Carleton considering facelift
Carleton University’s proposed master plan calls for a major facelift as well as a “dramatic re-orientation” to take advantage of the neighbouring Rideau River. The plan, produced by a Toronto architectural firm, has been presented to the board of governors. Other features include bringing more parking under cover; improved aesthetic quality of buildings and landscape; and giving pedestrians precedence, followed by cyclists, public transit and then cars and trucks.
– Ottawa Citizen
Subway integral to York’s future
Toronto planners foresee York University surrounded by office towers, a research park and thousands of homes. Central to that growth is a new Spadina subway line expected to open in 2015, creating a high-density corridor for students, workers and residents. City council has approved a plan for development of 56 hectares of surplus land.
– Toronto Star
China drops Calgary
Has the second shoe dropped at the University of Calgary, which last year gave an honorary degree to the Dalai Lama? China has eliminated the university from its accredited institutions. The first sign came in December when China’s education ministry dropped Calgary from its website. The impact on Chinese nationals who are graduates or pursuing a degree is unknown.
– Calgary Herald
Petter to head SFU
Former B.C. Attorney Genral Andrew Petter has been appointed the ninth president of Simon Fraser University. Petter, past dean of the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Law, held a number of cabinet postings under NDP Premier Mike Harcourt.
– Simon Fraser University
Fee proposed to avert layoffs
The University of Alberta’s general faculties council has proposed a new annual student fee of up to $570 to help avoid staff layoffs. If passed Alberta would create the Common Student Space, Sustainability and Safety Fee. The university faces a $59-million deficit in this spring’s budget and needs to cut services or raise revenue. Last month, the university offered early retirement packages.
– Edmonton Journal
New take on tenure needed
The leader of the largest university in the United States thinks it’s time to re-examine how professors are awarded tenure by placing more emphasis on teaching. Ohio State University President Gordon Gee says the traditional formula that rewards publishing in scholarly journals over excellence in teaching and other contributions is outdated. Gee said a new approach to tenure is needed to ensure the university stays relevant to students and the outside world. “The universities of the 21st century are going to be the smokestacks of the century. The notion of the large, massive public university that can exist in isolated splendour is dead.”
– Associated Press
