Sheridan College’s President Jeff Zabudsky was at a graduation ceremony of Sheridan students at Mississauga Living Arts Centre when MPP Amrit Mangat (Mississauga Brampton South) called him up to say the Government of Ontario will be investing $60 million to the second phase of Sheridan College’s Mississauga campus. Sheridan’s Mississauga campus is on time to open in September.

Mr. Zabudsky is over the moon since then.

After the announcement was formally made last week, Mr. John Milloy, Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, Mr. Harinder Takhar, Ontario Minister of Government Services and MPP from Mississauga Erindale, MPP Amrit Mangat and Mr. Zabudsky joined the ethnic media to address some of the concerns of South Asian community.

For parents, there is something as simple as this. “We want to send our kids to school, so that they can get good jobs.” For Minister Milloy this is not as simple as that. It involves early childhood learning planning, Ministry of Education, student readiness etc. In the process arise many challenges that his Ministry must address.

Is Postsecondary Education Affordable?

Absolutely, says Mr. Milloy.

Students can get up to $50,000 in OSAP, about $12,000 a year.

The maximum any student has to pay back is limited to $7,300 off $12,000.

Taking a page out of Leon’s and the Brick’s marketing book, there is no interest if students pay off the student loans in six months of their graduation.

Repayment Assistance Program (RAP) helps students to pay off their loans if there is a problem.

If students are not earning enough, the monthly payment can be reduced depending on the income. This payment can be as low as $0. In the meantime, the province on Ontario incurs the interest.

After 15 years, the loan is forgiven if someone is unable to pay it.

If a student loan has defaulted, after making arrangements with the collection agency, the student can seek assistance from Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The Ministry can reconsider the payment premiums.

Ontario has the lowest student default rate in Canada.

The Government of Ontario has mandated colleges and universities to make up for the difference if OSAP is not sufficient to pay off the tuition fee of a student.

Sheridan College has one stop office from where students can get all the information about OSAP, RAP, grants, bursaries and scholarships, says Mr. Zabudsky. Nobody is disenfranchised from getting education because there aren’t resources because there are programs put in place. The government loans and grants and bursaries are matched by private donors says the President of Sheridan College.

What’s the Quality of Postsecondary Education?

With class sizes as large as 300 students, there are questions being raised about the quality of education postsecondary students are getting.

Blunt with the facts, Minister Milloy says that quality of education doesn’t begin or end with the size of the class but the quality of education provided. He recognized that we have to agree on some measurements other than grademyprofessor etc. The Government is looking into measuring teaching quality.

Class sizes in Sheridan are collaborative spaces with the latest technology around them said Mr. Zabudsky. Sheridan College measures quality of education using key performance indicators like student satisfaction, their experience at school, their hiring after graduation, employer satisfaction etc.

Are there jobs for graduate students?

Of course youth unemployment is too high, says Mr. Milloy. But continuing to make sure that our youth are well trained and skilled is crucial. Citing food industry, he said that the food industry is looking for people who have post secondary education.

80 – 90 per cent of Sheridan College’s students get jobs within size months of their graduation said the President of Sheridan College.

What do Employers look for in Employees/new graduates?

Mr. Milloy’s advice to students seeking jobs is to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and effective team workers, proficient in the use of technology.

Here’s a newsflash for South Asian community! The data states clearly that the students who have graduated from Liberal Arts programs are able to get jobs and move up the social ladder as well as students who have technical skills, says Mr. Zabudsky.

Why aren’t there enough healthcare places in Ontario’s medical colleges?

Medical professionals believe that in the face of tougher admission standards in Ontario’s medical colleges, students are leaving Ontario to other jurisdiction and to countries like America and Ireland to get medical education. With them leaves about $100,000 a year.

Since 2003, there has been 38 per cent increase in medical spots in Ontario’s medical schools. Ontario opens up these medical placements at universities where there are local hospitals to incorporate their skills once they graduate. In 1997 there were 22 foreign trained doctors, now more foreign trained doctors are licensed than domestic doctors. Similarly the role of pharmacists, optometrists and registered nurses has also been expanded.

Does College/University Board of Directors reflect student population?

“It’s a priority for us,” says Mr. Zabudsky. Our board at Sheridan is reflective of our community in Brampton, Mississauga and Oakville. “It’s not quite there..but we absolutely need to get there,” says the President of Sheridan College.

Minister Takhar chipped in to ensure that Sheridan’s administration is the one that has come to the government several times to ask for people of diverse communities who can sit in on the Board of Directors.

68 per cent Ontario students have passed Ontario Secondary School Literacy test on their first try according to the Education and Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO). These students’ first language was not English.

“The Grade 10 literacy test is an important milestone in a student’s high school career. Strong literacy skills are the foundation for academic achievement and for a lifetime of success.  Our government is committed to continuing to work with our students, parents and educators to understand how best to drive resources to classrooms and to support our children and grandchildren in reading, writing and math,” said Ontario Minister of Education Ms. Leona Dombrowsky.

Through provincial programs like Steps To English Proficiency (STEP), students whose first language is not English are being provided the tools and resources they need to learn the necessary English skills that will help them succeed in all of their studies.

Literacy is a key focus of the McGuinty government’s plan to support student achievement, give our students the best possible start and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.

Statistics recently released by the Ontario Application Centre (OUAC) confirm that more students than ever are choosing the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) for their post-secondary studies. Year-over-year percentage increases show that UOIT is the leading GTA university for overall enrolment confirmations and first in the province for first-choice confirmations.

As of June 6, UOIT’s overall confirmations for the 2011-2012 academic year are up 14.7 per cent over the previous year. The number of Ontario secondary school students selecting UOIT as their first-choice destination for post-secondary studies has increased by 13.3 per cent when compared to June 2010.

“We are extremely pleased with our application and confirmation numbers for the upcoming academic year and the calibre of students we’ve attracted,” said Victoria Choy, registrar. “These increases are a testament to UOIT’s reputation for academic excellence, innovative research and providing market- and career-oriented programs that are responsive to the needs of our students and their future employers.”

Of the confirmations received, five students were awarded UOIT’s top scholarships for their outstanding academic achievement (minimum 85 per cent average) and exceptional leadership and community involvement. The scholarship winners are:

• Andrew Doxtator, Chancellor’s Scholarship recipient (valued at $28,000 over four years), is enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering program.

• Danielle Loney, President’s Scholarship recipient (valued at $24,000 over four years), is enrolled in UOIT’s first intake of the Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology program.

• Shaun Rana, President’s Scholarship recipient (valued at $24,000 over four years), is a former student council president, youth minister and camp counsellor at a camp for underprivileged children.

• Shannen Johnston, Founder’s Scholarship recipient (valued at $20,000 over four years), is enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science program.

• Rameez Virjji, Founder’s Scholarship recipient (valued at $20,000 over four years), was also awarded the RIM/Schad Entrepreneurship Cup for National Best Application of Scientific Principle Award.

“Laurier Brantford is at the heart of the city’s cultural, social and economic revitalization,” said Wilfrid Laurier University President and Vice-Chancellor Max Blouw. “This major expansion of Laurier Brantford reflects an important investment in the future growth and prosperity of this community.”

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), was joined by Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament for Brant, and Dave Levac, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brant, at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus to officially open the school’s Research and Academic Centre. The centre will provide new library, research and advanced teaching space for the campus’s growing student population. The project received a Government of Canada investment of $13 million through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program and $13 million from the Ontario government through the 2009 Budget. “Investing in science is vital to Canada’s future economic growth,” said Minister Goodyear. In Ontario, the Knowledge Infrastructure Program represents a total investment of more than $2.2 billion to improve infrastructure at post-secondary institutions. The federal government is investing $798.9 million in 56 local projects, the Province of Ontario is investing $981 million in 49 of them, and other partners are contributing a total of more than $400 million in the program. The Province is providing $75 million for another eight projects. “Wilfrid Laurier University is establishing a strong presence in Brantford that will improve access to post-secondary education for Brantford and area students, bring important research opportunities and provide an economic boost to this region,” said Mr. Levac. “This is a tremendous step forward for the future of our community and helps Wilfrid Laurier University mark an important milestone during its centennial year.”
“Laurier Brantford is at the heart of the city’s cultural, social and economic revitalization,” said Wilfrid Laurier University President and Vice-Chancellor Max Blouw. “This major expansion of Laurier Brantford reflects an important investment in the future growth and prosperity of this community.”
The construction of the Research and Academic Centre has resulted in an additional 90,000 square feet of library, research and advanced teaching space for Laurier Brantford, which will allow the campus to expand its student base from 2,600 to 4,000. The building will further cement the university’s presence in Brantford’s redeveloping downtown core and allow for sustainable prosperity in a community that has faced major challenges in the midst of the recession.

By Priyanka Jain, Toronto

“Some know exactly what major they want to take in university, but not necessarily what career they want to go into, and others have absolutely no clue. And a lot of them are right in the middle,” said Toon.

Amongst post-secondary students today, the idea of switching programs and changing career paths has become much too common. Because the option is readily available to students, they do not feel pressured to make one final decision. Universities know that and by offering easy access to dropping courses and switching programs, students feel less restricted. It is a safety net for indecisive youth, and a money-making business for the university.
This poses the question whether or not high schools are an adequate support system for students, especially those in grade twelve. A solid foundation from the principles, teachers, and fellow students is key to whether or not students have the determination to be successful in the future.
Grade twelve student Avinita Bains says that although she has an idea of what career path she would like to take, she wants to leave her options open for university. “I’m leaning towards public relations, but you never know what will happen. I don’t want to go into anything too specialized.”
Bains, 18, finds a lack of motivation and support in high school. “I feel there are so many students who aren’t at the grade twelve university level, and all the attention is focused on them instead of on those who are preparing for post-secondary. It sucks for us.”
Bains also said she was hoping for more guidance in terms of career choices, advice etc. “For the most part I just googled all my programs and universities.”
Canada Revenue Agency’s accountant Rajiv Paliwal says that students today should be gaining experience in a particular field of interest, so they have a more solid idea of what they want to go into. “Whether it’s volunteering or job-shadowing, students should take advantage of these opportunities; we never had any of this when we were in high school. Why not take the opportunity to do something you love, there’s so much out there,” he said.
Up until 2003, Ontario high schools went up to grade thirteen, giving students an extra year to prepare for post-secondary education. Joanne Toon, a guidance councillor at Brampton Centennial Secondary School, says “In the long run, it’s probably best for students to be here another year.” Toon also mentioned that whether or not students are prepared for high school all depends on the individual. “Some know exactly what major they want to take in university, but not necessarily what career they want to go into, and others have absolutely no clue. And a lot of them are right in the middle,” said Toon.
High schools also offer semester-long co-op placements to give students the opportunity to gain work experience in their field of interest. Although co-op is an excellent way for students to have the practical experience, not all students are able to take co-op.
“For those that are going into the maths, sciences, engineering-they are limited in optional courses and things like co-op, so they really don’t get the opportunity to try something they enjoy,” said Toon. She also mentioned that grade thirteen should be brought back, so these students can take more subjects of interest as opposed to just their required academic subjects.
Overall, students will be better equipped for post-secondary education if they utilize opportunities in high school, and gain as much volunteer and work experience possible. That is the only way students will discover what they enjoy.

undergraduate degree education and prepare them to be job-ready when they graduate,” said Mr. Guinane. “Course content, which includes web streaming to video and audio production to investigative reporting and much more, was developed with input from media professionals to ensure the content is current and relevant.”

The curriculum will focus on the basics of reporting, researching, interviewing, media law and ethics. Students will also learn how to create, edit and combine text, audio and video to create compelling stories, and learn the skills needed to manage web-based content for websites and hand-held devices. An emphasis will be placed on examining the role of the journalist in society and the history of journalism. Students will also enhance their knowledge through general education electives each semester. There is an internship between years three and four.

The program will take place in newly constructed facilities at Humber Lakeshore Campus. Applications are being accepted through the Ontario College Application Service at www.ocas.ca.

TV series CSI and COPS have had us all handcuffed to our television sets. For some reason the creepy and eerie world of criminals despite all its evil attracts us.

It is always a thrill to watch a high speed chase or a plot being busted through some undercover mission. Let’s face it crime does make for great television and great viewing.

Why does crime happen? Italian criminologist Cesare Lombroso put forth the controversial theory that particular ‘types’ of people were naturally criminal, that criminality was inherited and criminals could be identified from physical features such a long beak-like nose, or shifty eyes.

His theory is by no means an answer to what induces a criminal frame of mind. However, through the study of criminology one can come the closest to providing some accurate answers.

Exploring crime
Criminology is now an increasingly attractive degree route; it is the educational exploration of the world of crime and the mind of a criminal.

To do this it draws on theory from other fields of arts, such as sociology, economics and psychology.

Crime is studied objectively. The criminal and crime is studied without bias and the motivations of both and the root causes are analytical studied.

Criminology, for all its diversity, has given rise to numerous schools of thought and since each crime is unique it makes the study of it fascinating and worthwhile.

Most universities abroad offer courses on criminology and usually have more of applicants than seats.

Students enrolled in a program study a cycle of crime and the psychological and socio-economical situation of the criminal. The course involves a lot of field work; the emphasis being on providing hands-on experience. Thus the study is far from boring.

What criminologists ultimately produce is the result of objective and thorough analysis of crime. Their works provide tremendous detail for courts and law enforcement agencies and most importantly for society as a whole.

Crime prevention and criminal rehabilitation stem from the work of the criminologist. In reality the criminologist is an entrepreneur of useful change in society.

If ever there was a degree program suited to young minds, this is it!

So if you have managed to convince your parents, register now and report for duty – there are crimes and criminals out there need you.

Mayor Hazel McCallion’s 90^th birthday will be “celebrated in style” on Feb 12^th at Mississauga Convention Centre. With BMO Financial group as a presenting sponsor, the proceeds from the birthday celebration will benefit Sheridan College’s  new campus in Mississauga.

“We hope that our community will attend to help us celebrate our beloved Mayor’s milestone birthday, and in doing so also support a cause that is very dear to her heart,” said Mr. Jim Murray, Chair of the Mayor’s 90^th Birthday Celebration Committee.

“We are honoured that she has chosen Sheridan College [as an institution to which] the proceeds of the party will go..to fund the state of the art facility,” said Mr. Jeff Zabudsky, Honorary Chair and the President and CEO of Sheridan College.

Members of Mayor’s 90th Birthday Celebration Committee.

There have been reports suggesting that because of the economic downturn, a fewer people are donating to charities. Mr. Zabudsky says “We have come out of a very difficult economic downturn. A lot of these kind of events have struggled. However, some of the recent gals that have been held are great success. Our own Sheridan Gala is a case in point. This [Mayor’s birthday party] is not a typical gala. This is special..and we are thrilled that BMO Financial has chosen to come aboard..setting a wonderful model for other companies.”

When Mr. Ray Lessard, Senior Vice President Managing Director PCD at BMO Financial group approached his head office in Toronto “I was shocked with the speed at which I got a response..so it clearly speaks to the importance BMO places on this community as a growing opportunity for the bank and it speaks to the recognition that the Mayor has done a lot of great work,” said Mr. Lessard.

As an institution, BMO has a lifelong learning mandate donation policy, supporting the academic institutions.

“At the end of the day..a college is for the entire community. We have to get communities involved,” said Jake Dheer, member of Mayor 90^th Birthday Celebration Committee.

On a question how more South Asians can get engaged in supporting causes like colleges and our institutions, Mr. Dheer responded “while people were selected to serve in this committee, in most organizations, you can ask for it. But you don’t want to sit on the board only, you have to be a valuable contributor..you have to affect the positive change.”

The students of Humber Fashion Institute call the courses taught at the degree level “hard,” “difficult” “challenging” and after some thought “fun.”

At the grand opening of Humber Fashion Institute, Mr. John Davis, the President of Humber College stated that Humber “prepares students for employment. Our job ready students will contribute to our economy..and Fashion institute will help us achieve this goal.”

Humber Fashion Institute features a retail store front to be designed entirely by students working with leaders in the local fashion scene. The facility will be a shared resource for the fashion industry, be a host venue for fashion events and provide students with the opportunity to put classroom learning into practice.

The Fashion institute of Humber teaches the business of fashion. In other words, it does not teach fashion designing.

“Our fashion program is unique in the sense that we teach our students business of fashion to go out and get jobs in merchandizing, retailing, wholesaling..there are elements of marketing, buying, store planning, window designing [in Humber’s fashion courses],” says Ms. Alvina Cassiani, Dean of the Humber Business School.  Dean Cassiani has worked at Hudson Bay Company before starting teaching.

Graduating students from Humber's Fashion Institute Celia Quercia, Monika Grossi-& Sylvie Alexandre

Ms. Connie McCulloch, Senior Vice President at Winners, was also present at the occasion to interact with the students.

To the frustration of employers many times students are not ready for real world once they have graduated from their academic institutions. Is this really true?

Talking to Generation Next, Ms. McCulloch said “It can be true if the classroom study is not combined with some practical application. What’s exciting about the fashion institute [at Humber] is that it gives students..hands-on experience. So they really are job ready and the transition from the classroom to the workplace, then, becomes easy.”

Alvina Cassiani, Dean Humber Business School with Connie McCulloch, Senior VP General Merchandize Manager for Winners

Students cannot get a degree in Fashion from Humber College unless they have completed 14 weeks of paid internship in their 3^rd and the 4^th year. “These are paid internships..since internships are paid, they ensure that employers are using students effectively. At the same time, these internships give students the opportunity to spend 14 weeks in the business,” says Ms. Norma Ouellette, Program Director at Humber Fashion Management Institute.

Ontario’s textile and garment accessories’ industry is almost entirely dependent on global markets.

In order to be successful, then, in the business of fashion, students need knowledge of the global markets. Ms. McCulloch states that “We are global..understanding global environment is critical like China is short on labour, and that affects our productivity..currency is another important issue in the business community.”

One way to teach students about the global emerging markets is to introduce global cultures in the classroom. Ms. Asha Ruparelia, teacher at Humber Fashion Management Institute, teaches colour theory by using rangoli.

During the recession time, it was reported that the unemployment rate among youth (ages 15 – 24) was the highest at about 15 per cent. It is also known that the sales in retail industry have gone considerably down. In the light of these facts, are there jobs for the students who are graduating with degrees in “business of fashion.”

Dean Cassiani has a word of advice for just-graduates.

“Graduates need to take a look at entry level jobs and grow with those jobs. Sometimes it’s students who are not prepared to take entry level jobs..they don’t see these jobs as stepping stone to their future.”

Professor Ouellette is even more hopeful noting “Look at specialty business, they are doing extremely well. Look at the sales of Walmart..it’s doing extremely well. Jobs at Walmart pay the same as they do in some of the high end retail stores.  Online shopping is a huge market. Shopping channels is another area to explore.”

Aside from academic qualification, people seeking jobs should be passionate, entrepreneurial in the sense that they think outside the box and possess good work ethics, says Ms. McCulloch.