News Briefs

May 27, 2011

Buying university spots

LONDON – Young people from Britain’s wealthiest families may soon be able to pay for a place in the country’s most competitive university thanks to a government proposal that would allow institutions to charge them the same high fees as international students.

A report in The Guardian said students who accept the extra university spots would not be eligible for publicly funded loans or money for living expenses, limiting the option of “off-quota” spaces to only those who could afford to pay fees up front. Currently, the government sets quotas for the number of undergraduate places university are allowed to offer each year.

Law degree at Lakehead

THUNDER BAY – Lakehead University here has announced that it has approval for a proposed academic program that will lead to a common law degree.

A university release said the proposal was approved by the Convocation Benchers of the Law Society of Upper Canada and will allow future graduates to enter the society’s licensing process. Certain conditions were attached to the approval, including the university receiving appropriate government approval and funding.

Confucius Institute at Brock

WST. CATHARINES – Brock University official opened its Confucius Institute in mid-May with a celebration that included a Lion Dance, Peacock Dance, performances by traditional Chinese instrument ensembles and the unveiling of a two-meter tall statue of Confucius.

The institute, one of about 300 worldwide, will provide formal certification of Mandarin language teachers located throughout southern Ontario. Brock University has offered Mandarin language credit courses since 1989.

Anniversary Coin

FREDRICTON – Students graduating from the University of New Brunswick this spring in both Fredericton and Saint John will be the first to receive the new UNB coin minted to mark the institution’s 225th anniversary.

A UNB release said the coin is to remind graduates of their experiences at the university, the journey they took in reaching their goal, and that they will always be part of the UNB family. Each limited edition coin is inscribed with the university’s logo, crest, motto — Sapere Aude (Dare to be Wise) — and the year.

Merger considered

HALIFAX – Talks between Dalhousie University and the Nova Scotia Agricultural College are underway with the topic of discussion being possible merger.

According to a report in The Chronicle Herald, Nova Scotia Agriculture Minister John MacDonell said a merger makes sense on many levels, particularly since the college, as an arm of government, has difficulty accessing certain funding and attracting endowments.