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Academica's Top Ten - Mon July 6, 2009

Remember, Academica's Top Ten is now "bidirectional" -- click on "Add/Read Comments" after any story to read comments from fellow subscribers, and to add your own thoughts.

UoGuelph, CUPE to meet over expected staff cuts: University of Guelph administrators and CUPE Local 3913 members are scheduled to meet Tuesday morning to discuss the institution's plans to cut over 100 sessional instructor and 30 teaching assistant positions. Under CUPE's collective agreement, UoGuelph cannot finalize plans for job cuts until it meets with the union. The chair of Local 3913 says the cuts will have an adverse impact on the academic experience at the university, resulting in larger class sizes and less time allotted for individual students. CUPE Local 3913 News Release | Guelph Mercury | Add/Read Comments

House donated to WLU to be "global engagement" residence: Dr. Ron Harris, who with his wife offered affordable housing to foreign students for over 35 years, is donating his home to Wilfrid Laurier University for use as a residence in which domestic and international students will live together and promote cultural awareness. The gift, awarded in memory of Harris' wife, will be recognized at an event this Thursday at Harris' home. WLU News Release | Add/Read Comments

Ontario MTCU shuts down Toronto-based private career college: The Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities has suspended registration of Bond College of Business & Technology, a Toronto-based private career college, for failing to comply with the province's Corporations Tax Act. The school did not maintain its registration as a corporation with the government. No students were enrolled at the college at the time of its closure. Ontario MTCU News | Add/Read Comments

CEC Network ceases operations: Last Tuesday, the Canadian Education Centre Network, a private, non-profit company dedicated to promoting Canada as an education destination for international students, and producer of StudyCanada.ca, closed its doors due to a "serious financial situation." According to Overseas, Overwhelmed, 2 national funding agencies stopped providing money to CEC Network a few years ago, and the company "accrued many debts." Future CEC Network events, including the annual conference in Canada in November, have been cancelled. Overseas, Overwhelmed | Add/Read Comments

LCBO reviews controversial Spirit of Education scholarship: The Liquor Control Board of Ontario is reviewing its participation in the Spirit of Education scholarship program, created by the Association of Canadian Distillers and restricted to PSE students whose parents work at the LCBO, over concerns the award may be violating tighter conflict-of-interest rules imposed on the agency last summer by the Ontario government. An ethics consultant says the matter should be reviewed by the LCBO's board of governors, noting that the investigation "would lack credibility" if the agency's president, whose daughter received the scholarship in 2004, participated in it. Canadian Press | Add/Read Comments

JD designation gaining acceptance among Canadian law schools: Presenting law graduates with a Juris Doctor rather than a bachelor of laws is gaining favour among Canadian universities. In the past 2 years, UBC, Queen's, UWO, Dal, and York's Osgoode Hall Law School have either completed or are reviewing adopting the JD designation. Fuelling the desire for a name change is the connotation of "bachelor" in LLB, and the JD designation may benefit students interested in pursuing careers outside of Canada. In a letter sent to uCalgary law alumni about a motion passed to confer on graduates a JD, the university's law dean writes that "we want a level playing field for our graduates." Lawyers Weekly | Add/Read Comments

McGill, Oxford form neuroscience partnership: On Friday, McGill University announced that it has forged a partnership with the University of Oxford to broaden understanding of the human brain. The neuroscience alliance is expected to foster student and faculty exchanges, joint research grant bids, and philanthropic support. Increasing the number of partnerships with international higher education institutions is a component of a new initiative called TheBrain@McGill, designed to reach out to the public and raise awareness about the most significant discoveries in neuroscience at the university. McGill News Release | Toward a better understanding of the brain | Globe and Mail | Montreal Gazette | Add/Read Comments

UFV to open Centre for Mennonite Studies: Late last month, the University of the Fraser Valley signed an agreement with the Mennonite Faith and Learning Society with the intent of creating a Centre for Mennonite Studies, along with a research chair, a certificate, and possibly a minor in Mennonite Studies. The university's president says that with approximately a quarter of the population in the Abbotsford area identified as Mennonite, the partnership is long overdue. UFV News Release | Abbotsford Times | Add/Read Comments

Ottawa, Alberta approve funding for NAIT LRT line: According to an Edmonton municipal report, the federal and Alberta governments have agreed that the $140 million in economic stimulus funding originally designated for a new Gorman LRT station will be used to fund the line to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology instead. The grants will go toward the first stage of the project, which links Churchill station with Grant MacEwan College. The MacEwan station could open in spring 2013, pending the approval of a source for the remaining $70 million required for this segment. Edmonton Journal | Add/Read Comments

TTC, YRT to offer integrated service to York: The Toronto Transit Commission and York Region Transit are proposing an integrated service plan in which York University students and staff travelling between the campus and Downsview subway station can ride either a Viva Orange bus or TTC bus using the same ticket. The move would allow Viva buses, running virtually empty to Downsview during peak hours, to share the load of TTC vehicles operating over capacity at those times. The only shortcoming in the proposal is that riders departing from York without a TTC pass or transfer must pay additional fare on Viva buses as the fare dispensers do not accept TTC tokens or tickets. Toronto Star | Add/Read Comments

Last week's most-clicked stories:

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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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Academica's Top Ten - Fri July 3, 2009

NAIT Fairview campus merges with GPRC: On Wednesday, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology's Fairview Campus officially became the new branch campus of Grande Prairie Regional College, and is now known as the GPRC Fairview College campus. A 6-month study involving internal and external stakeholders is underway to determine the appropriate "program mix" for both the Grande Prairie and Fairview campuses. Merger celebrations are planned for Saturday. Fairview Post | Add/Read Comments

Trent Oshawa campus approved: On Monday, Oshawa city council unanimously approved Trent University's proposal to build a $22-million satellite campus on a portion of a former auditorium site and a former elementary school site. The council also voted to offer the university a 75-year option to lease the auditorium lands at a cost of $1 a year. Renovations are expected to start by September. Durham Region News | Add/Read Comments

$4 million for Red River College capital projects: Yesterday the federal and Manitoba governments announced $4.25 million in funding from the Knowledge Infrastructure Program for 4 projects at Red River College's Notre Dame Campus. The funds will support the construction of a new energy centre/power engineering building, greenhouse, and landscape construction shop. The campus also plans to renovate Building M to allow for the expansion of its automotive program. Manitoba News Release | CBC | Add/Read Comments

uWaterloo receives government funding for sports field expansion: The federal and Ontario governments announced Tuesday over $1.2 million in joint funding for the University of Waterloo to further develop Warrior Field. The expansion project includes a synthetic turf playing field and a 1,400-seat grandstand. The development is expected to be completed over the next year. uWaterloo News Release | Add/Read Comments

Applications to Georgian College up 14%: Georgian College is reporting a 14% increase in overall applications over last year. Its Owen Sound campus has received more than 1,000 applications, an increase of 26%. Applications to Georgian's University Partnership Centre have jumped over 11% from 2008. The number of total confirmed first-year students for the college's 7 campuses sits at 4,975. Barrie Examiner | Add/Read Comments

Canada Day convocation celebrates Nunavut's first masters graduates: At a convocation ceremony in Iqaluit on Canada Day, 21 Inuit women graduated with a masters of education from the University of Prince Edward Island, becoming the first students to earn a graduate degree in the territory. In a partnership between uPEI, Arctic College, Nunavut's Department of Education, and St. Francis Xavier University, the students in the MEd in Leadership in Learning program were not required to leave the Arctic for their education. The program, which began in 2006, offered a mix of face-to-face and online courses, and was taught in both English and Inuktitut. The program will be re-offered in Nunavut next year. The graduation comes as many are pushing for a university in the Arctic. uPEI News Release | AUCC News Release | Globe and Mail | Toronto Star | Add/Read Comments

uToronto launches bridging program for foreign-trained lawyers: With a $4-million investment from the Ontario government, the University of Toronto's law faculty has launched Canada's first bridging program aimed at foreign-trained lawyers seeking accreditation to practice law in Ontario. The Internationally Trained Lawyer Program will serve as many as 100 lawyers annually, and offer services such as an information centre, academic training, language referrals, workplace experience, career services, and employment counselling. uToronto News | Toronto Star | Add/Read Comments

uAlberta to accept grade 12 computer science as admission subject: In a bid to attract more students into its computing science department, the University of Alberta will allow grade 12 students to select their high school computer science class as one of 3 science courses required for admission into the university's bachelor of science program. The new rules come into effect for the 2010-11 school year. To accommodate the change, the Alberta government is introducing a revised high school computer science curriculum this fall. uAlberta Department of Computing Science News Release | Edmonton Journal | Add/Read Comments

McMaster opens family health centre in St. Catharines: On Monday, McMaster University and the City of St. Catharines celebrated the opening of the McMaster Niagara Family Health Centre, a clinical teaching facility to educate future physicians. The centre welcomed its first family medicine resident on July 1, and a student from the university's physician assistance training program will take part in a 3-month core rotation in family medicine at the clinic in August. The centre is expected to someday treat up to 6,000 patients. McMaster Daily News | Add/Read Comments

Concordia offers sneak peek of new JMSB building: Concordia University's internal and web communications department has produced a video tour of the new John Molson School of Business building, set to open this September. The video takes viewers through the building's atrium, offices, student lounges, conferences rooms, "floating" multipurpose room, 2 basements, and 300-seat auditorium. The "sneak peek" of the 15-storey facility, known as the MB Building, includes a series of photos from the tour with added description. During the construction of the building, which began in December 2006, Concordia set up a time-lapse webcam to document the project's process. Concordia News | Add/Read Comments

                          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 - Thurs July 2, 2009

Trespassing charges against fired uOttawa professor dropped: A University of Ottawa spokeswoman says that trespassing charges against former physics professor Denis Rancourt have been dropped. In December, Rancourt was suspended and barred from campus over a grading dispute. 6 weeks later, he was arrested when he arrived on campus to attend a weekly film series he had hosted since 2005. Rancourt was fired at the end of March following a unanimous vote by uOttawa's board of governors. He is fighting his dismissal. Ottawa Citizen | Add/Read Comments

Pungent smoke forces evacuation of 2 MacEwan buildings: Fire crews evacuated students and staff from 2 buildings at Grant MacEwan College's downtown Edmonton campus Monday morning after pungent smoke filled a parkade when an electrical panel shorted out. The dangerous goods response team was present as firefighters were not sure how dangerous the smoke was. Fans were used to ventilate the parkade. The building re-opened later Monday for evening classes and shifts. Edmonton Journal | Add/Read Comments

4 BC university presidents among highest-paid public sector executives in province: According to 2008-2009 public sector compensation reports released Monday by the BC government, former University of Northern British Columbia president Don Cozzetto, who stepped down last summer over an apparent disagreement regarding PSE funding levels, was the highest-paid executive, earning $647,025, which includes a $554,000 severance package. Among the 10 highest-paid executives are UBC president Stephen Toope ($575,813), SFU president Michael Stevenson ($483,665), and uVic president David Turpin ($467,671). BC News Release | Vancouver Sun | Executive Compensation Disclosure | Add/Read Comments

Ottawa announces $8 million for 4 international research alliances: On Monday, the federal government announced $8 million in funding for 4 research teams under the International Community-University Research Alliance program, which partners university-based experts from Canada with those in developing countries to work with community members who will directly benefit from the research and training. The 4 teams will receive $2 million each over 5 years, and include researchers from uOttawa, VIU, Dal, and uMontréal. The projects will focus on coastal adaptation to climate change, the impact of poverty on the environment, services for at-risk youth, and mental health. IDRC News Release | Add/Read Comments

Application boom at Northern College: Northern College is reporting a 24% increase in applications over last year. Much of the growth is in the college's health sciences, veterinary sciences, and engineering technology and trades programs. In order to meet the growing demand for its electrical engineering technician/technology program, Northern College has increased the cap on the first year of the program from 54 seats to 72. The Ontario government's Second Career program has helped boost applications to the college. Northern College News Release | Add/Read Comments

CCNB Edmundston halts 3 tourism and hospitality programs: The New Brunswick government announced Monday that the hotel and restaurant operations, tourism, and international tourism programs offered at the Edmundston campus of Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick have been temporarily suspended due to low enrolment. The campus will set up consultations to determine whether the training programs offered by the Atlantic Centre of Excellence in Tourism are meeting the needs of the tourism industry. Students who enrolled in the programs have been notified of the suspension and have the opportunity to move into another field. NB News Release | Add/Read Comments

Ottawa, Ontario contribute $2 million to WLU pool renovations: On Monday, the federal and Ontario governments announced $2 million in joint funding for repair work on Wilfrid Laurier University's 50-metre swimming pool. The investment is in addition to $2.2 million raised to renovate the pool, which is expected to re-open by the end of September. WLU News Release | Waterloo Region Record | Add/Read Comments

Alberta makes additional investment in uLethbridge sports complex: The Alberta government announced last Friday $1.3 million in funding for the University of Lethbridge Regional Stadium and Field Complex, following a $2-million investment the province made in January 2008. The sports complex will feature a new football and soccer field, track and field facilities, and a grandstand. The complex will be available for community use. Alberta News Release | Add/Read Comments

NSCC IT campus undergoes expansion, renovation: On Monday, construction began on the $6-million expansion and renovation of Nova Scotia Community College's Institute of Technology campus in Halifax. When it is completed in September 2010, the renewed campus will feature a new library and student learning commons. The campus renewal is one of 14 Knowledge Infrastructure Program projects taking place at 10 NSCC campuses. NSCC News Release | Halifax Chronicle-Herald | Add/Read Comments

Singularity U opens doors: Singularity University, a new interdisciplinary institution designed to train emerging leaders to prepare for what lies ahead regarding advancing technologies in order to "address humanity's grand challenges," welcomed its first 40 students on Sunday. Based at NASA's Ames Research Centre in Silicon Valley, the university offers 3- and 10-day executive programs, as well as a 9-week graduate studies program. Tuition ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 US. The school's chancellor is futurist Ray Kurzweil, known for his claim that by 2030, a moment, known as the "singularity", will be reached when computers will outsmart human beings. The Chronicle of Higher Education (subscription required) | Singularity University | Add/Read Comments

Postscript: Fake Class of 2014, 2015 groups uncovered on Facebook: Further to his investigation into fraudulent "Class of 2013" groups on Facebook, Brock University liaison officer Matthew Melnyk has come across some "Class of 2014" and "Class of 2015" groups targeting future high school graduates for marketing purposes. On his blog, Matthew points to a page called "Highschool Grads of 2010: University & College Class of 2014," which urges fans to promote the page to their friends. The page includes a link to a page for "Eruption Promotions," which claims to be "your source for the craziest university parties." The company is linked to another company called "Neesh Marketing," which is currently recruiting girls who can "light up a room." Matthew Melnyk's blog | Add/Read Comments

                          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 June 30, 2009

Academica Group's offices will be closed Wednesday for Canada Day. The Top Ten will return to your inbox on Thursday.

uWaterloo fundraising campaign reaches $515 million: The University of Waterloo has raised over $515 million through "Campaign Waterloo," nearly double the original goal of $260 million. The investments have gone to new facilities, satellite campuses, research capacity, and scholarships. Significant contributions have come from RIM co-founder Mike Lazaridis and his wife Ophelia, who have donated $101 million to uWaterloo's Institute for Quantum Computing and Quantum-Nano Centre. The campaign will continue under the title "Pursuing Global Excellence: Seizing Opportunities for Canada" to support the university's 6 faculties and 4 colleges. The Universities of Toronto and Alberta are so far the only other universities in Canada to have exceeded half a billion dollars in fundraising campaigns. uWaterloo News Release | Waterloo Region Record | Add/Read Comments

Study finds Dawson community still afflicted by shooting: According to a new study examining the aftermath of the Dawson College shooting in 2006, 40% of the school's community struggled with mental-health problems. 2% of students and staff who responded to the survey were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in the 18 months following the incident, while 7% reported symptoms of PTSD or depression. Just a third of those who suffered mental-health problems after the shooting sought treatment. Some respondents reported reluctance to seek help due to stigma attached to mental illness. Montreal Gazette | CBC | CTV | Add/Read Comments

November trial for StFX athletes charged with assault: At a trial tentatively scheduled for November 26, 3 St. Francis Xavier University men's basketball players will be tried together on assault charges stemming from an incident in February in which one man was sent to hospital. One of the players has also been charged with threatening to use a knife while committing an assault. Another student will enter a plea on July 13, when the trial date will be confirmed. Canadian Press | Add/Read Comments

Alexa McDonough named interim president of MSVU: Former federal NDP leader Alexa McDonough has been appointed the interim president of Mount Saint Vincent University. McDonough served as leader of the NDP in Nova Scotia for 14 years before taking leadership of the federal NDP in 1995. McDonough, who became the first woman to lead a recognized political party in Canada, stepped down as leader in 2003, and left office in 2008. Effective August 28, McDonough will serve as MSVU's president until August 2010. MSVU News Release | Halifax Chronicle-Herald | CBC | Add/Read Comments

95% of SAIT Class of 2008 working: 95% of Southern Alberta Institute of Technology graduates from 2008 are employed, according to a new survey. 83% of those working are employed in fields directly related to their training. At 98%, graduates of SAIT's construction and transportation schools have the highest employment rate among the Class of 2008. SAIT News Release | Read the full report | Add/Read Comments

Boréal begins construction of residence at Sudbury campus: Yesterday Collège Boréal held a sod-turning ceremony to launch the construction of its second residence at the main campus in Sudbury. The $6-million residence will accommodate up to 70 students, and is expected to open in September 2010. Boréal News Release | Add/Read Comments

TRU breaks ground for Gathering Place: Last Wednesday, Thompson Rivers University's Williams Lake campus held a groundbreaking ceremony for its Gathering Place. The facility will include study and meeting areas for students, as well as space for ceremonies and displays honouring First Nations history and culture. The Gathering Place will also house the university's Elders in Residence program, designed to provide counselling and support to Aboriginal students. The facility is scheduled to open early next year. Williams Lake Tribune | Add/Read Comments

uSask creates iPhone application for students: The University of Saskatchewan's computer science department has developed an iPhone application specifically for students. Called iUSASK, the application offers a range of options, such as checking marks and reading campus news. The application will be available for free download in August once Apple approves it for its app store. This fall, uSask will offer an iPhone programming class for registered students and the public. Students will learn how to build application buttons that may be used with the iUSASK application in the future. Saskatoon Star-Phoenix | iPhoneU | Add/Read Comments

NACUA conference focuses on recession's effect on employment issues: At the US-based National Association of College and University Attorneys' annual conference in Toronto last week, much discussion covered the economic downturn's impact on employment issues. One session focused on how institutions should review their tenure policies before they experience a major crisis. Another session noted that colleges run the risk of legal trouble if they violate their own policies. Lawyers working on behalf of schools are warned not to cite economic circumstances excessively when seeking concessions from unions, or else they could jeopardize their credibility in future negotiations. Inside Higher Ed | Add/Read Comments

US proposes open online courses: Under a proposal being drafted by the US Department of Education, community colleges and high schools would receive federal funds to create free online courses. The program would support the development of 20 to 25 "high-quality," government-owned courses annually, with initial preference going towards "career oriented" courses. Last Friday, the Education Department released a report finding that on average, students who took all or part of their instruction online performed better than their peers taking the same course through face-to-face instruction. Inside Higher Ed | The Evidence on Online Education | Read the full report | Add/Read Comments

Postscript: Geographic origin of university students studying in Maritimes important in policy discussion: Last Wednesday, the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission released a paper drawing on an examination on 10 measures regarding university participation in the region. The report notes that Maritime universities attract high number of students from within and outside the region, and a high proportion of Maritime youth between the ages of 18 and 24 go to university in the region or elsewhere in Canada. The paper states that the geographic origin of students needs to be taken into account in policy discussion on university participation, particularly in the Maritimes. MPHEC News Release | Read the full report | Add/Read Comments

                          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.

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

Academica's Top Ten - Mon June 29, 2009

Remember, Academica's Top Ten is now "bidirectional" -- click on "Add/Read Comments" after any story to read comments from fellow subscribers, and to add your own thoughts.

FNUC professor says university is being "picked on": At an open house last Thursday at the First Nations University of Canada's Saskatoon campus, university officials took aim at the federal and Saskatchewan governments for partially withholding funding from the institution until it makes changes to its governance. One faculty member says FNUC is being "picked on," and urges the government to "just get off its pot and start doing something more positive." An Indian and Northern Affairs Canada spokesperson says the funding condition will remain, with the next deadline scheduled for late November. Saskatoon Star-Phoenix | Add/Read Comments

Couple fired from CNA Qatar claim college is withholding records: A Corner Brook couple fighting the termination of their employment with College of the North Atlantic's Qatar campus in court allege that CNA is trying to prevent access to college files relevant to their case by saying those documents have been lost. Peter McBreairty, who was fired in 2003 for allegedly violating the college's admissions policies, has been trying to access several student applications, and states that the idea of over 14 applications having gone missing is "astounding." McBreairty, who alleges that the case against him has been falsely constructed, has accused CNA of either systematically losing or destroying files relating to his termination. McBreairty's wife Eileen has also been in court trying to obtain records from CNA. Western Star | Add/Read Comments

$4 million for Mount Allison chemistry building upgrades: The federal and New Brunswick governments announced Friday $4.3 million in joint infrastructure funding for renovations to Mount Allison University's Barclay Chemistry and Biochemistry Building. The funds are part of a $178- million investment from the Knowledge Infrastructure Program for capital projects at NB campuses. NB News Release | Mount Allison News Release | Add/Read Comments

Northern US colleges offer in-state tuition to Canadians: Last month, Montana-based Miles Community College was granted permission to offer Saskatchewan residents in-state tuition. The move is meant to fill seats at the college, which is operating at 50% classroom capacity, and will not cost the school extra. For the last 5 years, North Dakota-based Minot State University has offered in-state tuition to all Canadian students, which has helped raised the school's awareness in Canada and stabilized its Canadian enrolment. Maine's 7 community colleges offer New Brunswick residents in-state tuition as part of an agreement in which Maine residents pay domestic fees at any New Brunswick Community College campus. Inside Higher Ed | Add/Read Comments

Application boom at CNC Prince George campus: The Prince George BC campus of College of the New Caledonia is expecting record student enrolment for the 2009-2010 academic year. There has been a 20% jump in overall applications over this time last year. Several programs have received applications that are double or triple the amount of seats available. The growth in applications is being attributed to interest in retraining due to higher unemployment, as well as more families wanting their children to pursue PSE closer to home to save money. Prince George Citizen | Add/Read Comments

Oshawa committee approves Trent campus proposal: Last Thursday, the City of Oshawa's development services committee approved an official plan amendment to allow Trent University to build a new $22-million satellite campus on a portion of the former Civic Auditorium site and a former school site. The committee also voted to offer the university a 75-year option to lease the auditorium lands at a cost of $1 a year. At a public meeting earlier this month, Oshawa residents voiced concerns about the proposal, citing issues of student housing and increased traffic. Durham Region News | Add/Read Comments

Repair costs for fire-damaged WLU residence exceed $1 million: The cost to repair a Wilfrid Laurier University residence damaged by a fire that claimed the life of a 19-year-old student in April has risen to $1.2 million. Earlier estimates pegged repairs to cost between $400,000 and $500,000, but an examination of the residence found that additional work needed to be done, including replacing a rooftop mechanical unit that cools and heats the building. The cause of the fire is still unknown. Waterloo Region Record | Add/Read Comments

Update on NIC trades centre: A new skills development and trades training centre for North Island College's Comox Valley campus is on schedule to welcome students in September 2010, according to an update presented to the college's board of governors. The facility is expected to be the biggest building on campus, NIC's president told the board. The 1,110-square-metre building will feature carpentry and multi-purpose workshops, as well as space for marine training simulators. In April, NIC received $8.2 million in infrastructure funding from the BC and federal governments for the project. Comox Valley Record | Add/Read Comments

uCalgary to merge arts and social sciences faculties: Last Thursday, the University of Calgary's board of governors voted in favour of unifying the faculties of humanities, social sciences, fine arts, and communications and culture into a single faculty. The move is meant to facilitate an improved and seamless university experience for students studying arts and social sciences. The new administrative structure will bring uCalgary in line with other G13 universities, many of which have one or 2 arts and social science-type faculties. The new faculty will launch April 1, 2010. uCalgary News | Add/Read Comments

US may need "fewer but better" research universities: With the economic downturn and stronger competition worldwide, the US may have to reduce the number of research institutions in the country, according to the Association of American Universities. While the association is not making specific recommendations relating to such a reduction, its president suggests that in the case of public universities, states could be asked to name priorities for which research institutions should be preserved and how that could be achieved. The idea of reducing the number of research universities may face opposition at both state and federal levels, where scientific research is a priority. The Chronicle of Higher Education (subscription required) | Add/Read Comments

Last week's most-clicked stories:

Ontario MTCU receives 300 complaints

MUN Class of 2006 satisfied with education, find relevant employment

Ottawa launches new student aid programs

CNA launches new logo

Winners announced in RBC Student Do-Over Video Challenge

                          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.

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

Academica's Top Ten - Fri June 26, 2009

Good morning from Edmonton, where I'm attending the Western Association of Registrars of the Universities and Colleges of Canada (WARUCC) conference.

70 academics reportedly arrested in Iran: According to a website affiliated with defeated Iranian presidential candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, 70 university professors have been detained in the country in a widespread crackdown on protestors. The site states that 70 members of the Islamic Society of University Professors were arrested after meeting with Mousavi on Wednesday afternoon, and their whereabouts are unknown. The website's report has not been confirmed. The Canadian Association of University Teachers has written to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asking him to stop the violence towards universities, academics, and students. Los Angeles Times | Associated Press | CBC | Add/Read Comments

Donations to York top $26 million: In its 2008-09 fiscal year, York received $26 million in donations, surpassing its fundraising goal for the year. Notable gifts include $3 million from Jay and Barbara Hennick to establish the Hennick Centre for Business & Law. Y-File | Add/Read Comments

Cambridge votes against $6-million investment in Conestoga expansion: Cambridge city council has voted 4-3 against a motion to award Conestoga College $5.7 million for its expansion into the city, at least for the time being. Earlier this year, the college's president asked council for the funding, which is the same amount Conestoga paid to buy 54 hectares of land from Cambridge last fall. The councillor who pushed the motion suggested that the city give Conestoga the money in installments. Some opponents said the present council cannot bind a future council to a college payment plan. Waterloo Region Record | Add/Read Comments

Bylaw amendment allows Keyano College to build residence: On Tuesday, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Alberta approved a recommendation to change the land use bylaw zoning of Keyano College's Suncor Energy Industrial campus in Fort McMurray that would permit the college to build a new student residence. A report written by a municipal planner states that Keyano is experiencing an increased demand in housing and has been exploring options for a residence at the Suncor Energy Industrial campus. Keyano also has plans to expand its classroom space at the campus. Fort McMurray Today | Add/Read Comments

Fanshawe pitches vision for former hospital lands: At a public meeting on Wednesday, Fanshawe College officials explained their vision for the sought-after soccer fields on the former London Psychiatric Hospital lands. The college is proposing to move its own sports fields to the hospital lands, thereby freeing up land on campus for new facilities. Fanshawe would like to take stewardship of the soccer fields and expand local partnerships such as those it has with community groups already using its campus fields. In the longer term, the college may build a stadium or a fieldhouse on the lands. London Free Press | Add/Read Comments

Apprenticeship training registration on the rise: According to new data from Statistics Canada, 358,555 people were registered in apprenticeship training programs in 2007, up 9.3% from the year before and more than double the level in 1997. Registrations in metal fabricating trades grew by 11.5%, while there was a 10.2% increase in the electrical and electronics field. 55% of the 38,700 women registered in apprenticeship programs in 2007 were in the food and services trades, while just over 1% were registered in the industrial and mechanical field. In 2007, 24,495 people completed their apprenticeship training, up 17.5% from the year before. Statistics Canada | Add/Read Comments

Quebec students oppose external presence on university, CEGEP boards: Students in Quebec are protesting the introduction of 2 new provincial laws stipulating that at least 60% of the positions on university and CEGEP governing boards must be filled by external representatives. The Association pour une Solidarité Syndicale Etudiante argues that the laws will increase corporate presence in Quebec's public PSE institutions and threaten their autonomy. On its website, the ASSE warns that the laws do not include protective measures for institutions against possible conflicts of interest posed by independent board members with private-sector affiliations. Hour.ca | Add/Read Comments

uCalgary seeks community input in presidential search: The University of Calgary is asking city residents to help the institution in its search for a new president. Community members are invited to participate in an online survey to share their thoughts on the university's challenges and opportunities, as well as provide input on key qualifications for the new president. The survey will be available until June 30. Last week, Memorial University put out an invitation to the public to nominate candidates for its presidency. uCalgary News | Calgary Herald | Add/Read Comments

Globe and Mail virtual PSE fair to partner with CollegeWeekLive: In a partnership between the Globe and Mail and CollegeWeekLive, the world's largest online post-secondary exposition, Canadian universities and colleges participating in the second annual GlobeCampus eFair this fall will also be able to take part in the CollegeWeekLive fair at no extra cost. The CollegeWeekLive fair attracts more than 25,000 students, most of whom are based in the US. The GlobeCampus eFair takes place on October 29, and the next CollegeWeekLive fair will run from November 4 to 7. Globe and Mail News Release | Add/Read Comments

Facebook #1 social network in the US: According to data from comScore, Facebook had 70,278,000 unique visitors in the US last month, up 97% from May 2008. In the last year, MySpace hits dropped by 5% to 70,255,000 unique visitors. Between May 2008 and May 2009, Twitter experienced a whopping 2,681% increase in the number of unique visitors. MySpace is surpassing Facebook in terms of advertising. In April, MySpace visitors viewed 31.8 million ads, compared to 25 million display ad views on Facebook. MySpace is predicted to generate $495 million in revenue this year, compared to $230 million estimated for Facebook. eMarketer | 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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Academica's Top Ten - Thurs June 25, 2009

CAUT condemns attacks on Iranian students, academics: In a letter sent to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, the Canadian Association of University Teachers asks that he put an end to the widespread violence by security forces targeting universities, lecturers, and students. In one incident, Iran's secret police raided a student residence at Tehran University and attacked its occupants, leaving at least 5 students dead. In protest against recent crimes and attacks, scores of faculty from several universities have resigned. The letter calls for the immediate release of a Tabriz University lecturer and others who have been detained for exercising their right to protest. Read the letter | Add/Read Comments

Ontario MTCU receives 300 complaints: According to the Ontario ombudsman's annual report, released Tuesday, the province's Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities had a total of 300 complaints in the last fiscal year. 137 complaints were about OSAP and 58 were related to colleges. The report states that universities, which fall outside the ombudsman's jurisdiction, were the subject of 49 complaints. Reports on investigations into Cambrian College's health information management program and the closure of Bestech Academy are currently being finalized. Ombudsman Ontario Annual Report 2008-2009 -- Facts and Highlights | Read the full report | Add/Read Comments

uWinnipeg to leave 5% of faculty positions unfilled: Like Brandon University, the University of Winnipeg plans to leave about 5% of its professors' positions vacant as part of its efforts to balance its budget. In a bid to meet pension and scholarship obligations, university management has agreed to salary freezes or reductions. The university is also relocating programs from leased off-campus sites to its main campus. Meanwhile, the university's board of regents has approved the downtown expansion plan. uWinnipeg News Release 1 | uWinnipeg News Release 2 | Winnipeg Free Press | U of W expansion plan approved | Add/Read Comments

Enrolment boom at Mohawk College's Brantford campus: In the last 2 years, enrolment at Mohawk College's Brantford campus has more than doubled, exceeding a goal set by the school's board of governors over 2 years ago. A campus revitalization plan implemented in March 2007 called for the enrolment of 1,881 students by 2011, and involved the introduction of new courses and transfer of some programs offered at the main campus in Hamilton to Brantford. In September 2008, the number of students enrolled at the Brantford campus was approximately 1,900. By next September, the school expects to have between 2,300 and 2,500 students. Brantford Expositor | Add/Read Comments

Saskatchewan below target for PSE student enrolment: In the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce's mid-year report card on its growth strategy targets, post-secondary enrolment is currently below the targeted level. The chamber of commerce has projected that by 2030, there will be 120,000 PSE students in Saskatchewan, and data from the chamber of commerce indicates enrolment is on a steady decline. The province is currently meeting its target for PSE graduates in the workforce. Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce News Release | Read the report card | Add/Read Comments

Bow Valley breaks ground for south campus: Yesterday Calgary-based Bow Valley College held a groundbreaking ceremony for its $193-million south campus, part of the college's multimillion-dollar redevelopment and expansion project that is slated for completion in 2013. Last September, the Alberta government committed $119 million to Bow Valley to add 3 more floors to the south campus building. Once the project is complete, the college will double its capacity to accommodate 20,000 students a year. Bow Valley News Release | Add/Read Comments

SIAST installs wind turbine at Moose Jaw campus: This week, the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology installed a wind turbine at its Palliser campus in Moose Jaw. The institution will use the 1.3 kW turbine to collect data on aspects such as wind speed and noise levels as part of an applied research project. The turbine will also generate electricity for the campus. An event to officially open the wind turbine will take place this fall. SIAST News Release | Add/Read Comments

Carleton students unveil plans to redevelop Batawa: Over 20 design and architecture students from Carleton University will present today their vision for reinventing Batawa Ontario, where Bata Shoes manufactured its products for 60 years before the factory closed down in 1999. In a partnership between Carleton and Sonja Bata, whose husband Thomas transplanted his family's shoe business to Ontario in the 1930s, the students spent 6 weeks in Batawa to generate ideas to redevelop the community. Both the university and Bata hope the partnership will extend into a long-term relationship in which every faculty at Carleton would be involved in rejuvenating the village. Globe and Mail | Ottawa Citizen | Add/Read Comments

CNA Facebook page, mascot microsite win international awards: College of the North Atlantic has picked up 2 silver Awards of Distinction for its Facebook page and Nanuk's Notebook -- a microsite dedicated to the college's polar bear mascot -- in the 15th Annual Communicator Awards, administered by the International Academy of the Visual Arts. CNA has also received an Award of Distinction from the International Association of Business Communicators' Pinnacle Awards for the re-launch of its mascot. CNA News Release | CNA Facebook page | Add/Read Comments

uToronto launches microsite for students' parents: The University of Toronto recently launched a new Web portal for parents, guardians, and family members of the institution's students. The site covers topics such as academic and financial matters, residence and campus life, and health and safety. The site includes feature articles whose themes correspond with stages of the school year. Family members can subscribe to an e-newsletter that includes relevant uToronto news and articles written by university experts. The site and the newsletter will promote special events which relatives and guardians are welcome to attend. uToronto News | U of T Family Website | Add/Read Comments

Postscript: List of CCAE Prix D'Excellence awards winners now online: Earlier this month, the recipients were announced in the 2009 CCAE Prix D'Excellence awards. The full list of winners is now available online. Add/Read Comments

                          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 June 24, 2009

Ontario commits $42 million for cancer research in Toronto: The Ontario government announced yesterday $42 million in funding to support 15 Toronto-based cancer research projects. University of Toronto researchers will receive over $22 million in total for 5 projects. The funds are part of the province's $94-million investment in medical research projects across Ontario. Ontario News Release | Add/Read Comments

Fire strikes Algonquin College's Woodroffe campus: 64 firefighters and 14 trucks extinguished a fire at Algonquin College's Woodroffe campus in Ottawa late Monday afternoon after flames were seen on the roof of a mechanical room on top of the college's business building. Because the room pushes air throughout the building, smoke was circulated through the ventilation system. There were no reports of injuries. The fire caused approximately $50,000 in damages. Ottawa Citizen | Add/Read Comments

Ottawa launches new student aid programs: On Monday, the federal government unveiled 2 new student aid programs that were first announced in the 2008 budget. Replacing the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation, the Canada Student Grants Program will offer non-repayable grants to 100,000 more students, although the value of the awards will be lower. Under the Repayment Assistance Plan, no payment will be required from student loan borrowers with very low incomes, and the maximum loan repayment period will not exceed 15 years. While student groups are praising the new measures, which come into effect in August, there is concern the programs will not improve access for disadvantaged students. HRSDC News Release | CASA News Release | Globe and Mail | Sun Media | Adventures in Canadian Post-Secondary Education (Dale Kirby's blog) | Add/Read Comments

CMSF report finds market value of PSE degree remains strong: Although the number of PSE graduates has grown in recent years, the benefits of a degree has not diminished, according to new research from the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation. The report found that Canadians without a high school diploma are 2.5 more times likely to be unemployed than those with a bachelor's degree. In 2005, undergraduate and graduate degree holders earned $18,000 and $29,000 more per year, respectively, than a high school graduate. Given the high rate of return on investment in higher education, the report states it is necessary to introduce measures to improve access for youth who have not traditionally pursued PSE. CMSF News Release | Read the full report | Add/Read Comments

Ontario man pushes for free university education for children of fallen soldiers: Kevin Reed, the new honorary lieutenant-colonel of 31 Service Brigade, based in southwestern Ontario, is trying to get all Canadian universities to follow Memorial University in offering free education to children of soldiers who were killed in the line of duty since the beginning of Canada's mission in Afghanistan. New supporters of the initiative include the Universities of Calgary, Ottawa, and Windsor. Under the proposal, a child of a fallen soldier would be eligible for 4 years of tuition paid and 2 years of room and board as long as the student lives and eats on campus. Belleville Intelligencer | Add/Read Comments

Laurentian board approves in principle architecture school: Last Friday, Laurentian University's board of governors passed a motion to approve in principle the creation of an architecture school. In September, the university's executive committee will be presented with a detailed business plan for the proposed school, and once full funding has been secured, the plan will be returned to the board for approval. Laurentian News Release | Add/Read Comments

uCalgary to open prion research centre: A new state-of-the-art laboratory is planned for the University of Calgary's veterinary school following nearly $15 million in investments from the Alberta government that will be shared by scientists in the province. Research at the lab will focus on prions, which are responsible for mad cow disease, or BSE, in cattle and Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease in humans. UToday | Calgary Herald | Add/Read Comments

TD invests in Aboriginal business education at UBC: On Monday, TD Bank Financial Group donated $1 million to the University of British Columbia to create an endowment to support First Nations students studying business at the university. Half of the gift will fund a financial award program for Aboriginal students enrolled in business education or majoring in economics. The other half will provide funding for First Nation students enrolled in the Ch'nook Scholars and Advanced Management programs. UBC News Release | Add/Read Comments

uToronto tops in magazine survey on sustainability: The University of Toronto has placed first in 2 categories in Toronto-based publisher Corporate Knights' annual survey on post-secondary programs incorporating environmental and social practices. uToronto ranked #1 in the law school category, and its Ontario Institute for Studies in Education was first in the new category of teacher education programs. The University of Waterloo was the top university in the undergraduate business program category, while York University's Schulich School of Business placed first in the MBA section. The other top winners are Humber College for industrial design and Carleton University for public policy. Knight Schools 2009 | Read the full report | Add/Read Comments

NAIT publication picks up Western Magazine Award: techlife, published by the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, was named Best New Magazine by the Western Magazine Association at its annual award ceremony last Friday. The magazine, which launched in October 2007, has received a number of recognitions recently, including a silver in the CCAE Prix D'Excellence awards. NAIT News Release | techlife | Add/Read Comments

                          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 June 23, 2009

$12 million for research transfer activities at 5 institutions: Last Thursday, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada announced $11.5 million in funding from the College and Community Innovation Program for projects at La Cité collégiale, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Mohawk College, Sheridan College, and Cégep de Lévis-Lauzon. Launched in 2007, the CCI Program supports colleges and CEGEPs to foster research transfer activities in their communities through partnerships with local companies, especially small and medium-sized firms. NSERC News Release | Add/Read Comments

WLU cuts funding for 8 varsity teams: As outlined in its latest budget, Wilfrid Laurier University has eliminated funding for 8 sports teams, which may lead to some of those teams being terminated altogether. While WLU's lesser-known sports are bearing the brunt of cuts made in the athletics department, the university's high-profile football team is also taking a hit with a $25,000 reduction in its annual operating budget. Several institutions in Canada have made wide-ranging cuts to their varsity teams this year due to the recession. The University of Windsor, for example, announced in March that it was cutting 6 of its sports teams. Waterloo Region Record | Add/Read Comments

McMaster turns down $2-million land donation: McMaster University has declined a $2-million gift of downtown Hamilton land on which to build its family health centre. University officials told the Toronto-based developer who offered McMaster nearly 40,000 square feet of open land that they were more interested in considering other properties where there is potential to expand. McMaster's original plan was to acquire the local school board's downtown headquarters for the project, but that plan has now fallen through. One of the sites being considered is McMaster Innovation Park, where the combination of health-related projects would likely boost the university's chances of receiving government infrastructure funding. Hamilton Spectator | Add/Read Comments

ICE to set up India liaison offices for Canadian institutions: The International Centre for Education Inc (ICE) is in the process of establishing representative offices in New Delhi (in the city’s World Trade Centre) and Mumbai (location to be announced) to bring Canadian colleges and universities a step closer to the international students they would like to recruit. The offices, which will accommodate up to 5 institutions each, will cost $1000 per month, including administrative assistance, with no agent fees, commissions, or membership dues. The initiative gives Canadian schools the opportunity to establish and build their brand in India’s burgeoning student market. The offices will be available starting this September. For more information, please contact info@ICEunlimited.com with the subject line “Rep. office in India”. In September, ICE will host “Canada-China-India: Synergy in Education,” which you can learn more about here. Add/Read Comments

MUN Class of 2006 satisfied with education, find relevant employment: According to new data from the Newfoundland and Labrador government, nearly 95% of undergraduate students and over 92% of masters students who graduated from Memorial University in 2006 reported satisfaction with their investment of time and money in their education at the university. Almost 91% of masters graduates and more than 81% of undergraduates found employment relevant to their field of study. Fewer MUN students are relying on student aid, the survey found. 14% of masters students and 47% of undergraduates had student loans in 2006, compared to over 19% and nearly 60%, respectively, in 2002. MUN News Release | Read the full report | Add/Read Comments

RDC opens 4 new centres: Red Deer College held an opening ceremony last Thursday for 4 new facilities -- the Centres for Trades & Technology, Innovation in Manufacturing, Corporate Training, and Visual Art. The centres are strategically located together to encourage collaboration and innovation. The Alberta government committed $59 million to this project, which is the subject of the college's $35-million "Building Communities Through Learning" fundraising campaign. RDC News Release | Add/Read Comments

uSask College Building recognized as historical site: Last Friday, representatives from the federal government were present at the University of Saskatchewan to unveil a plaque commissioned by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada that commemorates the national historical significance of the university's College Building. The Gothic-style facility was built between 1910 and 1912 as one of the first structures at uSask. The building was closed to the public in 1997 due to structural problems, and re-opened in 2005 after an extensive restoration process. The College Building currently houses administrative offices, university collections, student services, and Convocation Hall. Parks Canada News Release | Saskatoon Star-Phoenix | Add/Read Comments

Holland College introduces College Foundation program: Holland College has launched a College Foundation certificate program designed for students who do not meet the entrance criteria or are unsure about their career choice and therefore cannot gain the required experience. Following successful completion of the program, students will be better prepared to enter a 2-year diploma program. In an addition to 8 core courses, students can choose 2 elective courses from a number of fields of study, and the electives may be chosen from academic upgrading, university, or other Holland College programs. Holland College News Release | Add/Read Comments

Nearly half of Canadians find national education system inadequate: According to a recent Harris-Decima poll, almost 50% of Canadians believe that the country's education system does not adequately prepare young people for work in the modern economy. 52% of Albertans find the system inadequate. 37% of respondents say high school does "very well" or "well" at preparing young people for the job market, while 62% believe graduate schools are doing well at providing young Canadians with the skills and abilities they need. Canadian Press | Add/Read Comments

56% of Canadian Internet users are on social networks: 56% of all online Canadians have a social network profile, up from 39% 18 months ago, according to a new Ipsos Reid survey. 85% of those with profiles have one on Facebook. 86% of Canadian Internet users between the ages of 18 to 34 have a profile, compared to 60% of those aged 35 to 54 and 44% of individuals aged 55 and older. The poll found that Canadians spend over a third of their Internet time each week on social networking sites. Ipsos Reid News Release | Marketing Magazine | Add/Read Comments

Postscript: uPEI to ease students out of credit card payment for tuition: University of Prince Edward Island officials say the decision to drop the use of credit cards to pay tuition will not hurt students, as the university's student union argues. With a year lead-in to the policy change, the university controller says systems will be set up to ensure students do not come across any hardships. An online banking system will likely be used for Canadian students, while measures will be introduced to help process tuition payments for international students. CBC | Add/Read Comments

                          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 June 22, 2009

Remember, Academica's Top Ten is now "bidirectional" -- click on "Add/Read Comments" after any story to read comments from fellow subscribers, and to add your own thoughts. Thanks to 17 commenters last week, who got particularly het up about the University of Victoria student paper column on the Pope.

$993 million for Quebec campus infrastructure: On Friday, the federal and Quebec governments announced the first wave of more than $993 million in joint infrastructure funding for over 200 shovel-ready projects at post-secondary institutions across Quebec. One of the selected projects is a $3.1-million investment at the Université du Québec en Outaouais to establish the Temperate Deciduous Forest Institute of Science. As funding from the Knowledge Infrastructure Program is announced, the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada updates its interactive map with detailed information about investments made to its member institutions. Industry Canada News Release | AUCC map | Add/Read Comments

Former Carleton student attacked on campus sues university: A former Carleton University who was assaulted inside a campus residence 6 years ago is suing the university for failing to protect his safety. In September 2003, David Skidmore, then a first-year student, was reportedly punched, kicked, and knocked unconscious by 2 other students who lived off campus. Skidmore alleges that Carleton failed to provide a "reasonably safe" residence, to "employ adequate security," and to foresee the violent tendencies of his attackers. In its statement of defence, Carleton insists that campus security was more than adequate. The university claims Skidmore was intoxicated the night of the attack, and that he instigated the fight. Maclean's | Add/Read Comments

Court rules against uToronto professor's use of peer-grading system: An Ontario court has upheld a previous ruling that found that University of Toronto psychology professor Steve Joordens' use of a peer-marking system violated the collective agreement for the university's teaching assistants and sessional instructors. The union representing these instructors filed a grievance against uToronto when it found out Joordens was using specially designed software with which students would grade and comment on each other's work. Joordens, who introduced the system when there was no money to hire TAs to do extra marking, hopes to continue to use the software in a manner acceptable under the union's collective agreement. National Post | Add/Read Comments

McMaster faces possible $50-million budget shortfall: While McMaster University had been able to balance its budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year, the school could face deficits in the $50-million range in 2010-11 and 2011-12 unless there are significant changes in income and spending in 2010 and beyond. In a memo to McMaster's president, the university's finance committee chairman says he is "very concerned about the financial health of the university." The new budget absorbs about $20 million in inflationary increases through measures such as deferred spending, hiring delays and freezes, and drawing from reserves. Hamilton Spectator | Add/Read Comments

FNUC letter to CAUT tries to "rewrite history": In his letter to the Canadian Association of University Teachers, the First Nations University of Canada's board chair bases his request for CAUT to remove its censure of the university on the Supreme Court of Canada's rejection of an appeal regarding a case about a faculty member's academic freedom. The board chair argues that last month's court ruling "supports our claim that our governance structure has worked very well." In response, CAUT executive James Turk says the chair's letter "rewrites this whole history" of governance issues and ignores the association's concerns. Turk states the governance structure was not the issue in the court case, and CAUT will not lift its censure until FNUC addresses its ongoing governance problems. FNUC Letter to CAUT | CAUT Letter to FNUC | Add/Read Comments

Canadian PSE institutions need to do more to promote bilingualism: According to a new parliamentary committee report, Canada's universities and colleges must do more to ensure their graduates are bilingual to help fill positions with the federal government. The committee is concerned that institutions, especially anglophone ones, do not comprehend the great need for bilingual staff in the federal public service. Among the committee's 11 recommendations is for Ottawa to develop a recruitment strategy that sends a "clear message" to anglophone schools about the needs of the federal public service. The report notes Ottawa cannot tell institutions what to do, because they are not part of its jurisdiction and the government must respect their academic freedom. CBC | Read the full report | Add/Read Comments

CNA launches new logo: On Friday, College of the North Atlantic unveiled its new logo, which features the letters "N" and "A" depicted as a pair of overlapping waves with the college's name below. CNA's president says the new logo, which was created in-house, complements the brand the school has been developing, and positions the college to prospective students and employees as a "modern, forward thinking institution." CNA News Release | Add/Read Comments

Lakehead re-opens renovated pool: Lakehead University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Thursday for its swimming pool, which underwent a 10-month-long renovation. The 3-stage renovation project started last August following a "Save the Pool" campaign led by the university's student union. In a student referendum last April, 77% of voters approved a $15-per-semester fee to cover the $2.5-million budgeted to upgrade the facility's pool, change rooms, and reception area. Lakehead News Release | Add/Read Comments

Update on Sault College "campus rebuild": Last Thursday, Sault College's president updated the school's board of governors on the process to build a $26-million, 100,000-square-foot addition to the college, which will serve as a new entrance. The project, which recently received $16 million in funding from the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, is part of Sault College's proposed $45-million "campus rebuild." The new addition will contain "much-needed" classrooms, partly to replace classroom space lost when the college demolishes 2 of its wings. Plans for the new entrance include a large aquarium that could be maintained by students. Sault Star | Add/Read Comments

Winners announced in RBC Student Do-Over Video Challenge: Last Thursday, the Royal Bank of Canada named the 3 winners in its Student Do-Over Video Challenge, following a public vote on the 10 finalists. The contest had asked participants to describe in their submissions what they would have done differently if they could go back to their first year of PSE. The winning entries feature a doctoral student in chemistry discussing his passion for art, 2 young women singing about the consequences of buying useless textbooks, and humorous visuals reflecting a young woman's do-over list. The 3 winners will receive $10,000 each. RBC Student Do-Over Video Challenge | Add/Read Comments

Last week's most-clicked stories:

BCIT strategic plan acknowledges shifting environment

Durham College launches redesigned website

Undegraduate applicants to Ontario universities make fewer application choices

CFI distributes $665 million in research infrastructure funding

Winners announced in CAUBO Quality and Productivity Awards

                          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.

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