Campus Notices
Dr. Charles Adeyanju, chair and professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, will give a presentation entitled “Black African Immigrants in PEI: ‘Stayers,’ ‘Leavers,’ and ‘Commuters’” on January 24 at 2:30 pm, in SDU Main Building, Room 320.
“This paper uses semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with Black African immigrants in PEI, immigration officers, immigration consultants, community advocates, and international student advisors to investigate the experiences of Black African immigrants in Prince Edward Island, with a focus on their decision to stay in PEI or relocate to other provinces in Canada. Findings show that PEI is a stepping stone to Canada for many Black African immigrants, while unemployment and lack of compatriot communities in PEI are the major driving forces of relocation to other jurisdictions. By and large, all categories of study participants— ‘stayers,’ ‘leavers,’ and ‘commuters’ have a positive impression of PEI.”
The UPEI Alumni Association Panther for Life Spirit Award is given to a current UPEI student (of no particular standing), who exemplifies true Panther pride inside and outside of the classroom. This individual has contributed to the campus community in a meaningful way, whether it be through their volunteerism, participation in UPEI-related events and activities, support of Panther sport, or any other significant way that makes them a strong ambassador for UPEI, both now and as a future Panther alumni.
The recipient will receive an engraved award and a $500 cash prize and will be recognized during a celebratory student event.
Any student, staff, or faculty member may submit nominations for this award. Nominations must be received by February 28th at 4 pm to be considered for 2025.
To nominate a current student, please fill out the Panther for Life Spirit Award Nomination form here: https://www.upei.ca/alumni/awards-and-recognition/panther-for-life-spirit-award
For more information, email alumni@upei.ca.
Most of us have experience using a computer, whether for school, work, or entertainment, but how many of us have actually had an expert teach us how to use it? When one of your computing devices goes wrong, do you struggle to understand why? Perhaps you do an internet search in the hope that someone else who has had the exact same problem as you found a solution that also works for you. It doesn't need to be (quite) this way. This talk doesn't teach you how to troubleshoot everything, but does give you insight into how media, programs, and data are encoded and used by computers so you can make more sense of why computers behave the ways they do and solve some of your problems with greater efficiency and less frustration.
We provide an approachable overview of how a computer works, by both looking at their history and breaking one down to explain individual components, before highlighting some of the tradeoffs to consider when buying a computer. We provide practical, simple, and actionable advice on digital security and show you a few "pro tips" on how to make the most of your workstation, phone, or whatever device you happen to use. Whether you have a lot or a little experience using your digital technology, if you want to learn how to use your devices more effectively, this workshop is for you!
Register at https://www.acenet.training/courses.
The Advisory Selection Committee for the Vice-President, Information Technology and Chief Information Officer has undertaken a comprehensive search and has selected one finalist candidate. This individual will join the campus community for an in-person vision presentation as well as several small-group meetings (by invitation only) on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Candidate A: Vice-President, Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
In-Person Vision Presentation and Q & A
- Thursday, January 23, 2025
- 2:30–3:30 pm
- Duffy Science Centre, Room 135 (DSC 135)
While it is important for the campus community to have engagement in this process, at the same time, the candidate’s privacy must be protected as much as possible to lower the risk to their careers and existing organizations. Therefore, the vision presentation is in-person only and limited to current UPEI students, staff, and faculty.
Members of the campus community are asked to keep all discussions and comments confidential and not share the name of the candidate during or after their visit to the University. Recording the presentation is strictly prohibited and no recordings will be distributed following the sessions. Paper copies of the candidate’s cover letter and curriculum vitae/resume will be available for attendees to review.
A feedback survey for Candidate “A”, available at this link, is in place for members of the campus community to provide their input and feedback following the vision presentation and small-group meetings until 5:00 pm, January 30, 2025.
Read the message from the President.
The calls for 2025 undergraduate summer research awards programs have now been launched. Please visit the Undergraduate Research Opportunities page for more information on the following opportunities:
- NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards
- Engineering Undergraduate Research Awards
- Science Undergraduate Research Awards
- Undergraduate Student Research Awards for Black Student Researchers
The deadline for applications is Friday, February 21, 2025, by 4 pm.
An information session regarding undergraduate student research awards will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm in Kelley Building, Room 210. Students and supervisors are encouraged to attend.
For more information, contact Leslie Cudmore, Research Grants Coordinator at lcudmore@upei.ca or 902-566-0709.
Got a business idea you’re excited about? Join the Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship for MiniPitch on Tuesday, January 21, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM! It’s a great opportunity for students to sharpen their presentation skills and develop new ideas. Prepare a three-minute pitch, face a three-minute Q&A, and participate in a two-minute feedback session to discover what you did well, where you can improve, and what steps you should take next to move forward with your idea!
The first eight presenters to register will have their spots booked, and we will have some wildcard spots at the event if you don’t get registered in time!
To begin the Island Lecture Series for 2025, the Institute of Island Studies will be screening the short movie N'AP Boule (Through the Barricades), including a facilitated virtual conversation with the filmmaker Alexandrine Benjamin. This is a big birthday year for us--the Institute turns 40 years old in June--so please come out and join us for our first event!
FILM SYNOPSIS: In the midst of the treacherous social protests that have paralyzed Haiti for months, a modest couple must face blocked roads and murderous gangs in the hope of finding a place to give birth safely.
BIOGRAPHY: Alexandrine Benjamin is a Haitian filmmaker and holds a master's degree in film production from the University of Greenwich in England. Her works mostly focus on social justice issues such as human rights, gender violence, and insecurity. She recently directed N'AP Boule, an award-winning short film that tells the heartbreaking story of a pregnant Haitian couple looking for a safe place to give birth in the midst of the Haitian socio-political movement “peyilòk”. For more than five years, Ms. Benjamin acted as project manager for Lakou Kajou, an engaging media program produced by the small American media company Blue Butterfly, which raises awareness among Haitian children about literacy and maths, but more importantly about how to solve problems. The filmmaker is now producing her first feature film, “O Negatif”, promoting the full emancipation and inclusion of people living with HIV around the world. Alexandrine believes that education is the path to a better future for her home country, Haiti; and if her art can be a tool to this end, it is the way to go.
Happy New Year!
The UPEI Health Research Network is looking for full/part-time undergraduate students for the Connections program, which will start the first week of February 2025.
Would you like to meet new friends and be involved in an inclusive and non-judgmental environment to learn about food, health, stress, coping, and physical activity?
The staff at the Health Research Network is offering a free eight-session program to help connect undergraduate students to provide an environment for learning on a variety of topics around health and well-being and connecting to the student community. Snacks will be provided at each session!
This free program will include eight weekly (2 hour) group education sessions, including 1 hour with a registered dietitian and health educator followed by 1 hour of exercise sessions with a kinesiologist (plus open gym times) located in the lower level of the Steel Building. These sessions will be student-centered so we welcome any level of knowledge and ability.
If you are interested in registering and booking the pre-assessment screening requirement before starting the program, please email Anja and Laurie at connections@upei.ca for more information or to register. We look forward to seeing you there!
Anja and Laurie
The Office of the President cordially invites you to attend the MacLauchlan Prizes for Effective Writing Celebration on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 2:30 pm in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall.
Please join members of the MacLauchlan family, guest speaker Paul MacNeill, and the UPEI community in this celebration of the achievements of our students.
For further information, please contact Donna Lawless at dlawless@upei.ca or 902.566.0637.
The calls for 2025 undergraduate summer research awards programs have now been launched. Please visit the Undergraduate Research Opportunities page for more information on the following opportunities:
- NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards
- Engineering Undergraduate Research Awards
- Science Undergraduate Research Awards
- Undergraduate Student Research Awards for Black Student Researchers
The deadline for applications is Friday, February 21, 2025, by 4 pm.
An information session regarding undergraduate student research awards will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm in Kelley Building, Room 210. Students and supervisors are encouraged to attend.
For more information, contact Leslie Cudmore, Research Grants Coordinator at lcudmore@upei.ca or 902-566-0709.
Welcome to the following new employees who joined the University of Prince Edward Island community in December 2024:
- Ryan Joseph Barry, IT Systems and Services
- Thomas Robert Cameron, Office of the President
- Derek Clark, IT Systems and Services
- Sweta Daboo, Faculty of Medicine
- Sarah A. Hannah, Faculty of Medicine
- Heather Marie MacLeod, Faculty of Nursing
- Martine McKay, Faculty of Medicine
- Bobbie Jo Mears, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Atlantic Veterinary College
- Morgan Myers-Hill, Veterinary Diagnostic Services Laboratory, Atlantic Veterinary College
- Pamela Trainor, Office of the President
- Julie Vanleeuwen, Research Services
We are excited to have you join the UPEI team!
Got a business idea you’re excited about? Join the Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship for MiniPitch on Tuesday, January 21, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM! It’s a great opportunity for students to sharpen their presentation skills and develop new ideas. Prepare a three-minute pitch, face a three-minute Q&A, and participate in a two-minute feedback session to discover what you did well, where you can improve, and what steps you should take next to move forward with your idea!
The first eight presenters to register will have their spots booked, and we will have some wildcard spots at the event if you don’t get registered in time!
To begin the Island Lecture Series for 2025, the Institute of Island Studies will be screening the short movie N'AP Boule (Through the Barricades), including a facilitated virtual conversation with the filmmaker Alexandrine Benjamin. This is a big birthday year for us--the Institute turns 40 years old in June--so please come out and join us for our first event!
FILM SYNOPSIS: In the midst of the treacherous social protests that have paralyzed Haiti for months, a modest couple must face blocked roads and murderous gangs in the hope of finding a place to give birth safely.
BIOGRAPHY: Alexandrine Benjamin is a Haitian filmmaker and holds a master's degree in film production from the University of Greenwich in England. Her works mostly focus on social justice issues such as human rights, gender violence, and insecurity. She recently directed N'AP Boule, an award-winning short film that tells the heartbreaking story of a pregnant Haitian couple looking for a safe place to give birth in the midst of the Haitian socio-political movement “peyilòk”. For more than five years, Ms. Benjamin acted as project manager for Lakou Kajou, an engaging media program produced by the small American media company Blue Butterfly, which raises awareness among Haitian children about literacy and maths, but more importantly about how to solve problems. The filmmaker is now producing her first feature film, “O Negatif”, promoting the full emancipation and inclusion of people living with HIV around the world. Alexandrine believes that education is the path to a better future for her home country, Haiti; and if her art can be a tool to this end, it is the way to go.
Welcome to the following new employees who joined the University of Prince Edward Island community in December 2024:
- Ryan Joseph Barry, IT Systems and Services
- Thomas Robert Cameron, Office of the President
- Derek Clark, IT Systems and Services
- Sweta Daboo, Faculty of Medicine
- Sarah A. Hannah, Faculty of Medicine
- Heather Marie MacLeod, Faculty of Nursing
- Martine McKay, Faculty of Medicine
- Bobbie Jo Mears, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Atlantic Veterinary College
- Morgan Myers-Hill, Veterinary Diagnostic Services Laboratory, Atlantic Veterinary College
- Pamela Trainor, Office of the President
- Julie Vanleeuwen, Research Services
We are excited to have you join the UPEI team!
Got a business idea you’re excited about? Join the Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship for MiniPitch on Tuesday, January 21, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM! It’s a great opportunity for students to sharpen their presentation skills and develop new ideas. Prepare a three-minute pitch, face a three-minute Q&A, and participate in a two-minute feedback session to discover what you did well, where you can improve, and what steps you should take next to move forward with your idea!
The first eight presenters to register will have their spots booked, and we will have some wildcard spots at the event if you don’t get registered in time!
To begin the Island Lecture Series for 2025, the Institute of Island Studies will be screening the short movie N'AP Boule (Through the Barricades), including a facilitated virtual conversation with the filmmaker Alexandrine Benjamin. This is a big birthday year for us--the Institute turns 40 years old in June--so please come out and join us for our first event!
FILM SYNOPSIS: In the midst of the treacherous social protests that have paralyzed Haiti for months, a modest couple must face blocked roads and murderous gangs in the hope of finding a place to give birth safely.
BIOGRAPHY: Alexandrine Benjamin is a Haitian filmmaker and holds a master's degree in film production from the University of Greenwich in England. Her works mostly focus on social justice issues such as human rights, gender violence, and insecurity. She recently directed N'AP Boule, an award-winning short film that tells the heartbreaking story of a pregnant Haitian couple looking for a safe place to give birth in the midst of the Haitian socio-political movement “peyilòk”. For more than five years, Ms. Benjamin acted as project manager for Lakou Kajou, an engaging media program produced by the small American media company Blue Butterfly, which raises awareness among Haitian children about literacy and maths, but more importantly about how to solve problems. The filmmaker is now producing her first feature film, “O Negatif”, promoting the full emancipation and inclusion of people living with HIV around the world. Alexandrine believes that education is the path to a better future for her home country, Haiti; and if her art can be a tool to this end, it is the way to go.
Happy New Year!
The UPEI Health Research Network is looking for full/part-time undergraduate students for the Connections program, which will start the first week of February 2025.
Would you like to meet new friends and be involved in an inclusive and non-judgmental environment to learn about food, health, stress, coping, and physical activity?
The staff at the Health Research Network is offering a free eight-session program to help connect undergraduate students to provide an environment for learning on a variety of topics around health and well-being and connecting to the student community. Snacks will be provided at each session!
This free program will include eight weekly (2 hour) group education sessions, including 1 hour with a registered dietitian and health educator followed by 1 hour of exercise sessions with a kinesiologist (plus open gym times) located in the lower level of the Steel Building. These sessions will be student-centered so we welcome any level of knowledge and ability.
If you are interested in registering and booking the pre-assessment screening requirement before starting the program, please email Anja and Laurie at connections@upei.ca for more information or to register. We look forward to seeing you there!
Anja and Laurie
Dr. Stephanie Blandford, a candidate for a tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Biology, will give a presentation titled “Targeting student motivations in postsecondary STEM education” on Monday, January 20, at 11:45 am in Duffy Science Centre, Room 204.
Calling all Panthers! On Saturday, January 18, Development and Alumni and Experiential Education are inviting students, staff, faculty, and alumni to join us at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre for a paper airplane toss during half-time at the UPEI Panther Women’s basketball game! 🎉
Arrive as early as 5:30 pm, meet your team, and start crafting your winning plane. At half-time, see whose plane flies the furthest! 🏅
This is a fun, laid-back chance to connect with the UPEI community, boost your Panther pride, and build lasting connections. ✨
📅 Saturday, January 18 | 5:30 pm (game time is 6:00 pm)
📍 Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre
🎟️ Get your game tickets online
✂️ Airplane-making materials provided
🏆 Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place
The UPEI Writing Centre is now open for Winter 2025. We have tutors available from Monday to Saturday and can help you with many writing-related matters--how to get started on your assignments, how to organize an essay, how to cite effectively, and so on. We provide a safe space, friendly assistance, and the tools you need to grow as a writer!
Please visit https://upei.mywconline.com/ to book an appointment and keep an eye on our Instagram page (upeiwritingcentre).
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact coordinator Jo Schneider at jschneider@upei.ca
We look forward to working with you this semester!
