WHITEHORSE – What can we learn about our reality just by thinking?

Revolutionary ideas in fields as diverse as physics, ethics, literature and economics all have something in common. Many of them are born in the “laboratory of the mind” using thought experiments or hypothetical scenarios. 

Einstein, for example, relates how imagining himself racing a beam of light helped him discover the theory of relativity. Other famous examples explore questions of morality or identity. A hidden bomb will go off when the timer strikes zero, do you resort to torturing the man who knows where it is? If every plank and part of a ship is replaced as it ages until no original part exists, is it still the same ship? The range of answers might surprise you.

On Tuesday March 19th, philosopher Mark Shumelda will explore a variety of thought experiments - how they work and what they teach us - at a brown bag lunch talk at Yukon College.

WHITEHORSE – A virtual chat with Canadian astronaut David Saint-Jacques is one of the highlights for girls in grades 4-7 during the 2013 All-Girls Science Club. Registration opened today for the eight sessions that begin March 30th and run each Saturday morning at Yukon College (except holiday weekends) until June 8th.

This years’ theme is “the science of earth and space”. The club offers plenty of hands-on science experiments and fun activities, as well as visiting guests who will speak about their careers in science, engineering and technology.

“Research has shown that North American girls fall behind in science education not because of a lack of interest, but a lack of exposure,” said Lori LaRochelle, Science Adventures at Yukon College. “This program helps the girls to feel more capable and welcome in the world of science, technology, engineering and math.”

WHITEHORSE—Professional trades training will soon be offered in communities across Yukon thanks to $1.8 million in funding from Yukon Education and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) towards the purchase of a mobile training lab and supply trailer for industrial trades instruction through Yukon College.

“Yukon’s economy is one of the strongest in Canada and we need to capitalize and prepare our residents for skilled, high wage jobs,” Education Minister Scott Kent said. “This new mobile training lab can be deployed from Watson Lake to Dawson City, and will bring skilled trades training directly into our communities.”

WHITEHORSE - Ten students have spent this week learning the complexities of First Nations leadership in Yukon.

The First Nations Leadership Training course featured a number of speakers including Chief Joe Linklater of the Vuntut Gwich’in and Chief Robert Louie of Westbank First Nation, a highly successful First Nation in southern BC.

Aimed at anyone who may be considering a leadership role in the future of his or her First Nation, this five-day program covers the roles and responsibilities of Chief and Council, strategies for maintaining personal balance, and discussions on ethical decision-making, as well as an overview of the UFA and Final Agreements, strategic planning, and creating legislation and policies.

WHITEHORSE –The Yukon Native Teacher Education Program (YNTEP) at Yukon College will be accepting first year students once again for classes beginning in September 2013.  Intake was suspended for the 12/13 academic year in order to conduct a program review.

“We have carefully considered the program review that was completed last summer and worked with the program stakeholders to develop a plan for addressing the review recommendations,” said Dr. Deb Bartlette, dean of Applied Arts and associate vice president Academic.  “The review showed that the YNTEP program is academically on par with other teacher education programs in Canada, but did make some recommendations to improve the delivery of the program and its relevance to our unique Yukon context.”

The plan has been developed by a Review Action Committee made up of representatives from Yukon First Nations, the Yukon Teachers Association, Yukon College and Yukon Education.

WHITEHORSE – Yukon College’s first ever Report to the Community has won a silver communications award from the North American Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

The 13 page report was created in 2012 to provide a brief snapshot of information about the College including special activities, new initiatives, guests, partners, as well as highlighting students, programs and staff.

“Articles in the Report to the Community are intended to show the reach of Yukon College, including international guests, partner highlights and  research work, as well as to highlight what we’re doing that is noteworthy and progressive,” said Jacqueline Bedard, director of College Relations.

“It’s an attractive communications tool that allows us to inform the community about some of highlights from the past year at Yukon College’s thirteen campuses.”

WHITEHORSE− The Yukon College Community Challenge was a huge success during Sourdough Rendezvous activities this past weekend. Of the record 14 teams competing, it was the veterans who prevailed. The Beaver Cleavers from Shey-per Esthetics beat out reigning champs, Canadian Forces team Northern Defenders, to claim first place and $300.

However, with over half the teams participating for the first time, newcomers did not do badly. Taking second and third place were the Ice Frogs from the Association Franco-Yukonnaise and MacKay Magic from MacKay Accounting. Capturing the Red Lantern award for last place, offered for the first time this year, was the Yukon Employees Union team, The Bargainators.

WHITEHORSE− Pumping weights, running laps, and preparing goofy costumes, a record number of Community Challenge teams are getting ready for Rendezvous! Since last year the teams have doubled, at 12 registered thus far.

The Yukon College Community Challenge is set to take place during this weeks’ Sourdough Rendezvous on Saturday Feb. 23 at 1:30 p.m.

Teams from Northwestel, Westmark Hotel, Yukon Employees Union, Wines by Design; Shay-per Esthetics, Ramada Inn, City of Whitehorse, and the Canadian Forces, plus four teams from Yukon College will face off against each other in wacky events that will challenge participants’ brains as well as their brawn.

WHITEHORSE – The Yukon College Board of Governors has approved a 1.85% tuition fee increase to take effect for all courses beginning in September 2013. There was no fee increase in 2012.

The price of a course credit will go from $108 to $110. A full year of credit courses will increase by an average of $60. Other programs, including college prep, vocational, pre-employment and skills for employment will increase between $1 and $40 per offering.

“This modest tuition increase simply reflects the rising hard-costs of providing post-secondary education, such as infrastructure maintenance and technology costs,” said Colleen Wirth, director of Student Services. “Our tuition fee policy mandates that the price of education at Yukon College not exceed the lowest one third of comparable colleges in Western Canada, and that is still, and will continue to be, the case.”

WHITEHORSE – Academics, and Inuit and First Nation modern treaty representatives from across Canada will be in Whitehorse this week to discuss the common issues and challenges they face in the implementation of modern treaties.

Building a Modern Treaty Research Agenda is a two-day workshop hosted by Yukon College and the Ottawa-based Land Claims Agreements Coalition. It takes place at the College Thursday February 7 and Friday February 8. The workshop is funded by Yukon Economic Development and the Vuntut Gwichin Government.

Researchers from the Universities of Cornell, Ottawa, Saskatchewan, Cape Breton, Toronto, Carleton, Minnesota, and Manitoba will be in attendance. Yukon Chiefs, the Council of Yukon First Nations and representatives of the Land Claims Agreements Coalition will participate in a series of round table discussions with these academics.