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Academica's Top Ten - Fri November 6, 2009

Maclean's releases 2009 University Ranking issue: Maclean's 19th annual University Rankings issue hit newsstands yesterday. McGill University placed first in the medical-doctoral category. Simon Fraser University took the top spot in the comprehensive category. Mount Allison University was named the top primarily undergraduate institution. This year marks the first time the University of Ontario Institute of Technology has been ranked. Of the 48 universities ranked this year, 19 refused to fill out the survey. Maclean's has also revised its approach, relying on data from Statistics Canada, federal funding agencies, and information on university websites. Maclean's News Release | Toronto Star | Maclean's 2009 University Rankings | Add/Read Comments

NL launches youth retention and attraction strategy: Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams announced yesterday the launch of a provincial youth retention and attraction strategy. Developed in collaboration with youth, the strategy intents to counter the impacts of out-migration, strengthen the labour market, and support the economic development of the province. The strategy lists a number of responsive actions items, including expanding the existing Graduate Employment Program, improving access to existing internship opportunities and summer jobs, and increasing access to employment opportunities and supports among apprentices. NL News Release | NL Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy | Add/Read Comments

Enrolment boom at CNA: Despite a declining high-school population in Newfoundland and Labrador, College of the North Atlantic reports an overall enrolment increase of 4%. Campuses experiencing the most enrolment growth include Port aux Basques with a 20% increase, Clarenville with 25%, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay with 17%. CNA's Distributed Learning Service saw enrolment rise by 91% over the previous year. Several programs at the college are reporting triple-digit increases, percentage-wise, in enrolment. For example, CNA's Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Power Engineering, and Instrumentation and Control Technician programs each saw increases of 200% or more. CNA News Release | Add/Read Comments

VIU denied KIP funding for master plan project: A Vancouver Island University official says that without funding from senior levels of government, the school cannot move forward on its 3-stage, $100-million upgrade unless it can get some large donations from the private sector. The university's Knowledge Infrastructure Program funding application for Phase 1 of its master plan was turned down. Several facilities predate VIU's predecessor, Malaspina College, and are no longer functional. While the university was not told why its application was denied, the official says one reason might be that VIU had received funding for other costly projects, such as the Cowichan Place campus. Nanaimo Daily News | Add/Read Comments

VCC appoints new president: Vancouver Community College's board has named Kathy Kinloch as the school's new president. Kinloch joins the college with experience in the post-secondary education, government, and health-care sectors, and comes to VCC from her current role as dean of health sciences at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Kinloch will take up her new role at VCC on March 15. VCC News Release | Add/Read Comments

uWaterloo opens School of Environment, Enterprise and Development: Today the University of Waterloo will launch the first school in North America focusing on environmentally responsible business and development. The School of Environment, Enterprise and Development aims to provide sustainable solutions to key local and global environmental, social, and development challenges through education, research, and training. SEED offers 2 undergraduate programs: a bachelor of environmental studies in environment and business, and a bachelor of environmental studies in international development. Additional masters degrees will complement an existing graduate program starting in 2010. uWaterloo News Release | Add/Read Comments

BCIT launches 3D simulation instruction initiative: Earlier this week, the British Columbia Institute of Technology announced the launch of the CUBE, a 2-year initiative that will move the school's learning and teaching to a new level through the development of interactive 3D simulations. The CUBE project will place 3D simulations of expensive, rare, and modern equipment into the hands of every BCIT student, who will be able to manipulate virtual objects from rail cars to knee joints. BCIT News Release | Add/Read Comments

uAlberta campus security investigates students behind poster campaign: A group of University of Alberta students behind a satirical poster campaign criticizing the school president's comments about the need to advocate for white males told the Edmonton Journal they were investigated by campus security, who reportedly called the campaign "hateful." The students say they were told they would be charged under a section of the student code of conduct that prohibits the distribution of malicious material. A uAlberta spokeswoman says security began an investigation after more than one member of the university community complained. The spokeswoman says security no longer plans to lay charges. Edmonton Journal | Add/Read Comments

uToronto students hold rallies in support of blind professor: A group of University of Toronto students have been organizing rallies this week to protest news that popular blind professor Rod Michalko's contract might not be renewed after this academic year due to budget constraints. That leaves the future of disability studies at the university in the air, since Michalko is the only professor teaching it to undergraduates. The president of uToronto's Equity Studies Student Union and her colleagues are demanding permanent disability studies positions and an increase in course offerings to correspond with student interest. Toronto Star | Rabble.ca | Add/Read Comments

OCUFA releases proceedings from 2009 conference: The Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations recently published the proceedings from its January 2009 conference. The document includes several articles, including one by Academica Group's Ken Steele, that touch on the conference's theme of "Accounting or Accountability in Higher Education." In his article, Ken writes that student survey results need to be interpreted carefully, with a detailed understanding of the methodology, and ideally with benchmarking or comparative trend data to provide context, lest there be a misinterpretation or misrepresentation of findings. OCUFA 2009 Conference Proceedings | Add/Read Comments

This week's most commented story:

Is mandatory Orientation for new students the way to go? (Brendan Hughes' blog)

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                          www.academicagroup.ca

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 i s 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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Academica's Top Ten - Thurs November 5, 2009

Find us in Dallas next week: If you're attending the AACRAO Strategic Enrollment Management conference next week in Dallas, look up Academica Group's representatives Steven Brown and Dr. Tom Huddleston. We'll be exhibiting with our strategic partner, SEM Works, at booth #117. And if you're NOT getting away someplace warm this month, come join Jim Black and myself at the Canadian SEMM Forums in Halifax (Nov 19) or Vancouver (Nov 24). We promise a day packed with interesting new ideas and insights!

Arrested UWO student to sue university: The lawyer for the 22-year-old University of Western Ontario student whose violent arrest last month was captured on video plans to file a lawsuit. The lawyer says the lawsuit will likely involve UWO, London police, and campus police. The student remains in a psychiatric hospital and is reportedly "not doing very well." Some UWO students organized a rally yesterday against what they call police brutality. The October 14 incident is being reviewed independently by a former Ontario Provincial Police commissioner. AM980 | London Free Press | Add/Read Comments

uWindsor student group launches human rights complaint against police force: A University of Windsor student group that led criticism of local police conduct at an on-campus party in 2008 is going forward with human rights complaints against the force. A uWindsor graduate says Students Against Anti-Black Racism helped 5 people who attended the event file formal complaints with the Ontario Human Rights Commission. A mediation session between police representatives and the complainants was held yesterday. Meanwhile, criminal charges against a student in relation to the incident have been dropped. Windsor Star | Add/Read Comments

Fire strikes UCN residence: A fire broke out at a student residence at the University College of the North's Thompson, Manitoba campus on Tuesday. The 3-storey facility contains about 35 suites accommodating 50 to 70 students, as well as classrooms and laboratories. One suite in the residence was almost completely destroyed and another was damaged. There is also smoke damage to the rest of the building. No one was injured in the blaze. Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the fire. CBC | Add/Read Comments

KIP funding going towards repairs, not research, CAUT says: According to the Canadian Association of University Teachers' analysis of the federal government's Knowledge Infrastructure Program announcements, of the $1.7 billion that has been spent so far, only 41%, or just over $718 million, has gone to research-related infrastructure. CAUT executive director James Turk says that while institutions need funding for deferred maintenance, it is disingenuous for the government to claim KIP is a $2-billion investment in research. Turk is also concerned that private schools are receiving public funding under the program. So far, over $23 million has been awarded to at least 14 private institutions. CAUT News | Add/Read Comments

CUPE National takes over York union local: The union local that shut down York University in a 3-month strike has been taken over by the national wing of the Canadian Union of Public Employees due to "serious financial issues," such as a rising debt pegged at over $1 million and a failure to keep adequate records. According to an internal e-mail obtained by the Globe and Mail, a new local executive voted into office after the strike soon uncovered problems with the local's accounting practices, including its strike records and receipts for expenses. That executive group voted last week to ask CUPE National to step in. A forensic audit has been scheduled, as well as an investigation into charges of intimidation and harassment of local members. Globe and Mail | Add/Read Comments

Holland College suspends paramedic program: Holland College has cancelled a paramedic program it hoped to start in Summerside PEI in January, leaving registered students to wait for the next offering in Charlottetown in September. The college's director of programs says it underestimated the cost of running the course by 50%, so it had to cancel it. Holland College is offering affected students a chance to get into the program in September 2010 instead of January, meaning they would graduate nearly a year later than expected. CBC | Add/Read Comments

Graduate enrolment up 33% at uLethbridge: The University of Lethbridge reports that its School of Graduate Studies has experienced a 33% increase in enrolment over last year. The School of Graduate Studies dean says the enrolment reflects the new direction outlined in uLethbridge's strategic plan of continuing to grow as a comprehensive university. Overall enrolment rose by 3.5%. uLethbridge News Release | Add/Read Comments

Imperial Oil donates $8-million jet to SAIT: Imperial Oil has donated to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology a Bombardier Challenger 601-3A, valued at $8 million, for use in the School of Transportation's aircraft maintenance, avionics, and structures programs. No longer required to meet Imperial's corporate travel needs, the jet has been de-registered and is no longer eligible to fly in Canada. The jet will provide on-the-ground training for over 250 SAIT students annually. In addition to the aircraft, Imperial also donated associated ground support equipment and spare parts inventory. SAIT News Release | Add/Read Comments

"Journées du Savoir" showcase Quebec universities' contribution to society: This week, the Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities is hosting "Journées du Savoir" (Days of Knowledge), a 4-day event meant to raise public awareness about provincial universities' contribution to society. 16 universities will hold over 50 activities throughout Quebec. Topics discussed will range from aerospace and language to business in the wake of the financial crisis, environmental challenges to infectious diseases, and women and science to the challenges facing education. The event is part of CREPUQ's Knowledge Matters campaign. CREPUQ News Release | Margin Notes | Journées du Savoir (in French) | Add/Read Comments

Brescia profs promote university education to local high school students: Brescia University College, an affiliate of the University of Western Ontario, has launched Package of Profs, a new initiative to respond to high school students who may have reservations about going to university. Over a dozen Brescia professors have volunteered to make tailored presentations about any aspect of university life to local grade 12 students. Since the program's inception in September, local high school teachers and guidance counsellors have been very receptive to the initiative. With just under 30 high schools in the region targeted, one third have requested presentations. Brescia News Release | Add/Read Comments

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                          www.academicagroup.ca

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 i s 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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Academica's Top Ten - Wed November 4, 2009

Violent on-campus arrest of UWO student under independent investigation: The University of Western Ontario has enlisted the expertise of a former Ontario Provincial Police commissioner to undertake an independent review of the arrest of a UWO student last month that raised concerns about how a campus safety incident was managed. The review will look at policies and procedures, such as whether the situation was preventable, and the training and resources available to campus police. The review will focus only on campus police as UWO does not have jurisdiction over London police. Recommendations from the review will be made public. Western News | London Fress Press | Add/Read Comments

Charges stayed against uCalgary pro-life student group: 6 members of Campus Pro-Life, a student group at the University of Calgary that defied school officials by refusing to alter a graphic poster campaign, will not go to trial on charges of trespassing. The charges were stayed after it was determined there was not enough evidence to proceed with the prosecution. In a statement to the media, uCalgary says it "remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of campus and will take some time to reflect on this development. The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and faculty are paramount issues." Calgary Herald | CBC | Add/Read Comments

Arbitration board dismisses grievances filed against FNUC: On Monday, an arbitration board dismissed 5 grievances filed by the University of Regina Faculty Association against First Nations University of Canada concerning the events of February 2005. In that month, the school's chairman at the time directed an investigation that involved the suspension of several senior officials at FNUC, as well as a forensic audit that led to criminal charges being laid against a former vice-president. The board found no evidence to support the grievances filed by URFA, who alleged the actions in 2005 constituted a lockout and a breach of academic freedom. Regina Leader-Post | Add/Read Comments

Union membership vote for Ontario college part-timers challenged: The Ontario College Compensation and Appointments Council is challenging a recent province-wide vote by part-time support staff at Ontario colleges to join the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. The council argues the union did not get the required 35% of support staff to sign union membership cards to conduct a valid vote. Depending on the outcome of the challenge, the ballots might never be counted. OPSEU is seeking an Ontario Labour Relations Board hearing as soon as possible to resolve the issue. NUPGE News Release | Waterloo Region Record | Add/Read Comments

Poster campaign criticizes uAlberta president's comments on male enrolment: In an interview last month on the issue of attracting more men to university, University of Alberta president Indira Samarasekera said she is "going to be an advocate for young white men, because I can be." Samarasekera's comments prompted a group of uAlberta students to launch a satirical poster campaign last week to protest the president's assertion that young white men need help. One poster states "Only White Men Can Save Our University," while another reads "Women: Stop! Drop! Men: Enroll!" A member of the Samarasekera Response Team says if the president feels the need to advocate for someone, it should be women and people of colour. Edmonton Sun | CBC | Add/Read Comments

NB introduces legislation to give colleges more independence: According to legislation introduced by the New Brunswick government to make provincial colleges more independent, 2 boards -- one francophone and one anglophone -- will be set up for the New Brunswick Community College system. Each will have its own CEO and president. NB's PSE minister says being arm's-length from the provincial government will give the colleges more opportunities to create partnerships with private companies. CBC | Add/Read Comments

Humber opens trades and technology centre: On Monday, Humber College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Centre for Trades & Technology as part of the launch of Skilled Trades and Technology Week, an annual event hosted by Skills Canada that promotes and raises awareness of skilled trades and technology careers in the country. The 95,000-square-foot facility features 2 full-sized townhomes and dedicated labs for programs including construction, plumbing, welding, electrical, home renovation, woodworking, cabinetmaking, and building systems. Humber News Release | Add/Read Comments

Globe and Mail runs "Report on MBA Schools": Tuesday's Globe and Mail featured a special section on business schools. The Graduate Records Exam has emerged as an alternative to the GMAT. Dual and joint business degrees are fast becoming marketing tools. Several business schools are undergoing expansion. While instructors swear by team-based work, some students worry the practice affects their grades. The special includes a Q&A with University of Calgary Haskayne School of Business dean Leonard Waverman. The "Report on MBA Schools" also profiles distance MBA programs, a fellowship program that helps graduates work at non-profit organizations, and partnerships in India. Last week, the Financial Post ran a special section on Canadian MBA programs. Add/Read Comments

Tuition at 58 US private colleges surpasses $50K: According to a Chronicle of Higher Education analysis of College Board data, 58 private colleges in the US now charge at least $50,000 for tuition, fees, room, and board, up from just 5 colleges last year. Some private-college advocates argue that the listed prices might create a false impression that private institutions are unaffordable. The president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities says 8 out of 10 students receive grants. Among 42 private schools whose list price for tuition and other fees was over $50,000 this year, the average grant per full-time student was just over $13,000 in the 2008-09 school year. Meanwhile, another Chronicle analysis shows that 23 college presidents earned over $1 million in total compensation, and 110 made more than $500,000 in the 2007-08 fiscal year. The Chronicle of Higher Education (subscription required) | New York Times | Add/Read Comments

Using learning technology to predict student success: Like Purdue University, Arizona-based Rio Salado College has developed a predictive modeling system on student success using information collected from learning management systems. The college assesses the risk level of students based on when, and how frequently, they log into their course homepage. Instructors are notified a week into classes about the medium-risk students so they can reach out to those students and try to get them on track. Unlike Purdue, Rio Salado and Capella University, a for-profit online institution, do not inform students about their risk status; however, both schools will eventually start to inform students when a bad outcome is predicted. Inside Higher Ed | Add/Read Comments

Is mandatory Orientation for new students the way to go? In a new entry, guest blogger Brendan Hughes, New Student Orientation Officer at Lakehead University, argues that while making Orientation programs mandatory would be challenging, it would comfort administration to know that all new students are familiar with the school's campus, protocols, and services. An effective mandatory Orientation program, Brendan writes, would result in more successful students, higher graduation rates, and more satisfied alumni. Read Brendan's blog

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                          www.academicagroup.ca

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 i s 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.

FREE Subscription   | Search Back Issues    |   Editorial Guidelines    |   Technical Support

Academica's Top Ten - Tues November 3, 2009

McMaster teaching, research assistants go on strike: Approximately 2,700 teaching and research assistants at McMaster University went on strike yesterday after rejecting a "best offer" package from the university over the weekend. Striking employees have set up picket lines outside the university. While classes are continuing as usual, some tutorials and labs have been cancelled. CUPE 3906 News | Hamilton Spectator | Add/Read Comments

Fanshawe to punish students involved in weekend melee: Fanshawe College president Howard Rundle warns that any students implicated in this weekend's street riot and violent clash with police near the college will face academic sanctions, up to and including suspensions and expulsion. According to media reports, a student party on Thurman Circle got out of hand and a crowd of about 500 individuals pelted police with beer bottles, overturned cars, smashed windows, and damaged property. In all, 22 people were charged. Rundle says that he expects to receive information from police this week about who was charged and that will serve as a starting point for Fanshawe officials to apply an updated student code of conduct. London Free Press | Add/Read Comments

Foreign students pump over $6 billion into Canadian economy: According to recent report commissioned by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, international students contributed $6.5 billion to the Canadian economy in 2008. The report also credits international study in the country with creating more than 83,000 jobs and generating over $291 million in revenue. The report states that there were 178,227 foreign students in Canada in 2008, and those figures are expected to rise this year as the country boosts its marketing efforts. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade currently spends about $2 million to promote Canada as a study destination, but the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada would like the government to increase international-recruitment spending to $20 million. The Chronicle of Higher Education (free access) | Read the full report | Add/Read Comments

Graduate enrolment up 9% at uSask: According to the University of Saskatchewan's annual enrolment report, for the first time since 2003, more students are attending the institution this year than the year before -- a positive sign considering the declining high-school student population in Saskatchewan and increased competition with other post-secondary schools. Undergraduate enrolment is up by 1.19%, while graduate enrolment has risen by nearly 9%. uSask has now achieved the 2003 Enrolment Plan's goal of 2,500 students by 2010, and is making good progress towards its long-term goal of seeing graduate students account for 15% of total student enrolment. uSask On Campus News | Read the enrolment report | Add/Read Comments

Nipissing professors approve strike mandate: Last week, faculty at Nipissing University voted 95.8% in favour of a strike mandate. The university's faculty association is bargaining for an academic workload that ensures student-centred teaching and research is maintained, and a working environment conducive to recruiting and retaining qualified professors. Faculty also want to ensure that full-time positions are maintained. The association and Nipissing will be in a legal strike/lockout position by November 9, but the association has not made a final decision on a deadline for negotiations. North Bay Nugget | Add/Read Comments

uToronto top Canadian institution in global ranking: The University of Toronto has been chosen as the top Canadian university in Shanghai Jiao Tong University's 2009 Academic Ranking of World Universities. uToronto placed 27th overall. UBC, McGill, and McMaster each made the top 100 worldwide. In total, 22 Canadian universities are listed in the top 500 universities. uToronto News | 2009 Academic Rankings of World Universities | Add/Read Comments

Study finds probability of "re-employment" increases as education levels rise: According to a working paper by researchers at the University of British Columbia and York University, the chanced of "re-employment" -- finding work after a period of unemployment -- increases by 27% if you have completed high school. The probability of finding employment again rises as education levels increase. The study shows that every additional year of school boosts the chance of re-employment by 2% to 3%. The paper's findings validate decisions by thousands of Canadians returning to school. Full-time enrolment at universities rose by 38,000 students this fall, and enrolment at Ontario colleges is up by 7%. Globe and Mail | Read the working paper | Add/Read Comments

Lethbridge College launches YouTube contest: Lethbridge College has launched a video contest called "Zoom in to Win," in which students, alumni, and staff are invited to produce 3-minute videos on "a slice of your college or daily life" and upload them to YouTube. Students and alumni can win $500 in the Judges' Choice category, or $250 in the People's Choice category. College employees can win $250 in the staff-only category. Contest participants must submit their videos by November 30, and the winners will be announced December 15. Zoom in to Win | Add/Read Comments

Study uncovers free swapping of academic journals: In an examination of an unnamed website aimed specifically at medical professionals and students, a new study has found that thousands of people were obtaining non-open-access materials for free. In a 6-month period, almost 5,500 articles were exchanged, costing journals about $700,000 in that time. The report states that during the study period, the site's 127,626 registered users put in requests for 6,587 journals, and there was an 83% success rate in finding an article. While the study does not focus on the ethical implications, it does note that "the site displays activities by medical students, teachers, and practicing professionals that are ethically dubious." The Chronicle of Higher Education (free access) | Read the report | Add/Read Comments

Declining youth cohort a threat to Japanese private institutions: With the number of 18-year-olds on the decline in Japan, the enrolment crisis at the country's private universities has reached "ridiculous" proportions. Government figures show 47% of Japan's 550 private 4-year universities are falling below their government-set recruitment targets, and more than 40% are reportedly in debt. Worst-case scenarios predict that a third of the country's private universities could go bankrupt or merge within the next decade. Japan has so far taken a laissez-faire approach to the matter by refusing to either rescue troubled institutions or shut them down. Some in Japan's private-university sector blame the enrolment crisis on free-market fundamentalism. The Chronicle of Higher Education (subscription required) | Add/Read Comments

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                          www.academicagroup.ca

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 i s 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.

FREE Subscription   | Search Back Issues    |   Editorial Guidelines    |   Technical Support

Academica's Top Ten - Mon November 2, 2009

H1N1 strikes UoGuelph students, faculty: University of Guelph president Alastair Summerlee confirmed last week that some students at the institution have been stricken with the H1N1 virus, although just how many have been affected is unknown. Most ill students have been advised to go home and take care of themselves. A UoGuelph official says some faculty members have fallen ill with H1N1 as well. UoGuelph is one of several post-secondary institutions in Canada at which the H1N1 influenza has surfaced. Guelph Mercury | Add/Read Comments

New trades college opens in Nova Scotia: The Carpenters Union of Mainland Nova Scotia has opened a private college in Lower Sackville that will train more tradespeople for the construction industry in order to address a shortage of qualified workers. The Carpenter Millwright Trades College offers an 8-week pre-employment course for people with no experience in the field, and two 4-week elective courses in scaffold training and installing construction forms. The college also plans to offer a drywall course, as well as instruction in other industry-related trades. Halifax Chronicle-Herald | Add/Read Comments

Liberals say Conservatives favour own ridings for KIP funding: An analysis of funding distributed from the Knowledge Infrastructure Program shows that the federal government has awarded a disproportionate amount of money to universities and colleges located in Conservative-held ridings, says Liberal Infrastructure Critic Gerard Kennedy. The analysis indicates that institutions in Conservative ridings received an average of 33% more funding on a per-student basis than schools in Opposition-held ridings, amounting to a funding gap of $263 million. The analysis also suggests a bias against larger institutions. Campuses with over 15,000 students received below-average per-student grants of just $1,038 per student, while the highest per-student grants were given to smaller, generally private schools, particularly in Western Canada and in Conservative ridings. Liberal News Release | Add/Read Comments

Mississauga approves lease agreement for Sheridan campus: Last Thursday, the City of Mississauga approved a lease agreement for a new Sheridan College campus in the city centre. In the first phase of development, the campus will accommodate 1,760 students when it opens in fall 2011, and another 3,740 students will follow in the second phase, bringing potential student enrolment to 5,000. The city and Sheridan have also reached an agreement on sharing costs to service and develop the property, as well as the construction and operation of 2 municipal parking lots with at least 352 parking stalls. Mississauga News Release | Mississauga News | Add/Read Comments

uVic launches social media-oriented recruitment campaign: Following on the heels of a research initiative to better understand its current and prospective students, the University of Victoria has created a new campaign for its 2010-11 undergraduate recruitment initiative -- The Anything Project. The campaign is centered around the question, "If you could do anything, what would you do?" uVic produced a video featuring student, faculty, and staff responses to the question, and is now inviting the public to share their answers through a campaign-related microsite that launches today. The Anything Project | Add/Read Comments

Redesigned Royal Roads U website leads to improved Web traffic: Nearly 3 months after launching a new website, Royal Roads University has seen a marked increase in traffic to the site. Since the August 7 launch, traffic from Google is up 15% compared to the same period the year before. Page views are up by 17%, and requests for more information about the institution's programs have risen by 30%. The redesigned site landed the university the #2 spot in a list of top 5 North American university websites by Appnovation Technologies, a Vancouver-based Web and software design firm. Royal Roads U News Release | Royal Roads U website | Add/Read Comments

Vehicle idling prohibited on Acadia campus: Acadia University has introduced a policy banning vehicle idling on campus, with emergency and public transit vehicles excluded. The new rule is part of the university's Share the Air policy, an initiative of the school's joint occupational health and safety committee. Acadia also prohibits tobacco sales, smoking on campus, and the use of scented products. The university will put up signs on campus to publicize the ban, but will not issue fines. Acadia News Release | Halifax Chronicle-Herald | Add/Read Comments

MUN annual report earns regional marketing awards: Memorial University has won the 2009 Award for Best Brochure and Catalogue for Novel Ideas: President's Report 2008 at the ICE (Innovation, Creativity, Enterprise) Awards last Wednesday. The annual report also received 2 Craft Awards: one for writing, the other for design. The ICE Awards are organized by a diverse group of Atlantic Canada advertising and marketing professionals. The report, comprising a website and 48-page brochure, was honoured this past summer with a grand gold medal and bronze medal from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. MUN News Release | Novel Ideas: President's Report 2008 | Add/Read Comments

Record number of young adults attending college in US: According to a new analysis by the Pew Research Centre, the proportion of 18- to 24-year-olds attending college in the US hit an all-time high in October 2008, driven by a downturn-era surge in enrolments at community colleges. Approximately 11.5 million students, or nearly 40% of young adults ages 18 to 24, were enrolled in either a 2- or 4-year-college last October, up almost 39% from the same month the year before. In 2008, 11.8% of young adults were enrolled in 2-year colleges, the highest figure for 2-year college attendance among 18- to 24-year-olds on record. 27.8% were attending 4-year colleges last October, a figure unchanged from the year before. Read the report | Add/Read Comments

22 million US students expected to take classes online by 2014: According to new research from Ambient Insight, nearly 12 million PSE students in the US currently take some or all of their classes online, and this number is expected to rise to over 22 million by 2014. Some 1.25 million students currently take all of their classes online, while another 10.65 million take part of the classes online. By 2014, the majority of PSE students will be taking a combination of online and in-class courses. Ambient estimates that 18.65 million students will take some of their classes online, 3.55 million will take all of their courses online, and only 5.14 million will have classes in a physical classroom. Campus Technology | Add/Read Comments

Ontario College Fair captured in photos: If you didn't make it to the Ontario College Information Fair at the CNE Fairgrounds last week, check out Ken Steele's latest blog, which captures the exhibits in 27 photos and includes observations of some new recruitment tactics, from computers and bank vaults to live DJs and superheroes. Even the lowly lapel button seems to be making a comeback. If you were at the OCIF too, add your comments and observations! Read Ken's blog

Last week's most-clicked stories:

uToronto top research university in Canada

Nominees announced in TVO's Big Ideas Best Lecturer competition

The Scientist names Dal, uToronto among best places to work

Agenda episode focuses on the "changing role of Canadian universities"

Report from the GlobeCampus eFair 2009 (Alyson Young's blog)

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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 i s 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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Academica's Top Ten - Fri October 30, 2009

2 uSask students diagnosed with H1N1: Officials at the University of Saskatchewan report that there are 2 confirmed cases and 4 suspected cases of the H1N1 influenza in the university's residences. uSask's associate vice-president of student and enrolment services says fewer students are attending class and growing numbers are going to the health clinic with flu symptoms. Ill students have been given separate bathroom facilities, while others have left residences to ride out the illness at home. This fall, a few cases of H1N1 have been detected at UWO, Brock, and, most recently, McGill. Saskatoon Star-Phoenix | CBC | Add/Read Comments

Ottawa, universities urged to improve second-language learning opportunities: While some universities in Canada offer second-language courses, "there is a definite lack of more intensive second-language training opportunities," according to a study released yesterday by the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages. One recommendation listed in the report is for the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to set up a new fund to provide financial assistance to universities to develop and implement new initiatives to improve second-language learning opportunities. The commissioner calls on the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages to assemble universities, educational organizations, language experts, and government to discuss how to improve such learning opportunities in universities. In addition to the report, the commissioner has launched an online interactive map to help students find universities that offer second-language learning programs and opportunities. OCOL News Release | Margin Notes | Read the full report | Interactive Map | Add/Read Comments

More diversity in student population at Maritime universities: According to figures released yesterday by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission, the student population in the region's universities is becoming increasingly diverse. While the proportion of undergraduate students from the Maritimes has declined 13% over the past 5 years, the number from outside the region has risen by 8% during the same period. In 2008-09, students from outside the region accounted for 29% of enrolment in Maritime universities, up from 25% 5 years ago. The change is mainly from foreign students, whose numbers have jumped by 14% over 5 years. Students enrolled at Maritime universities come from 164 different nations, with the majority of international students hailing from China, the US, Bahamas, Bermuda, and India. MPHEC News Release | MPHEC Quick Facts | Add/Read Comments

Mount Royal joins AUCC: The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada announced yesterday that Mount Royal University has become its 95th member institution. Last month, the Alberta government bestowed university designation on Mount Royal. In order to become a member of AUCC, institutions must meet a number of criteria in areas such as academic freedom, governance, and curriculum, as well as have a proven track record in teaching, research, and scholarship. AUCC News Release | Add/Read Comments

TWU launches School of Nursing: Trinity Western University recently celebrated the launch of its School of Nursing. Established in 1993, the Department of Nursing at the university has experienced a steady rise in enrolment, with large demand for admission into the highly competitive program each year. The introduction of a nursing school will allow TWU to take full advantage of partnerships, collaborations, and ongoing connections between undergraduate and graduate programs. TWU News | Add/Read Comments

uVic students approve sports facility: In a recent referendum, 53% of participating University of Victoria students voted in favour of having a new athletics and recreation building on the Gordon Head campus. The university's board of governors will make a final decision on the project in the new year after the documents are passed to them next week. Should the project be approved, students would be charged a new fee of $55 per semester. Those fees would not come into effect until the facility opens in the fall of 2012. Victoria Times-Colonist | The Martlet (student newspaper) | Add/Read Comments

Nearly half of Dal Class of 2009 find work one month after graduating: According to a new survey, almost 50% of Dalhousie University graduates found employment within a month after graduating this past May. Of those, about 50% are working in Nova Scotia, and 26% plan to continue their education. 5.4% of graduates surveyed who are working outside of Nova Scotia would rather be employed in the province. Less than 7% reported earning below $20,000 a year, and nearly 55% reported making $50,000 or more. 52.8% of respondents said they were working in the public sector, while 40.2% found employment in the private sector. Dal News | Read the survey | Add/Read Comments

75% of high school students aware of educational requirements for intended career: According to a new Statistics Canada research paper examining high school students' knowledge of educational requirements for their intended career at age 30, about 3 out of 4 students intending to work in a job requiring a university degree are aware of the education they will need. Evidence suggests that knowledge of educational requirements is linked to academic performance and socio-economic background. The report found that students who know that a university degree is required are more likely to go to university, even after accounting for differences in academic performance, sex, and socio-economic background. Higher university attendance rates are observed when students learn earlier, rather than later, that a university degree is needed for their intended career. Read the report | Add/Read Comments

20 finalists named in Sprott-Shaw $1-million tuition contest: Earlier this week, Sprott-Shaw Community College, a BC-based private institution, announced the top 20 vote-getters in its international "Class Act Canada" contest in which 10 participants will each receive a $100,000 scholarship to any Sprott-Shaw campus. The final 10 scholarship winners will be chosen by a judging panel of community leaders, academics, and business. The winners will be announced on December 1. Tri-City News | Class Act Canada | Add/Read Comments

uManitoba launches redesigned recruitment portal: The University of Manitoba has revamped its "U of More" prospective student microsite. The portal features videos exploring campus life and programs options, faculty news, and a "Why More?" section where visitors can look up information on the university. This year, uManitoba has 9 new student bloggers, whose entries and profiles can be accessed through the microsite. uManitoba News | U of More | Add/Read Comments

Report from the GlobeCampus eFair 2009: Yesterday Academica Group's social media analyst Alyson Young took a tour of the second annual GlobeCampus eFair, in which 13 Canadian colleges and universities participated. In her report, Alyson describes the impressive lobby and barren exhibition hall. The individual booths at the virtual fair offered some diversity in their appearance, with similar functionality -- vidoes, documents to download, one-on-one chats with representatives, and several links to institutional websites. Several exhibits pointed to their social media offerings, including Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, and YouTube channels. Read Alyson's blog

This week's most commented story:

Agenda episode focuses on the "changing role of Canadian universities"

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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 i s 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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Academica's Top Ten - Thurs October 29, 2009

Female uAlberta business grads' earnings surpass males': According to a survey by the University of Alberta School of Business, salaries for new female business graduates at the school have exceeded those of their male peers for the first time. Female bachelor of commerce students had an average starting salary of $43,077, compared to $41,214 for males. 93% of business co-op graduates surveyed were employed, down from 100% in 2008. 74% of students whose degree did not have a co-op component secured work. In total, 82% of respondents in 2009 were working by the time of the survey, down from 95% last year. uAlberta School of Business News Release | Add/Read Comments

PSE attainment on the rise for Aboriginal women: According to Statistics Canada data released yesterday, between 2001 and 2006, the proportion of First Nations women aged 25 to 64 obtaining college credentials rose from 17% to 21%, and the proportion obtaining a university degree increased from 7% to 9%. The proportion of Aboriginal women obtaining trades credentials dropped from 12% to 9%. Although overall PSE attainment among First Nations women is on the rise, the gap when compared to women overall has widened at the university level. In 2001, 7% of Aboriginal women had a university degree, compared to 19% for women in the overall population. By 2006, the gap increased to 14% (9% versus 23%). In 2006, 44% of Aboriginal women had completed some form of PSE. Statistics Canada | Add/Read Comments

Ontario introduces fines for illegal private colleges: Beginning November 1, illegal private career colleges in Ontario will face fines of up to $250,000 for taking advantage of students. The fines will be levied on businesses that misrepresent themselves as colleges, and on private colleges that offer unapproved programs and fail to comply with the province's Private Career Colleges Act. To further protect students, the Ontario government is also appointing new provincial offences officers to inspect private career colleges, and launching a student awareness campaign to help students choose a government-approved private career college program before enrolling. Ontario News Release | Add/Read Comments

uWindsor board of governors approves $17-million campus improvement plan: At its meeting Tuesday night, the University of Windsor's board of governors approved a 5-year deferred maintenance strategy that will see improvements to classrooms, laboratories, campus buildings, and campus accessibility. uWindsor is embarking on a $17-million plan that will address upgrades to teaching and learning spaces, as well as include energy efficiency upgrades such as new piping, controls, and pump replacement. uWindsor Daily News | Add/Read Comments

York task force aims at reducing midterm disruptions: York University has set up an Exam/Mid-Term Disruption Task Force in an effort to diminish the disruption of midterms due to false fire alarms and bomb threats. The task force will work to develop a better understanding of the nature, number, and cause of these kinds of disruption and related response strategies, as well as define pan-university strategic and operational recommendations. Several incidents have occurred during the current midterm period at York, including one Tuesday that led to the evacuation of Vari Hall and the Ross Building, as well as the closure of the Common to buses for part of the afternoon. Y-File | Add/Read Comments

The Scientist names Dal, uToronto among best places to work: Dalhousie University and the University of Toronto are listed among the top 10 international academic institutions in The Scientist's annual Best Places to Work in Academia rankings. Dal came in at 5th place, and uToronto ranked 10th. Institutions were ranked based on unweighted average scores for 8 categories of statements included in the survey: job satisfaction, peers, infrastructure and environment, research resources, pay, management and policies, teaching and mentoring, and tenure and promotion. Best Places to Work in Academia 2009 | Add/Read Comments

Nominees announced in TVO's Big Ideas Best Lecturer competition: TVO announced yesterday that it has scored a record-breaking number of nominations for the 2010 Big Ideas Best Lecturer Competition. At the end of the nomination period, the network received over 970 submissions nominating 692 professors from 37 post-secondary institutions across Ontario. Of the 692 nominees, 332 have accepted the nominations. The top 10 lectures will air on TV in March, and the winner will be announced in mid-April. TVO News Release | List of Nominees | Add/Read Comments

CREPUQ launches video contest for students: University Studies in Quebec, an initiative of the Subcommittee on International Recruitment of the Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities, has launched the first "Experience the Difference" video competition for university students across the provinces. Eligible students are invited to produce a 60- to 150-second video of their university experience, presenting their unique vision of student life in Quebec, their particular institution, and the city or town where it is located. Finalists' work will be shown online from December 15, 2009 to February 15, 2010, during which time visitors to the site can vote on their favourite video. The winner will be announced February 16, and will receive a $500 Apple Store gift card. CREPUQ News Release | "Experience the Difference" video competition (in French) | Add/Read Comments

Boréal unveils new website: We've recently noticed that Collège Boréal has a new-look website. The redesigned homepage promotes the new "Mon Choix Smart" campaign, and includes an award-winning TV spot on the campaign featuring a Smart Car. Visitors to the homepage will find an interactive map displaying Boréal's campuses and access centres across Ontario. Boréal website | Add/Read Comments

Apollo Group Q4 profits jump 29%: On Tuesday, Apollo Group Inc., the parent company of the University of Phoenix and Fredericton-based Meritus University, announced that its fourth-quarter revenue for the 2009 fiscal year increased 29.4% from the fourth quarter the year before, jumping from $831 million to over $1 billion. The company reports that total degree enrolment at uPhoenix grew by 22.3% in the fourth quarter to 443,000. Selling and promotional expenses increased 17.6% to $262.5 million. Apollo also reports that it has taken an $80.5-million charge against its fourth-quarter earnings to cover the costs of a possible settlement in a federal whistle-blower lawsuit the company is in negotiations to settle. Apollo Group News Release | Inside Higher Ed | The Chronicle of Higher Education (free access) | Add/Read Comments

Postscript: Nipissing takes part in Project Hero: Nipissing University is the latest post-secondary institution to participate in Project Hero, a scholarship program for children of Canadian Forces personnel killed in the line of duty. Nipissing will provide recipients tuition for 8 terms of study, as well as on-campus residence fees for the first 2 semesters. Nipissing News Release | Add/Read Comments

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                          www.academicagroup.ca

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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Academica's Top Ten - Wed October 28, 2009

Carleton endowment suffers $51-million loss: According to a report to Carleton University's board of governors, the university's endowment fund dropped $51.2 million in value in the school's last fiscal year. The fund's value dropped from about $231 million to just under $180 million. Despite the loss, Carleton's vice-president of finance and administration says the university does not expect to reduce student support or ask senior staff to take pay cuts. At the end of July, the endowment fund's value improved by about $10 million, and by about $20 million by the end of September. Ottawa Citizen | Add/Read Comments

Huron launches $12.5-million fundraising campaign: Huron University College, an affiliate of the University of Western Ontario, recently kicked off the public phase of its $12.5-million "Touch the Future" fundraising campaign. Donations will support scholarships and bursaries, the Silcox Memorial Library, faculty research, academic programming, community-based learning, and volunteer service opportunities. Huron has set up a website to feature up-to-date results and the latest campaign news. The site is interactive in that alumni can share stories and submit photos from their time at Huron, and take a quiz on Huron trivia. The institution has raised more than $8.6 million to date. Touch the Future: The Campaign for Huron | Add/Read Comments

4 McGill students diagnosed with H1N1: There are 4 confirmed cases and 17 suspected cases of the H1N1 influenza at student residences at McGill University. Hand sanitizer and masks are available at residences, and ill students are brought food so they don't have to leave their rooms. While the number of suspected cases is on the rise, McGill's director of student health services says there are no hard numbers across campus. CTV | Add/Read Comments

Groundbreaking for UTM Health Sciences Complex: The University of Toronto at Mississauga broke ground Monday for its $37-million Health Sciences Complex. Scheduled to open in summer 2011, the 4-storey, 5,960-square-metre building will house the Mississauga Academy of Medicine, research laboratories, and the graduate biomedical communications program. The Academy of Medicine is a partnership among UTM, uToronto's Faculty of Medicine, Trillium Health Centre, and Credit Valley Hospital. uToronto News | Add/Read Comments

First building opens at McMaster Innovation Park: On Monday, McMaster University celebrated the completion of the first building of the McMaster Innovation Park, following an extensive $19.2-million renovation. The building's airy new centre provides the official name of the facility -- the Atrium @ MIP. The building is already over 70% full, and is expected to reach full capacity by next year. The next phase of development at the research park is the federal government's CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory, a $60-million project scheduled to open next year. McMaster plans to construct about 14 buildings at the park over the next 15 years. McMaster Daily News | Hamilton Spectator | Add/Read Comments

Trend in schools acquiring hotels for student housing: Since 2003, a number of Canadian universities and colleges have turned to hotels to relieve an increasing demand for student accommodation. That year, McGill University purchased the former Renaissance Hotel and converted it into a 700-bed dormitory. This spring, McGill acquired the Four Points Sheraton for $18.8 million. To cope with the double cohort following Ontario's elimination of Grade 13 in 2003, the University of Toronto bought the Colony Hotel for $72 million, which gave the university nearly a thousand new beds at once. Also with the double cohort in mind, the University of Ottawa scooped up a nearby condo project that was struggling, saving the institution time and money required to build a new residence. Globe and Mail | Add/Read Comments

uToronto top research university in Canada: The University of Toronto has placed first in Research Infosource's annual list of the Top 50 research universities in the country. uToronto also topped the medical/doctoral category. The University of Waterloo ranked first in the comprehensive category, and Trent University placed first in the undergraduate category. Research Infosource reports that total research income at Canada's top 50 research universities reached $6.1 billion in the 2008 fiscal year, up from $5.7 billion the year before. Research Infosource News Release | Top 50 Research Universities List 2009 | Research Universities of the Year 2009 | Add/Read Comments

Financial Post runs special on MBAs: Yesterday's Financial Post featured a special section on Canadian MBA programs. An examination of tuition fees for MBA programs reveals that York University's Schulich-Kellogg Executive MBA program is the priciest at $108,000, which covers an extensive list of expenses, including travel and residence abroad. One article looks at why it can cost so much to attain an MBA. 2 MBA holders discuss the return on investment of their degrees. Other articles focus on employer-pay programs, EMBA programs, and the value of the MBA in the government sector. There is an interview with Richard Ivey School of Business dean Carol Stephenson, and features on the Alberta School of Business's brand and standing in rankings. Add/Read Comments

Women outnumber men globally in university enrolment, graduation rates: According to UNESCO's 2009 Global Education digest, the number of female students in post-secondary education rose six-fold between 1970 and 2007, while enrolment among males quadrupled during the same period. With regard to graduation, women outnumber men in 75 of the 98 nations. Since PSE enrolment ratios of men and women reached parity in 2003, the average global participation of females has been surpassing that of males. In 1970, the male-to-female enrolment ratio was 1.6, while in 2007 the female-to-male ratio became 1.08. Men continue to outnumber women in the fields of engineering, manufacturing, and construction in all countries for which figures were available. University World News | Add/Read Comments

University Affairs blog picks up online publishing award: "Margin Notes," a University Affairs blog written by deputy editor Léo Charbonneau, won the best blog award in the Blue division (business-to-business, professional association, farm, and scholarly websites) at the first-ever Canadian Online Publishing Awards on Monday. University Affairs, published by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, was a finalist in 3 award categories: overall best magazine website, overall best design, and best blog. University Affairs' "Career Sense" blog was also nominated. Canadian Online Publishing Awards | Margin Notes | Add/Read Comments

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                          www.academicagroup.ca

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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Academica's Top Ten - Tues October 27, 2009

Queen's breaks ground for med school facility: Queen's University held a groundbreaking ceremony last Friday for a new home for its School of Medicine. Allowing the university to further expand medical programs, the $77-million facility will serve as a hub for innovative medical education, including small group teaching, simulation, and integrated science labs. Queen's has set up a Web page dedicated to the project. Queen's News Release | New Medical School Building | Add/Read Comments

York begins construction of Life Science Centre: York University broke ground yesterday for its new Life Sciences Centre, which received $70 million in joint infrastructure funding from the federal and Ontario governments. The 160,000-square-foot facility will feature classrooms, offices, and laboratory and research space to support increased enrolment in disciplines such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and kinesiology. The Life Sciences Centre will also house specialized facilities such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, X-ray, Mass Spectrometry, and Radioisotope laboratories. York News Release | Add/Read Comments

New Engineering Technology Building at McMaster: Last Friday, McMaster University officially opened its new $48-million Engineering Technology Building. The 5-storey, 125,000-square-foot, glass-covered building, which will accommodate over 2,000 students, professors, researchers, and staff, features state-of-the art learning and research facilities, sustainability systems, and novel architectural design. The facility will house the McMaster-Mohawk Bachelor of Technology Partnership, the first-year Engineering Program, the McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering, the Walter G. Booth School of Engineering Practice, a new Biointerfaces Institute, and the Centre for Research in Micro- and Nano-Systems. McMaster Daily News | Hamilton Spectator | Add/Read Comments

York EMBA #1 in Canada in FT rankings: York University's Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA program placed first among Canadian business programs in recent rankings by the Financial Times of London. The program placed 23rd worldwide. Other Canadian EMBAs listed in the rankings included those offered at uToronto's Rotman School of Management (29), UWO's Richard Ivey School of Business (30), uAlberta and uCalgary (36), Queen's School of Business (65), and Concordia's John Molson School of Business (80). York's business programs have received top marks in recent rankings by The Economist and the Aspen Institute. Y-File | Financial Times EMBA Rankings 2009 | Add/Read Comments

Agenda episode focuses on the "changing role of Canadian universities": Tonight's broadcast of TVO's The Agenda with Steve Paikin will feature a debate on the merits of a tiered university system in which some schools concentrate on research and graduate studies, while other focus on undergraduate education. Participating in the discussion are the presidents of Brock, uAlberta, Carleton, Queen's, and a former uToronto president. Tonight's episode will also feature an interview with Ryerson University president Sheldon Levy about his vision of the institution as a key driver of urban renewal. Brock News | The Agenda | Add/Read Comments

International enrolment boom at CBU: Cape Breton University reports that for the 2009-10 academic year, foreign-student enrolment is up 12.3% in undergraduate programs, and 77.3% in graduate programs. The majority of international students at the university come from China, Egypt, India, and Saudia Arabia, and 44 countries are represented on campus. Overall full-time undergraduate enrolment at CBU has grown by 1.7%, while full-time graduate enrolment has risen by 26.1%. CBU News Release | CBC | Add/Read Comments

Federal government top employer among Canadian students: In a new survey of over 16,000 Canadian college and university students, the Government of Canada has been chosen as the top employer, with provincial and municipal governments as well as Health Canada making the top 10. Google, Microsoft, and Apple were the only for-profit companies to be listed among the top 10 employers. 71% of students surveyed reported that their employer will be loyal to them if they work hard, and 53% said they would like to find an employer with which to spend their entire career. 62% of respondents said the current economic situation makes them "worried about" their job prospects; however, 76% believe employers will see them as "good candidates for employment." Canada's Top Campus Employers 2009 | Add/Read Comments

uWinnipeg to eliminate asbestos from campus: The University of Winnipeg held a town hall meeting yesterday to inform students and staff about how asbestos is being managed at the institution. University officials plan to remove the dangerous substance from campus as older buildings are renovated. While some asbestos has been found on campus, one uWinnipeg administrator says there is no immediate concern for the safety of students and staff. CBC | Add/Read Comments

uCalgary researcher examines value of online PhDs: While the availability and convenience of online PhD programs could help Canada compete in the global knowledge economy, one University of Calgary researcher studying retention and socialization in online doctoral programs is concerned about their effectiveness. Because PhD programs have traditionally imposed residency requirements, says researcher Liam Rourke, "the capacity of e-learning methods to produce world-class researchers is an open question." Rourke reports that distance education has a high rate of incompletion at around 70%. Due to the apparent lack of student socialization in online education, Rouke suggests there needs to be more one-on-one mentoring. uCalgary News | Add/Read Comments

UBC launches worldwide challenge on students' engagement with Winter Games: Yesterday the University of British Columbia launched a contest challenging teachers and students worldwide to show how they are using learning technologies to foster a broader understanding of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in their classrooms. The Global Minds Challenge asks K-12 classrooms to demonstrate how they are using Twitter, mobile phones, and other digital technology to help promote student engagement with the Games. An international panel of judges will award up to 5 prizes of $2,010 each to the best submissions. Winners will be announced in February. UBC News Release | UBC Global Minds Challenge | Add/Read Comments

New location for SEMM Forum in Halifax: Popular demand has moved the SEMM Forum in Halifax on November 19 to a larger venue -- the Four Points Sheraton. The "regular" registration deadline is November 10, after which registration will cost an additional $50. Academica's Top Ten subscribers can save $50 on registration by using the special discount code ATT7. The SEMM Forum in Vancouver takes place on November 24. SEMM Forum Halifax | SEMM Forum Vancouver

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                          www.academicagroup.ca

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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Academica's Top Ten - Mon October 26, 2009

$143 million for Quebec campus infrastructure: On Friday, the federal and Quebec governments announced $142.6 million from the Knowledge Infrastructure Program for 88 capital projects at post-secondary institutions across the province. Ottawa is contributing $60.6 million, while Quebec and other partners are providing $82 million for these projects. Friday's announcement marks the second round of KIP funding pledged to Quebec institutions. In June, the federal and provincial governments announced over $993 million in joint infrastructure funding for more than 200 projects. Office of the PM News Release | Add/Read Comments

CUSB kicks off $15-million fundraising campaign: Last Thursday, Winnipeg-based Collège universitaire de Sainte-Boniface formally launched its $15-million "VISION" fundraising campaign in support of a $13-million health sciences building, student financial aid, and research and equipment. The campaign kick-off featured an $800,000 donation from campaign chair and CUSB alumnus Marcel A. Desautels. $11.2 million has been raised so far. The Manitoba government has pledged to provide $2 for every dollar raised by CUSB within the framework of the school's campaign. Manitoba News Release | Winnipeg Free Press | CUSB VISION Campaign | Add/Read Comments

SFU faces $9-million budget shortfall: After a $6.4-million recurring grant from the BC government trimmed what would otherwise have been an almost $16-million budget deficit for the 2010-11 fiscal year, Simon Fraser University is still anticipating a $9-million shortfall next year. With no new funding, downturn-induced investment revenue losses, a 5% non-salary inflation rate, and a continuing 2% mandatory tuition cap, the shortfall is projected to rise to $20 million in 2011-12, and $32 million in 2012-13. In order to balance next year's budget, SFU adminisitration is considering increased cuts to expenses across all vice-presidential portfolios, while larger cuts will mostly be to non-teaching and non-research services in both academic and non-academic units. SFU News | Add/Read Comments

Tuition freeze unlikely in face of rising deficit, says Ontario premier: Speaking at a Rotary Club luncheon in Belleville Ontario Friday, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty stated there is no guarantee college and university tuition will be frozen as the province tries to deal with a burgeoning deficit in the next few months. McGuinty said Ontario is proud of its PSE tuition rates, and that students should be pleased the province has the lowest recorded rate of student-loan defaults. While he could not guarantee another freeze on rising tuition fees, the premier said it would be controlled in a reasonable matter. Online Pioneer Plus | Add/Read Comments

Enrolment rises at uRegina: The University of Regina reports a 1.9% increase in overall enrolment from last fall. This growth follows slight decreases during the last few years. Undergraduate enrolment has risen by 2.1%, while graduate enrolment has gone up 0.7%. A uRegina official says these figures are a tangible result of the Strategic Enrolment Management plan the university recently developed. uRegina News Release | Add/Read Comments

Boréal opens Timmins campus: On October 13, Collège Boréal officially opened its new campus in Timmins Ontario. The $18-million, 66,000-square-foot campus has allowed the college population to grow from 360 students to 570, and for the number of programs to expand from 16 to 27. At the campus inauguration, Boréal officials announced that the college exceeded the $1-million goal of its fundraising campaign for the campus by 50%, with a total of $1,502,644 raised. Boréal News Release | Timmins Daily Press | Add/Read Comments

UPEI vet college re-opens renovated teaching hospital: Earlier this month, the Atlantic Veterinary College, based at the University of Prince Edward Island, celebrated the re-opening of its expanded and renovated Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The $3.2-million project resulted in approximately 10,000 square feet being renovated and added to the hospital. Upgrades include additional surgery rooms; an expanded anesthesia, induction, and recovery area; and an Intensive Care Unit and isolation ward. UPEI News | Add/Read Comments

Yellowknife MLA proposes converting elementary school into new Aurora College campus: A Yellowknife MLA is suggesting converting a French-immersion elementary school into a new Yellowknife campus for Aurora College, a proposal which Yellowknife Education District officials say was not preceded by any government talks with the school board. The district's chairman says the school is running at two-thirds capacity, and enrolment continues to rise. Given the unique program at the school, the chairman says it won't be simple to transfer students to other schools. The MLA says Aurora College needs more space, and its current lease at Northern United Place expires in 2012. CBC | Add/Read Comments

Fredericton city committee approves NBCC project: The City of Fredericton's planning advisory committee has approved the subdivision of University of New Brunswick land to create a building lot for the new New Brunswick Community College campus. Set to open by fall 2011, the $15-million, 49,000-square-foot building will accommodate 400 students. A citizen member of the committee suggests UNB and the city start talking about the shortage of parking on campus. Although UNB is trying to preserve green space, one city official says, construction on campus has made the school recognize the need to address parking concerns. Daily Gleaner | Add/Read Comments

Mount Allison still searching for student council president: After 7 months and 3 ballots, Mount Allison University students still do not have a student council president for this school year. The problems began in April after the president-elect stepped down before taking office. Results from a September election were thrown out due to ballot problems and appeals, while a run-off vote this month failed to produce a winner as neither of the 2 remaining candidates got the required 50% plus one needed to win. Student council members hope a new president will be elected by the end of November. CBC | Add/Read Comments

Last week's most-clicked stories:

Should the Top Ten include presidential announcements?

CFS releases education action plan

Globe releases 2010 Canadian University Report

Low high-school completion acute among francophone Quebecers, Aboriginal youth

Study examines use of Twitter among top 100 US institutions

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