Experts Matter. Find Yours.
Connect for media, speaking, professional opportunities & more.
10 tips for choosing the right Canadian study program as an international student
To start your journey as an international student in Canada, you’ll need to find a study program that fits your needs and academic goals. Each year, hundreds of thousands of international students get admission into a variety of study programs in Canadian universities and colleges. If you’re planning to move to Canada for your undergraduate or graduate studies, you’ll have many options to choose from, based on your areas of interest, career objectives, and budget. Choosing the right study program can introduce you to new areas of learning, uncover additional professional pathways, and set you up for a successful career. Here are some tips for choosing the right Canadian study program as an international student. 1. Choosing between university and college As an international student, the difference between university and college may be unclear to you. In many countries, the two terms are used interchangeably, but in Canada, they have different meanings. Both colleges and universities offer post-secondary education programs which students can enrol in after completing high school, but they differ in many ways. Canadian universities Canadian universities offer undergraduate (or bachelor) and graduate (or master’s or doctoral) programs in academic or professional fields. Once you have completed the program, you’ll be awarded a degree. Undergraduate programs typically require three years of study with a fourth “honours” year, if you want admission into a graduate program. Some undergraduate university programs, like Engineering, may require four years to complete. If you’re looking for admission into specialized professional programs such as Medicine, Law, and Dentistry, you may first need to complete two to four years of undergraduate study with relevant courses to qualify. Graduate (Master’s) programs are only offered by universities and you’ll require an undergraduate degree, and in some cases, prior work experience, to be eligible. In addition, many universities also offer doctoral or PhD programs across various fields. Colleges in Canada Canadian colleges offer programs of study that focus on job market readiness, such as technology, trades, or technical training. Typically, college courses lead to a diploma or certification, although some colleges also offer degree programs in applied areas of study. International students also find college programs useful for skill upgrading, continuing education, and language training. Many newcomers who come to Canada with an undergraduate or graduate degree from their home country find it valuable to add a Canadian certification or diploma to their resume to increase their employability in the Canadian job market. A diploma from a Canadian college may also be useful if you’re planning to switch career paths and move to a new industry or job function. Unlike universities, college programs are usually one or two years long. There’s a common misconception that colleges are less serious, but in reality, college programs can be as intensive as university courses, given that they are shorter and more technical in nature. Which is better for you – university or college? Whether you choose a university or college will depend on your career goals and your current educational credentials, the study programs offered, and what you want to achieve from your education. Here are some things to keep in mind while comparing your options: Academic versus technical training: Universities have a more academic approach, with a focus on research, lectures, and assignments. On the other hand, college programs are less theoretical and focus more on applied knowledge and work-related training. Program length and cost: University programs are typically longer and more expensive than colleges. Program flexibility: Many college courses offer the option of part-time study, while university programs are more likely to be rigorous and immersive. However, you may have fewer course options or elective subjects to choose from in a college. 2. Understand your interests and career goals Before choosing a study program, spend some time thinking about your areas of interest and long-term career goals. This will help you narrow down your options to programs that align with your interest. If you already have a target career in mind, you may also want to go through some job postings in that field to see what education requirements employers are looking for. If you’re unsure, don’t worry. You may still have room to change your mind later. If you’re applying to an undergraduate program or Bachelor’s in Canada, you generally don’t need to commit to a specialization at the time of admission. Instead, you have the freedom to pick a general subject and then opt for specific courses or electives that interest you as you progress in your studies. Universities may offer more flexibility compared to colleges, and you’ll have a wider range of subjects to choose from. 3. Identify top institutions in your field of interest Once you’ve identified the potential programs you might be interested in, the next step is to make a list of top institutions that offer those study programs in Canada. Canada has many prestigious universities and colleges and no matter what subjects you’re interested in, you’ll find some leading institutions that offer it. As an international student, it’s important that you don’t discount colleges while looking for options to study in Canada. College programs can help prepare you for the Canadian work environment faster, especially if you’re interested in technical or applied programs. 4. Review the eligibility criteria for study programs you’re interested in Like in many other countries, you’ll need to meet certain qualifying criteria to be eligible for admission to Canadian study programs. Depending on your chosen field of study or institution, you may require a certain score or GPA (grade point average) in your past academic record, proof that you’ve completed specific courses or credits, proof of language proficiency, or prior work experience. You may also need to sit for a qualifying exam and secure a minimum score to be eligible for some courses. For some competitive programs, you may also require a proven track record of extracurricular activities or volunteer work, a letter of intent or statement of purpose, and professional or academic references to support your application. Once you have a list of study programs you’re interested in, be sure to check the eligibility criteria for international students for the programs at the top universities on your list. This will help you shortlist programs where you’re more likely to qualify for admission. 5. Identify the province or city you want to live in While the quality of education may be your primary deciding factor, you may also want to shortlist programs or institutions based on the province or city they are in. While many international students choose to move to popular provinces like Ontario and British Columbia for their education, you may find the cost of living (and even program costs) to be lower in other provinces. Each province in Canada has something unique to offer, in terms of culture, quality of life, ease of immigration, or future job opportunities. Be sure to learn about the various provinces and territories in Canada and make a decision based on where you’d like to spend your academic years. 6. Make sure the institutions you’ve shortlisted are DLIs A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is an educational institute that’s approved by the provincial or territorial government to accept international students. You will only be eligible for a study permit for Canada if you receive an acceptance letter from an authorized DLI. Before you apply, be sure to check that the post-secondary schools you’ve shortlisted are on the government’s designated learning institutions list. If you’re planning to start your study program in Canada during COVID-19, you’ll also need to make sure that your DLI has a COVID-19 Readiness Plan in place. 7. Evaluate admission and program costs The cost of studying in Canada as an international student can be high, even though the education cost is generally less expensive compared to countries like the United States or the United Kingdom. The tuition costs vary by program and institution, with the average cost of undergraduate programs being higher than that for graduate programs. If you’re assessing how much it’ll cost to study in Canada, be sure to factor in fees for university/college applications, study permit application, biometrics and medical tests, tuition fee, and living costs, including the funds you’ll need to put in a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) as part of your application. A full or partial scholarship can offset not only your tuition fee but also your cost of living in Canada during your study period. Be sure to check if your academic institution offers scholarship options for international students. If not, explore other ways in which you can fund your education, such as through student loans, lines of credit, education grants, bursaries, or by working part-time while studying. If you’re planning to apply for a student loan or line of credit, be sure to check your eligibility and the amount you may qualify for before applying for admission to the study program of your choice. 8. Understand future career opportunities after your study program The study program you choose should set the foundation for your future professional success. This means that not only should the program align with your career goals, it should also provide you with the support you’ll need to enter the Canadian job market in terms of skills, professional networking opportunities, workplace readiness, and career support or coaching. Do your research about whether the study program offers co-op or internship opportunities, and whether that work experience is considered to be Canadian experience by recruiters. To further narrow down the list of study programs that meet your requirements, you can check if the universities or colleges you’re targeting offer career resources for resume building, interview preparation, or placement support. At this stage, it’s also a good idea to research the alumni of each program to look at the job roles they are in and their career paths. This will give you a better idea of the types of career opportunities that’ll be available to you after you graduate and the companies that recruit students from different institutions. 9. Explore extra-curricular programs offered by the institution In addition to academic courses, many universities and colleges in Canada also offer extra-curricular programs that can help in your overall development. If you’re interested in sports and athletics, check if the institution has sports clubs or teams. You may also be able to find student clubs around other areas of interest, such as volunteer work, theatre, or politics, or student societies based on culture or religion. Joining student groups is a great way of making friends in your new country, building your professional network, and learning new skills. Some Canadian universities and colleges also offer English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for international students to help them improve their language skills. 10. Check if the program fits your lifestyle Not all Canadian study programs are structured in the same manner. As an international student, it's important to check if the program you’re applying to fits your overall lifestyle. For instance, if you plan to work while studying in order to support yourself financially, you may want to look for a program that has a flexible class schedule or a program that will qualify you for a student work permit. If your objective is to prepare yourself for the Canadian job market, you may be more interested in technical programs or programs that have internship or co-op terms, so you can get some valuable work experience while studying. Some international students also move to Canada with their families, and balancing their studies and family obligations becomes an important priority. In such cases, a hybrid model of course delivery that offers a mix of in-person and online classes might be more suitable than a completely on-campus program. The length of the study program can also be an important factor for many international students, both from a cost and ease of immigration perspective. Studying in Canada is a great way to prepare yourself for the global workforce. Canadian universities and colleges offer a wide range of study programs for international students to choose from. While choosing a program, you should make sure that it meets your needs based on your lifestyle, financial considerations, and your academic and career goals. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now.
8 myths about Canadian credit scores newcomers need to know
Having a good credit history and credit score is fundamental for your long-term financial success in Canada. Your credit score is an indicator of your creditworthiness and you’ll need a good credit score to qualify for loans, mortgages, and even apartment rentals. As a newcomer in Canada, you might be unsure about how credit scores work or have some misconceptions about healthy credit practices. Here are eight myths about Canadian credit scores that newcomers need to safeguard themselves against in order to build a good credit score. Myth 1: Credit history from my home country counts in Canada Before arriving in Canada, you might already have a substantial credit history in your home country. Many newcomers believe that this credit history from their home country will transfer over to Canada, and that they will not need to start afresh. However, this is not true. Countries have different credit agencies and ways of calculating credit scores. As a result, your credit score and history from your home country are not transferable to Canada. Your Canadian credit history only starts after you arrive and get credit in the form of a credit card, loan, line of credit, or mortgage, from a Canadian financial institution. If you’re moving to Canada from the United States, the same credit agencies, Equifax and TransUnion, might be responsible for tracking your credit history in both countries. However, these agencies don’t share information across international borders, so you’ll need to start building your credit history from scratch in Canada. That being said, starting with no credit history is not the same as starting at the bottom of the credit scale. Once you start using and paying off your credit card bills, your credit score will likely start in the “fair” range. Myth 2: Money in my savings account counts towards my credit score As a newcomer, it is usually a good idea to set aside some money in a chequing or savings account for future expenses and emergencies. A high-interest s raavings account (HISA) can even help you grow your money. However, these funds have no impact on your credit score. Savings and chequing accounts are not listed on credit reports because no borrowing or debt is involved in these accounts. Since your credit score and history reflects your ability to repay debt, only financial products that involve credit, such as credit cards, loans, lines of credit, or mortgages, are included in your credit report. However, the money in your chequing and savings account can be used to pay off debt and maintain a regular payment schedule for your credit products, especially in times when your income isn’t enough to cover these payments. Ensuring you make regular debt payments will help improve your credit score. Myth 3: Credit scores don’t matter – I won’t take credit unless I need it Many newcomers come to Canada from countries that are credit-averse, where getting into any kind of debt is frowned upon. In such a case, you may either have limited experience with credit or your instinct may be to only take credit when you need it. In Canada, however, credit plays a crucial role in the economy and having a good credit history is essential for your financial success. A credit score is an assessment of your creditworthiness, or the likelihood that you’ll pay off your debt based on your past financial history. While you may not need credit today, building your credit history early will help you qualify for loans and lower int erest rates when you apply for a car loan, education loan or mortgage later. In fact, in some cases, you’ll also need a good credit score for your application to rent a home, obtain a cell phone plan, and even on an employment application. As a newcomer, getting and using a credit card is the easiest way to build your credit history. Start paying for routine purchases like groceries and household essentials with your credit card instead of cash to get comfortable with the concept of credit. Then pay off the balance of your credit card each month from your chequing or savings account. Myth 4: My credit score is based on my income Many newcomers think that you need to be rich to have a good credit score. In truth, however, your earnings are not directly factored into the calculation of your credit score and are not included in your credit history. Credit scores reflect your payment history, or how well you repay debt, rather than how much money you have available. A high income is no guarantee that you’ll use that money to pay off your bills. Regardless of your income, you should be careful about only taking credit that you can pay off in a regular, timely manner. Credit utilization ratio, or the percentage of your overall available credit that is currently being used, is another factor that impacts your credit score. RBC advisors typically recommend using up to 35 per cent of your credit limit, in order to build your credit score. Increasing your credit limit will increase the amount of credit you can use without having a negative impact on your credit score. Your earnings can have an indirect influence when you’re applying for new credit products or for an increase in your credit limit, as financial institutions will usually take both your income and credit history into account. Myth 5: Getting more credit cards is the best way to improve my credit score As a newcomer, it can be tempting to believe that getting multiple credit cards will help you build your credit score faster. However, that’s not necessarily true. Having multiple credit cards can either help or hurt your credit scores, depending on how you use them. While multiple credit cards will give you access to a larger total credit limit, your credit score will be determined by how you use that limit. If you’re using your credit cards wisely and paying off all the bills in full, on time, then having multiple credit cards can work to your advantage. Since your credit utilization ratio takes into account the limits of all your credit cards and other credit products, maintaining the same level of spending even after you get additional credit cards can lower your overall credit utilization and improve your credit score. However, having several credit cards can also create a situation where you end up spending more than you can easily repay. This can result in delayed payments, which in turn, lead to high interest and penalties. It can also negatively impact your credit score. You should speak with a financial advisor to better understand which credit card options may be right for your unique situation and whether you need multiple cards. Myth 6: Checking my own credit score will lower it When you’ve just started building your credit history, it’s important to keep track of your credit score to make sure it’s heading in the right direction. This can also help you identify and report errors or instances of identity fraud in a timely manner. However, many newcomers mistakenly believe that checking their credit score will negatively impact it. The fact is that when you check your own credit score or credit report, it counts as a “soft” inquiry and doesn’t hurt your score. However, a “hard” inquiry, such as by a financial institution or lender, can lower your score by a few points. Hard inquiries are usually initiated by banks, lenders, or mortgage providers to check your creditworthiness before they can issue a new loan, credit card, or other credit product to you. It’s important to note that when multiple inquiries for the same type of loan are made within a short period of time, such as when you’re shopping around for mortgage rates, they are typically counted as one inquiry. Some banks like RBC allow customers to check their credit score for free, at any time, using their online banking portal. You can also get copies of your detailed credit report through Equifax or TransUnion. Myth 7: I just need to pay the minimum balance on my credit card to keep my credit score up One common misconception that newcomers have is that carrying balance on a credit card improves your credit score. This is inaccurate and, if regularly practiced, can negatively impact your credit score. If you’re only paying off the minimum balance on your credit card for a particular month, it doesn’t count as a missed payment, so there may not be an immediate direct impact on your credit score. However, you’ll be charged interest for the remaining balance in the next payment cycle. Credit instruments like credit cards typically have very high rates of interest, and putting off paying balances in full can make it harder for you to pay off your debt later. In addition, most financial institutions and creditors look at how much you owe compared to how much credit you have available. Therefore, carrying a balance from one month to the next can increase your overall credit utilization ratio. This can adversely impact your credit score. That being said, if you’re in a situation where you’re struggling to cover expenses, prioritize debt payments based on the interest rates they carry. Wherever possible, make at least the minimum payment and pay off the remaining amount as soon as possible. Speak to a financial advisor to get advice that is specific to your financial situation. Myth 8: My credit score will be the same with every agency The two national credit reporting agencies, Equifax and TransUnion, have their own independent scoring criteria for calculation of credit scores. Although they take similar factors into account—your payment history, credit utilization ratio, duration of credit, etc., your score could vary slightly based on which agency’s report you’re looking at. When a financial institution or lender runs an inquiry on your credit score, they might look at reports from any credit reporting agency. It’s a good practice to keep a close eye on your credit reports with both major credit agencies to stay up-to-date on your financial position. A good credit score will be crucial as you navigate the financial system as a newcomer in Canada. The task of building a great credit score from scratch in a new country may seem daunting. But by knowing what can harm or improve your credit position and practicing healthy financial habits, you can uncover your path to financial success in Canada. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now. Learn about your banking options in Canada and be prepared.
Top 6 reasons to study in Canada: Advantages for International Students
Canada is one of the most attractive destinations for international students wishing to study abroad. The country is known for its world-class education system and a wide variety of study programs for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students. If you’re exploring the option of studying overseas, the fact that Canada is home to some of the top universities in the world is reason enough to add it to your list of study destinations. Nine Canadian universities feature in the top 200 academic institutions worldwide, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities 2022, which compared institutions across 90 countries. Besides the quality of education and institute rankings, there are many other reasons that make Canada a great study destination. This article compares some of the most popular study destinations and outlines six factors that make Canada one of the best countries in the world for international students. Why is Canada an attractive study destination? 1. Affordable study programs compared to other countries As an international student, one of your key criteria for choosing a study destination may be tuition fees. While the cost of education abroad can be quite high, the average tuition fee for study programs in Canada is lower compared to other popular study destinations like the United States (U.S.), the United Kingdom (U.K.), and Australia. 2. Better quality of life and lower cost of living in Canada Tuition fees will not be your only expense when you’re studying abroad. You’ll also need to account for non-tuition fees, such as additional university fees, health insurance, and ancillary fees. And of course, you need to budget for your living expenses, which include accommodation costs, the cost of food, travel, your phone bill, and more during your period of study. In Canada, international students can expect to spend between $19,000 and $28,000 CAD on living expenses in their first year. This includes the cost of accommodation (on- or off-campus), food, transportation, insurance, books, and other personal expenses. In addition, you’ll also need to pay the application fees for your study permit or student visa and for the institutions you’re applying to. According to a recent cost of living comparison, the cost of living plus rent indices for Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia are 54.62, 57.60, 53.24, and 61.51 respectively (these indices are relative to New York City). This means that it’s comparatively more expensive to live in the U.S. and Australia than in Canada. On average, living in the U.K. is slightly more economical than in Canada, but the cost of living may be higher in larger cities where universities are located. Quality of life is usually a factor of several aspects, such as quality of education, health care, employment, job security, environmental quality, and individual freedom. In the recent 2021 Best Countries Ranking, Canada was ranked the best country to live in. Australia ranked #6 on the list, but the U.S. and the U.K. did not make it to the top 10. 3. It can be easier to get admission into Canadian study programs Compared to the U.S., it can be relatively easier to get admission into Canadian universities or colleges. For admission into bachelor’s programs as an international student, Canadian universities typically take your high school academic track record into account. In the U.S., international students applying for undergraduate programs also need to get a good score on the SAT or ACT exam and there’s more emphasis on overall extra-curricular development. If you’ve been focusing on academics over these other criteria, you may have better chances of getting accepted to a Canadian university. Australia and the U.K. have eligibility criteria similar to Canada. Canadian universities also tend to have a better acceptance rate compared to similarly ranked U.S. institutions, so your chances of securing admission into an institute and study program of your choice are higher. 4. Ample post-graduate job opportunities in Canada As an international student, one of your criteria for choosing a study destination might be the possibility of staying and working abroad after your graduation. In most cases, this will mean applying for and getting a work permit, and being able to find a suitable job after you graduate or complete a higher education program. In Canada, the process of getting a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is fairly simple and you can apply for one immediately after finishing your study program or within 180 days of its completion. You may be eligible for a work permit if you’ve studied at an authorized Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a valid study permit and if you were enrolled in a full-time study program that was at least eight months long. The validity of your work permit in Canada will depend on the length of your study program and can range from eight months to three years. So if you’ve completed a Bachelor’s program in Canada, you’ll likely qualify for a three-year PGWP. The Canadian PGWP is an open work permit, so you can choose to work in any field, regardless of whether it’s related to your study program. There are no restrictions on the time period within which you must find employment. It is also comparatively easier to find for international students to find a job in Canada after completing their studies. With a PGWP, you can choose to work part-time, full-time, or start your own business in Canada. In comparison, the post-graduate work permits or Graduate visas granted by the U.K. are typically two years long for international students who’ve completed their undergraduate or graduate program on a valid student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa in the U.K. A three-year work permit is only issued to international students who’ve completed a doctoral program in the country. This visa allows students to work, or look for work, at any skill level. In the U.S., international students who’ve completed a study program that’s at least one year long on an F-1 visa are eligible to apply for a one-year Optional Practical Training to gain work experience related to their education. Students in STEM majors can get a 24-month extension on their OPT. However, international students on OPT cannot remain unemployed for more than 90 days, which means that you’ll need to find and start a job within three months of completing your degree. While you’re completing your OPT, your employer can sponsor an H-1B work visa lottery application on your behalf once per year. However, since the H-1B visa is lottery-based, not everyone who applies will get it. 5. Multicultural classrooms and workforce Another advantage of studying in Canada is that you’ll usually be a part of a multicultural classroom, and after graduation, a diverse workplace. Canada welcomes international students from all parts of the world and consequently, you’ll have a chance to stay connected to your roots and learn about other cultures. As an international student, understanding cultural differences within the classroom fosters an environment of inclusivity and respect, which will help you be better prepared as you enter the global workforce. Canada’s leading university, the University of Toronto, for instance, has around 21 per cent of international students who come to study in Canada from 168 countries. In comparison, the top U.S. universities have between 11 and 17 per cent of international students enrolled. 6. Canadian immigration pathways for international students One of the main reasons Canada is a popular study destination among international students is because it’s easier to immigrate and get permanent residence (PR) after your study program. The country offers many immigration pathways, and for Express Entry streams like Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), you may be able to get extra points for your Canadian education to improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Some of these streams require you to have Canadian work experience for which you’ll first need to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit after completing your education. Many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also have specialized streams for international students who’ve completed a study program in specific Canadian provinces. Depending on the immigration stream you choose, you may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residence soon after graduation or with 12 to 24 months of Canadian work experience. Once you receive your PR, the duration of your residency in Canada as an international student and temporary foreign worker can also be taken into account while determining when you’ll be eligible to apply for citizenship. Canada plans to welcome over 400,000 new permanent residents per year between 2021 and 2023, and getting a Canadian degree or diploma can increase your chances of being selected for PR. In comparison, in the U.S., fewer green cards are issued and there may be long wait times, depending on your country of birth, even if you do qualify. In the U.K., you’ll need to complete five years in a post-graduation job to be eligible for an “indefinite leave to remain (ILR) Visa”. As an international student, choosing a country to go to for higher education is a big decision. You’ll need to evaluate not just the quality of universities and study programs, but also the opportunities the country offers to work and stay after your graduation. Canada’s world-class education system, coupled with the immigration pathways the country offers, makes it one of the best study destinations for international students. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now.
Kelley expert: Olympics could be targeted by hacktivists, others seeking to embarrass Beijing
Scott Shackelford, associate professor of business law and ethics at Kelley, IU Cybersecurity Risk Management Program chair and director of the Ostrom Workshop Program on Cybersecurity and Internet Governance, said the high-profile diplomatic breach leading up to the games — including the boycott led by the United States – “means that the games could be targeted by hacktivists and other groups seeking to embarrass or otherwise harass Beijing.” Scott Shackelford “There are always issues associated with the Olympics given that they are a target-rich environment for criminals seeking to target athletes and spectators alike,” Shackelford said. “Beijing’s harsh data localization, cybersecurity, and cyber sovereignty laws also raises human rights concerns for athletes and reporters attending the games.” He also noted that ironically while the Olympic games generally often coincide with a peaceful break from ongoing geopolitical tensions, this might not last long. “Witness the Russian invasion of Crimea three days after the 2014 Sochi games concluded,” he said. Shackelford can be reached at sjshacke@indiana.edu.
University chaplaincy celebrates 50th anniversary
Aston University chaplaincy marks 50 years of delivering pastoral care 12 months of celebration activities and events to be launched on Martin Luther King Day (MLK Day) MLK Day is a federal holiday in the USA to mark the birthday of Martin Luther King The chaplaincy team at Aston University is celebrating 50 years of delivering pastoral care with a series of celebration events and activities being launched on Monday 17 January to coincide with Martin Luther King (MLK) Day. Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday in the United States to mark the birthday and honour the achievements of Martin Luther King Jr who advocated the use of non-violent means to end racial segregation. The Aston University chaplaincy team, based at the Martin Luther King Multi-Faith Centre on the University campus, offers pastoral and spiritual guidance, prayer, support and friendship to all – regardless of background. Chaplains are also available to any group concerned with issues of a religious, international, social or political dimension which wishes to explore - like Martin Luther King - the great themes of justice, peace, mutual understanding and the search for the meaning of life. The chaplains, drawn from different religions and denominations, work together in an atmosphere of inter-religious understanding and cooperation. Alongside other support services in the University, their purpose is to assist all staff and students whether they profess a religious belief or not. Jan Scott, Christian chaplain and spokesperson for the team, said: “The next few months are intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary, looking back on the history of the chaplaincy and how it has developed over the last 50 years. “We want to use it as an opportunity to connect and reconnect with individuals, groups and organisations who have links to the chaplaincy, as a chance for reflection on how to continue to support staff and students of any and all faiths and no faith, and to look forward and set a vision for the chaplaincy for 2022 and beyond.”
What it will take to overcome supply chain disruptions
The supply chain disruptions sparked by the pandemic highlight the need for behavioral shifts by both consumers and companies. Asoo Vakharia, McClatchy Professor and director of the Supply Chain Center at UF’s Warrington College of Business, says supply chain disruptions are — and will continue to be — a way of life. But the degree of the turmoil experienced recently demonstrates the need for some change. “Demand dropped so quickly and at such a high volume that it created a problem for us,” Vakharia said in an episode of the From Florida podcast. Approximately 20% of imports to the United States come from Asia with the biggest share off-loaded in Los Angeles, followed by Long Beach, California. Those ports, along with other large centers, can accommodate the Ultra Large Vessels often used for trans-Pacific shipping. But they’ve been severely impacted by inflow/outflow imbalances caused by a range of factors including truck driver shortages and poor infrastructure. In response, companies such as Amazon, have purchased smaller vessels that can access a larger number of smaller ports, including those that may require passage through the Panama Canal. The move will enable the commerce giant to side-step some of the bottlenecks slowing down larger ports, but it will also add to expense. This is where Professor Vakharia says companies, and consumers, will need to make choices. He cautions companies to play the long game. “Consumers have long memories and they will reward people who have a little bit of recognition of our conditions,” he said. And he says buyers should always be on the lookout for deals. “There is lots of opportunity out there,” Vakharia said. “Maybe you won’t get the brand you want, but you will get a good brand. Let’s moderate our wants a little bit. Let’s think logically.” Professor Vakharia also sees opportunity for Florida ports, with the caveat that the complexity of the issue will require significant planning — and investment. “We need to have an infrastructure, which is rail or trucks, which are going to visit these ports and take the goods away from them because otherwise we’re going to do the same thing as Long Beach.” The added expense of smaller ships will also need to be managed. To hear more about the supply chain issues currently at play, and possible solutions for the future, listen to the episode on From Florida at this link. Read the recent article that Professor Vakharia has been quoted in: Listen to other episodes in the "From Florida" series from the link below.
Will Biden’s Plan to Resettle Afghans Transform the U.S. Refugee Program?
Among the high-profile anti-immigration policies that characterized the four years of Donald Trump’s presidency was a dramatic contraction in refugee resettlement in the United States. President Biden has expressed support for restoring U.S. leadership, and increased commitment is needed to help support the more than 80 million people worldwide displaced by political violence, persecution, and climate change, says UConn expert Kathryn Libal. As Libal writes, with co-author and fellow UConn professor Scott Harding, in a recent article for the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, the rapid evacuation of more than 60,000 Afghans pushed the Biden administration to innovate by expanding community-based refugee resettlement and creating a private sponsorship program. But more resources are needed to support programs that were severely undermined in previous years and to support community-based programs that help refugees through the resettlement process: Community sponsorship also encourages local residents to “invest” in welcoming refugees. Under existing community sponsorship efforts, volunteers often have deep ties to their local communities—critical for helping refugees secure housing, and gain access to employment, education, and health care. As these programs expand, efforts to connect refugees to community institutions and stakeholders, which are crucial to help facilitate their social integration, may be enhanced. As Chris George, Executive Director of Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services in New Haven, Connecticut, has observed, “It’s better for the refugee family to have a community group working with them that knows the schools and knows where to shop and knows where the jobs are.” As more local communities take responsibility for sponsoring refugee families, the potential for a more durable resettlement program may be enhanced. In the face of heightened polarization of refugee and immigration policies, community sponsorship programs can also foster broad-based involvement in refugee resettlement. In turn, greater levels of community engagement can help challenge opposition toward and misinformation about refugees and create greater public support for the idea of refugee resettlement. Yet these efforts are also fraught with significant challenges. Sponsor circle members may have limited capacity or skills to navigate the social welfare system, access health care services, or secure affordable housing for refugees. If group members lack familiarity with the intricacies of US immigration law, helping Afghans designated as “humanitarian parolees” attain asylum status may prove daunting. Without adequate training and ongoing support from resettlement agencies and caseworkers, community volunteers may experience “burn out” from these various responsibilities. Finally, “successful” private and community sponsorship efforts risk providing justification to the arguments of those in support of the privatization of the USRAP and who claim that the government’s role in resettlement should be limited. Opponents of refugee resettlement could argue that community groups are more effective than the existing public–private resettlement model and seek to cut federal funding and involvement in resettlement. Such action could ultimately limit the overall number of refugees the United States admits in the future. December 11 - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs. If you are a journalist looking to know more about this topic – then let us help with your coverage and questions. An associate professor of social work and human rights, Kathryn Libal is the director of UConn's Human Rights Institute and is an expert on human rights, refugee resettlement, and social welfare. She is available to speak with media – click on her icon now to arrange an interview.
On Rethink What’s Possible, a podcast by Milwaukee School of Engineering, MSOE students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners share their inventions, research, industry trends, projects, experiences and how they’re rethinking what's possible. Episode Two, “Erasing the Stigma of Mental Health,” features industry experts Dr. Carol Sabel, MSOE School of Nursing chairperson, and Sue McKenzie Dicks, vice president of healthy culture at Rogers Behavioral Health. The pair discusses the importance of mental health with recent MSOE graduate Jake Egan, who shares his own personal mental health journey and how he dealt with juggling an intense academic workload and a variety of internships. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental health condition isn’t always easy, but identifying a problem early can help lead to the best outcome. The U.S. has the highest rates of mental health disease (27%) as compared to any other industrialized country. One in five adults suffer from some sort of mental health illness and 3.3 million children ages 6-17 receive treatment or counseling for emotional or behavioral issues. The stigma surrounding mental health care is beginning to subside, and more individuals are seeking care. By 2025, the demand for mental health services is expected to outpace supply by 10,000—and in the U.S. 60% of psychiatrists are 55 or older. Our nation is facing a shortage of mental health care providers. In a move to address the shortage of mental health care providers in the United States, Dr. Carol Sabel and the MSOE School of Nursing partnered with Rogers Behavioral Health to offer a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (PMHNP). This innovative new program, coupled with educating nurses at the bachelor’s and advanced practice levels in the area of mental health, is increasing the pipeline of qualified mental health professionals. The podcast is available for download and well worth listening to. And, if you are a journalist interested in learning more or arranging an interview with Dr. Carol Sabel – simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
Ray A. Blackwell, M.D., MJ, chief of Cardiac Surgery and the W. Samuel Carpenter, III, Distinguished Chair of Cardiovascular Surgery at ChristianaCare, received the 2021 Tilton Award from the Medical Society of Delaware on Oct. 28 at the Tilton Mansion, now the University & Whist Club in Wilmington, Del. The award recognizes Dr. Blackwell as a pre-eminent cardiac surgeon the past 21 years and for his life-long commitment to service for the betterment of patients, the local community and the nation. The award is named for James Tilton, M.D., the first U.S. Army Surgeon General of the United States and the first president of the Medical Society of Delaware. “Dr. Blackwell is an outstanding choice for this prestigious award,” said Kirk Garratt, M.D., medical director of ChristianaCare’s Center for Heart & Vascular Health. “He has given a great deal to his patients, his colleagues and his profession. His strong leadership and clinical expertise have led to optimal health and an exceptional experience for many patients in our community. In addition to being an excellent surgeon, Dr. Blackwell has been dedicated to driving innovations that improve patient outcomes and has been committed to finding ways of keeping patients healthy and preventing cardiovascular disease.” Since joining ChristianaCare in 1996, Dr. Blackwell has been recognized among the top cardiac physicians in our region and has been instrumental to the development of the cardiac surgery program. In 2011, he became the surgical director of the Mechanical Circulatory Support Program and led the initiative to establish Christiana Care’s Ventricular Assist Device Program. In 2017 he was named Chief of Cardiac Surgery and has since led the health system’s team of highly skilled and experienced heart surgeons who perform more than 700 heart surgeries each year. Dr. Blackwell is a clinical assistant professor of Surgery at Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. He served as the chair of ChristianaCare’s Blood Pressure Ambassador Advisory Committee. Dr. Blackwell has dedicated his life to service of others, especially on behalf of underprivileged and underrepresented people. As a high school student, he participated in A Better Chance Program, which places underprivileged, underrepresented and underfunded students in better academic environments. He is still active with the organization. He also served on the minority admissions subcommittee and later became a regional recruiter for Dartmouth College and Dartmouth Medical School. In 2019, he received a lifetime achievement award as part of a Dartmouth College celebration, “Standing at the Threshold,” honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. Blackwell also received the Raising Kings award in 2018 from the One Village Alliance, an agency dedicated to elevating positive images and setting high expectations for Wilmington’s Black men and boys, He is a regional alumni council member of National Medical Fellowships, which funds underrepresented and underfunded medical students and is co-founder of the Association of Black Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons, which supports and develops upcoming and practicing cardiothoracic surgeons. He has also held numerous leadership board positions for Delaware organizations, including the Delaware Medical Education Foundation, the Delaware Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, the New Castle County and Great Rivers Affiliate Boards of Directors for the American Heart Association. He is also a board member of the Friends of Hockessin Colored School 107C and Indoor Track Delaware. Dr. Blackwell is also a recipient of the James H. Gilliam, Jr. Award from the American Heart Association for his contributions to the health, welfare and benefit of the community.
ChristianaCare Named a “Most Wired” Health Care Technology Leader for 6th Consecutive Year
ChristianaCare Recognized as one of the Nation’s Best in Both Ambulatory and Hospital Care (WILMINGTON, Del. – Oct. 29, 2021) For the sixth consecutive year, ChristianaCare has earned the “Most Wired” designation from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), which assesses how effectively health care organizations apply core and advanced technologies to improve health and care in their communities. ChristianaCare was recognized with a Performance Excellence Award for Most Wired’s acute and ambulatory categories. That level is reserved only for organizations that are considered leaders in health care technology who “actively push the industry forward.” The recognition affirms that not only has ChristianaCare implemented advanced technologies, but it leverages those technologies in innovative ways. And it also has encouraged deep adoption of these technologies across the entire health system. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, patients and providers have experienced the power of virtual care and the ability for data and technology to improve the health care experience,” said ChristianaCare President and CEO Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH. “At ChristianaCare, we believe now is the moment to transform our health care system to a new model of care that doesn’t stop between appointments—it’s continuous, data-driven and technology-enabled. We’re proud to be recognized as a leader in health care innovation, as we work to achieve better health at lower costs.” “We are driving digital into the core of our existing operations and simultaneously creating new digital product offerings,” said Randy Gaboriault, MS, MBA, chief digital and information officer at ChristianaCare. “The concept of the visit as the primary point of interaction between patient and doctor is obsolete. Our unique care foundation is continuous, digital and in the home, driving care with data and producing engagement actions between the visits. Our goal is for the care team, supported by artificial intelligence within the workflow, to determine the next best action for each patient.” The recognition is the latest accolade that highlights ChristianaCare’s success in creating exceptional experiences for its patients and consumers through personalized, proactive communication, which enables people to use the channels that they prefer in order to easily access care. This success was recently illustrated through ChristianaCare’s integration of clinical data with its new customer relationship management (CRM) system, which enabled ChristianaCare to scale and automate outreach to patients due for important preventive health checks. Through this effort and the new capabilities, ChristianaCare initiated patient and consumer outreach to address two common gaps in care – annual wellness checkups and breast cancer screenings. Continuous and automatic, the outreach within weeks resolved 11% of the gaps in annual wellness checkups, and 8% of the gaps in breast cancer screenings. “Success here stems from our commitment to continuously look for opportunities to innovate, from which we can more quickly and effectively partner with each individual on their path toward optimal health, even as we explore new ways to push the boundaries of how technology can further improve the health of our community,” said Lynne McCone, vice president of IT Application Services at ChristianaCare. The 2021 Digital Health Most Wired program assessed the adoption, integration and impact of technologies in health care organizations at all stages of development, from early development to industry-leading. Each participating organization received a customized benchmarking report, an overall score and scores for individual levels in eight segments: infrastructure; security; business/disaster recovery; administrative/supply chain; analytics/data management; interoperability/population health; patient engagement; and clinical quality/safety. Participants can use the report and scores to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement. Participants also received certification based on their overall performance. “Digital transformation in healthcare has accelerated to an unprecedented level since 2020, and the next few years will bring a wave of innovation that empowers healthcare consumers and will astound the industry,” said CHIME President and CEO Russell P. Branzell. “The Digital Health Most Wired program recognizes the outstanding digital leaders who have paved the way for this imminent revolution in healthcare. Their trailblazing commitment to rapid transformation has set an example for the entire industry in how to pursue a leadership vision with determination, brilliant planning and courage to overcome all challenges.” About ChristianaCare Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, ChristianaCare is one of the country’s most dynamic health care organizations, centered on improving health outcomes, making high-quality care more accessible and lowering health care costs. ChristianaCare includes an extensive network of primary care and outpatient services, home health care, urgent care centers, three hospitals (1,299 beds), a freestanding emergency department, a Level I trauma center and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, a comprehensive stroke center and regional centers of excellence in heart and vascular care, cancer care and women’s health. It also includes the pioneering Gene Editing Institute. ChristianaCare is nationally recognized as a great place to work, rated by Forbes as the 5th best health system to work for in the United States and by IDG Computerworld as one of the nation’s Best Places to Work in IT. ChristianaCare is rated by HealthGrades as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals and continually ranked among the nation’s best by Newsweek and other national quality ratings. ChristianaCare is a nonprofit teaching health system with more than 260 residents and fellows. With its groundbreaking Center for Virtual Health and a focus on population health and value-based care, ChristianaCare is shaping the future of health care.
