Applications to Canadian Unis Spike in Wake of Trump

Source: Associated Press via Academica

The surge in website traffic and enrolment inquiries that occurred at Canadian universities following the election of Donald Trump in November 2016 is now translating into applications. Applications to the University of Toronto from American students have reportedly jumped 70% compared to this time last year, while several other Canadian schools have seen increases of 20% or more. US applications to McMaster University are up 34% since this time last year. Officials at some US colleges tell the AP that the election will undoubtedly affect their international enrolment patterns. “I think everybody in international education is a little uneasy, in part because some of the rhetoric in the campaign frightened people overseas,” said Stephen Dunnett, vice provost for international education at the University at Buffalo. “It’s going to be perhaps a little bit rocky for a couple of years.

Canada: “A Place of Stability, of Openness, of Inclusiveness”

Source: Times Higher Education via Academica

Canada’s decision to welcome thousands of Syrian refugees “stands out as an important symbol” of the country’s “openness and eagerness to attract newcomers,” says University of Toronto President Meric Gertler in an interview with Times Higher Education. Gertler highlights a number of significant steps Canada has taken to be open compared to the isolationist tendencies of Brexit and the Donald Trump presidential campaign. These include Canada’s efforts to attract 450,000 international students by 2022, its amendments to its citizenship process for international students, and its increased investment in research and scientific infrastructure. “Canada has certainly emerged as a place of stability, of openness, of inclusiveness,” says Gertler. “I think we’re doing many things right now that will position us as a stark alternative to things that are happening in other countries, including the UK and the US.”

Mental Health Efforts Made by Toronto-based PSE Institutions

Source: Torontoist via Academica

The Torontoist has released an article highlighting how three universities and three colleges based in Toronto are working to support student mental health issues. The piece focuses on what programs and events the schools offer on top of existing counselling programs that are available on most campuses; it examines the efforts of Ryerson University, the University of Toronto, York University, Humber College, Seneca College, and George Brown College, as well as collaborative efforts between the institutions. Among these collaborative efforts is Mindfest, an event organized collaboratively between OCAD University, Ryerson University, and the University of Toronto that includes information sessions and a club night to help raise students’ awareness of the mental wellness programs available to them on their home campuses.

Three Canadian Universities Make the CWUR Top 100

Source: Center for World University Rankings via Academica

The Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) has released its 2015 list of the world’s top 1000 universities. Three Canadian universities have made the top ten: the University of Toronto (#32), McGill University (#42), and UBC (#62). CWUR boasts that it is the only global ranking that measures quality and prestige without relying on surveys or submissions of data from the universities themselves. Altogether, there were 33 Canadian universities in the top 1000 in the world.

CCAE Announces Winners of Annual Prix d’Excellence

Source: CCAE via Academica

The Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) has announced the winners of its annual Prix d’Excellence, which recognizes Canada’s postsecondary institutions for excellence across 24 categories, including marketing, development, and student recruitment.  This year, uAlberta led the group with seven awards, followed by uCalgary and MUN with five awards each. uToronto, uSask, UBC, and Trent each received four nods, with uWaterloo, UoGuelph, Sheridan, Queen’s, McMaster, and McGill each garnering three. 15 other PSE institutions across Canada received one or two awards.

Canada Invests Nearly $250M in International Observatory Project

Source: UBC News Release via Academica

Canada is investing close to $250 M to help build what will be reportedly be the world’s most powerful optical telescope. Canada will contribute $243.5 M to the Thirty Meter Telescope project, to be located on the summit of Mauna Kea volcano in Hawaii. Canada joins partners from Japan, India, China, and the United States in backing the initiative. Much of Canada’s funding will support the construction of the telescope’s enclosure and optical instruments, features that were designed by Canadian engineers and that will be fabricated in British Columbia. Construction of the observatory, which had been delayed pending the Canadian government’s decision, can now begin in earnest. Researchers across the country applauded the announcement. “[It’s] an amazing day for Canada,” said Ray Calberg, an astronomer at the University of Toronto. Paul Davidson, President of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), said in statement that “this timely investment gives certainty to Canada’s role in this globally important project.” The 22-storey-tall observatory is expected to be operational in 2023.

Canada Invests in Programs to Support Internationally Educated Health Professionals

Source: Canada News Release via Academica

The federal government has announced that Canada will invest nearly $8.4 M to support initiatives that bring internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) into the workforce. Approximately 4.6 M Canadians do not have a regular family doctor, while there are 10,000 newcomers to Canada who are health-related professionals. The funding will support 3 initiatives that will be implemented through a collaboration between HealthForceOntario and the University of Toronto. Canada has also provided $150,000 to the Medical Council of Canada for a project intended to help international medical graduates prepare to enter the workforce. In a statement, Canadian Medical Association (CMA) President Chris Simpson welcomed the announcement, but warned that “actively recruiting from developing countries is not an acceptable solution to our physician shortage.” Simpson noted that “it has been almost 4 decades since the completion of a national study of physician requirements,” and said that Canada must become more self-sufficient in its efforts to educate and train physicians. Academica Group recently worked with multiple collaborators on a report that evaluated bridging programs for IEHPs.

uToronto, McGill, UBC among top 100 in THE’s World Reputation Rankings

Source: Times Higher Education via Academica

Times Higher Education has released its annual World Reputation Rankings. The University of Toronto was the top Canadian university ranked, moving up from 20th to 16th spot. McGill University and UBC also appear in the top 100, but dropped slightly compared to last year’s positioning. McGill is ranked 35th in this year’s rankings and UBC 37th; the institutions tied for 33rd last year. The rankings are based on responses to THE‘s Academic Reputation Survey, which was completed by roughly 10,000 scholars from around the world. “U of T scholars and students are doing brilliant work, every day in every discipline. As a result, when it comes time for their peers to rank the world’s top universities, the University of Toronto is placed very high on the list,” said uToronto President Meric Gertler. Harvard University took top spot on the list, followed by the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford.

UTSU Campaigns to Allow International Students to Serve on Governing Council

Source: UTSU News Release via Academica | February 11, 2015

The University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU) is calling for changes to The University of Toronto Act that would allow international students to sit on the institution’s Governing Council. This year, 3 students were deemed ineligible to appear on the ballot because they were not Canadian citizens. “International students just want to be equal members of the University. Our tuition fees are the highest at the university, we lack equal access to healthcare, and yet we contribute so much to the university community. We want a say in our education,” said Cameron Wathey, an international student from St Maarten who serves as the UTSU’s VP Internal & Services. uToronto is reportedly just one of 5 institutions in Ontario at which international students are not able to represent their peers on governing councils or other similar bodies.

Boosting Canada-India Academic Ties

Source: High Commission of Canada | February 5, 2015

Canada’s University of Toronto President, Meric Gertler, boosted academic ties with India on his first ever visit, from January 27 to 31. While in India, Dr. Gertler co-hosted a workshop on “Universities in Urbanization: Building Healthy, Sustainable & Innovative Cities” with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Bombay). He also met with Minister of Urban Development M. Venkaiah Naidu, spoke at a conference on cities and urbanization hosted by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and visited the Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR). Following the advice of Indian students at the University, Dr. Gertler also took the time to enjoy the food and the culture of India.

New Canadian Additions to This Year’s Financial Times World MBA Rankings

Source: Financial Times via Academica | January 27, 2015

The Financial Times has released this year’s rankings of the top MBA programs in the world, with 6 Canadian universities making the top 100. The Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto is the top-ranking Canadian business school, but dropped 3 places from last year to come in at 53rd. Second place in Canada goes to UBC’s Sauder School of Business (81), with the University of Alberta’s School of Business and Queen’s University’s School of Business tying for third in Canada and 86th overall. Both uAlberta and Queen’s re-entered the rankings this year. [CIEC Academic Member] Western University’s Ivey Business School (97) and McGill University’s Desautels School of Management (100) round out the remaining Canadian schools that appeared in the top 100. Harvard Business School topped the list this year, followed by London Business School in second. The rankings are based on surveys of business schools and alumni, including criteria such as the career progression of alumni, “idea generation,” and the diversity of students and faculty.

5 Canadian Institutions Among Top 100 in Global Employability Rankings

Source: Times Higher Education via Academica | December 9, 2014

Times Higher Education has released its 2014 Global Employability survey rankings. The rankings are based on surveys of 2,500 international recruiters in 20 countries. The top Canadian university on this year’s list is the University of Toronto, which appears in 13th position, up one spot from last year. McGill University finished in 28th position, up 2 places from last year. HEC Montréal moved up 12 spots, from 59th in 2013 to 47th this year. UBC dropped 4 spots from 51st to 55th, and McMaster University dropped from 73rd to 80th. The University of Cambridge finished in first place overall, followed by Harvard University, Yale University, the University of Oxford, and the California Institute of Technology.

Internationally Trained Lawyers Get Help Transitioning to Canadian Law at uToronto

Source: uToronto News via Academica | Aug 5, 2014

A University of Toronto program that helps internationally trained lawyers integrate into Canadian law practice is being highlighted as a success. The Internationally Trained Lawyers Program (ITLP), reportedly the only one of its kind in Canada, helps lawyers who are qualified to practice law in their home countries obtain a license to practice law in Ontario while providing a networking and support system to help students connect with the legal system and pursue career opportunities. One recent student complimented the program, including its internship component, noting that she now has a “better understanding of the Canadian legal profession… the internship opportunity was truly very important because now I have acquired some Canadian law experience.”

Canadian Business Schools Make Executive Education Rankings

Source: Globe & Mail via Academica | May, 16, 2014

The Financial Times has released its 2014 ranking of executive education programs at business schools, with 6 Canadian institutions making the list in the open enrolment category (top 70), and 4 in the customized programs (top 80) category. In the open enrolment category, University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management tied for 20th spot, followed by Ivey Business School at Western University (22); Queen’s University’s School of Business (28); York University’s Schulich School of Business (39); Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia (49); and the University of Alberta’s School of Business (66). In the customized programs category, Rotman placed 42nd followed by Ivey (45), Schulich (57), and Alberta (77). uAlberta was a newcomer to both lists this year.

TCS Insights: Canadian institutions are continuing to see their reputations rise in 2014 as another ranking system has validated what Leiden, Times Higher Education and others have said. International students would do well to consider pursuing higher education in Canada.

Canadian Universities Work With India on Water for Health Project

Source: uAlberta News via Academica | May 9, 2014

A joint initiative between Canadian universities and the Government of India will help provide people in need with safe drinking water. The $3-million Water for Health initiative brings together India’s Department of Biotechnology and IC-IMPACTS, a Canada–India Research Centre of Excellence [and CIEC Academic Member]. The University of Alberta will play a critical role researching management practices for safe drinking water, including quality monitoring and finding affordable treatment solutions. The University of British Columbia, meanwhile, will focus on sustainable infrastructure and the University of Toronto will tackle public health. “We have a common goal, a common passion to make a big difference in Canada and India,” said uAlberta professor Sushanta Mitra. It is hoped that the research will benefit not only India but also the 5 million people in Canada who do not have access to safe drinking water.

TCS Insights: Established educational institutions from across Canada are taking initiative to aid those without access to safe drinking water in India. The impact of this work will not only grow the relationship between both nations but will help citizens in need on both sides of the world.

2014 Leiden Rankings of Scientific Performance Released

Source: Leiden News Release via Academica | April 30, 2014

Leiden University’s Centre for Science and Technology Studies has released its latest annual rankings. The Leiden rankings measure the scientific performance of 750 universities worldwide, including each institution’s scientific impact and involvement in scientific collaboration. This year, 28 Canadian universities appear on the list. Only the University of Toronto cracked the top 100, appearing in 87th place. The University of British Columbia (109) and McGill University (119) also made strong showings, while the University of Victoria was Canada’s top-ranked university without a medical school, at 183rd. The University of Ottawa (185) rounds out Canada’s top 5. New York’s Rockefeller University ranked first overall. The rankings are based on a bibliometric methodology that considers citation impact and scientific collaboration, corrected for scientific fields. Rockefeller’s first-place finish reflects that it had the highest percentage of frequently cited publications.

TCS Insights: Canadian academic institutions currently find themselves ranked among the top tier in the world, in terms of scientific collaboration and impact. Both international and domestic students interested in a career in science would do well to consider pursuing higher education at any of these places of study.

Mrs. Neelkamal Darbari, Joint Secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals led a 3-member delegation to Toronto

Source: Indian Economic Business News

Mrs. Neelkamal Darbari, Joint Secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, accompanied by Mr. S. Ilangovan, Chief Manager (Technical), Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET), and Mr. Manoj Mehta, Deputy Director, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), visited Toronto during December 9-15, 2012. The main purpose of the visit was to review the research work undertaken by the CoE- GREET (Centre of Excellence -Green Transportation Network) PhD scholars at University of Toronto. CIPET and University of Toronto, both, are in the process of implementing the joint research and innovation agenda under the CoE-GREET programme. CIPET has signed an MOU with U of T for transferring knowledge-based skills in the areas of Bioplastics and Biodegradable composites.

The delegation had meetings with Ms. Wendy Tilford, Deputy Minister, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation, Deans of Faculty of Engineering and Chemistry, Prof Mohini Sain, Dean and Professor, Faculty of Forestry, and Director, Centre for Biocomposites & Biomaterials Processing, University of Toronto, President of Canadian Plastic Industry Association, President of Ontario BioAuto Council and had interaction with PhD scholars from CIPET. Visits to Windsor Ford Power Train Research Centre, Magna NRC (National Research Council) facility, Woodbridge Foam factory and Greencore Composites facility were also undertaken. The delegation availed this opportunity to discuss the potential partnerships in areas of new technologies and potential areas of cooperation and investment opportunities in chemical sector in India. The 2nd International Exhibition on Plastics and Petrochemicals – Poly India 2013 – was also promoted in various interactions and invitation was extended to stakeholders for participation in this exhibition.