Greetings from the President

The following message was emailed to students, staff, and faculty on July 18, 2024.

Dear UPEI Community,

I want to thank everyone who attended our Town Halls—in person and virtually—on July 3 and 4. We had a great turnout of around 270 people in total, all asking interesting questions. I also want to thank the senior executive team, Greg Naterer, Sue Connolly, Tara Judson, and Dana Sanderson, for also attending and providing their thoughts and insights.

At both Town Halls, we acknowledged that our community has endured many challenges in recent years, with some members experiencing harm, but continues to regain strength. Again, there is a strong will to move forward as we continue to heal, and to individually and collectively reach our potential.  

Other themes emerging from the town halls included:

• a desire to better understand budgets and enrolment, including changes to regulations regarding international students
• a stronger campus community, inclusive of all community members and stakeholders, with places and times to gather, availability of services year around, and better communication of events and other information
• enhanced graduate programming, and enhanced opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange and scholarship
• the strength of the student experience across their relationship with the University, from programs, to facilities, to recreational opportunities, to academic and non-academic supports, to residence life
• building capacity among staff, especially in small offices, and creating communities
• defining and living our values
• “Pantherness”—coined by Austin Clement, Director of Conference and Ancillary Services—referring to living our values and our identity as members of the UPEI community 

I will follow up by hosting some “flipped” town halls. As we move our discussion along, the senior leadership team and I want to hear what you are thinking about these themes. We will pose some questions for thought-sharing ahead of future events so we can hear what you are thinking about. You can look for these and more activities to come.

In July, PEI celebrates the richness and diversity of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as part of the national Pride season that kicks off in June. Coordinated by Pride PEI, the PEI Pride Festival runs from July 12–21, with the Pride Parade on Saturday, July 20. I am excited to participate in the Pride Parade alongside the UPEI Student Union and other UPEI groups and encourage all students, faculty, and staff to join us as we march in solidarity, recognizing the importance of a community where everyone can thrive. Learn more about how to participate in the parade here. I hope to see you there!

With best wishes,

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD  (she/her)
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Prince Edward Island
902-566-0400  president@upei.ca