Campus Notices
Put together a team and enter the Qollab global quantum hackathon for 48 hours beginning October 9!
It’s the biggest global distributed quantum hackathon, and ACENET is the Atlantic Canadian partner with Qollab and IonQ.
Teams of 1 to 4 participants compete globally for a first prize of $10,000, plus quantum compute time valued at $20,000. If at least 10 Atlantic Canadian teams enter, there will be local prizes too!
You don’t need quantum computing experience to enter, but Python would be useful. And by the way…. ACENET has a 4-part series with Python beginning September 29.
There are both student and professional tracks.
Registration for the hackathon opens September 28.
If you have any questions, please contact our new quantum computing specialist, muhammad.muzammil@ace-net.ca.
New classes, new projects, and new opportunities are filling our calendars as another academic year gets underway. It's also the perfect time to recognize the colleagues who help make UPEI a supportive and welcoming place to work and learn.
Through our Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues program, we celebrate the people whose kindness, collaboration, and commitment make a positive impact across campus.
Consider nominating a colleague who has:
- Supported you or your team during a busy time
- Gone above and beyond to help others
- Made a lasting positive impact through their actions
We want to celebrate them!
For details about the program, including links to past issues and access to the submission form, please click here.
As we launch into a new semester, let's recognize those who go the extra mile and help set the tone for a successful year. A simple nomination can be a meaningful way to thank someone for all they do.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, September 25, 2026.
Thank you for helping us recognize the remarkable people who make UPEI such a great place to be.
The Canadian Association for Graduate Studies Community of Practice on Graduate Supervision is hosting their first 2026-2027 national webinar entitled "From First Conversations to Final Stages: Setting Expectations, Building Communication, and Supporting Completion."
This webinar welcomes UAlberta's Dr. Tracy Raivio and Dr. Kara Schick-Makaroff, who will explore how supervisors can establish clear, mutual expectations from the start of the supervisory relationship, and share strategies for supporting students through the final stages of completion, including those in the All But Dissertation (ABD) stage.
2:00-3:30 pm Atlantic
September 25, 2026
Click to Register
The National Community of Practice on Graduate Supervision was created for and by those doing the work of graduate supervision. It is a space for open exchange, shared learning and informal collaboration across institutions, roles and experience levels.
On Friday, September 18 at 7:30 pm, the UPEI Department of Music opens its 2026-2027 recital series with our second annual Prelude to Homecoming concert, a musical celebration of our Performing Arts donors, which will once again showcase the Department's new 9-foot Yamaha CFX concert grand piano in the refurbished Steel Recital Hall. This concert will feature Magdalena von Eccher as a soloist and in collaboration with full-time faculty Dale Sorensen (trombone) and Nicole Strum (saxophone), part-time faculty Natalie Williams Calhoun (cello) and guest pianist Glen Montgomery; an alumni SATB vocal ensemble led by Sung Ha Shin-Bouey and accompanied by von Eccher and Morgan Saulnier (piano); and a faculty/alumni jazz combo featuring Mark Parsons (trumpet), Ian Toms (guitar), Deryl Gallant (bass), and Shawn Doiron (drums). Tickets can be purchased online here. Please visit https://upei.ca/music for more information.
The Atlantic Veterinary College SAVMA Chapter is hosting their 4th annual TRAILS FOR TAILS- a 5K fun run/walk! Students and community members are invited to attend this all-ages event (10+ years for run registration) and all fitness levels are welcome. Dogs are welcomed and encouraged to attend! This 5 km run/walk follows a route on the UPEI campus and the Confederation Trail, starting and ending at the WA Murphy Student Centre.
Sanctioned by the PEI Roadrunners Club, the registration donations for this event will support local and national SAVMA leadership opportunities for students, as well as the Pegasus Helping Hands Fund through the AVC VTH.
Date: Sunday, September 27, 10:00 am
Location: W.A. Murphy Student Centre, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown
Registration: $25, *NEW* only $15 for UPEI students
There will be medals and great prizes- follow the link below to sign up and don’t miss our best run yet!
For any questions, email: avc.scavma@gmail.com
Faculty and staff are invited to share their feedback on Welcome Week 2026! Whether or not you participated in Welcome Week events or activities, your feedback will help the Office of Student Culture and Community Standards inform future planning and support the student experience at UPEI.
The Faculty and Staff Welcome Week Feedback Survey is anonymous and takes approximately 3–5 minutes to complete. Complete the survey by September 25, 2026, and you can enter for a chance to win one of two UPEI prize packs.
Please also encourage students to share their feedback! The Student Welcome Week Feedback Survey is anonymous and takes approximately 5–7 minutes to complete. Students who complete the survey by September 21, 2026, can enter for a chance to win one of ten $50 UPEI Bookstore gift cards.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Student Experience Coordinator Susie Zavala at szavala@upei.ca.
As a result of Canada’s research community's commitment to open science and international collaboration, Canada is a leader in innovation, research, and development. However, this commitment has the potential to be exploited, leading to loss of expertise and trade secrets, damage to the integrity of Canadian academic and research institutions, and the loss of publication and patent opportunities. These implications have national and economic security impacts – particularly if the knowledge is sensitive or has potential military applications.
The Government of Canada recognizes the immense short and long-term value of the research conducted in Canada and endeavours to keep it as open as possible while still ensuring security measures are in place. To raise awareness of research security issues and threats within Canada’s academic communities, Public Safety Canada’s Atlantic Regional Advisor will be speaking on September 23 at 2pm in the Teaching and Learning Centre, Robertson Library Annex room 228.
The primary objective of this event is to explain the potential for misuse of dual-use research, technology, and materials, including risk factors and research security considerations for disciplines outside of the STEM fields. This discussion will also include a conversation regarding risk indicators and mitigation tools to protect Canadian research assets.
Presented by: Public Safety Canada’s Atlantic Regional Advisor
Hybrid synchronous options available, no recording or slides will be provided
Open to Faculty, Research Scientists, Post-Docs, and Graduate Students
Register here: Research Security Training session – Fill out form
Dr. Brent MacLaine, Professor Emeritus of English and renowned poet, will be celebrated for his contributions to the PEI literary community on Thursday, September 17, at 7 pm, in the Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall. The evening, which will be co-hosted by UPEI Professor Emeritus Richard Lemm and PEI Poet Laureate Bren Simmers, will include readings of Dr. MacLaine’s poetry by other Island writers, colleagues, and friends. Hosted by the Bookmark, Charlottetown’s locally owned, independent bookstore, the event is free and open to everyone.
Save the Date! Memorial University’s Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) is pleased to host the 2026 Atlantic Universities’ Teaching Showcase on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Centered on the theme Pedagogy, Practice, and Purpose in the Age of GenAI, this year’s showcase will explore the implications and opportunities of generative AI (GenAI) through shared experiences, perspectives and conversations about teaching, learning, and research.
Join colleagues from universities across Atlantic Canada for this fully online event. Visit the showcase website and subscribe to receive showcase updates.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to scramble your way through a presentation you have no control over? It’s more fun than you think, and you can experience it yourself (or just come to watch!) at the Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship in 201 Robertson Library this fall! No pre-registration required! See the fall schedule below.
- Thursday, September 17, 3:00-5:00 pm
- Thursday, October 8, 3:00-5:00 pm
- Thursday, October 29, 3:00-5:00 pm
- Thursday, November 12, 3:00-5:00 pm
- Thursday, December 3, 3:00-5:00 pm
Note: If you would like to participate, please bring a phone or computer that can access wi-fi or cellular data.
Attend the second annual CCCE Speaker Spotlight and Startup Showcase, open to all UPEI students, alumni, and members of the community. This networking event features a showcase of innovative ventures being built by current and recently graduated UPEI students, provides an opportunity for students to connect with one another, alumni, and members of the community, and provides a keynote speech from accomplished serial entrepreneur Jordan Fraser.
Join us on September 22 at 5:00 - 7:00 pm in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, sign up here!
Post-war bungalows, also known as “victory houses,” were built across Canada to house returning veterans and their families. The Alexander Drive Project by PEI artist and author Sandy Kowalik tells the story of one such neighbourhood built in 1948 in Charlottetown. Published by Island Studies Press, the book will be launched on September 16, at 7 pm, in the Faculty Lounge, Main Building Room 201, University of Prince Edward Island.
The Alexander Drive Project began in the garden. As Kowalik dug, she found bits of china, bottle caps, coins, marbles, glass, and a few action figure arms. Using these materials, she created annual assemblages called “What the Garden Doesn’t Swallow.” These backyard discoveries led Kowalik to research both the origins of the objects and her neighbourhood in her new book, The Alexander Drive Project.
This social history chronicles how the street has evolved over the last 75 years, touching upon themes of affordable housing, supportive neighbourhoods, mental health, addiction, violence, changing demographics, gender roles, and the impact of climate change. Kowalik blends archival research, resident interviews, and photographs, along with her series of garden assemblages to create a portrait of how the neighbourhood came to be and of the people who call(ed) it home.
Sandy Kowalik is a Fine Art honours graduate of the Ontario College of Art, working primarily in sculpture and assemblage. A native of Hamilton, Ontario, she has made her permanent home in Charlottetown, PEI, since 1986. Kowalik's work can be found in the Canada Council Art Bank, the Prince Edward Island Art Bank, the Confederation Centre of the Arts Gallery's permanent collection, and private collections worldwide.
The event is free, and all are welcome. Thanks to Bookmark, books will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Bren Simmers at Island Studies Press, 902-566-0386 or ispstaff@upei.ca.
Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
McMillan Hall, W. A. Murphy Student Centre
Join us for a day of reflection, learning, and community as we mark the 11th anniversary of the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)’s "Final Reports" along with "94 Calls to Action," which guide Canada’s path toward reconciliation. Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR). The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and the ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
To commemorate and honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, UPEI is expanding its annual Mawi’omi (the word for gathering in the Mi’kmaw language) and holding it on September 29. The TRC Mawi’omi is a gathering that will be open to the University and broader community, which will include several activities aimed at increasing awareness, fostering community relationships, and ensuring that the narratives of Indigenous peoples are honoured and understood.
The excitement for this Saturday's Gold Rush draw is growing as big as the pot! With no winners in the last TEN draws, the total pot has grown to more than $35,700, with half going to the winner of the draw.
Gold Rush is a virtual fundraising initiative that raises funds for UPEI’s athletic and recreation programs. You can now select a specific team, club, or program to direct your proceeds from each of your tickets.
Play today and every week for a chance to win! Download the UPEI Panther Recreation app from the App Store or on Google Play, or play from your computer. The weekly draw is held at 8:00 pm every Saturday.
Below are upcoming training opportunities for the fall that may be of interest to faculty and students. Most sessions are online and free of charge.
REGISTER: https://www.ace-net.ca/training/
Introduction to High Performance Computing (HPC)
15 September, 1200-1330hrs Atlantic | 1230-1400hrs NL (online)
What is high performance computing (HPC) and what can it do for me? How can ACENET help? Used by researchers across many disciplines to tackle analyses too large or complex for a desktop, or to improve efficiency over a desktop, this session takes you through the preliminary stages of learning about HPC and computing clusters, and how to get started with this type of computing. It then reviews software packages available for applications, data analysis, software development and compiling code. Finally, you are introduced to the concept of parallel computing to achieve much faster results in analysis. This session is designed for those with no prior experience in HPC, and who are looking for an introduction and overview.
Introduction to the Linux Command Line
16 September, 1200-1330hrs Atlantic | 1230-1400hrs NL (online)
Linux is the terminal interface used to enable you to use the ACENET and the Digital Research Alliance of Canada (DRAC) high performance computing (HPC) clusters from your desktop. It's the tool you need to get your data on the clusters, run your programs, and get your data back. In this session, learn how to get started with Linux, how to create and navigate directories for your data, load files, manage your storage, run programs on the computing clusters, and set file permissions. This workshop is designed for those with no prior experience in working with a terminal interface.
Introduction to Shell Scripting
17 September, 1200-1330hrs Atlantic | 1230-1400hrs NL (online)
Shell scripting helps you save time, automate file management tasks, and better use the power of Linux. In this session, you learn how to use the command line to carry out repetitive tasks, extract information from files quickly, combine commands in powerful ways, about job scripts, shell variables and looping commands, and how to capture a workflow so you can re-use it easily. Save time, reduce errors, and use Linux more effectively. This workshop is designed for either new high performance computing (HPC) users who are familiar with working in a Linux environment, or for experienced users seeking to get more out of shell scripting. Participants are strongly encouraged to have a Digital Research Alliance of Canada account.
Job Scheduling with Slurm
18 September, 1200-1330hrs Atlantic | 1230-1400hrs NL (online)
The national systems use a job scheduler called “Slurm”. In this session you learn how Slurm works and how it allocates jobs, helping you to: minimize wait time by framing reasonable requests; ask for only the resources you need to improve efficiency; increase throughput; run more jobs simultaneously; and, troubleshoot and address crashes. This workshop is designed for either new high performance computing (HPC) users familiar with Linux and Shell Scripting, but who have not had experience using Slurm, or, for experienced users transitioning to Slurm or seeking to improve efficiency with the scheduler. Participants should have a Digital Research Alliance of Canada account.
Introductory Programming: Unix Shell, Git and Python
29 September and 1, 6, 8 October, 1300-1600hrs Atlantic | 1330-1630hrs NL (online)
This is a beginner level series that is hands-on, covering the fundamentals of Unix Shell, Version Control with Git and Python. This includes data types, conditional statements, loops and functions, as well as program design, version control, data management, and task automation. Participants are encouraged to help one another and to apply what they have learned to their own research problems. The goal is to teach the practical knowledge needed to start programming, debugging and using Python in everyday tasks. You do not need to have previous knowledge of the tools that are presented, or previous programming experience, but intermediate level experience with a computer is highly recommended.
The Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, invites all to attend Allison Vandaele’s public dissertation defense presentation of Allison’s PsyD research titled: "Implementing Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) in an Acute Geriatric Psychiatry Unit"
Please join us in supporting Allison on this momentous occasion!
Date and Time: September 25, 2026 at 10:30 am
Location: Memorial Hall, Room 104
On Friday, September 18 at 7:30 pm, the UPEI Department of Music opens its 2026-2027 recital series with our second annual Prelude to Homecoming concert, a musical celebration of our Performing Arts donors, which will once again showcase the Department's new 9-foot Yamaha CFX concert grand piano in the refurbished Steel Recital Hall. This concert will feature Magdalena von Eccher as a soloist and in collaboration with full-time faculty Dale Sorensen (trombone) and Nicole Strum (saxophone), part-time faculty Natalie Williams Calhoun (cello) and guest pianist Glen Montgomery; an alumni SATB vocal ensemble led by Sung Ha Shin-Bouey and accompanied by von Eccher and Morgan Saulnier (piano); and a faculty/alumni jazz combo featuring Mark Parsons (trumpet), Ian Toms (guitar), Deryl Gallant (bass), and Shawn Doiron (drums). Tickets can be purchased online here. Please visit https://upei.ca/music for more information.
The Atlantic Veterinary College SAVMA Chapter is hosting their 4th annual TRAILS FOR TAILS- a 5K fun run/walk! Students and community members are invited to attend this all-ages event (10+ years for run registration) and all fitness levels are welcome. Dogs are welcomed and encouraged to attend! This 5 km run/walk follows a route on the UPEI campus and the Confederation Trail, starting and ending at the WA Murphy Student Centre.
Sanctioned by the PEI Roadrunners Club, the registration donations for this event will support local and national SAVMA leadership opportunities for students, as well as the Pegasus Helping Hands Fund through the AVC VTH.
Date: Sunday, September 27, 10:00 am
Location: W.A. Murphy Student Centre, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown
Registration: $25, *NEW* only $15 for UPEI students
There will be medals and great prizes- follow the link below to sign up and don’t miss our best run yet!
For any questions, email: avc.scavma@gmail.com
Are you a graduate student looking to strengthen your teaching practice, prepare for future academic roles, or build confidence as an instructor? Whether you're new to teaching or have completed the Certificate in University Teaching Quick Start, the University Teaching Domain Certificate: Learner Centredness offers an opportunity to explore evidence-informed approaches to teaching and learning.
Designed for graduate students, this program helps participants develop practical teaching skills for teaching assistantships and future instructional roles. Through self-paced learning, reflection, discussion, and application, you'll build a foundation in effective and inclusive teaching practices.
Dates and Times:
- September 23 – How People Learn, 12:00-1:00 pm
- October 21 – Presentation Prep, 12:00-1:00 pm
- November 18 – Universal Design for Learning (UDL), 12:00-1:00 pm
Bring your own lunch and join us for an engaging session
Location: Robertson Library Annex 230
Hosted by: The Teaching and Learning Centre
Faculty and staff are invited to share their feedback on Welcome Week 2026! Whether or not you participated in Welcome Week events or activities, your feedback will help the Office of Student Culture and Community Standards inform future planning and support the student experience at UPEI.
The Faculty and Staff Welcome Week Feedback Survey is anonymous and takes approximately 3–5 minutes to complete. Complete the survey by September 25, 2026, and you can enter for a chance to win one of two UPEI prize packs.
Please also encourage students to share their feedback! The Student Welcome Week Feedback Survey is anonymous and takes approximately 5–7 minutes to complete. Students who complete the survey by September 21, 2026, can enter for a chance to win one of ten $50 UPEI Bookstore gift cards.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Student Experience Coordinator Susie Zavala at szavala@upei.ca.
