Partnering to build a more prosperous future for our students, communities and the province of Ontario. Official account of the Council of Ontario Universities.
In order to minimize uncertainty & disruption & to continue to support our students, staff, faculty & university communities, Ontario’s universities will maintain their COVID-19 vaccination & masking policies until at least the end of the current term.
In order to minimize uncertainty and disruption to our students, staff, faculty and university communities, Ontario’s universities will maintain their COVID-19 vaccination policies until at least the end of the current term.
Congrats to the five outstanding researchers from
@QueensU
,
@UofT
,
@WesternU
and
@UWindsor
who have won the 2020 Polanyi Prizes. Learn more about how their research is helping to create a better future for students, our communities and the province
#ONpoli
(1/2) Ontario’s universities support the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health’s call for mandatory university-wide COVID-19 vaccination policies. This will enhance measures already in place at universities & support a safe return to campus.
Congratulations to
@UofT
professor Molly Shoichet on her appointment as Ontario's first Chief Scientist! An exciting role advancing science and innovation across the province!
#ChiefSciOn
@OntInnovation
"Ontario universities are planning for a fall term and are focused on finding ways to create an enriching university experience."
Read this message from the presidents and principals of Ontario's universities:
#ONpoli
#OntarioSpirit
With a mission to partner for the benefit and prosperity of students, communities and the province, the Council of Ontario Universities is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Orsini as President and CEO, effective September 14, 2020.
(1/3) The Council of Ontario Universities and
@CollegesOntario
call on
@ONgov
to provide a province-wide policy that would require the vaccination of postsecondary students, staff & faculty, to help ensure optimal public health protection for all.
#ONpoli
COU is pleased to welcome Heather Lane
@hlv1
as Executive Director of
@OUAC_ED
, leading a professional team in the processing of 745,000 applications per year on behalf of Ontario’s universities.
We are deeply troubled & saddened by the hostile invasion taking place in Ukraine & its tragic impact on the Ukrainian people. On behalf of COU, we stand in unwavering support with all who are impacted by this needless suffering.
Read our full message:
(1/4) As
@OntUniv
and
@OUSAhome
prepare to welcome new and returning students this fall, we encourage all faculty, staff and students to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
#ONpoli
Read the joint statement:
Developing a vaccine for the deadly COVID-19 virus is one of the most urgent needs in the global fight to curb the pandemic. A team of researchers at
@WesternU
has set out to do just that, working to establish and test an effective vaccine.
#OntarioSpirit
(1/4) We thank the Blue-Ribbon Panel for their recommendations & call on the
@ONgov
to immediately implement the panel’s recommendations as they will, if implemented swiftly, help move Ontario’s universities towards financial sustainability.
Ontario’s universities look forward to continuing to work with
@ONgov
in the fight against COVID-19. Our latest blog shows how our world-renowned researchers are helping slow the spread and find solutions to COVID-19.
@RossRomanoSSM
#OntarioSpirt
#ONpoli
(1/3) The Council of Ontario Universities strongly condemns the terrorist attack on Israel and Israeli citizens. We remain steadfast in our support for Israel and its citizens and are deeply concerned about escalation and ongoing violence.
Today on
#InternationalNursesDay
, Ontario's Universities and
@RNAO
celebrate the incredible nurses across Ontario, Canada and the world, who have devoted their lives to the betterment of others.
#WeAnswerTheCall
Read our joint statement:
"While it's a scary and uncertain time, we can also reach out to other people."
A group of students at
@WesternU
organized a Volunteer Task Force, offering grocery shop-and-delivery for those in self-quarantine.
#NationalVolunteerWeek
#OntarioSpirit
Two students from
@Carleton_U
are making it their mission to help Ottawa's homeless through the COVID-19 crisis by providing care packages to people in
@ottawacity
's ByWard Market.
#OntarioSpirit
#ONpoli
Ontario’s universities support
@ONgov
's investment in COVID-19-related research. Our world-renowned researchers are helping make the discoveries that will lead to better treatment & vaccine development, and to help support the economic recovery of our province.
#OntarioSpirit
We are investing $20 million to support COVID-19 research.
By leveraging the strengths of Ontario’s world-class institutions, this funding will go towards advancing medical research including finding a vaccine to combat COVID-19.
#OntarioSpirit
Congrats to the five outstanding researchers from
@uOttawa
,
@UofT
and
@yorkuniversity
who have won the 2018 Polanyi Prizes! Learn more about how their research is helping to create a better future for students, our communities, and the province:
#ONpoli
Prospective students are checking out the
@Laurier
booth at
#OUF2022
, learning more about some of the programs, services and experiences offered at its Waterloo and Brantford campuses.
From Yukon Gold potatoes to compostable single-serve coffee pods,
@uofg
is behind numerous agriculture and food-related inventions, and a new accelerator program will help keep the innovations coming:
#WILWeek
#CoopWeek
#ONpoli
Thank you to all our partners who joined us today to mark 60 years of the Council of Ontario Universities. We look forward to our continued partnership for the benefit of Ontario.
Together, w/
@CollegesOntario
, Ontario's universities are committed to helping fight COVID-19 & address the urgent needs of Ontario. In a joint message, we write about the vital role vibrant
#ONpse
institutions will play in the recovery of Ontario.
#ONpoli
Today marks the start of
#PrideMonth
and Ontario's universities celebrate the vital role 2SLGBTQ+ communities play at universities across the province & reflect on our continued commitment and responsibility to create a more inclusive environment for all.
“The lost research, teaching, friendship and contributions to university and student life are irreplaceable … (It) will be deeply felt by our communities for years to come.”
@COUPresident
David Lindsay speaks to the devastating loss aboard flight 752:
With women representing less than 30% of the world's researchers, closing this gap is critical.
@LaurentianU
's Dr. Tammy Eger participated in an initiative that equips
#WomenInSTEM
with leadership skills in climate change and sustainability
#WomenInScience
Congratulations to the 2020 Women’s Health Scholars Award winners. These Ontario researchers are making life-changing discoveries in women’s health improving health services and outcomes for women across the province.
Learn more:
#ONpoli
As researchers around the world work to develop a vaccine for COVID-19, a team at
@UWaterloo
is exploring the potential of a DNA-based vaccine that can be delivered through a nasal spray.
#OntarioSpirit
#ONpoli
Ontario’s universities give thanks to nurses across the province who are the cornerstone of patient-centred health care in Ontario. Thank you for keeping us safe as the world works together to recover from COVID-19.
#NationalNursingWeek
#NursingWeek2020
Ontario's universities mourn the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Canada's Head of State. Our universities recognize her life of service, dedication and her commitment to promoting higher education in Canada and throughout the Commonwealth.
We thank
@JustinTrudeau
for announcing $9B in federal measures to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new emergency benefit will help our students during this challenging time.
#CdnPSE
#Cdnpoli
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced comprehensive support for post-secondary students and recent graduates affected by
#COVID19
. Get the details ⬇️
Universities are vital to Ontario’s economic growth. As
@UWaterloo
projects a $15-million deficit, Ontario’s universities continue to call for additional government funding, & an end to the tuition freeze, to support the sector's financial sustainability:
#UWaterloo
is projecting a $15-million deficit this year.
Here’s how it happened, and what can be done.
Full op-ed in the
@WR_Record
from Vice-President Academic and Provost, James W.E. Rush 👇
🔗 |
#UWaterlooNews
We are proud to recognize and celebrate the innovative and ground-breaking work of five Ontario university researchers today as they receive this year’s prestigious Polanyi Prizes.
#ONpoli
Learn more:
This is a perfect example of how universities across the province are partnering on a local level to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and provide support to frontline care workers across Ontario.
#ONpoli
How can we help?
@Carleton_U
is sending protective equipment & supplies (face masks, gowns, suits, gloves, goggles, etc) to the heroic health-care workers
@OttawaHospital
. We owe so much to all those on the front lines who are working tirelessly to keep us safe and well.
To help in the fight against new COVID-19 variants, researchers at
@WesternU
have developed a novel approach to creating an
#OntarioMade
vaccine that could produce stronger and longer lasting immunity.
#ONpoli
Great to see
@Carleton_U
's
@CU_President
stop by
#OUF2022
to experience the energy and excitement of prospective university students. Be sure to stop by their booth learn more about what the university has to offer.
Ontario universities graduate 10,000+ students from health programs each year, including approximately 220 new nurse practitioners, who are helping contribute to the well-being of patients in communities across the province.
@NPAOntario
#NPWeek2020
#NursePractitionersWeek
Meric Gertler, President of
@UofT
, speaks about the important role universities play in strengthening the talent pipeline in high-demand tech sectors.
#WorkforceSummit
Today, across the country, Ontario’s universities commemorate the people who lost their lives and recognize the significant impacts of
#COVID19
felt by every individual in every region across Canada and around the world.
Bringing on skilled students is a great way to access some of Ontario’s top talent and future leaders, while also serving as a smart staffing strategy for businesses and organizations with limited human resources capacity. Learn more at
#Propel
(1/3) Ontario’s universities and colleges continue to develop reopening plans that help ensure safe working and learning environments that allow for expanded in-person experiences with strong measures in place to protect and promote safety.
Learn more:
#ONpse
institutions graduate 4,000+ nurses every year - the frontline workers whose expertise are essential to the health & well-being of all Ontarians. Thank you for working to address the urgent needs of the province, as we fight COVID-19.
#NationalNursingWeek
#NursesWeek2021
Ontario's universities recognize the history, heritage and resilience of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, and continue to work towards reconciliation on our campuses, in our communities, in our province.
#IndigenousPeoplesDay
#NIDP2022
Ontario’s universities recognize the nurses across the province who are providing essential services to Ontarians during this challenging time. Thank you for working to help address the urgent needs of the province, as we fight COVID-19.
#NationalNursingWeek
#WeAnswerTheCall
1/2 Today, COU President
@SteveOrsini
spoke to SCFEA about how universities are at a breaking point & is calling
@ONgov
to immediately implement the Blue-Ribbon Panel’s recommendations to address the financial sustainability of the university sector.
@erniehardeman
@JillDunlop1
To provide a safe gathering space for Indigenous students on campus,
@LaurentianU
, in partnership with the local Indigenous community and the Laurentian University Native Education Council, established the Indigenous Sharing & Learning Centre. Learn more:
A researcher from
@LaurentianU
is using virtual reality to help come up with a treatment for COVID-19. Learn more about the groundbreaking research taking place at universities across Ontario, helping to combat the global epidemic.
#OntarioSpirit
#ONpoli
Ontario's universities are excited to welcome new and existing students this fall. Read the following message from the Presidents and Principals of Ontario's universities about the upcoming fall term:
#ONpoli
To provide hospitals with much needed ICU equipment, four engineering grads from
@UWaterloo
helped develop a portable life support and ventilation device to help ensure COVID-19 patients receive the care they need.
#ONpoli
#OntarioSpirit
Known as Canada’s
#mining
university, the
@LaurentianU
team is excited to talk to prospective students about programming, student life and the many ways to get involved on and off campus. Be sure to check out their booth this weekend at
#OUF2022
.
A
@Laurier
graduate is partnering with the Kitchener-Waterloo Academy of Medicine, using new technology to produce 8,000 face shields per day for frontline care workers, helping to slow the spread of COVID-19.
#OntarioSpirit
#ONpoli
Congratulations to the 2021 Polanyi Prize winners! Their innovative and ground-breaking research across economic science, chemistry, physics & physiology/medicine is helping create a better future for our students, communities & the province.
Learn more:
Congratulations to the 2022 Polanyi Prize winners! Your research contributions across literature, chemistry, physiology/medicine, physics & economic science are helping create a brighter future for all Ontarians. Learn more:
Today, we remember the victims of
#FlightPS752
, many of whom were part of the
#ONpse
community. We continue to honour the remarkable lives and contributions lost by this tragedy.
#ONpoli
@JillDunlop1
Ontario's universities condemn expressions of hate & discrimination against Queer, Non-binary & Trans community members. We stand with 2SLGBTQ+ communities & are committed to fostering inclusive, safe & welcoming environments that recognize individuals' inherent dignity & worth.
We're looking forward to the
@OntarioCofC
#OES2019
, which will discuss how we can ensure Ontario is prepared for economic success. Together we can develop the skilled workforce and build the dynamic innovation ecosystem the province needs to compete, both regionally and globally.
Ontario’s universities have a long history of supporting international students. In response to the international student cap, we are asking the federal & provincial governments to work together to take a more targeted approach. Read the full proposal:
Women account for almost 48% of enrolment in university
#STEM
programs - some of the fastest-growing fields in Ontario. Ensuring women have equal access to these opportunities is critical to
#BreakTheBias
and create a diverse workforce for the jobs of today & tomorrow.
#IWD2022
BigBlueButton, an open-source educational software created
@Carleton_U
, released its latest version the day COVID-19 was classified a pandemic, which was downloaded 17,000 times within 48 hours.
#OntarioSpirit
#OnPoli
A research team led by
@Laurier
's Stephanie DeWitte-Orr has been conducting lab testing on an antiviral drug that could be used to prevent coronaviruses from replicating in human lung cells for up to seven days post-infection.
#WomenInScience
#WomenInSTEM
(3/3) With most classes set to begin in just one week, the Council of Ontario Universities and
@CollegesOntario
are urgently seeking guidelines from
@ONgov
to support a safe reopening and expanded in-person learning on campus this fall.
Today marks the anniversary of
#FlightPS752
. We continue to remember and honour the lives that were lost by this tragedy, including the students and faculty who were part of the
#ONpse
community.
Did you know that
@Laurier
's Brantford campus is home to more than 3,000 students? The university has helped the city's downtown core rejuvenate as a bustling centre of cultural, academic and social activity:
#OES2019
#ONpoli
Ontario’s universities are leading the development of highly skilled talent & research in fast-growing
#STEM
fields, such as
#AI
, clean technology, life sciences, engineering & cybersecurity, providing students with the critical skills for the jobs of the future.
#STEMSTEAMDay
1/2 Today's announcement is a first step towards providing much-needed financial support for Ontario’s postsecondary sector. However, the announcement falls short of
@ONgov
’s own expert panel's urgent recommendations.
Happy
#NPWeek
! Let’s recognize the 3700+ nurse practitioners who provide patient-centered, accessible, high-quality health care to millions of Ontarians. Learn more about NPs and the care they provide at
@NPAOntario
#NPsLead
With a commitment to experience-driven learning,
@UWaterloo
has more than 25,000 co-op students enrolled and facilitates partnerships with more than 7,100 employers. Check out their booth at
#OUF2022
to learn more about what the university has to offer.
Nearly 400 pharmacy students at
@UWaterloo
, in various stages of their degree, stepped up to assist the provincial vaccine roll-out by becoming certified COVID-19 immunizers.
#ONpoli
COU would like to welcome Marny Scully as our newly appointed VP, Policy & Strategy. We look forward to officially welcoming Marny to the team next month & working together to develop policy that creates a brighter future for our students, communities & the province.
As health-care professionals work around the clock to support patients diagnosed with COVID-19,
@TrentUniversity
is providing temporary housing for those who choose to self-isolate and protect their families during the pandemic.
#OntarioSpirit
#ONpoli
More than 300 headbands have been shipped to Health Sciences North to help build the face shields that protect health-care workers, due to the efforts of
@LaurentianU
researchers.
#OntarioSpirit
#ONpoli
To support female students who plan on completing a dual degree in business and engineering,
@WesternU
created the Linamar Scholarships for Women in Engineering and Business.
#WomenInScience
#WomenInSTEM
Learn more:
As part of its COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, the
@RegionofDurham
and Durham Region Public Health partnered with both
@ontariotech_u
and
@durhamcollege
to designate the shared Campus Ice Centre as the region’s Oshawa vaccination clinic location.
#ONpoli
(1/3) Ontario’s universities support
@ONgov
's critical investments to protect and support the public from COVID-19, while positioning the province for a strong recovery.
#2020OntarioBudget
#OntariosActionPlan
#ONpoli
Read the full statement:
Wonder what it’s like to live and study in the Niagara Region? Be sure to check out the
@BrockUniversity
booth at
#OUF2022
and learn all about the 120+ programs the university has to offer.
The cleantech market is projected to exceed $3.3 trillion by 2022.
@TrentUniversity
is supporting this sector by ensuring students and researchers have the skills they need through the Cleantech Commons – a partnership between the university and
@CityPtbo
.
Congratulations
@drcathybruce
on your role as President of
@TrentUniversity
. We look forward to continuing to work together in building a brighter future for our students, communities and the province.
The Board of Governors is proud to announce Dr. Cathy Bruce, esteemed academic, educator, and administrator, as Trent's next President.
Her term will commence on July 1, 2024.
Student volunteers from
@McMasterU
School of Nursing are giving vulnerable community members handmade masks to protect themselves from COVID-19, including people who are marginally housed or at risk of homelessness.
#NursingWeek
#NationalNursingWeek
(1/5) Ontario’s universities support
@ONgov
's initiative to respond to the immediate needs of students, grads & families during this challenging time. The changes to OSAP included in today’s announcement will provide relief to recent grads & families in the coming months.
#ONpoli
Our government is investing $17 billion to support our health care system, jobs and Ontarians across this province - including a six month deferral on OSAP loan repayments and interest accrual for borrowers.
These investments will provide immediate relief for Ontarians.
Prospective future Ravens are gathering at the
@Carleton_U
booth to learn more about the university’s innovative programs, hands-on learning opportunities and student supports.
#OUF2022
Ontario university presidents express concern over federal cap on international students. COU calls for an immediate pause of the provincial attestation letter requirement until guidelines have clearly been established.
@JillDunlop1
@MarcMillerVM
Read our statement:
We're at OCADU for an announcement on how
@ONgov
is cutting red tape for
#ONpse
.
@AlgomaU
and
@OCAD
will now have full degree granting authority, saving both institutions on time and costs, while they continue to prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
#ONpoli
(2/2) Ontario’s universities will continue to support provincial vaccination efforts & work w/
@ONgov
to help ensure the availability of important safety measures on campus. Together, these efforts will help protect the health & safety of students, faculty, staff & communities.
As communities across the country commemorate National Indigenous History Month, Ontario's universities recognize the history, heritage and resilience of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, and remain committed to advancing reconciliation.
#NIHM2022
It’s time for the Ontario government to step up and invest in universities and students. Read the joint statement from
@OUSAhome
and COU urgently calling on
@ONgov
to immediately implement the recommendations in the Blue-Ribbon Panel Report here:
You can now detect food fraud at home, or check for invasive species in your garden, using a new kit developed by researchers at
@uofg
! Learn more:
#IPM2019
#ONpoli