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As Japan attempts to contain radiation leaking from a damaged nuclear-power plant, some universities have delayed the start of their school year, while officials worry about the long-term effect of the disaster on recruitment of international students and faculty members. More than a week after the earthquake and tsunami struck the northeast coast of Japan, causing damage to the reactor, some university students in the hardest-hit regions remain missing, and 5 have been confirmed dead. Institutions in Tokyo and elsewhere are reporting cancellations of contracts by part-time foreign instructors concerned about radiation leaks from the crippled plant north of the capital city. One educator says Japanese universities should expect a significant drop in foreign students, particularly in Tokyo. The Chronicle of Higher Education (free access)

As outlined in its 2011-12 budget, tabled yesterday, the federal government's research investments include increasing the budgets of all 3 federal granting councils by $47 million annually, committing $53.5 million over 5 years to support the creation of 10 new Canada Excellence Research Chairs, supporting 30 new Industrial Research Chairs at colleges, and extending advanced research funding to students and researchers at colleges and polytechnics. The government will allocate $60 million over the next 3 years to promote student enrolment in key disciplines related to the digital economy. Post-secondary initiatives include enhancing and expanding eligibility for the Canada Student Loan and Grant Program for part- and full-time students, and encouraging skills certification by making all occupational, trade, and professional examination fees eligible for tax relief. The government will provide up to $10 million annually in tax relief and RESP assistance to the rising number of Canadian PSE students who study abroad, and $10 million over 2 years to develop and implement an international education strategy. Budget Speech | Budget in Brief

In tabling New Brunswick's 2011-12 budget yesterday, the province's finance minister announced the government will cap modest tuition fee increases at $200 per full-time college and university student, ending a tuition fee freeze introduced by the previous government. According to the budget, the province will increase the operating grant to public universities by 2%, as well as increase targeted bursaries to help students from low-income families pursue higher education. The budget outlines several initiatives that will reduce spending growth by some $220 million, which include reinstating the parental contribution for student financial assistance, resulting in $1.6 million in savings. NB News Release | Budget Speech | CBC

The National Research Council's new president has ordered all staff to direct research toward boosting economic development and technology, with less time dedicated to pure science. Beginning this spring, 20% of research money, and all capital funds earmarked for expensive lab equipment, will be taken out of existing budgets and directed where the president and vice-presidents choose. 80% of research funds will eventually be redirected this way. In a memo sent to NRC staff, president John McDougall says he wants research that is "successfully deployed and used to benefit our customers and partners in industry and government." The new strategy has some researchers fearing for their jobs, and makes some veteran scientists nervous about what impact it could have on basic research. Senior NRC officials have been consulting with universities about the latter's research relationships with industry. Ottawa Citizen

Come September, Mount Allison University will no longer offer courses in Miramichi. Mount Allison president Robert Campbell says the region is served well enough by the University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University, which also offer courses in Miramichi. Campbell says Mount Allison's activities will be focused on agendas more closely in line with the provincial government's action plan. A UNB spokeswoman says UNB and STU are trying to work together to fill the gap. "We're trying to find a way to make sure the courses that Mount A had will still be offered," she says. "We don't want the students to lose any of the courses, or any of the programming." Canadaeast News Service

Some 500 supporters attended a rally at Saint Mary's University Monday in response to the institution's announcement Friday that it will discontinue its women's hockey team. Since then, the office of the president has been inundated with hundreds of calls and e-mails, calling for the program to be saved. SMU president Colin Dodds stated Monday the university is reconsidering the decision and will investigate other options to save the women's hockey team, the third most expensive varsity team at the institution. Many of the letters and calls to SMU vowed to make donations to help the program, so the institution is willing to put the decision on hold to work with interested donors and see if those promises result in tangible financial support. Globe and Mail | CBC | Halifax Chronicle-Herald

The latest audited enrolment numbers for Georgian College show a 9.6% increase in the student population over last year at this time. The increase in foreign students was even higher at 13.5% compared to March 2010. Overall, there are well over 10,000 students at Georgian's 7 campuses. This comes on top of an ever-growing student population within the last decade; between 2000 and 2010, enrolment at Georgian rose 68.5%. The number of new students who have confirmed their intention to start at the college this September is up 16.3% compared to March 2010. Georgian College News Release

The University of Saskatchewan's Edwards School of Business is seeking accreditation with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a goal the school's dean hopes to achieve in 3 or 4 years, not the 5 years it typically takes. Edwards is on the right track, the dean explains, having already been approved for eligibility and having an assigned mentor, someone to work with the business school through the entire accreditation process. The dean notes that accreditation is something of which potential graduate students and faculty recruits will take note, and will also be very beneficial in developing international partnerships. A number of Canadian business schools are reaping the benefits from their accreditation with AACSB. uSask On Campus News

On Friday, Durham College celebrated the official opening of its new Student Services building, an event that kicked off with a 40-person flash mob -- including president Don Lovisa -- dancing to Katy Perry's "Firework." Designed to help students in their education efforts while fostering lifelong learning, the new facility serves as a vital first point of access for potential applicants, current students, and graduates, establishing a familiar resource over the span of an individual's relationship with the institution. The majority of Durham College's student service offerings are located in the building, which will also house additional academic space, student lounge areas, study and meeting space, and the Women's Centre. Durham College News Release | Flash mob video

A pair of studies released Monday offer some additional evidence to support the theory that "self-selection" is the main reason so many academics are liberal. In short, the self-selection theory holds that some professions have become "typed" in American society in various ways that may relate to politics. With academe viewed as more liberal, liberals are more likely to identify being an academic as something to which they aspire. One of the studies found no evidence of bias among graduate program directors toward prospective students. A longitudinal study observed that those who pursue academic careers are far more likely to be liberal than conservative, countering the notion that conservatives are being turned away from PhD programs, or that a leftward shift is the price of success in these programs. While a UBC sociology professor who co-authored the studies sees the results providing important backing for previous research, not everyone, he admits, is likely to be convinced. Inside Higher Ed