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F O R E WO
As you read through this report, I hope you will become as proud as I am of the exceptional work being led by faculty and staff at Cape Breton University. Although 2017 has been a year of transition, it has also been one of stability and growth, defined by the many accomplishments that you will soon read about. The work to achieve the goals of our Five-Year Revitalization Plan is ongoing, with areas such as enrolment, business development and fundraising already seeing progress. Keeping with our roots, we continue to be the university of choice for Cape Breton Island students and are also attracting learners from all over the world. Our efforts to diversify our international student body are now visible on our campus. Since our inception, the student experience at CBU has always been enhanced by a culture of teaching excellence. I am very pleased that, over the last six years, five of our faculty have been recognized by the Association of Atlantic Universities for their outstanding commitment to the classroom. Over the last 20 years, I have been privileged to see this culture flourish at CBU. I am continually inspired by the dedication demonstrated by my colleagues across all disciplines. This past year, working with Mi’kmaw community leaders and Elders, CBU has strengthened its partnership with the communities of Unama’ki. I am delighted that, through this renewed promise, the University will begin a new chapter in its more than 40-year history of Indigenous education. Our direction is guided by the needs of the communities and in response to the Calls-to-Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. As we look back on 2017, we should all be proud of our collective effort to bring our university and the communities it serves to new heights.
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Dr. Dale Keefe President & Vice-Chancellor (Interim) Cape Breton University
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ENROLMENT
In response to the population realities in our local area, a goal of the Five-Year Revitalization Plan is to sustain enrolment levels, in part, by increasing the proportion of international students to one third. Our work to meet our targets is proving to be successful with 30.1 per cent of our student body being international in the fall semester, up from 26.5 per cent in 2016. International learners are coming from 42 countries for a total of 899 students studying at CBU this fall. We have seen growth in a number of markets, with substantial growth in India, from 41 students in the fall of 2016 to 198 students in the fall of 2017. This upward trend indicates international student numbers will continue to climb in the coming year. CBU’s successful recruitment cycle was supported by the increase of educational consultants and active articulation agreement partners in the past year. Strengthening key partnerships with pathway agreements, government, trade body and overseas campus partners for both faculty and students have also contributed to success in international recruitment. FALL ENROLMENT 2013-2017 3000
2500
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1500
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0
2012/2013
ABORIGINAL
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2013/2014
CAPE BRETON
2014/2015
REST OF NOVA SCOTIA
2015/2016
REST OF CANADA
2016/2017
INTERNATIONAL
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STUDENTS At CBU, students have access to a range of support services that are available to help them throughout their academic journey. Emphasis is also placed on giving students varied opportunities to excel both in and outside of the classroom. We are a diverse and studentcentred community, grounded firmly in respect and understanding. A SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL CAMPUS FOR STUDENTS CBU is dedicated to fostering a stronger, safer campus. We maintain ongoing harm reduction strategies to educate students, as well as faculty, staff and the community, on various topics that promote and ensure a safe campus. #CBUSTANDSUP CAMPAIGN CBU students, faculty and staff took a stand against sexual violence in this year’s pledge campaign called #CBUstandsup. The pledge was a personal commitment to keep all members of the CBU community safe from sexual assault through a promise to not be a bystander to the problem but to be a part of the solution. The pledge states that members of the CBU community will: • RECOGNIZE that non-consensual sex is sexual assault • IDENTIFY situations in which sexual assault may occur • INTERVENE in situations where consent has not or cannot be given • CREATE an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported
SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT: SENIOR STUDENTS Percentage of senior students responding “very much” or “quite a bit” to how much CBU emphasized: Encouraging contact among students from different backgrounds (social, racial/ethnic, religious, etc.)
Using learning support services (tutoring services, writing centre, etc.)
Providing support to help students succeed academically
Helping you manage your non-academic responsibilities (work, family, etc.)
Providing support for your overall well-being (recreation, health care, counseling, etc.)
Attending campus activities and events (performing arts, athletic events, etc.)
“ My CBU experience has been life changing. When I started at CBU, I was fairly shy and didn’t have a lot of confidence. As time went on, I was given opportunities in class and throughout the University to get involved and, ultimately, grow as a person. I found myself really wanting to push myself to do new things. I am the person I am today – confident, outgoing and engaged – because of the people and support systems at CBU.”
Eleanor Sidley Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management President, Cape Breton University Students’ Union
Providing opportunities to be involved socially
20
40
60
Cape Breton University Other Participating Maritime Universities
Source: 2017 National Survey of Student Engagement PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2017
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TEACHING E XCELLENCE A culture of teaching excellence has alway been woven into the academic fabric at CBU. It is this culture that shapes the student experience, allowing them to thrive in a learning environment that is built on a commitment to create a classroom setting that fosters personal growth and academic success.
“ The intellectual and pedagogical debts I have amassed
EFFECTIVE TEACHING PRACTICES: SENIOR STUDENTS Percentage of senior students responding “very much” or “quite a bit” to how much instructors have:
Provided prompt and detailed feedback on tests or completed assignments
Provided feedback on a draft or work in progress
Taught course sessions in an organized way
throughout my career are many, and they run deep, but I’d like to acknowledge one specifically. And it is the debt I owe to Cape Breton University, where over the past 15 years, a culture of teaching excellence has flourished. The day-to-day
Clearly explained course goals and requirements
contributions of my colleagues across all areas of study and in each academic school have, I think, exerted the most influence on me. More professors at CBU, more of the time, are thinking about how to be excellent teachers.
Used examples or illustrations to explain difficult points
And it’s precisely those conversations that have shaped the institution’s rewarding, institutional teaching culture.” Dr. Andy Parnaby 2017 Association of Atlantic Universities Distinguished Teaching Award Recipient
22.5
45
67.5
Cape Breton University Other Participating Maritime Universities
Source: 2017 National Survey of Student Engagement
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INDIGENOUS E D U C AT I O N
EMBRACING THE L’NU For more than 40 years, CBU has proudly recognized its foundation on Mi’kmaw territory and traditional homelands. We continue our commitment to honouring and embracing the knowledge, wisdom and traditions of the Mi’kmaq throughout our teaching, research and community engagement. Unama’ki College has recently undergone a restructuring to reflect CBU’s leadership in Indigenous, post-secondary education, which is an area fundamental to the success of CBU. The restructuring encompasses the changing landscape of Canadian higher education, CBU’s new direction and, most importantly, the evolving needs of Indigenous learners, communities and the Calls-to-Action of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Unama’ki College is now in an ideal position to respond to the Calls-to-Action of the TRC and be an active and influential contributor to reconciliation in all its forms in Atlantic Canada, across the country, and around the world. Working with community leaders and Elders, CBU continues to carve its path and is guided by the recommendations made by the TRC. • CBU students now have the option to request their degree parchments in Mi’kmaw. • CBU was the first organization in Unama’ki to participate in the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Legacy Room Project to honour Residential School survivors. The Legacy Room will proudly reside in the CBU Library and will display items from residential schools in our region. • A Cross-Cultural Awareness Training Program has been developed and is being administered by Stephen Augustine, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Affairs & Unama’ki College, and other CBU staff. The program has been delivered to government departments, the Canadian Coast Guard College, universities, media organizations, federal and provincial court judges and across campus at CBU. • Established a revitalized Unama’ki College Advisory Board composed of local and regional Indigenous community and education leaders including Elders and others with a demonstrated commitment to Indigenous post-secondary education. • CBU has committed to increasing campus signage and print material that are written in Mi’kmaw.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2017
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#CBUproud Just a few of the highlights that made 2017 noteworthy. CAPERS Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams dominate, taking home National U SPORTS gold and silver medals, respectively. CBU bestowed honorary degrees on Eunice Harker, Human Rights advocate; Mary Rebecca Julian, Mi’kmaw rights advocate; Dr. Roberta Bondar, first neurologist in space; Deborah Gillis, business leader and women’s rights advocate; Grosvenor Blair, environmentalist and David MacIsaac, world-renowned musician. Cape Breton University was awarded a Bright Business Community Award from Efficiency Nova Scotia. A Cryo-TEM Supermicroscope was installed at CBU and is the only one of its kind east of Montreal. Classes focused on the story of Viola Desmond were offered through social media as part of CBU’s growing Open Online Learning initiative. Cape Breton University helped break the silence on mental health issues with a Mental Health Services Progress Discussion led by proud alumnus and mental health advocate, Todd Leader. CBU introduced a new interdisciplinary degree, the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment. The CAPERS Women claimed the Atlantic University Sport Basketball Championship. CBU received approval on a new undergraduate Emergency Management program and on three new post-baccalaureate business diploma programs in Management, Analytics and Supply Chain Management.
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2017
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GROWING OUR GLOBAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND CAPABILITIES CBU is dedicated to growing our global business community in order to provide a world-class education for our students. We are expanding our international partnerships so we can continue offering unique, educational opportunities and broaden our reach in international recruitment. Our newest partnership with Shihui International Education in China not only grows our international network, but also strengthens CBU’s position as a global player in the education sector. As a result of this partnership, CBU’s Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development program is now offered as a bilingual Mandarin English Program, which is helping to develop top management talent for China. The university welcomed 16 students into the program this past September, exceeding expectations in its first year. Another project that is helping to extend our global reach and create new business opportunities is the global graduate level program, that will be offered on the CBU campus in summer of 2018. Work to finalize partnerships with universities in the United Kingdom is in its final stages, and details specific to program delivery are moving forward.
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FU N D R A IS I N G AND A D VA N CE M E N T INVESTING IN THE FUTURE In the last 10 years, the Development Department has been dedicated to the growth of CBU. There has been an increase year over year in awareness and investment in the Department’s priority areas of infrastructure development, student support and planned giving. In celebration of CBU’s upcoming 50th Anniversary, the Department is in the preliminary building phase of a potential new major fundraising campaign focused on providing support to CBU and its students.
HIGHLIGHTS • CBU ranked second in the country for annualized endowment growth (2016 Annual Report on Canadian University Endowment). •C BU was able to offer more than $1.8 million in student scholarships and bursaries for the 2017-18 academic year because of increased donations. • T he priority put on planned giving has drawn in more than $15 million received or committed to CBU. •C BU gratefully received its largest bequest of more than $5 million from the estate of Vic Harriss.
“ The Chancellor’s Scholarship has provided motivation, encouragement and reassurance in my academic life.”
Bridget Baldwin Chancellor’s Scholarship Recipient
PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2017
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RESEARCH LOCAL RESEARCH WITH GLOBAL IMPACT Cape Breton University has a culture that fosters research and innovation, with a keen focus on pursuing commercialization opportunities. The University has been recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for its world-changing research and has made an impact in developing countries like South Sudan and Kenya, remote Aboriginal communities in Canada’s North and locally across Cape Breton Island. In 2017, faculty across disciplines engaged in more than 60 industry-university projects which provided external partners with faculty expertise, access to CBU equipment and provided opportunities for students to gain applied research experience.
2017 RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada PromoScience Grant: $47,670 for ISLAND WISE, an initiative that aims to educate young women on the career opportunities offered by the sciences, led by Dr. Stephanie MacQuarrie, Associate Professor, Chemistry. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Partnership Development Grant: $200,000 for the project titled Language in Lyrics: Collection of Nova Scotia Gaelic Songs led by Dr. Heather Sparling, Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Musical Traditions. Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Partnership Development Grant: $198,390 for the project titled Model for Proactive Community Investment for Job Creation led by Dr. Harvey Johnstone, Professor Emeritus, Shannon School of Business (originally led by the late Dr. Gregory MacLeod). Canada Foundation for Innovation Grant & Research Nova Scotia Trust Grant: $356,095 for the project titled The Development and Maintenance of Temperamental Styles: Vulnerability to Psychopathology led by Dr. Michelle Jetha, Assistant Professor, Psychology. Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation Establishment Grant: $149,940 for the project titled Magnetic Nanoparticle Platform for Development of Wound Healing Monitoring Biosensor led by Dr. Martin Mkandawire, Associate Professor, Chemistry. Canadian Institute of Health Research Catalyst Grant: $150,000 for the project titled Applications of Indigenous Knowledge of Birch Bark Oil for Topical Treatments of Skin Conditions led by Tuma Young, Assistant Professor, Mi’kmaq Studies, Indigenous Studies and Dr. Matthias Bierenstiel, Associate Professor, Chemistry.
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2017
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THE VERSCHUREN CENTRE FOR S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y I N ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT The Verschuren Centre continues to build on its legacy of environmental remediation to bring sustainable industry development to Cape Breton. The Centre’s collaborative approach is the mainstay of its operations, enabling world-class research, development and demonstration for clean technology solutions. Through a dedicated team of premier scientists working in a state-of-the-art laboratory and piloting facility, these solutions are delivered to industry and our communities. The Centre’s Industrial Research Fellow – Bioproducts, Dr. Beth Mason, was recently named Interim CEO of the Verschuren Centre and, shortly thereafter, was recognized as a Canada 2018 Clean50 Honouree. She is supported by a renowned team of researchers focused on vital areas of environmentally sustainable development – Agri-Marine Industries, Clean Energies, Aquatics and Nanotechnology Applications. Together, they are discovering novel approaches, creating significant opportunities from local resources and gaining global interest. Recent advances include expanded international collaborative training opportunities in Brazil and Colombia, engagement sessions throughout the Maritimes on nano applications in human health and resolving waste management issues with nutrition/health advantages. The Verschuren Centre’s remarkable achievements demonstrate how research at CBU is positively impacting industry and contributing innovative, sustainable solutions on a local, national and international spectrum.
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OVER 25,000
Alumni Worldwide
An Undisputed Atlantic Canadian Leader in ABORIGINAL EDUCATION
First and only Energy Self-Sufficient Campus in North America
Students from MORE THAN 40 COUNTRIES
CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY
15:1
TWO INTERNATIONAL PARTNER CAMPUSES in Cairo and Kuwait
Home to
STUDENT to FACULTY Ratio
300+ &
Awards
One of the highest STUDENT SATISFACTION RATES in Canada
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