STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITY 1
Invest in Our Students
As we reflect on Cape Breton University’s Strategic Plan once again, we are proud to share several new investments in our students that have taken place over the past year.
In September, 2020, CBU implemented a new role, Student Development Officer – Students of African Descent, a position responsible for the development and implementation of recruitment strategies for African Nova Scotian and Canadian students. This person also serves as a mentor for students. This position demonstrates the University’s dedication to continually ensuring a safe and welcoming space for students of African descent.
Photo taken prior to March 2020.
Additionally, CBU signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Community United for Black Education to facilitate collaboration on mutually beneficial projects that will see more students of African descent, specifically African Nova Scotian descent, study and work at CBU. This will also broaden the knowledge of African Nova Scotian activities to CBU and broader community.
The Bachelor of Science Nursing Program at CBU has seen tremendous growth this year, doubling to 141 seats. Twenty seats were added for Indigenous and African Nova Scotian students to increase access to education for underrepresented communities.
During African Heritage Month 2020, Ms. Donna Toussaint, Executive Member of the Community United for Black Education, and David Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor CBU, sign the MOU between the two parties.
Photo taken prior to March 2020.
In June 2020, CBU signed an MOU with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK) to increase access to post-secondary education for Mi’kmaw people. As part of the agreement, 17 bursaries of $3,000 have been created for Mi’kmaw students.
“Indigenous education has been a significant part of our history for decades and has helped us become Atlantic Canada’s leader in Indigenous post-secondary education,” said President David Dingwall. “CBU is very proud of the strong relationship we have with First Nation communities in Nova Scotia, and this agreement with MK will help to strengthen that bond.”
The CBU Inclusive Program, launched in 2019, continues to expand as a wonderful addition to the University’s offerings. The program is open to students who self-identify as having a disability and may not meet the admission criteria set for traditional credit study. The Cape Breton Down Syndrome Society, along with the Morrison Family of Sydney River, proudly established the Sharon Morrison Memorial Award to support a student with Down Syndrome who enrols in the CBU Inclusive Program. It is an honour to name this award after Morrison, an educator who dedicated her career to developing continued education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.
Despite challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue our endeavour to enrich our students’ living and learning experience through quality teaching and programming, experiential learning and volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of belonging and improving campus life for all those in the CBU community.