Outspoken professor gets the sack

University of Ottawa professor Denis Rancourt was suspended from his tenured position and locked out of his laboratory for alternative teaching practices.

The dismissal came after Rancourt gave his entire physics class an A+. He argues that letter grades denounce the learning process.

In the past, Rancourt has altered the curriculum with student - though not university - consent, taught a popular activism course, and founded a social justice film society.

When Rancourt returned to campus for a film society meeting, he was led off campus in handcuffs.

Rancourt’s dismissal raised serious questions of academic freedom from the Canadian Association of University Teachers, reported the Globe and Mail.

Residence long time coming

Students at the University of Saskatchewan are about to get a whole lot more comfortable.

The U of S, which currently houses only six per cent of its students on campus, received $15 million from the provincial government for a new student housing project.

Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2009.

According to the Star Phoenix, it’s been three decades since a new residence was built at the U of S.

The provincial funding came after the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union released a report pointing out the shortage of housing on and around campus.

Setting sights on Insight

Each year, undergraduate students of various backgrounds anxiously await the day to educate other students across Canada with their experience. And now, that day has arrived.

The Canadian National Students’ Conference in International Studies, also known as Insight 2009, will take place May 27 to 30 at Ottawa’s Carleton University.

The theme this year is ‘Co-ordination, co-operation, and community: Governing governance in development.’

Insight is currently accepting presentation proposals; these are due by Friday, Mar. 6.

For more information, visit www.insightstudents.org or contact insight.conference [at] gmail.com.

UWSA election low-down

Before Reading Week begins, it is time to seriously consider your student association.

The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) will be accepting nominations for next year from 9 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, until Friday, Mar. 6, at 4 p.m.

Those who are thinking of running can come to an information meeting on Friday, Feb. 13 at 12:30 p.m. in 3M67.

Voting will take place Mar. 16 to Mar. 19.

Those interested in running must be students of good standing at the University of Winnipeg and have submitted a completed nomination form.

All nomination forms can be picked up and submitted at the UWSA General Office, Bulman Students’ Centre, Room 0R30, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the nomination period.

Checking out the university

On Feb. 18 the University of Winnipeg will open its doors to hundreds of prospective students at the university’s Open House.

Professors, staff and students will greet all newcomers at the Riddell Hall cafeteria from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. The event will include information sessions about degree programs and student housing, registration and campus tours.

The chance to win the cost of one first year tuition will also be available to those who fill a radio Hot 103 VIP Card.

Visit www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/open-house-index for more info.

Published in Volume 63, Number 20 of The Uniter (February 12, 2009)