May 6, 2008
The University of Western Ontario: Work Visa Changes Help International Students
On April 21, Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced sweeping changes to work permits for international students who graduate from eligible programs at qualifying Canadian post-secondary institutions. The change is intended to help attract foreign students to Canada. Effective immediately qualified international students are able to obtain an open work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. This new program has no restrictions on the type of employment and no requirement for a job offer. The duration of the permit has been extended to three years across the country. Previously, the program only allowed international students to work for one or two years, depending on location. Students studying in Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver were only eligible for a one-year work permit. "The Government of Canada wants more foreign students to choose Canada and we want to help them succeed," said Finley. "Open and longer work permits provide international students with more opportunities for Canadian work experience and skills development. This will, in turn, help make Canada a destination of choice, and help us keep international students already studying in Canada." The increased flexibility will benefit graduates and employers alike as the program will help international students get important work experience and at the same time respond to Canada's labour market needs. The Citizenship and Immigration media release says “Canada will benefit in the long run as the professional experience gained will help graduates meet the requirements to stay permanently in Canada.”
"As we move toward the implementation of the Canadian Experience Class, these changes will help create a pool of individuals who, with work experience, will find it easier to apply to immigrate to Canada," Finley said. She added "Our ability to retain international graduates with Canadian qualifications, work experience and familiarity with Canadian society, will help increase our competitiveness and benefit Canada as a whole." The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allows students who have graduated from an eligible program at a post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Preliminary data indicate that 63,673 international students came to Canada in 2007, a 4.6-per-cent increase over the previous year. To qualify for immigration under the Canadian Experience Class a minimum of one year of work experience in managerial, professional or technical positions is required. Employment positions that will qualify are those at level 0, A or B under the National Occupational Classification system. To qualify for extending the duration of the work permit to three years a student’s program of study must be at least two years. The open work permit will grant flexibility but only certain jobs will qualify for Skilled Worker consideration. Students who are in Canada now can apply to extend their Post-Graduate Work Permits under the new program. To be eligible for the program, international students must have studied full-time for the eight months preceding the completion of their program of studies and have graduated from: a public post-secondary institution, such as a college, university or CEGEP (in Quebec); a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as public institutions, and that receives at least 50 per cent of its financing for its overall operations from government grants (currently, only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify); or a Canadian private institution authorized by provincial or territorial statute to confer degrees. Other requirements include: Must apply for a work permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation (for example, a transcript or an official letter) from the institution that they have met the requirements of the academic program; Must have completed and passed the program of study and received a notification that they are eligible to obtain their degree, diploma or certificate; Must have a valid study permit when they apply for the work permit; If the student's program of study is less than two years but at least eight months, the student would be still eligible for a post-graduate work permit. However, the validity period of the work permit must not be longer than the period of study of the graduate at the particular post-secondary institution in Canada.
International students not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program include the following: Students participating in a Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program or a Government of Canada Awards Program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Students receiving funding from the Canadian International Development Agency and participating in a distance learning program; Students who have previously been issued a post-graduation work permit after any other program of study. However, note that graduates who are already working with a work permit issued under the previous rules are eligible to apply for an extension.
Source: The University of Western Ontario
May 2, 2008
Queen’s University Appoints New Chancellor
David A. Dodge, former Governor of the Bank of Canada, has been elected Chancellor of Queen’s University. His appointment to the university’s highest office was unanimously endorsed by Queen’s University Council at its annual meeting today. The 13th Chancellor of Queen’s, Dr. Dodge succeeds A. Charles Baillie who has held the position since 2002. “Queen’s is deeply honoured to have such a distinguished and accomplished Canadian, and Queen’s alumnus, serve in this important leadership role as we enter an exciting chapter in postsecondary education in the province, the nation and the global community,” says William Young, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “We warmly welcome David Dodge home to his alma mater after a brilliant career in the public service.” Dr. Dodge, whose appointment as Chancellor becomes effective July 1, received an undergraduate degree in Economics from Queen’s and a Ph.D. from Princeton University. He taught Economics at Queen’s for several years but ultimately chose a career in the Public Service of Canada. He served as Deputy Minister of Finance from 1992 to 1997 and was appointed Deputy Minister of Health in 1998. In February 2001 he was appointed Governor of the Bank of Canada for a seven-year term. He received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Queen’s in May 2002 and was appointed to the Queen’s University Board of Trustees in June 2007. In December 2007, Dr. Dodge was named an Officer of the Order of Canada. Dr. Dodge was Associate Professor of Canadian Studies and International Economics at the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University; Senior Fellow in the Faculty of Commerce at the University of British Columbia; and Visiting Professor in the Department of Economics at Simon Fraser University. He has also served as Director of the International Economics Program of the Institute for Research on Public Policy. Dr. Dodge and his wife Christiane (nee Schweiger), an Arts'65 graduate of Queen’s, reside in Ottawa.
Source: Queen's University, Ontario
April 23, 2008
Malaspina University-College: Province to Establish Vancouver Island University
Malaspina University-College will become a university, to be called Vancouver Island University (VIU), Premier Gordon Campbell and Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell announced today. “As the first-ever Vancouver Island university based outside the greater Victoria region, Vancouver Island University will be a critical educational, social and economic hub, giving thousands of students from Vancouver Island a chance to get the education they want closer to home,” said Premier Campbell. “VIU will build on its international reputation for its Aboriginal-focused programs, leading-edge Coastal Resource Management programs, and trades and technology programs.” Pending amendments to B.C.’s University Act, the new Vancouver Island University will focus on the training needs of the region and build on its provincial, national and international reputation in its key areas of specialization and excellence, which include its First Nations studies, Coastal Resource Management and trades and applied technology. “It was clear from the Campus 2020 process that British Columbians want access to university degree programs closer to home,” said Coell. “Creating this new university is part of our vision for post-secondary education in BC includes a responsive system that creates more high-quality opportunities for students, and to be a leader in research support.” The institution began as a community college in 1969 and became a vocational school in 1971 to provide career, technical and trades programs. In 1989 Malaspina was designated a university college. It has campuses in Nanaimo, Cowichan, Parksville-Qualicum and Powell River. “University status will bring enormous benefits to our students and communities, while retaining our local focus and our emphasis, above all, on excellent teaching,” said Malaspina University College president Ralph Nilson. “We plan to continue our leading role in strengthening the economic, social and cultural conditions within our region.” “This is incredible news for our community,” said Nanaimo-Parksville MLA Ron Cantelon. “This new status will have far-reaching economic benefits for our local economy and industry in our region.” Malaspina University-College has an enrolment of 19,124 students, including 1,129 international students. Since 2001, the Province has increased operating funding for Malaspina by $11M and invested $23.6M in capital projects, which includes acquisition of 40 per cent of the Cowichan Fairgrounds for future development.
Source: Malaspina University-College, British Columbia
April 23, 2008
Concordia University Unveils New Public Artwork: Heads of Engineering
On Thursday, April 24th, 2008 Concordia University’s Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science will unveil a new public artwork titled Heads of Engineering. Created by conceptual photographer Geraldo Pace, this series of large, Surrealist-inspired photographs will be installed along the interior passage of the Guy Street concourse of the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV Complex), visible to the public both from within the building and from outdoors along the Guy Street corridor.
Source: Concordia University, Quebec
April 22, 2008
Concordia University: Concordian Wins NanoQuebec’s First Nano-Academia Award
Concordia University is pleased to announce that Dr. Suong Van Hoa has been awarded the inaugural Nano-Academia Award by NanoQuebec. The award ceremony was held last night at the Palais des Congrès during the NanoQuebec-Nano 2008 summit, which is taking place as part of the INNO.08 conference. This prize recognizes a Quebec academic who has been directly involved in a nanotechnological development as a direct result of his research. "Dr. Hoa is one of the most recognized names in composites and materials research in Canada, and is well-known internationally in his field. His abilities as a world class researcher are matched by his enthusiasm, imagination and entrepreneurship” said the university’s Vice-President, Research and Graduate Studies, Dr. Louise Dandurand. “We’re very proud that he is the first person to be awarded this prize,” The highly specialized work done by Dr. Hoa over the past 29 years has important real-world applications that go far beyond the laboratory. As director of the Concordia Centre for Composites (CONCOM), Dr. Hoa and his team have long worked with companies such as Bell Helicopter Textron, Pratt & Whitney Canada and Bombardier in the Montreal area, and collaborated with Japanese, French, Italian and American groups. His work with Bell Helicopter resulted in a prestigious NSERC Synergy Award in October 2006. One of his most recent creations is a helicopter landing gear cross-piece he is developing at Concordia — a world first in load-bearing composites. Once in production, it will improve performance and lower long-term costs for manufacturer and users. His collaboration with SMEs such as TANKCON FRP, MPB Communications Technologies, Epoxy Tech and Delastek has helped them move up the value chain and become major suppliers of sophisticated elements in the aerospace and transport industries.
Source: Concordia University, Quebec
April 15, 2008
University of Alberta: Triffo Gift to Create Scholarships and Building Dedication
A $1 million donation from Ronald and Dorothy Triffo to the University of Alberta will provide graduate students with support both structural and financial. The university's historic South Lab building is now officially called Triffo Hall, in recognition of their generosity, which will also -with matching funds from the Alberta government-endow three new graduate student scholarships and help maintain the landmark hall. Built in 1914-15, Triffo Hall will serve as the focal point for graduate-student activity on campus and the Killam Centre for Advanced Studies will be its first occupants. The gradudate student scholarships will be made available in engineering, in honour of Ron Triffo, a civil engineer, and two in business, in honour of the Triffo's daughters, Dyan and Karyn, alumnae of the U of A business school and highly-successful business leaders in their own right. The Killlam Centre will serve as the symbolic home for the advanced-studies community at the university, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and graduate programs. The university currently has more than 6,000 graduate students and is poised to increase the number by 2,500 over the next five years and its ability to recruit and retain some of the best graduate minds in the world is dependant on being able to provide a facility that will support this growing student population. Triffo is chairman of Stantec Inc., an Edmonton-based international engineering and professional services company, where he has served in various executive management positions for more than 25 years. He also serves as chair of the Alberta Ingenuity Fund and is the immediate past-chair of ATB Financial and the Alberta Economic Development Authority. In addition, Triffo sits on the board of Alberta's Promise and Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta. In 2007 he was honoured as the inaugural recipient of the Alberta Lieutenant Governor's Award for Distinguished Achievement from the Consulting Engineers of Alberta and, in 2005, was inducted into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame.
Source: University of Alberta
April 11, 2008
Province Gives Wilfrid Laurier University $5 Million for Campus Renewal Projects
The Ontario government is giving Wilfrid Laurier University $5 million for capital improvements involving energy efficiency, classroom modernization and campus safety. The funding was announced today by Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Leeanna Pendergast on behalf of the Honorable John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and MPP for Kitchener Centre. The money is part of the $200 million announced in the recent provincial budget for campus maintenance and renewal at Ontario universities in 2007-2008. “There is a pressing need for investments in the post-secondary sector that enable us to renew our institutions and provide our students with a quality learning environment,” said Laurier president Dr. Max Blouw. “Minister Milloy and his colleagues in government clearly understand this need, and we thank them for it.” Laurier will use its portion of the funding for a variety of projects related to energy efficiency, classroom modernization and campus safety. Some specific projects include: Replacement of 93 windows in a heritage building on Laurier’s Brantford campus; replacing the HVAC system in two buildings; a computerized utility monitoring system to track, and help reduce, energy consumption; a pilot project to install energy-saving outdoor LED lighting; additional outdoor lighting and security poles to improve campus safety; accessibility improvements.
“Universities have a great deal of physical infrastructure to maintain,” said Jim Butler, Laurier’s vice-president, finance and administration. “This investment will help us improve Laurier’s learning and research environment while making our campuses safer and more energy efficient.”
Source: Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario
April 11, 2008
Ontario Government Supports York University Campus Renewal
A grant of more than $18.5 million from the Government of Ontario will help ensure York University’s facilities are better equipped for cutting-edge research and today’s teaching needs. “This funding is vital to York’s future as we work with the government on a long-term plan for renewal that addresses both projected enrolment growth as well as critical teaching and research needs,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor of York University. “The Ontario government’s support of campus renewal projects will benefit York students with more modern classrooms, labs and other learning spaces.” York University will also receive a grant of $500,000 to support Ontario EcoSchools programming. This environmental education program aims to influence young people during a formative period of life, and encourage students to take a culture of conservation home with them. The funds will be used to revise curriculum-linked teaching resources, provide outreach activities and offer EcoSchools certification for those teaching ecological literacy. It will also help conserve energy, minimize waste and green the grounds. “EcoSchools is another way for York to lead the way in efficiency and conservation,” said Shoukri. Ontario has designated $200 million for campus renewal across the province. These investments are in addition to January’s commitment of $135 million for campus renewal, and are 12 times the annual contribution of the $26.7 million universities ordinarily receive through the Facilities Renewal Program.
Source: York University, Ontario
April 10, 2008
Adler School Receives "Innovative Practices in Graduate Education in Psychology" Award
The Adler School of Professional Psychology has been awarded the 2007 American Psychological Association, Board of Educational Affairs (BEA) Award for Innovative Practices in Graduate Education in Psychology for its commitment to educating and training socially responsible psychologists through innovative programs. "We pride ourselves on our unique and innovative programs that prepare students to make real change in their communities, "said Raymond Crossman, Ph.D, president of Adler School. "It is gratifying to be recognized for that innovation by an organization such as the American Psychological Association." The BEA sponsors the annual award in conjunction with the Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology (COGDOP). Each year the award recognizes creative approaches to the education and training of psychology graduate students. Over the last two years, the Adler School has restructured its curricula in a way that is unlike any other psychology doctorate or master's program in the country. The change reflects a distinctive and discerning commitment to social responsibility. That commitment can be seen in every aspect of the School's curriculum and work. "A new sense of energy and excitement has emerged since we made social responsibility our primary focus and began aligning our programs and work with society's needs, a concept Alfred Adler championed decades ago," said Crossman. "We are pioneering new programs and new ways to apply psychology to community problems." In addition to recharting its Vision and Mission, the Adler School has launched other organizational innovations. The School has introduced a Community Service Practicum, one of the first nonclinical service-learning practicums to be offered as part of a graduate psychology curriculum. All first-year students must complete 150 hours of service within a community organization. They gain real-life experience in legislative initiatives, grant writing, advocacy, fund-raising, education program development and other activities. The Adler School has also created the Master of Arts in Police Psychology Program, the only program of its kind in the nation designed specifically for officers within the law enforcement community. Another innovation includes the establishment of the Adler Institute on Social Exclusion, which uses applied research, community outreach, and public awareness to impact social change.
Source: Adler School of Professional Psychology, Chicago (USA) & Vancouver (Canada)
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