New Brunswick puts $1 million toward aboriginal education
The government of New Brunswick has announced that it will invest over $1 million to assist aboriginals in pursuing post-secondary education.
The money will go toward recruiting university and college students from native communities, and to creating native-specific curricula and outreach programs.
With its share of funds, the University of New Brunswick will establish a bachelor’s degree in First Nations governance and management, the first undergraduate degree of its kind in Canada. It will also hire an aboriginal elder-in-residence to provide support for students.
St. Thomas University plans to hire a director of aboriginal education, and the New Brunswick Community College is poised to hire three full-time aboriginal coordinators. New Brunswick education minister Donald Arseneault says the funding initiative will allow more of the province’s native communities “the opportunity to obtain a post-secondary education and be better educated and better positioned for success.”—Kate Adach
Source: New Brunswick news release
Facebook Funds PhD Fellowships for Techies
With tuition costs rising, PhD applicants can now apply for funding through Facebook.
The Palo Alto social media company has launched a Facebook Fellowship Program for PhD students applying to U.S. universities this year. Yes, Canadian students can apply. Eligible doctoral students are those in computer science, electrical engineering, and related fields, as Facebook is seeking researchers who can help solve technological challenges.
In order to attract the best and brightest, Facebook is offering a generous package: each award will cover full tuition and fees for the 2010-2011 year, a $30,000 stipend, and $5,000 toward conference travel. Another $5,000 will be provided for “a personal computer.” At that price, Facebook researchers could have one sweet laptop.
Applications to the Facebook Fellowship Program are due February 15. For more information, click here.—KA
University of Victoria to evict man 13 years after his graduation
Alkis Gerd’son took up residence in U of Vic in 1991, completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1993 and his Bachelor of Education degree in 1997. Since then Gerd’son has remained in residence for 13 years, registered in the business management program under the division of continuing studies.
Gerd’son challenged the university when he received notice of eviction August 2008, arguing he was persecuted because of an unspecified disability. The university countered that Gerd’son’s room was needed for full-time students with disabilities living on campus.
B.C. Supreme Court Justice John Truscott ruled in favour of the U of Vic, saying that an updated tenancy agreement signed by the two parties in 2007 gave the university the right to stop renewing Gerd’son’s lease.
Kim Hart Wensley, U of Vic’s associate vice-president of faculty relations, said she did not know how Ger’son had managed to stay for so long, but maintains university officials will try to help him find housing.—Ariel Lewis
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist
Ex-prof accused of fraud
The University of Victoria is reviewing its hiring practices after a former assistant adjunct professor was arrested for falsely claiming to hold two doctoral degrees. University spokeswoman Patty Pitts confirmed Walker taught three undergrad courses and one graduate course at the university around 2006.
University policy requires professors to have a doctorate to teach a graduate course, but the requirements for part-time adjunct professors vary among faculties.
“Quite often, the appointment is based on the reputation of the individual, recommendations from other researchers, and the person’s ongoing affiliations with other institutions or organizations,” Pitts said.
The Vancouver Island Health Authority also confirmed that Walker worked for them from 2006 to 2008. Prior to hiring Walker, VIHA checked his employment references, but not his academic credentials. Marilyn Rook, a former VIHA executive vice-president and chief operating officer, who had worked with Walker, said she’s surprised that he falsified two PhDs “because he’s smart enough to have [them].”—Zakia Chowdhury
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist
