the best overall workplace category. SAIT News Release | Alberta Venture | Add/Read Comments
Last week's most-clicked stories:
- MUN freezes grad student funding
- UWO ombudsperson calls for improved academic accommodation for students with disabilities
- BC budget commits nearly $2 billion to PSE
- OCUFA study shows importance of public funding for universities
- Social networks become recruiting tools of today's institutions
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Academica Group is Canada's leading source of market intelligence and full cycle marketing services for higher education. Our website describes our pioneering market research, branding, recruitment and web technology services for colleges and universities, and our ongoing policy research for national and provincial government and education agencies.
Academica's Top Ten is a daily digest of top news and opinion affecting post-secondary education in Canada, published as a free service to our clients and friends. This digest was edited by Katherine Fletcher and Ken Steele at Academica Group, based on publicly-available information. Neither the editors nor Academica Group assume liability for comments or information posted by others. Please send your comments, news releases, or submissions to today@academica.ca or call toll-free in North America, 1.866.922.8636 ext. 205.
Billions for PSE infrastructure, research, training in federal budget: As outlined in its 2010-11 budget, announced yesterday, the federal government will provide $1 billion to support deferred maintenance, repair, and construction at post-secondary institutions. Ottawa is committing $1.9 billion to enhance the availability of training, including $80 million for the Apprenticeship Completion Grant and $55 for youth employment. Among its investments in research, the government will provide $135 million over 2 years to the National Research Council's regional innovation clusters program, increase the combined annual budgets of Canada's research granting council by an additional $32 million a year, and double the College and Community Innovation Program budget with an additional $15 million per year. Ottawa is also allocating $45 million over 5 years to establish a post-doctoral fellowship program. Budget 2010 | Budget in Brief | Add/Read Comments
York U may suspend student over anti-Semitic postings: York University says it is taking measures that could result in the suspension of a student being investigated by the Ontario Provincial Police hate crimes and extremism unit over anti-Semitic content posted online. In a letter to the university's president, the Canadian Jewish Congress calls for the student's immediate suspension, and asks that he be barred from campus until the police investigations are complete. National Post | Add/Read Comments
Ryerson racism report not thorough, say critics: In interviews with the National Post, some Ryerson University students and professors say that in its year-long investigation into on-campus racism, a task force did not thoroughly investigate allegations of racism or offer individuals or groups the chance to respond. "That report was in some ways very damaging to the Ryerson community because so much context was missing." The report's co-chair says the task was not to investigate individual complaints, but to look at issues from a policy point of view. However, there are examples in the report that are wrong, or missing context known to task force members, says the journalism school's chairman. National Post | Add/Read Comments
PSE affordability focus of ANSSA budget recommendations: In its pre-budget submission to the provincial government, the Alliance of Nova Scotia Student Associations makes several suggestions to mitigate financial barriers to higher education. Recommendations to the province include introducing a student debt cap, expanding the study grant program, and eliminating differential tuition fees for out-of-province students. If NS is serious about retaining youth, the report states, it should drop its graduate tax rebate program and develop a comprehensive retention and attraction strategy. Read the pre-budget submission | Add/Read Comments
Ontario colleges challenged for space amid rising demand: Ontario colleges are trying to solve an over-crowding problem at a time when overall applications are up 14%. The schools are requesting $160 million from the province to create the space needed. A vice-president at Humber College, which received the largest number of applications among Ontario colleges, says additional funding would allow the school to meet demand for programs at its Lakeshore campus, and expand options at the North campus, where some of the greatest growth in enrolment is occurring. Premier Dalton McGuinty says the upcoming budget will address the "college space crunch." Toronto Observer | Add/Read Comments
MacEwan to shut down pool for expanded fitness centre: Grant MacEwan University will close its aquatic facilities as of July 1 in order to expand its fitness centre, which, unlike the pool, does not suffer from a lack of users. Closing the pool will save the university about $500,000 annually, which can be put towards reducing a $5.5-million shortfall. The $700,000 retrofit of the facility will take 3 months. MacEwan recently began a $20-million expansion of its downtown Edmonton campus. Edmonton Journal | Add/Read Comments
Ontario toughens rules for training security guards, private investigators: Schools in Ontario that provide substandard security and investigator training will be subject to police and government investigation if they do not comply with new provincial regulations. As of April 15, those applying to become security guards or private investigators must undergo a mandatory training program and pass a test in order to be licensed. Starting July 16, previously licensed holders need to pass a standardized test to renew their licenses. The new rules follow a Toronto Star investigation into unregulated security academies. Ontario News Release | Toronto Star | Add/Read Comments
Dal seeks community input on Saint John med school curriculum: Dalhousie University held public sessions in New Brunswick last week to find out what qualities Maritime patients would like to see in future doctors. The university will use the input from these sessions, as well as those held in Nova Scotia and PEI, to help design the curriculum for the new medical education program in Saint John, set to launch this September. The program will train 30 New Brunswick students, who are expected to spend their first 2 academic years in Saint John, while their third and fourth year will involve clinical rotations at hospitals in 4 anglophone regions across NB. CBC | Add/Read Comments
Millennials may become most educated generation in US: Millennials are on track to become the most educated generation in American history, reports a new study from the Pew Research Centre. Census data shows that among 18- to 24-year-olds, a record share of 39.6% was enrolled in college as of 2008. About half of Millennials currently enrolled in high school or PSE plan to pursue a graduate or professional school degree. Millennials outpace older Americans in nearly all types of Internet and cell use, the study states. 75% of Millennials have created a social networking profile. This generation is more likely to connect to the Internet wirelessly when away from work or home, post videos of themselves online, and use Twitter. Read the executive summary | Read the full report | Add/Read Comments
Postscript: Lambton College joins Project Hero: Lambton College announced Wednesday it has joined Project Hero, a scholarship program for children of Canadian Forces personnel killed in the line of duty. According to the program's website, 48 post-secondary institutions across Canada are now offering the scholarship. Lambton News | Project Hero website | Add/Read Comments
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Academica Group is Canada's leading source of market intelligence and full cycle marketing services for higher education. Our website describes our pioneering market research, branding, recruitment and web technology services for colleges and universities, and our ongoing policy research for national and provincial government and education agencies.
Academica's Top Ten is a daily digest of top news and opinion affecting post-secondary education in Canada, published as a free service to our clients and friends. This digest was edited by Katherine Fletcher and Ken Steele at Academica Group, based on publicly-available information. Neither the editors nor Academica Group assume liability for comments or information posted by others. Please send your comments, news releases, or submissions to today@academica.ca or call toll-free in North America, 1.866.922.8636 ext. 205.
Federal throne speech focuses on skilled workforce, innovation: In its throne speech yesterday, the federal government announced it will continue to provide enhanced support for skills, apprenticeships, and training for Canadian workers. Ottawa promises to expand opportunities for top graduates to pursue post-doctoral studies and to commercialize their ideas. The throne speech states the government will launch a new digital economy strategy. Ottawa will extend support for advanced research, development, and prototyping of new space-based technologies. The government will collaborate with Aboriginal communities, provinces, and territories to reform and strengthen education, and to support student success. Read the throne speech | Add/Read Comments
MUN freezes grad student funding: Memorial University has temporarily frozen its graduate student funding in a bid to get a $2-million shortfall under control. The school of graduate studies' dean says enrolment has grown faster than provincial funding. The president of the university's faculty association says not only will the freeze affect faculty and students who are conducting research, but also the institution's reputation. MUN professor Dale Kirby says the move is inopportune, given that the university's strategic plan calls for an increase in the proportion of grad students. St. John's Telegram | CBC | Adventures in Canadian Post-Secondary Education (Dale Kirby's blog) | Add/Read Comments
Second Career program to survive upcoming Ontario budget, says TCU minister: Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities John Milloy says the province's Second Career program, designed to help laid-off workers retrain and return to the workforce, will last its full 3-year session, despite burning through its initial funding and nearing the end of a second infusion of cash. Milloy says his department has "eliminated" a backlog built up last fall when 10,000 new applicants in August and September used up funding meant to last another 18 months. Toronto Star | Add/Read Comments
uToronto students to vote on fee for aquatics centre for Pan An Games: Later this month, students at the University of Toronto's Scarborough campus will be asked in a poll to contribute $30 million to a $170-million aquatics facility, one of the planned on-campus venues for the 2015 Pan American Games. The fee proposal will add $280 to the cost of an academic year for undergraduate students, taking effect in 2014. A Toronto city councillor says if students reject the fee, organizers will have to find more funds or move elsewhere. Globe and Mail | Add/Read Comments
London board of control endorses UWO, Fanshawe land plan: London's board of control has endorsed details of a plan to give land worth up to $6 million to the University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College to draw industrial development. Of the 52 hectares at London's Innovation Park, the city would give 10 to UWO and 4 to Fanshawe. The endorsement came with a UWO official promising that a major project, expected to bring tens of millions of dollars in investment, would be unveiled in the coming weeks. The endorsement goes to city council next week. Western News | London Free Press | Add/Read Comments
Ryerson to turn to private sector for residence expansion: According to The Eyeopener, a student newspaper, Ryerson University will soon put out requests for proposals asking private developers to add up to 2,000 residence spaces to accommodate the school's growing student population. Ryerson president Sheldon Levy says he wants to expand the campus and link Maple Leaf Gardens with residences, though actual locations would depend on the proposals received. Levy says turning to the private sector is the only option to increase housing. "It becomes the difference between affordable and not affordable." The Eyeopener (student newspaper) | Add/Read Comments
Striking CNA workers vow to stop campus cleaning: Striking workers at the College of the North Atlantic campus in Burin plan to stop management from cleaning the facility. Garbage has been piling up at the campus since November, when about 15 workers began a strike. Last month, students complained the school was becoming filthy due to lack of cleaning, and the Newfoundland and Labrador government assigned 2 managers from the transportation department to do the cleaning. The strikers say they will no longer allow the managers into the campus. CBC | Add/Read Comments
SJU faculty join OCUFA: The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations announced yesterday that the St. Jerome's University Academic Staff Association is the organization's newest member. Founded in 1865, SJU is an affiliate of the University of Waterloo. By joining OCUFA, SJU faculty and librarians will benefit from the experience and resources of academic staff across the province. OCUFA News Release | Add/Read Comments
Enrolment boom at U Sainte-Anne: Nova Scotia's Université Sainte-Anne reports that for the fifth consecutive year, the number of students enrolled at the institution has increased. Despite a difficult economic and demographic situation in the province, 495 students were registered at U Sainte-Anne in February, up 6.5% from October 2009. International-student enrolment is up 10%, with 14 nationalities represented at the main campus in Pointe-de-l'Église. The university also reports that enrolment in its French-immersion department is up 15%. AUFC Newsletter (in French) | Add/Read Comments
McGill tie, worn by Team Canada head coach, a hot commodity: McGill University's red silk ties are sold out after the merchandise was made popular by McGill alumnus and Canada's Olympic men's hockey team head coach Mike Babcock, who wore the "lucky" tie to Sunday's gold-medal match with the US. The manager of McGill's bookstore says "in a good month we might sell two ties," but now there is a waiting list to buy it. The tie has its own Facebook page with over 1,300 fans. Babcock's father says his son takes every opportunity to celebrate his alma mater. "He's very proud to be a McGill alumni." Toronto Star | McGill Bookstore website | "Mike Babcock's McGill Tie" Facebook page | Add/Read Comments
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Academica Group is Canada's leading source of market intelligence and full cycle marketing services for higher education. Our website describes our pioneering market research, branding, recruitment and web technology services for colleges and universities, and our ongoing policy research for national and provincial government and education agencies.
Academica's Top Ten is a daily digest of top news and opinion affecting post-secondary education in Canada, published as a free service to our clients and friends. This digest was edited by Katherine Fletcher and Ken Steele at Academica Group, based on publicly-available information. Neither the editors nor Academica Group assume liability for comments or information posted by others. Please send your comments, news releases, or submissions to today@academica.ca or call toll-free in North America, 1.866.922.8636 ext. 205.
Niqab-wearing woman files human rights complaint against Cégep St-Laurent: Quebec's Human Rights Commission is reviewing a complaint from a permanent resident expelled from a government-funded French class at Montreal-based Cégep St-Laurent for refusing to remove her niqab veil, which leaves only the eyes exposed. CÉGEP officials say the school tried on several occasions to accommodate the Egyptian woman, whose demands reportedly created tension in the class. Quebec's immigration ministry is also reviewing the case. CBC | CTV | Add/Read Comments
Ontario distributes $40 million under Research Excellence program: Following recent investments in research at the Universities of Guelph and Waterloo, the Ontario government announced Monday nearly $40 million under the Ontario Research Fund's Research Excellence program to be shared by researchers at Queen's, UWO, uOttawa, George Brown College, uToronto, and York U. The province is investing close to $69.5 million to support 21 projects and over 214 researchers across Ontario. Ministry of Research and Innovation website | Add/Read Comments
MacEwan kicks off construction of $20-million University Service Centre: Grant MacEwan University has begun construction of the 5,000-square-metre University Service Centre at the school's City Centre campus. The majority of the centre's $20-million cost is coming from the university, which received $1 million under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program for the project. The centre is part of the preliminary phase of MacEwan's vision for a single sustainable campus in downtown Edmonton. MacEwan News | Add/Read Comments
NS committed to expanding community college seats, says premier: Addressing the Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce yesterday, premier Darrell Dexter said his NDP government will live up to its election promise of adding 250 seats at the Nova Scotia Community College. Discussing the province's impending labour shortage, Dexter noted the new seats will target trades and high-demand professions. The additional seats are part of a second phase of community college development, following significant investments by previous governments to modernize the system. Halifax Chronicle-Herald | CBC | Add/Read Comments
Winnipeg Free Press editorial calls for tuition increase: "Manitoba students have had it easy for too long," states an editorial in Monday's Winnipeg Free Press, arguing that "fees have got to rise, prudently but surely." The editorial calls Manitoba's decade-long tuition freeze a "misguided provincial policy" that put institutions on a "starvation diet." The editorial points to the University of Manitoba's estimation that it could generate $48 million more in revenue if it charged the same tuition as the University of Saskatchewan for a full-time general arts student. The editorial states that the "obvious solution" of raising tuition fees is complicated by the premier's promise to rebate tuition to students while they're still in school, a promise the editorial says needs revisiting. Winnipeg Free Press | Add/Read Comments
uManitoba investigates sexually explicit student magazine: uManitoba's equity services office will investigate whether a racy magazine published by engineering students violates the school's respectful work and learning environment policy. A member of uManitoba's engineering society council defends the publication, stating that it is available only within the faculty of engineering building and no one has complained to her about its contents. Student publications at the Universities of Western Ontario and Ottawa have been criticized in the past for running offensive sexual content. Winnipeg Free Press | CBC | Add/Read Comments
UVic to buy Sisters of St. Ann property: The University of Victoria and the Sisters of St. Ann have signed an agreement in principle that will see the university purchase the Roman Catholic order's Arbutus Road properties, which include the St. Ann's Residence, Queenswood retreat centre, and a small dwelling. UVic is expected to acquire the properties in June. Under the agreement, the Sisters have the option of continuing to live in the residence until January 2013. UVic News Release | Victoria Times-Colonist | Add/Read Comments
NWRC breaks ground for new welding lab: Saskatchewan-based North West Regional College held a sod-turning ceremony at its Meadow Lake campus Monday for a new welding lab, which received over $1.4 million from the federal and provincial governments and the local school division. The new lab will provide greater capacity for the college and high school welding programs. Saskatchewan News Release | Add/Read Comments
100% employment for Dal Corporate MBA students: Despite the market downturn, Dalhousie University's Corporate Residency MBA program has achieved a 100% employment rate. In January, all students in the program's inaugural class began 8-month, salaried residencies with corporate, government, and non-profit employers across the country. In addition to a blog about their experiences, a class gallery on the program's website features student profiles and a list of their residencies. Dal Faculty of Management News | Dal Corporate MBA website | Add/Read Comments
VIU also winner in HEMR competition: In our item in Tuesday's Top Ten on the Canadian winners in Higher Ed Marketing Report's annual Education Advertising Awards, we overlooked Vancover Island University, which picked up gold in the outdoor and annual report categories. The item has been updated on our website.
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Academica Group is Canada's leading source of market intelligence and full cycle marketing services for higher education. Our website describes our pioneering market research, branding, recruitment and web technology services for colleges and universities, and our ongoing policy research for national and provincial government and education agencies.
Academica's Top Ten is a daily digest of top news and opinion affecting post-secondary education in Canada, published as a free service to our clients and friends. This digest was edited by Katherine Fletcher and Ken Steele at Academica Group, based on publicly-available information. Neither the editors nor Academica Group assume liability for comments or information posted by others. Please send your comments, news releases, or submissions to today@academica.ca or call toll-free in North America, 1.866.922.8636 ext. 205.
Good morning from the Ontario University Registrars Association conference in Toronto, where I'll be presenting the Top Ten live over breakfast this morning.
Over $20 million for uWaterloo-led research projects: The Ontario government announced last Friday more than $20.8 million in grants from the Ontario Research Fund for 6 University of Waterloo-led research projects, which involve the institution's departments of electrical and computer engineering, mechanical and mechatronics engineering, and computer science, as well as the optometry school. The funding is part of a larger investment in research supporting at least 214 scientists across Ontario. uWaterloo Daily Bulletin | Add/Read Comments
Retired uSask prof donates $12 million in property to school: Last Friday, University of Saskatchewan professor emeritus Karim (Kay) Nasser announced a $12-million donation in the form of real estate to the university, making it the largest gift uSask has ever received. The value of the donation will be channelled into student awards, 2 new campus buildings, the college of engineering, and the business school, which is moving to downtown Saskatoon with the help of a previous donation from the Nasser family. uSask News Release | Saskatoon Star-Phoenix | CBC | Add/Read Comments
McMaster board to assess $40-million medical facility proposal: McMaster University's board of governors will consider this week a plan for a $40-million primary care centre to be built at the southeast corner of McMaster Innovation Park. Should the proposal be approved, construction would start this fall, with the facility opening as early as September 2012. The need to get moving is urgent, says McMaster's health sciences dean, who stresses that without the training spaces the centre will provide, Hamilton risks losing the new, larger cohort of health-care professionals to other communities. Hamilton Spectator | Add/Read Comments
Queen's grad students reject recreation centre fee: In a recent referendum, members of Queen's University's Society of Graduate and Professional Students voted against a $112-a-year pledge to support Queen's Centre. Noting that the recreation facility has "drained the university's resources," a society vice-president says its executive has always been against the investment -- $4.5 million over 10 years -- because it felt it did not serve the need of its member students. Grad students at the University of Victoria challenged a proposed fee to support a new $58-million athletics centre. Kingston Whig-Standard | Add/Read Comments
Albertan applicants more pragmatic, Ontarians more focused on creature comforts: In the latest white paper based on results from the national University/College Applicant Study™ (UCAS™), Academica Group's Ken Steele explores the measurable differences in applicant decision-making between two of Canada's hottest student recruitment markets, Ontario and Alberta. Some of the biggest differences may be in part attributable to centralized application centres in Ontario -- so what will happen now that Apply Alberta has gone online? UCAS White Paper #1
Carleton, WLU, SAIT, Acadia pick up awards in HEMR competition: Carleton University, Wilfrid Laurier University, SAIT, and Acadia University are the Canadian winners in US-based Higher Ed Marketing Report's 25th Annual Education Advertising Awards. Carleton's "Anything but Textbook" recruitment campaign earned a gold, silver, and bronze in the radio single spot, newspaper series, and total advertising campaign categories, respectively. WLU received a gold and bronze in the magazine single ad and internal publication categories, respectively, and merits in the brochure and student viewbook categories. SAIT won gold in the brochure category, and Acadia earned merits in the poster and new media categories. Carleton News Release | HEMR Competition Winners List by Institution | Add/Read Comments
CNA fosters potential for Atlantic Canada-Qatar applied research partnerships: Last month, College of the North Atlantic held the first international applied research roundtable of its kind at its Qatar campus. Participating Atlantic Canadian institutions joined CNA's delegation and colleagues from several Qatar organizations in the signing of an Intent to Partner MOU. With this agreement, the Canadian signatories have a path to develop applied research partnerships with Qatar organizations. CNA News Release | Add/Read Comments
UVic fast-tracks degree for dying student: Last Wednesday, Eva Markvoort, whose battle with cystic fibrosis is the subject of an award-winning documentary, received her fine arts degree from the University of Victoria from her hospital bed in Vancouver. In January 2007, Markvoort became too ill to continue her studies. When her sister Annie told a professor about Eva's failing health, the professor and several faculty members worked to grant Markvoort her degree within 24 hours. One of Markvoort's theatre professors says she is an inspiration. "We're incredibly proud to have her as one of our alumni." Victoria Times-Colonist | Add/Read Comments
Governments, First Nations chiefs sign MOU to strengthen Aboriginal education in Alberta: The federal and Alberta governments and the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs of Alberta signed an MOU last week pledging to bring graduation rates among Aboriginal youth in Alberta to the same level as the rest of students. Both governments plan to analyze existing funding protocols for First Nations education and explore new "strategic" funding opportunities. The MOU calls for an Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom Centre to establish an "education expertise" hub for all of the province's First Nations. INAC News Release | Calgary Herald | Add/Read Comments
Social networks become recruiting tools of today's institutions: An article in Sunday's Toronto Star takes notice of a trend among post-secondary schools using social media to connect with prospective students. "Young people consume video; video are their currency," says the marketing director for the University of Toronto, which 2 years ago produced 52 video testimonials from students and professors for its website. "You don't just tell them U of T isn't impersonal -- you show them." York University has 4 "e-ambassadors" monitoring its presence on social networks. A recent survey of social media on Canadian campuses found over 1,400 official Facebook sites, nearly two-thirds of them created by students in a certain field of study. Toronto Star | Add/Read Comments
uAlberta Campus Saint-Jean students film "lip dub": Inspired by UQAM students' popular lip-synching video, a student life co-ordinator at the University of Alberta's Campus Saint-Jean recruited over 100 students to participate in a similar production. Filmed in early February, the lip dub, featuring the song "Good Girls Go Bad," was recorded in one long, continuous shot through the halls, classrooms, and lounges of the campus. The staff member who spearheaded the project hopes the video gains some positive attention for uAlberta, and for the French-language campus in particular. uAlberta ExpressNews | Edmonton Journal | Watch the video | Add/Read Comments
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Academica Group is Canada's leading source of market intelligence and full cycle marketing services for higher education. Our website describes our pioneering market research, branding, recruitment and web technology services for colleges and universities, and our ongoing policy research for national and provincial government and education agencies.
Academica's Top Ten is a daily digest of top news and opinion affecting post-secondary education in Canada, published as a free service to our clients and friends. This digest was edited by Katherine Fletcher and Ken Steele at Academica Group, based on publicly-available information. Neither the editors nor Academica Group assume liability for comments or information posted by others. Please send your comments, news releases, or submissions to today@academica.ca or call toll-free in North America, 1.866.922.8636 ext. 205.
Good morning from the Ontario University Registrars Association conference in Toronto, where I'll be presenting the Top Ten live over breakfast this morning.
Campuses fear for research budget amid national deficit: As the federal government prepares to battle a record deficit, post-secondary schools face the prospect that new facilities funded by the Knowledge Infrastructure Program will not be matched with new research investments in the upcoming budget. Some say that without serious new funding, Canada could lose ground, especially as the US makes research investment a priority. Academic groups such as CAUT have pressed for new funding for the 3 granting councils, stressing that it is essential to prepare for a new post-downturn economy. ACCC has also called for an increasing share of council funding for applied research. Academics are still reeling from last year's budget, which outlined a $148-million cut to the granting councils over 3 years. Globe and Mail | Add/Read Comments
Future of Mohawk College's Brantford campus uncertain: While Mohawk College still wants to move its Brantford campus downtown, it may consider leaving the city if that is not possible, says Mohawk Brantford's dean. The Elgin Street campus was recently turned down for federal stimulus funding to move the school into the core. If the college cannot achieve its "No. 1 priority" to relocate the campus, "then in fairness to our students, Mohawk must investigate other opportunities." The dean says the college's inability to reach an agreement with Brantford to purchase the Elgin Street campus as part of the deal to bring the campus downtown also "contributed to us not moving forward." If the school cannot secure relocation funding at once, Mohawk may consider moving its Elgin Street programs to other campus locations. Brantford Expositor | Add/Read Comments
Ontario MPPs denounce Israeli Apartheid Week: Last Thursday, members of Ontario's legislature passed a motion to condemn Israeli Apartheid Week, a campus event kicking off today at post-secondary institutions in 35 cities around the world. The MPP who initiated the resolution wants the event's name changed, noting that "it is close to hate speech" to liken democratic Israel to apartheid-era South Africa. Although he was not present for the vote, Training, Colleges, and Universities Minister John Milloy acknowledges the concern about the event's title. "I think what the goal has to be is to make sure that there's not hatred on campus -- nothing that would make a student feel threatened." Toronto Star | Add/Read Comments
BC overrules UVic's proposed fee for athletics facility: BC's advanced education ministry has overturned the University of Victoria's proposed $55-per-term fee in support of a new $58-million athletics and recreation facility, stating that the fee does not fit within the ministry's tuition limit policy. UVic's graduate student union challenged the fee, which in a fall referendum slightly more than half the student body, but less than a quarter of grad students, approved. The university might now have to re-assess how to fund the athletics facility. Victoria News | Add/Read Comments
UWO ombudsperson calls for improved academic accommodation for students with disabilities: In her 2008-09 annual report, the University of Western Ontario's ombudsperson points to a rising number of complaints from students with disabilities regarding their privacy and dignity being respected by instructors. Students reported that instructors made reference to their disability and need for accommodation in front of classmates, and being told granting their recommended accommodation would be unfair to other students. The ombudsperson states that conversations about a student's need for accommodation should be made in private, and chairs and academic leaders have a responsibility to make sure students are getting their appropriate academic accommodations. Western News | Read the ombudsperson's report | Add/Read Comments
OCUFA study shows importance of public funding for universities: A new research report from the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations stresses that continued government investment is needed to ensure provincial universities can steer through challenging economic times. Unlike in the US, the study finds, public funding means endowment funds represent only a small part of Ontario universities' budgets, which has helped insulate the schools from the serious impact of the recession experienced at American universities. The report notes that decisions about PSE funding are primarily political, and are influenced, but not directly affected, by economic conditions. Despite a budget deficit, OCUFA's president says the province must renew its commitment to PSE to prepare students for the knowledge economy, and ensure Ontario remains a research and innovation leader. OCUFA News Release | Read the report | Add/Read Comments
IT dropouts at PEI institutions compounding labour shortage: The drop-out rate among information technology students at the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College is making it more difficult for local industry to recruit the staff it needs to grow, with some companies being forced to either hire from overseas or turn down contracts. UPEI's computer science department chair and a Holland College instructor both say some students leave because they decide IT is not what they want to do, or they find it too difficult. Both institutions are trying to recruit more students though open houses and Facebook, and making efforts to ensure prospective students are prepared for the program. CBC | Add/Read Comments
uCalgary receives $3-million municipal investment in Nickle Arts Museum: The City of Calgary has approved a $3.2-million contribution towards the completion of the Nickle Arts Museum at its new location in the University of Calgary's Taylor Family Digital Library. The building is slated to open in the spring of 2011. In its new site, the museum will join the Rosza Centre, the Reeve Theatre, and Hotel Alma as a focal point for cultural activities in Calgary's northwest. uCalgary News | Add/Read Comments
Seneca launches co-curricular record: Seneca College is recognizing the extra-curricular involvement of its full-time students with the new Co-Curricular Record (CCR) program, which documents a student's non-academic on-campus activities and accomplishments while studying at the college. The CCR is divided into 4 areas: activity participation, awards, leadership experience, and professional development. Students must apply for their CCR online, and once all activities have been verified, they can request to have the CCR printed. uCalgary also runs a co-curricular record program. Seneca Co-Curricular Record | Add/Read Comments
Ivey develops smartphone app: UWO's Richard Ivey School of Business recently launched a free smartphone application for the iPhone and BlackBerry called "Ivey MBA," which allows students and prospective applicants to receive instant updates from the school's social media channels. The app will push news feeds from Ivey, as well as Twitter feeds and blogs posted by both the admissions team and current MBA students. With the app, users can view and register for upcoming events, and access the Ivey MBA Recruitment & Admissions YouTube channel. Ivey News Release | Add/Read Comments
Correction: The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology did not submit a tuition hike proposal to the Alberta government that was subsequently turned down, as incorrectly reported in the Edmonton Journal. We have corrected the item on our website.
Last week's most-clicked stories:
- SIAST releases Aboriginal Student Achievement Plan
- Mount Royal launches new logo
- "Imagine it" at UVic
- McMaster launches new virtual tour
- Dal unveils redesigned homepage
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Academica Group is Canada's leading source of market intelligence and full cycle marketing services for higher education. Our website describes our pioneering market research, branding, recruitment and web technology services for colleges and universities, and our ongoing policy research for national and provincial government and education agencies.
Academica's Top Ten is a daily digest of top news and opinion affecting post-secondary education in Canada, published as a free service to our clients and friends. This digest was edited by Katherine Fletcher and Ken Steele at Academica Group, based on publicly-available information. Neither the editors nor Academica Group assume liability for comments or information posted by others. Please send your comments, news releases, or submissions to today@academica.ca or call toll-free in North America, 1.866.922.8636 ext. 205.
Needing to find $48 million, McMaster expected to cut at least 50 jobs: In a financial update to the campus community, McMaster University's president and vice-president (academic) report that the demands on the school's finances for 2010-11 are "staggering." Forecasts indicate that 2010-11 will be the fourth consecutive year in which the university has spent more than it earned. Over this period, McMaster's expenses could exceed revenues by over $100 million. In addition to ongoing expenses, McMaster will need to find $22 million to cover the cost of inflation; $8 million to pay the pension deficit; $14 million to account for the cost of post-retirement medical and dental benefits; and $4 million to cover the increased cost of utilities, regulatory requirements, and insurance. McMaster anticipates these budget pressures will require a minimum of 50 and up to 100 positions to be cut across the university. While some cuts will be through attrition, others will result in layoffs. Most of the cuts will be in non-teaching areas. All hiring will now require the written approval of the appropriate vice-president or president. McMaster Daily News | Stoney Creek News | Add/Read Comments
uCalgary considers raising mandatory student fees: Like uAlberta, the University of Calgary is considering increasing compulsory, non-academic fees as part of the institution's effort to balance its budget. While no set amount has been decided upon, students say the proposal would see fees climb by $500. Before the board of governors approves any fee hikes, the student union's president says it should be forced to hold a referendum on the matter. uCalgary, whose board recently passed a 1.5% tuition increase, has also sent a proposal to the province to raise professional program tuition by up to 47%. Calgary Herald | Add/Read Comments
UNBSJ launches $25-million fundraising campaign for University Commons: On Wednesday, the University of New Brunswick formally announced a $25-million fundraising campaign in support of the construction of a new University Commons at the school's Saint John campus. UNB has already raised over $20 million, which comprises pledges from all 3 levels of government, the private sector, and many individuals. As the university's first "green" building, the Commons will be a "library of the future" and house a number of support services, such as the Student Technology Centre and the Writing Centre. UNB News Release | Telegraph-Journal | Add/Read Comments
First Nations chiefs call for more PSE funding amid PSSSP review: With Indian and Northern Affairs Canada under a government-ordered spending review, First Nations communities are concerned about the future of the INAC-run Post-Secondary Student Support Program, whose funding, an internal audit warned last year, was not being properly tracked or fairly handed out. Meanwhile, the Assembly of First Nations is pushing education to be the single top policy priority for federal and provincial funding. AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo points out that $500 million in annual funding, the majority of which should top up the PSSSP, could close the education gap between First Nations and the rest of the population at a time of an impending national labour shortage. Canadian Press | Add/Read Comments
CFS-O calls for greater provincial investment in PSE in Northern Ontario: In a report submitted yesterday to Ontario's PSE Secretariat, the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario call for more dedicated funding to expand access to higher education in northern Ontario. The report makes 9 recommendations, which include establishing a funding formula granting more money, per student, to schools located in northern and remote regions of Ontario; increasing funding to expand graduate studies and the number of upper-year French-language courses; creating a new grant for all Aboriginal students who attend college or university; and increasing funding for Ontario Distance Grants. CFS News Release | Read the report | Add/Read Comments
Proposed Saskatchewan architecture school could be located in downtown Saskatoon: In a talk yesterday on the economic impact a Saskatchewan college of architecture could have, proponents of the school envision the college being built in downtown Saskatoon. One idea, which would require city hall support, is locating the architecture school in a renovated city-owned John Deere building in the warehouse district. Last summer, a feasibility task force reported that the school would fit well in either Saskatoon or Regina. An undergraduate architecture program at the University of Saskatchewan would likely concentrate on Aboriginal architecture. Since the summer, there have been discussions of working with SIAST and a possible program focused on construction management at the University of Regina. Saskatoon Star-Phoenix | Add/Read Comments
Record number of registered apprentices in 2007, StatsCan reports: According to Statistics Canada figures released yesterday, the number of registered apprentices in the country reached a record high of 358,555 in 2007, more than twice the number 12 years earlier. In 2007, the building construction trades were the largest trade group, with 80,205, or 22%, of the registered apprentices. Completions in apprenticeship training reached 24,495 in 2007, up from 19,725 in 1991. The metal fabricating and motor vehicle and heavy equipment trade groups have consistently had the largest proportion of completions since 1991, and each accounted for nearly 22% of the total number of completions in 2007. Between 1991 and 2007, more than 530,000 certificates were granted to apprenticeship completers and trades qualifiers, with 58% awarded to the former. Statistics Canada | Add/Read Comments
Quebec doing little to encourage foreign students to stay post-graduation: Quebec Premier Jean Charest and university officials can travel the world to recruit international students, but they are doing far too little to encourage them to make their careers in the province, argues Henry Aubin in a column in yesterday's Montreal Gazette. While there's no complete lack of action to encourage foreigners to stay, writes Aubin, proposals outlined in a 2005 Montreal Board of Trade report, which noted that "no real concerted strategy has been developed" regarding the retention of international students post-graduation, remain ignored. Aubin suggests the province award scholarships to outstanding students provided they agree to remain in Quebec for several years following graduation. The best way to improve the quality -- and global reputation -- of Quebec's universities, Aubin argues, is to increase tuition fees and student financial aid, as pressed by former premier Lucien Bouchard and others this week. Montreal Gazette | Add/Read Comments
uToronto runs photo, video contest for campus publication: On Monday, the University of Toronto will launch its annual Bulletin-eBulletin photo contest. The winners from 5 categories will have their photos displayed in both the Bulletin and eBulletin, and a grand-prize winner will have the opportunity for a full-page montage of photos in the Bulletin. The 5 winners will be invited to take part in A Day in the Life of U of T, a project documenting daily activities on the school's 3 campuses. New this year is a video category, in which participants are asked to produce short videos about their experience at uToronto. The winning video will be posted on the university's YouTube channel and appear in the eBulletin. uToronto News | Add/Read Comments
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Academica Group is Canada's leading source of market intelligence and full cycle marketing services for higher education. Our website describes our pioneering market research, branding, recruitment and web technology services for colleges and universities, and our ongoing policy research for national and provincial government and education agencies.
Academica's Top Ten is a daily digest of top news and opinion affecting post-secondary education in Canada, published as a free service to our clients and friends. This digest was edited by Katherine Fletcher and Ken Steele at Academica Group, based on publicly-available information. Neither the editors nor Academica Group assume liability for comments or information posted by others. Please send your comments, news releases, or submissions to today@academica.ca or call toll-free in North America, 1.866.922.8636 ext. 205.
Good morning from Ottawa, where I'm presenting to the Canadian Association of University Continuing Education deans and directors today.
uMontréal lecturers go on strike: Close to 2,500 Université de Montréal lecturers walked off the job yesterday afternoon, nearly 6 months after their contract expired. While the instructors had been staging a series of half-day walkouts, their union says the slow pace of contract talks have given them no choice but to hold a general unlimited strike. About 20% of classes will be affected by the strike, mostly impacting arts and science students, the education department, and evening courses for mature students. Any exams that were to be given by the striking instructors will be cancelled. CSN News Release (in French) | CTV | Add/Read Comments
Reaction to Quebec university funding pact: Reaction from student groups, politicians, university heads, unions, and the media has been swift following the release Tuesday of the "Pact for the Competitve Funding of Our Universities," which advocates higher tuition fees. The Canadian Federation of Students says the report's recommendations would lead to skyrocketing debt for Quebec students, and the Fédération étudiante collégiale du Québec finds the ideas and solutions listed in the pact completely ill-conceived. Quebec's education and finance ministers state that education has always been a priority for the province, and the values outlined in the pact must remain the basis for decisions regarding university financing. The Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities, for whom the issue of university underfunding is a major concern, says the pact's suggestions include complex items warranting attentive examination. The Fédération nationale des enseignantes et des enseignants du Québec says the pact proposes an elitist, North American model far removed for Quebec's values of fairness. A freelance column in yesterday's Montreal Gazette argues that students can and should pay more for their education. CFS News Release | FECQ News Release (in French) | Quebec News Release (in French) | CREPUQ News Release | FNEEQ News Release (in French) | Montreal Gazette | Add/Read Comments
Selkirk College anticipates cuts to capital allowance: After clearing a 3-year debt in its operating budget last year, BC-based Selkirk College could be sent back into the red due to cutbacks expected in the province's next budget, to be announced Tuesday. The college's annual capital allowance is expected to be cut by 74%, reducing it from $1.4 million to $368,000. "There are many routine things, like putting fresh paint on the wall, that just won't happen this year," says the school's president. Selkirk is working to put aside contingency funds to use for emergency maintenance that may be required throughout the year. The College of New Caledonia and Northwest Community College have already been told their capital allowances will be reduced. Castlegar News | Add/Read Comments
Brock to discipline students implicated in home invasion: Condemning a recent home invasion and assault in south St. Catharines, Brock University vows to take disciplinary actions should any of its students be found responsible for the incident. A university spokesman says depending on the severity of an off-campus offence, penalties could range from limited campus access to expulsion. The university and its student union are encouraging students to contact regional police if they know anything about the incident, in which a family alleges a group of students barged into their home and attacked a man after they were told to be quiet. St. Catharines Standard | Add/Read Comments
$7 million for research at UoGuelph: The University of Guelph announced yesterday it has received over $7.2 million from the Ontario government to support 2 projects led by university researchers. The funding will support the creation of new bean varieties, and the engineering of new products from non-food crops for use in the manufacturing, automotive, and packaging sectors. The funding is part of a $69.5-million provincial investment for 21 projects involving 214 researchers across Ontario. UoGuelph News Release | Add/Read Comments
New George Brown College campus "animating" Toronto waterfront: In an interview with the National Post, the president of Toronto's George Brown College discusses the school's $100-million waterfront campus, set for completion in fall 2011. "It's finally animating the waterfront, taking 5,000 students down there," says Anne Sado, who promises the campus "will be an open, vibrant learning environment with lots of light." The first building will house the college's nursing, dental, health and wellness, and gerontology programs. George Brown hopes to talk to the city about teaming up to design the second building, which will house a gym and, potentially, a community centre. National Post | Add/Read Comments
Future of FNUC art collection uncertain: With the First Nations University of Canada poised to lose over $12 million in annual funding from the Saskatchewan and federal governments, and with governance reforms on the horizon, the fate of the university's $1.2-million art collection is in jeopardy. "It would be tragic if it should come up on some auction block," says the collection's curator. If FNUC has to close its doors or continue under new "ownership," the curator says he'll try to repatriate the art collection to the main campus in Regina. The collection contains about 1,500 paintings, beadwork and other items, much of it spread across Saskatchewan on loan to FNUC's other campuses, in government offices, at the provincial legislature, and in other locations. Regina Leader-Post | Add/Read Comments
Dal unveils redesigned homepage: On Tuesday,
Dalhousie University launched a new-look homepage, changes to which are
"temporary improvements as part of a much larger and more ambitious
process." Dominating the tweaked homepage is a rotating graphic banner
linking to the university's "Discover the Unexpected" recruitment portal.
Visitors to the homepage can access a virtual campus tour and an
"at-a-glance" slideshow. The homepage features links to Dal's presence
on various social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, and
YouTube. Visitors to the homepage are encouraged to provide feedback on
the minor makeover. Dal News | Dal website | Add/Read Comments
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Academica Group is Canada's leading source of market intelligence and full cycle marketing services for higher education. Our website describes our pioneering market research, branding, recruitment and web technology services for colleges and universities, and our ongoing policy research for national and provincial government and education agencies.
Academica's Top Ten is a daily digest of top news and opinion affecting post-secondary education in Canada, published as a free service to our clients and friends. This digest was edited by Katherine Fletcher and Ken Steele at Academica Group, based on publicly-available information. Neither the editors nor Academica Group assume liability for comments or information posted by others. Please send your comments, news releases, or submissions to today@academica.ca or call toll-free in North America, 1.866.922.8636 ext. 205.
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