In Other Schools: November 12, 2005
December 9, 2005
Alternative university opens in 2007
CUP–A new choice in universities will be available in 2007 for students searching for an alternative to the overcrowded classrooms of public universities. Quest University, located in Squamish, B.C., is a non-profit, privately funded university that will offer students a broad liberal arts and science curriculum through small class sizes.
David Strangway, CEO and founding director of Quest University, makes it clear that the school is not serving as an antithesis to the larger, public universities, but rather as an alternative. He claims that the university system in Canada needs a wider variety of institutions in order to meet the different demands and needs of all students.
In order to ensure an intensive environment, there are limited spaces available to potential students. A mere 160 spaces have been allotted for the 2007 school year, and 640 spaces for 2010; the maximum number of available spaces will be 1200.
The small classes offered by Quest University come along with a hefty price tag, as the cost for two semesters will total $32,000. Tuition can be subsidized slightly through scholarships. Strangway points out that this is only a slightly higher cost than what an average international student pays for two semesters of study at UBC, and promises that the aim of this new institution is to “provide a fulfilling undergraduate experience.”
McGill Muslims file complaint regarding lack of space for prayer
CUP–The Muslim Student Association (MSA) of McGill University is presenting a case to the Quebec Commission des Droits de la Personne et des Droits de la Jeunesse (of human and youth rights), to contest the lack of space for prayer on campus. The complaint also faults the university administration for failing to address the issue after miscommunication between the two parties. The complaint is a joint effort between the MSA and the Canadian Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CAN). It may be launched as early as next week, yet could take until mid-January to be processed.
According to Halima Mautbur, human rights co-ordinator for CAIR-CAN, “It’s come to a point where it is clear that the university is not able to work the issue out.” CAIR-CAN’s request to participate in negotiations between McGill administration and the MSA was refused by the university.
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