Author: CIEC Author

Indo-Canadian MoUs to Help Skilling in Apparel Sector

CIEC Author

Source: Fibre2Fashion

India and Canada have signed two different memorandum of understanding (MoUs) for skill development in the apparel sector, the apex apparel exporters body, Apparel Export Promotion Council, (AEPC) said in a statement today.

The agreements were signed during the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Canada.

Dr A Sakthivel, Chairman Apparel, Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMH SSC) signed an MoU with Bruce Wilson, President, Fanshawe College, Canada for transfer of expertise in the field of Training of Trainers and other fields.

The MoU envisages greater cooperation between the Canadian partner and AMH SSC, whereby, Fanshawe College will share their expertise in the training of trainers and other fields in the skilling process.

This will result in availability of larger number of Quality Master Trainers which in turn, will ensure quality training in skilling in the apparel sector.

Dr Sakthivel also signed another MoU with Husain F Neemuchwala of the Canada India Education Council (CIEC) to access expertise in the field of skilling in the apparel sector.

Elections Canada should let students vote where they study

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Source: Montreal Gazette via Academica

In an op-ed for the Montreal Gazette, Vanier College professor Mark Cohen argues that Elections Canada should allow students to cast their ballots from campus. He points to an Elections Canada survey in which most students cited “access barriers” as their main reason for not voting, and says that Quebec’s Bill 13—which allows students to vote on-campus for a candidate in their home riding, even if their school is outside of that riding—provides a possible model. Cohen says that a similar move on the federal level would demonstrate to students that they have an important role to play in the electoral system and that their input is valued.

Canada Commits $130 M for Global Education

CIEC Author

Source: Canada News Release via Academica

Canada has promised $120 M for a four-year extension of its commitment to the Global Partnership for Education, as well as a further $10 M to UNICEF for education in crisis-affected areas, including Syria. “This will make a real difference in the lives of children in developing countries,” says International Development Minister Christian Paradis. “It will help to ensure they have access to quality education, which is vital to help them move out of poverty and build prosperous futures.” According to a recent global survey, Canada’s share of GDP dedicated to development has declined significantly, putting Canada in the bottom half of OECD countries in that category.

Firms Partner to Provide Counselling Support for International Students

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Source: Guard.me via Academica

Morneau Shepell, a Canadian provider of employee and family assistance programs, has partnered with international insurance provider Guard.me to create the International Student Support Program (ISSP). Through the program, international students will have 24/7 access to confidential, culturally relevant counselling services to help them cope with feelings of loneliness, stress, and anxiety. The program, available in more than 200 languages, is meant to complement and enhance existing community services and educational resources in order to help prevent and resolve mental health issues. It will be free for students attending institutions that register for the program.

Canadian Colleges to Partner with India on Skills Development

CIEC Author

Source: Globe & Mail via Academica

A group of Canadian PSE institutions is planning to sign MOUs this week with India’s National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) during a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 12 institutions, including 9 colleges, will work with Indian partners in specific sectors to create and improve training opportunities for Indian youth. The Indian partners will pay the colleges for services including curriculum development, training for Indian educators, and help with accreditation systems. NSDC, a large public-private partnership that aims to develop for-profit vocational institutions, has established centres of excellence across India that will house the partnerships.

New Prime Minister of India Gives Hope to Hindi Translators

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Contributed by: Ravi Kumar (Founder) of Hindi Center

With a new government in place in India, Hindi seems to be bouncing back with a bang. Not only in India but in the world at large. The international business community has read the writing on the wall. If the world wants to do business with India, business community need to communicate with the new prime minister Mr. Narendra Modi in Hindi. Modi is market friendly and has acquired a solid reputation as a tough man and a quick decision maker. It is not surprising that 19th June newspapers have carried a news that the Indian Home ministry has asked government offices to give preference to Hindi. These are the signs of changing times. More is likely to come soon.

For the complete article, visit HindiCenter.com

Business Grads Entering Workforce with Global Mindset

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Source: KPMG via Academica

According to a recent KPMG survey of over 300 business students from 27 different countries, students today enter the workforce with an increasingly “global mindset.” 89% of students said that they were prepared to relocate regularly for the right job, and 78% expected to work in 3 to 4 different countries during their careers. Still, concern remains about global instability. 46% of students said that they believe economic instability will make it harder to find a job, and 60% said that they were worried about another financial crisis. “This generation understands that the global economic outlook remains challenging,” said Rachel Campbell, Global Head of People for KPMG, “and is looking globally for the right career opportunities to match their ambition and abilities.”

CIEC Facilitates PM Modi Visit in Toronto

CIEC Author

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi made a much anticipated stop in Toronto, Canada for a Community Reception during his three-nation tour. This marked the first time an Indian PM visited Canada in 42 years. The PM was eager to meet his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper as well as address the Indo-Canadian community during his visit to Canada.

Canada India Education Council has joined the National Alliance of Indo-Canadians (NAIC) as a Welcoming Partner for this historic event which will be attended by several CIEC members and guests.

https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/588495107961192449

From: National Post

The thousands in attendance were full of excitement as they chanted “Modi! Modi!” However in the midst of the celebrations business was still attended to. Various agreements were signed and ties between the nations were further strengthened.

Modi was quoted as saying “Canada is a major Asia-Pacific power and should play a more active role, including in regional institutions.” Harper said about the relationship between Canada and India, “It’s not where we want it to be, but it’s growing.”

From: Metro News

At the event, Harper welcomed Modi as an individual “with humble roots and a devout spirit”. Modi then came to the stage, thanking the Indo-Canadian community for all they have done in terms of “enhancing the glory of India” abroad.

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/588516353037836288

Panel Recommends Ways to Improve Processes for Integrating Immigrants Into Workforce

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Source: Panel on Employment Challenges of New Canadians Report via Academica

The federal Panel on Employment Challenges of New Canadians has released a report that explores ways to improve the process of getting internationally trained immigrants into the Canadian labour force. The report looks at current barriers and makes a number of recommendations such as developing pan-Canadian standards for occupations so that people can assess their credentials before moving to Canada, and developing a broader strategy for alternative careers with more regulator involvement. The federal government also announced support for 2 new initiatives, one led by the Medical Council of Canada and the other by Engineers Canada, which will more quickly and efficiently evaluate the credentials of internationally trained doctors and lawyers. Several Canadian universities have launched initiatives to help internationally trained doctors, lawyers, and midwives.

CICan Signs Agreement for Second Phase of Canadian Immigrant Integration Program

CIEC Author

Source: CICan News Release via Academica

Colleges and Institutes Canada has signed a 2-year agreement with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to move forward with a second phase of the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP). As part of the initiative, CICan will collaborate with the International Organization for Migration to expand pre-arrival services and to ensure consistent curricula and materials worldwide; CICan will also work with the Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC) to provide access to pre-arrival services for French-speaking immigrants coming to francophone-minority communities.

Canada Invests Nearly $250M in International Observatory Project

CIEC Author

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.

Colleges Help Students Meet Industry Demand for Soft Skills

CIEC Author

Source: Globe & Mail via Academica

An article in the Globe and Mail looks at how Canadian colleges are working to overcome a gap between the demands of employers and the skills of recent graduates. The article notes that recent US-based surveys have found that while 75% of education providers said that graduates were adequately prepared for entry-level positions in their field, only 42% of employers and 45% of youth felt the same way. 49% of employers felt that grads had adequate written communication skills, in contrast to 63% of education providers. In response, some colleges are working to enhance their soft skills offerings, providing instruction on communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, sometimes in collaboration with employers. The British Columbia Institute of Technology [CIEC Academic Member], for example, requires that students complete a hands-on consulting project for an industry client in order to graduate. BCIT has also collaborated with SAP Canada to develop a high-school course that has students working on real-world projects and learning about teamwork and job readiness. “I firmly believe you have to simulate what is done in industry if you are going to call yourself industry-ready,” said Robin Hemmingsen, Dean of BCIT’s business school.

BCIT Among PSE Institutions Recognized by Diversity Award

CIEC Author

Source: Newswire.ca via Academica

Several Canadian PSE institutions have been awarded Canada’s Best Diversity Employers Award, including Red River College, Ryerson University, [CIEC Academic Member] the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), UBC, the University of Toronto, and the University of Victoria. Employers are judged on a number of criteria, including diversity initiatives for employees from 5 areas: women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal peoples, and LGBT peoples. “Red River College has always been proactive in their efforts to support its employees and today’s award is ongoing recognition of the work we are doing,” said Lori Grandmont, Acting VP Human Resources and Sustainability. “I want to congratulate our staff for their work on these initiatives, and for their input into continually finding new and innovative ways to strengthen our workplace.”

Scholars-At-Risk Program Comes to Carleton and uOttawa

CIEC Author

Source: University Affairs via Academica

Carleton University [CIEC Academic Member] and the University of Ottawa will jointly host a Scholars at Risk (SAR) program beginning this fall. SAR is an international network of PSE institutions that supports scholars whose lives have been put in danger because of their work. 9 other Canadian institutions are already members of the network; however, this is reportedly the first jointly hosted program. Carleton Provost Peter Ricketts emphasized the importance of supporting people “who found themselves in these situations, not because of their degrees, but because of the world they live in.” The joint program is intended to serve the entire Ottawa region, creating what SAR Joint Committee Head Melanie Adrien describes as “a centre of refuge for scholars under threat.” The first hosted scholar will be announced this spring.

BCCIE Summer Seminar 2015

CIEC Author

Join the British Columbia Council for International Education from June 21 – 24, 2015 in beautiful Whistler, BC. Summer Seminar provides an essential platform for the growth of BC’s International Education sector. BCCIE’s annual conference brings together over 300 participants from our province, across Canada and beyond our borders.

Save $100 when you register for Summer Seminar by April 10. The Early Bird Full Registration allows access to conference activities from June 21–24, including the Opening Reception on Sunday, June 21 and Final Awards Banquet on Tuesday, June 23.

Click here for more details about the event or to register now.

Habitat for Humanity Canada – Providing a Hand Up

CIEC Author
The India Canada Friendship Circle would like to invite you to join them for a panel discussion and networking over tea and Indian snacks at an event this coming weekend (Sunday, March 29, 2015) in Ottawa, Canada.

 

Habitat for Humanity Canada – Providing a Hand Up
SPEAKERS: Jayshree Thakar,  Bryan McDonald,  Alexis Ashworth
WHEN: Sunday, March 29th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. (Registration at 2:45 p.m.)
WHERE: Palki Cuisine of India, 1060 Ogilvie Road, Gloucester
  (East of St. Laurent Blvd and just east of Cyrville Road)
You are welcome to bring family and friends to this event.
Cost $10 (adult) or $5 (student)
Members: Complimentary
For additional details about this event, please visit: http://www.icfc.ws

India Provides $2M in Scholarships for PhD Students Wishing to Study at UBC

CIEC Author

Source: UBC News via Academica

India has committed close to $2M to fund scholarships for students who want to study science and engineering at UBC. The program was developed with India’s Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and will provide $96,000 each to 20 PhD students from India to cover their living expenses while at UBC. The agreement, reportedly the first of its kind to be signed between SERB and a Canadian university, was conceived of by UBC President Arvind Gupta during a recent trade mission to India. “This scholarship will bring some of India’s bright, young talent to UBC,” said Gupta. “I hope this is the first of many collaborations with the Science and Engineering Research Board to create new opportunities for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and young scholars in both of our countries.” The program will run from 2016–17 to 2020–21.

NSERC 2014 Project Grants Award Almost $40M to Institutions

CIEC Author

Source: Canada News Release via Academica

Research at the University of Waterloo got a boost yesterday from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). uWaterloo will receive more than $5.3 M through the 2014 Strategic Project Grants for 11 research partnerships between the institution and industry. uWaterloo will also receive $9.6 M through the Research Support Fund towards the additional costs incurred during research activities. NSERC’s Strategic Project Grants are designed to increase research and training in 4 key areas: environmental science and technologies, information and communications technologies, manufacturing, and natural resources and energy. This year, $38 M will be distributed to 78 scientific teams at universities across Canada. “The best research brings talented minds together to generate exciting ideas and create the advancements of tomorrow. NSERC is proud to support these strategic projects that extend our knowledge and create new innovations that will define our future,” said NSERC President B Mario Pinto.

Canada Announces Funding for National Accelerator Initiatives

CIEC Author

Source: SFU News Release via Academica

Canada has announced that Ryerson University, [CIEC Academic Member] Simon Fraser University, and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) will receive up to $10.7 M over the next 5 years in support of the Zones of Incubation and Innovation initiative. The funding will be distributed through the Canada Accelerator and Incubator Program (CAIP). The joint initiative between the 3 institutions is intended to provide universities and community-based entrepreneurs involved with digital technology start-ups access to facilities, business development resources, and mentoring. “The Zones of Incubation and Innovation Network will play an important role in SFU’s growing innovation agenda. We are pleased to be partnering with Ryerson University and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology on this initiative and grateful for the financial support provided by the Government of Canada through the CAIP program,” said SFU VP Research Joy Johnson. Canada also announced $2.7 M in funding for The Next 36, a national accelerator and incubator program that includes 9 Canadian universities as academic partners.

Canada Invests in Programs to Support Internationally Educated Health Professionals

CIEC Author

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.

AB Auditor General says MHC Has Implemented All Recommendations from 2013 Report

CIEC Author

Source: CBC via Academica

Medicine Hat College has implemented all recommendations from a 2013 review of its International Education Division (IED). A follow-up report from Auditor General Merwan Saher confirms that MHC administrators have increased the level of awareness and detail in their reporting of international education activities to the board of governors, redefined goals and targets for international activities to align with those of the college, redefined the roles and responsibilities of the IED, and revised and improved monitoring of travel and expense reporting. The report also notes that MHC is cancelling its partnerships in China and improving its contract management practices. “These changes have improved the college’s transparency and accountability for the results of its international education activities,” says the report. MHC has also reportedly implemented a safe-disclosure whistleblower process to allow those with concerns to report them to a third party.

COTR Launches New Strategic Plan

CIEC Author

Source: COTR News Release via Academica

Cranbrook, British Columbia’s College of the Rockies [CIEC Academic Member] has unveiled its new 5-year strategic plan. Entitled Our Road Map to New Heights, the plan introduces a new mission statement—”to transform lives and enrich communities through the power of education”—and a new vision: “to create and deliver the most personal student experience in Canada.” The plan names 4 overarching priorities for the college. These include increasing capacity, improving strategic processes, ensuring financial health, and improving student outcomes. The plan also lays out objectives and desired results for each of these areas. According to the document, COTR will seek to recruit and retain more students and prepare them for the job market or for the next stage on their educational journey. Moreover, the college will work to maximize its resource allocation and increase its revenue from diversified sources. COTR will also focus on improving student access to services such as academic advising and tutoring; short-term medical and mental health support; and social, recreational, and sporting activities. Applied research, demand-driven programs, and program quality will be points of emphasis, as well.

Meet Canada’s New Minister of Foreign Affairs

CIEC Author

Source: Connect: Canada In India

The Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper recently announced changes to the ministry, naming Robert Nicholson Minister of Foreign Affairs. Minister Nicholson was first elected to Parliament in 1984. Immediately prior to the announcement, Mr. Nicholson had been serving as Minister of National Defence since 2013. He will continue the Government’s efforts to ensure that Canada’s foreign policy reflects true Canadian values and advances Canada’s national interests.

Prime Minister Harper was quoted as saying “Our Government is delivering real results for Canadians by growing the economy, making communities safer, and standing up for Canadian values at home and abroad. The changes to the Ministry announced today will help ensure that key portfolios continue to have the strong leadership required to advance Canadian priorities.”

triOS Recognized with Best Managed Companies Award

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Source: triOS News Release via Academica

triOS College has been recognized with an award as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. This is the fifth consecutive year triOS has received the honour, which recognizes Canadian-owned and managed companies with revenues over $10 M. Recipients are evaluated based on how they address business challenges including new technologies, globalization, brand management, designing information systems, and recruitment and hiring. “Being named as a best managed company for a fifth year in a row validates that we are reaching our goal of improving lives by sharing our knowledge and passion for excellence,” said triOS CEO Frank Gerencser.

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

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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.

PSE Experiencing “System Stasis,” Not “Creative Destruction”

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Source: Contact North via Academica

An opinion piece published by Contact North argues that “there is little convincing evidence that a real transformation of programs, colleges, and universities is occurring because of technology.” The essay responds primarily to the idea that PSE is becoming “unbundled,” and the claim made by Clayton Christensen—who coined the phrase “disruptive innovation”—that “a creative destruction is happening in higher education with technology as the trigger and the driver.” The essay argues that technology has not yet begun to fundamentally change timetables, program design, use of physical space, or hiring practices; moreover, it says that there has not yet been significant unbundling of programs or courses. The piece also argues that student assessment in 2015 looks much as it did in 1995, and that while mobility between colleges and universities has become commonplace, movement is “neither endemic nor substantive.” It says that badges pose little threat to present assessment systems, and that students are not actively demanding technology-enhanced learning. The essay cites several reasons for “system stasis,” including the nature of government funding and quality assurance, as well as the reality that faculty workloads inhibit faculty members’ ability to experiment with truly innovative approaches.

UBC VP Outlines 3 Common Responses to Unbundling

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Source: Vancouver Sun via Academica

In an op-ed for the Vancouver Sun, UBC VP Anji Redish examines how technology is “destabilizing and empowering the educational landcape.” Redish notes that a key characteristic of the current technological moment is the disaggregation, or unbundling, of traditional university functions. Redish identifies 3 common reactions to unbundling. First, she notes that some institutions are investing in technologies that facilitate blended learning and flipped classrooms, or restructuring programs around modularization and personalized, competency-based assessment. Second, she sees more collaboration between institutions in pursuit of common goals, such as when colleges join forces with universities to provide high-quality, hands-on training bolstered by strong research expertise. Finally, she sees institutions expanding access to new segments of students. “Universities will survive this latest turbulence, but not all, and those that do may bear as little resemblance to the universities of the late 20th century as those universities did to the medieval institutions of the same name,” she concludes.

AUCC Shares International Perspectives on Innovation

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Source: AUCC Report via Academica

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada has published a new report that identifies what it says are elements of a successful national innovation system. The report, entitled Toward Stronger Innovation Systems: Lessons from AUCC’s Innovation Policy Dialogue, draws on meetings between education leaders from Canada, Germany, and Israel. It highlights a number of elements common to successful innovation systems, including support for basic research; the involvement of students as researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs; support for creativity and risk-taking in research; multidisciplinary collaboration; and strong ties between universities and industry. The report suggests ways in which Canada can adapt lessons from abroad, such as by encouraging risk-taking through the funding of applied research and commercialization activities with the understanding that some projects will inevitably fail, and by offering students the opportunity to interact with industry and industry-experienced faculty members.

PSE Should Exercise Caution When Importing Ideas From The Business World

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Source: The Chronicle of Higher Education via Academica

In an article for The Chronicle of Higher Education, Mark Burstein, President of Wisconsin’s Lawrence University, examines the often unanticipated drawbacks of importing ideas from the business world to PSE. Burstein says that while business tools and strategies can help colleges and universities address a number of key challenges, it is critical to consider whether or not they truly improve student learning. He argues that campus leaders must be wary that business philosophies and concepts do not undermine institutions’ educational missions. Burstein says that in the US, many institutions have been forced to rely on business advice due to government regulation; this has contributed, he argues, to a growing compensation gap between front-line staff members and senior administration, with a negative impact on the academic community. Burstein also warns against treating students like customers. He says that the service industry’s mission is to delight its customers, but that PSE institutions should be prepared to challenge students in ways that are not always delightful. He further warns that some business models risk disenfranchising members of campus communities, undermining the learning environment. “If business concepts dominate our thinking about the future, we will have lost our way,” he concludes.

CBU Students, Faculty, and Administration Campaign for Zero Tuition

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Source: Chronicle-Herald via Academica

Cape Breton University’s student union, faculty association, and administration have banded together to campaign for free university tuition. In a recent post on Academica’s Rethinking Higher Ed Forum, CBU President David Wheeler called on provincial and federal politicians to take action against rising tuition fees and student debt levels, proposing that “the most elegant solution… would be the removal of student tuition altogether, funded by a system of progressive taxation at the federal level, and backed by needs-based living expense grants at the provincial level.” Now Wheeler, CBU’s faculty association, and CBU’s student union have created a website urging other universities to join the cause. The site also includes an open letter to federal politicians asking them to initiate a national debate on free tuition. “It is a federal election year, and we do believe that this topic merits attention by our federal leaders,” said Wheeler.

UBC Receives $5M For New Sports Medicine Facility

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Source: UBC News Release via Academica

UBC has received a $5 M donation from local physician Chan Gunn toward the construction of a new facility devoted to sports medicine and the field of pain relief. The Chan Gunn Pavilion will be the new home of UBC’s sport and exercise medicine centre. The centre provides space for research, teaching, and patient care. Gunn made the donation in recognition of UBC’s efforts to research, teach, and use intramuscular stimulation (IMS), which was developed by Gunn as a non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical pain-relief technique. “The Chan Gunn Pavilion will create capacity to integrate IMS into the Division of Sports Medicine, and to expand research, teaching, and care into that technique and other therapies for sports injury and exercise-related health care,” said Gavin Stuart, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and VP Health. UBC is also committing $2.25 M toward the first phase of construction, expected to begin in December 2015, and will continue fundraising for the second phase. Gunn’s donation is part of UBC’s “start an evolution” campaign.

AB Education Cuts Would Come at Cost of Excellence

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Source: Globe and Mail via Academica

Cuts to postsecondary funding in Alberta could have dire consequences for future generations, warns young entrepreneur and Rethinking Higher Ed contributor Emerson Csorba. Csorba, Director of Gen Y Inc, a multigenerational culture consultancy, argues that the province’s education system constitutes one of its most significant advantages. Possible cuts to PSE could threaten the province’s resilience in the face of unexpected events like the recent drop in oil prices. Cuts, Csorba writes, “would allow Alberta to balance the budget in the short term at the expense of Alberta’s long-term prosperity, specifically by worsening socioeconomic disparities.” He notes that economic inequality in AB has increased at a faster rate than the national average, and argues that the province’s PSE sector has a critical role to play in narrowing the gap. AB is reportedly considering dropping its tuition fee increase cap, while institutions are preparing for likely budget cuts. Mount Royal University this week announced that it was increasing student fees by 65% for full-time students; VP Administrative Services Duane Anderson said that the increase was necessary, citing “the fiscal realities facing our province and all postsecondary institutions across Canada.”

Initiatives Aim to Inspire Girls to Pursue Careers in Sciences

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Source: Winnipeg Free Press via Academica

An article published by the Canadian Press highlights efforts being made by Canadian universities to attract girls to the sciences and engineering. uToronto and UBC have recently reported increases in the number of women entering their engineering programs, but there is still a significant gender gap in many STEM-related professions. According to Engineers Canada, just 18.3% of undergraduate engineering degrees awarded in 2013 went to women. PSE institutions are working with other organizations to fix that by engaging girls before they reach high school. Research has shown that many girls lose their interest in the sciences by  the time they enter ninth grade, meaning that many don’t take the advanced courses they need to enter STEM programs at university. Ottawa-based charity Actua works with 33 Canadian institutions to offer girls-only science classes in the hopes of encouraging interest and inspiring confidence in participants, as well as getting parents to encourage young girls’ aspirations for STEM-related careers.

Indian Government to Draft New Education Policy

CIEC Author

Source: The PIE News

For the first time in more than two decades, the government of India is drafting a new education policy which will include reforms on the internationalisation in higher education, digitisation of education and skills development.

The government has released 33 discussion themes– 13 for secondary, 20 for post-secondary– to the public for consultation, a process which the government expects could take up to a year.

Speaking about the government’s new approach to internationalisation, Richard Everitt, director of education at the British Council in India said: “It’s not whether it should happen, but how to make it happen.”

Strengthening of vocational education; promotion of languages; integrating skills development in higher education; promoting open and distance learning and online courses; and engagement with industry to link education to employability are among other topics available for discussion on the government’s website until the end of March.

International education stakeholders in the country say the list of proposed discussion themes show the government is taking a relevant approach to modernise the current education environment.

Click here to view the full article…

Tri-Council Releases Open Access Policy

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Source: Canada News Release via Academica

A new policy introduced on Friday stipulates that Canadians will have free online access to tri-council-funded research. Under the new Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications, all peer-reviewed journal publications funded by a tri-council agency must be made freely available online within one year. The policy will apply to NSERC- and SSHRC-funded researchers who are awarded grants after May 1, 2015; CIHR-funded researchers have been subject to a similar policy since 2008. Researchers can comply with the policy either by “self-archiving” their manuscript with an accessible online repository, or by publishing in a journal that offers open access within 12 months of publication. “With this new Open Access policy, the Tri-Agencies are adopting a single, harmonized approach to promoting Canadian research to the world. The policy both reflects and facilitates new forms of collaboration that are a hallmark of scholarship in the social sciences and the humanities,” said Ted Hewitt, Executive Vice-President of SSHRC.

Academica Group collaborates on IEHP bridging program research

CIEC Author

Source: HEQCO Summary via Academica

The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) has published a new evaluation of post-secondary bridging programs for internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs). The research was conducted by Academica Group in collaboration with researchers from Western University, the University of Ottawa, McMaster University, the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, and the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science. It examined 7 bridging programs, finding that in spite of differences between programs, each faced similar challenges around finding clinical placements for students. Funding was another common challenge; many programs received pilot funding, but were then expected to rely on tuition fees. However, variable labour market demand and immigration policies have led to fluctuating enrolment numbers, hampering long-term planning. The report recommends designing programs that offer theoretical learning alongside a practical component that should include the opportunity to learn about the Canadian workplace and the Canadian healthcare system. The report also recommends offering flexible, modular program delivery; hiring faculty who are particularly sensitive to the needs of IEHPs; better inclusion and coordination of stakeholders; sustainable and coordinated funding; and a centralized registry of bridging programs.

University Degrees Pay Off Over the Long Term

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Source: Financial Post via Academica

The Financial Post has crunched the numbers to determine whether students would earn more by paying tuition for 4 years or by investing the same amount of money in a retirement fund. The study assumes that the average cost of a degree is $68,933; assuming a 5% return annually over 45 years, that amount would be worth $619,364 as an investment, and would offer students the chance to put in 4 years more time in the labour force. Based on an average income of $30,817 for a high school graduate, the hypothetical individual could, were they able to bank 100% of their after-tax earnings, make another $800,000 by investing their money at a 5% return, for a total of $1.4 M in 45 years’ time. That’s the same amount that the Council of Ontario Universities suggests a university graduate will make in excess of an individual with a high school diploma. However, this figure does not take into account increases in earnings due to inflation, which could lead to the university graduate earning an excess of closer to $2.1 M; wisely invested, that could make the value of a degree as much as $3.8 M greater than that of a high school diploma. A university graduate, the article says, is “more likely to be more financially independent during their working and retirement years,” and would have more options available to them.

Why Canadians Shouldn’t Worry About Where Universities Appear in Global Rankings

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Source: University Affairs via Academica

Canadians institutions shouldn’t worry too much about their placement in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, argue Robert Lacroix and Louis Maheu. Lacroix and Maheu say that the THE rankings are highly unstable, especially when it comes to evaluating reputational factors. They suggest that Canadian schools’ performance have been hit significantly hard by these subjective scores: in the THE rankings, the 2 factors influenced by reputational surveys accounted for 94% of Canadian schools’ drop in total score. In contrast, Canadian universities’ performances in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Academic Ranking of World Universities have been more stable, possibly because those rankings do not include a reputational survey. Lacroix and Maheu also apply a 6-factor macro-economic model to compare research-intensive universities. When applying this model, they found that Canada has a higher proportion of research universities among the top 200 than expected. This finding corroborates their belief that countries with higher economic density tend to perform better under some ranking methodologies.

Everest College Files For Bankruptcy Protection

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Source: CBC via Academica

Everest College filed for bankruptcy protection on Friday, one day after Ontario shut down its 14 campuses in the province. Provincial Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities Reza Moridi said, “since the suspension occurred, the superintendent [of private career colleges] has been working diligently to put training completion plans into place for students. While this is still a challenging situation for students, Everest’s bankruptcy does not change these ongoing efforts.” Moridi also emphasized that the bankruptcy should not affect the province’s ability to administer the Training Completion Assurance Fund set aside for Everest’s former students.

Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to India Jess Dutton Meets Students at NGO in Patna

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Source: High Commission of Canada

Deputy High Commissioner for Canada to India, Jess Dutton interacted with students at a Aga Khan Foundation early child development centre in Patna, Bihar, supported by Canada. 

During his visit to Bihar, Deputy High Commissioner Dutton also spoke on ending child, early and forced marriage (#‎CEFM) and #‎GirlsRights at a Canada-India seminar organized in collaboration with NGO Jagran Pehel at the Patna Women’s College. 

#‎GirlsRights and providing equal opportunities and education for girls is a priority for both Canada and India. The “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign in India is aligned with Canada’s global priority on ending #‎CEFM. Canadian missions in India have been collaborating with and supporting local partners to increase awareness on #GirlsRights. In addition to providing grants, some of their initiatives include organizing plays and conducting seminars and workshops.

Other panelists and speakers at the seminar included Dr. Sister Marie Jessie A.C., Principal – Patna Women’s College; Dr. N Vijaya Lakshmi, Chief Executive Officer, JEEVIKA, BRLPS; Dr. Arun Verma, Member, Bihar Commission for Protection of Child Rights; and Mr. Sayed Mansoor Umar Qadri, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF India, Bihar.

Ontario Shuts Down Everest College

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Source: CCO News Release via Academica

Citing financial concerns, Ontario’s Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities has suspended the operations of Everest College, a private career college with 14 locations in the province. Approximately 2,400 students and 450 staff have been affected by the move. Everest College is owned by the US-based Corinthian Colleges, which has been under investigation by the US government. The province said that it has allocated $3 M for students who wish to apply for refunds; students may also be eligible to transfer their tuition to comparable programs. “Our first concern is for the students and faculty affected by the suspension of all Everest College campus activities,” said Minister Reza Moridi. Corinthian spokesperson Joe Hixson said that Ontario’s action took the company by surprise. “We were informed this morning, just like the students were,” he said. “We’ve been working with the ministry for the past few months to try to find a path forward, so this came, in our mind, out of nowhere.” In a statement, Career Colleges Ontario (CCO) said that “this cessation is an adverse result of the US parent company… terminating its operations in the United States last year… CCO is diligently working alongside the MTCU to transfer existing Everest College students to alternative career colleges, while ensuring that all current students are properly accommodated.”

Universities Should Make Better Use of Campus Radio

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Source: University Affairs via Academica

An article in University Affairs suggests that some Canadian universities may not be taking full advantage of their campus radio stations. Benjamin Miller argues that radio can offer universities strategic and pedagogic benefits, being an especially useful tool for appealing to new immigrants and international students. Many campus stations broadcast content that is in neither French nor English, quickly reaching a diverse audience. Universities can also use their radio stations to develop their campus identity, interacting with their communities and providing a platform to share the work of different departments. Professors, for instance, might broadcast course-related podcasts or develop class projects that incorporate radio as a multimedia element. “Campus radio is a strategic asset for reaching out to thousands of potential students across Canada. It is a wonderful part of university life, and universities can only benefit by using it better,” writes Miller.

Mohawk Launches Initiative to Attract More International Students

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Source: Hamilton Spectator via Academica

Mohawk College is launching a year-long campaign to bring more international students to the college and to Hamilton. Through the Welcoming Communities project, Mohawk will work with international students, local employers, and community representatives to identify ways to attract foreign students and convince them to stay in the city. The college will identify between 8 and 12 key initiatives and develop action plans for each. Mohawk President Ron McKerlie said that the project is motivated in part by a recent report from the Conference Board of Canada that gave Hamilton a D grade for attracting and retaining skilled workers. Mohawk has set a goal of doubling the number of international students attending the college. “It is important for us to be a welcoming community,” McKerlie said. “We really think there’s an opportunity… to improve Hamilton as a destination or to set up a business.”

uWindsor Sports Management MA Ranked Among the Top 25 in the World

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Source: uWindsor News Release via Academica

The University of Windsor’s sports management MA program is among the best of its kind in the world, according to rankings released by SportsBusiness International magazine. uWindsor’s program, offered through the department of kinesiology, finished in the top 25 for the third time. The rankings are based on a survey of 500 alumni of similar programs around the world. The top 5 programs will be named in April; last year, first place went to Ohio University. “We are the only university in Canada ranked among the top 25 … Thanks to our placement in these rankings we can confidently tell our students what we have always known: they are attending one of the most prestigious sport management programs in the world,” said uWindsor professor Jess Dixon, a graduate of the program.

New Agreement Makes It Easier For Universities to Hire Foreign Workers

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Source: Globe and Mail via Academica | February 18, 2015

A new agreement between the federal government and Canada’s PSE institutions will relax some of the regulations around hiring foreign workers, reports the Globe and Mail. Universities and colleges will no longer have to submit a plan on transitioning jobs held by foreign workers to Canadian citizens, and will now report to the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). New regulations to the temporary foreign workers program were implemented last June, affecting the ability of universities and colleges to recruit internationally. “I think that the government recognized that there are broader public policy objectives here: that universities can continue to meet their teaching and research needs, and to ensure that they can attract new knowledge and expertise from around the world,” said AUCC VP Christine Tausig Ford.

MUN Releases 5-year Strategic Internationalization Plan

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

Memorial University has released its Strategic Internationalization Plan 2020, which the institution says will guide a series of ambitious initiatives over the next 5 years. The plan, approved by MUN’s board of governors on February 5, is designed to support Newfoundland and Labrador’s forthcoming population growth strategy as well as enhance the local and international experience of MUN students, faculty, researchers, and staff. The plan includes 7 specific recommendations, including that MUN develop intercultural competencies in all its students; strengthen its structures and processes to attract and retain international students, faculty, and personnel; better articulate and market its value proposition; transition the International Centre to a Internationalization Office, which will oversee the implementation of the plan; position itself to attract international research collaborations; and pursue the internationalization of all of its programs. A draft plan had been circulated in September.