In another cost-cutting move, the University of Prince Edward Island has eliminated the senior administrative position of Assistant Vice-President Graduate Studies. Services offered to graduate students services and postdoctoral fellows by the Office of Graduate Studies will continue from its new location within the Research Services department.
The Assistant Vice-President, 3M Canada Teaching Fellow Dr. Brian Wagner, will step down from his administrative role as of July 31, 2013 and return to the Faculty of Science where he is a Professor of Chemistry.
Interim Vice-President Academic Christian Lacroix, who currently has graduate studies in his portfolio, thanked Wagner for his leadership and dedication.
“Brian Wagner was instrumental in establishing the Office of Graduate Studies, which was needed at a time when the number of graduate students at UPEI was growing rapidly. He led...
UPEI women’s rugby Head Coach Shannon Atkins is pleased to welcome Island native Leah Corrigan to the Panther program for the 2013–14 season.
“Leah is a hard runner and powerful tackler; she can run on angles and read the opposition,” said Atkins. “Her powerful running will be a welcome addition to the backline which has been depleted this past year.”
A Covehead resident and grade 12 student attending Charlottetown Rural High School, Leah played this past year as an inside and outside centre for the Raiders in the PEI School Athletics Association.
“Being asked to play rugby for the UPEI team is a privilege,” commented Corrigan. “I would never have this opportunity without the great coaching I've received over the last couple of years”.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Leah to the University of Prince Edward Island,...
UPEI women’s rugby head coach Shannon Atkins is pleased to welcome two Island rugby players to the Panther lineup—Sidney Corrigan and Holly Hartlen. Corrigan, a native of Sherwood plays wide side flanker for the Charlottetown Rural Raiders rugby team, while Hartlen of Summerside plays for the Three Oaks Axewomen.
“Sidney is aggressive, dominant, and fast on the field, and having Holly on the team will make a big difference to our backline as she’s considered to be one of the best backline players to come out of the PEISAA league this year,” said Atkins.
“It’s great that these two strong Island rugby players have committed to UPEI,” said Bill Schurman, UPEI Director of Athletics and Recreation. “As we do with all new recruits, we will work with them individually to ensure they thrive as student athletes here. Both...
In the fall of 2012, a research team at UPEI launched a website where the public could report their sightings of red foxes on Prince Edward Island. Today, the team behind upei.ca/redfox launches a new crowd-funding project to help fund the next stages of their research so that we can improve our understanding of one of PEI’s largest predators.
“A fox-sightings map gave us information regarding the distribution and relative abundance of foxes in Charlottetown, particularly during the fall. We have also collected anecdotal evidence regarding their behaviour, including the potential location of dens. All this information has helped us to identify the next steps of the project,” said Dr. Marina Silva-Opps, a terrestrial ecologist and associate professor of biology at UPEI. “For instance, we have used this information to identify sites for our study which will track...
The 11th annual Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS)/UPEI Math Camp was recently held on campus May 3–5. The Math Camp is a national initiative that sponsors close to two dozen regional camps across Canada.
UPEI’s Math Camp is the main community outreach activity of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. This year, the camp hosted a group of sixteen students—ten girls and six boys from grades 10 and 11—from eight Island high schools and one home scholar.
This group represents some of the best math students on PEI, with goals to enhance student education, and to encourage students to continue studying math when they reach the university level. Most of the math and statistics faculty present 60-to 90-minute sessions with the camp attendees, introducing some mathematics that is understandable to the students, but unfamiliar in a high school...
The UPEI Department of Athletics and Recreation was especially proud on Saturday during the afternoon convocation when UPEI women’s hockey player Jaime Lynn Donaldson was named the first recipient of the Rory Beck Outstanding Academic and Athletic Leadership Award.
Friends and family created this award to honour the late Rory Beck’s passion for sports and his belief that education and community service are critical components of a meaningful life. The award is granted to the graduating student who has displayed the most outstanding dedication to athletics, academics, leadership and campus spirit throughout their post-secondary under graduate studies at the University of Prince Edward Island.
Roderick (Rory) Beck was one of those rare individuals who touched the lives of so many people through his professional careers, sports involvement, and personal life. Beck...
This year’s Presidential Recognition Awards of Merit and 25-year Service awards were presented to staff and faculty at a special ceremony on Monday, May 6. The awards recognized outstanding performance and dedication to students and our community—on-campus, provincially, and globally.
The Presidential Recognition Awards of Merit for Faculty and Librarians are awarded based on teaching, scholarly endeavours, service, or combined achievement. Awards for librarians are based on exceptional performance, in one or more of professional practice, scholarly endeavours/professional development, and/or service. The following is a list of faculty and librarian award winners: Teaching: Dr. Susan Dawson, Dr. James Polson, Ms. Charlene VanLeeuwen; Scholarly Endeavours: Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, Dr. Dany MacDonald, Dr. Larry Hammell, Dr. Kate Tilliczek, Dr. John Vanleeuwen; and Service: Dr...
*For a complete list of graduates, click here
A record 954 graduates were conferred with degrees, diplomas, and certificates as they crossed the stage at UPEI’s convocation on Saturday, May 11.
The Class of 2013 and their proud families and friends gathered to celebrate in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre for two ceremonies—the first beginning at 10:00 am and the second one at 2:30 pm.
Both events were led by Chancellor William Andrew and featured remarks by President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz.
Abd-El-Aziz challenged the graduates and said, “As you begin this next stage of your life, you will choose a path. Ask yourself, ‘What is next?’ and make sure you have a good answer! Be adventurous, define a goal, and boldly move towards it with the encouragement of those who care about you.”
Honorary degrees were conferred upon business leader and...
The University of Prince Edward Island Board of Governors approved a balanced budget for the 2013-14 operating year at its regular monthly meeting Thursday night on the UPEI campus.
It was reported earlier this year that UPEI faced a shortfall of $9 million between projected revenues and expenditures for the time frame May 1, 2013–April 30, 2014. According to the University Act, UPEI must table a balanced budget; therefore, the proposal to the Board needed to strike a balance between tuition revenue increases and expenditure reductions to preserve services, maintain quality, and keep education affordable at the Island’s only university.
President and Vice-Chancellor Abd-El-Aziz said, “The University administration addressed its budget with a thoughtful approach and kept students and staff at the forefront of our deliberations. As of tonight, we have an approved,...
UPEI was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Mary (Nicholson) Ross, honorary degree recipient and former head resident of Marian Hall. Ross passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the Dr. John Gillis Memorial Lodge, on Saturday, May 4. She was 94 years old.
Raised in Flat River on her family farm, she graduated from Prince of Wales College and began her teaching career at the age of 16. After 32 years of teaching, Ross accepted a position with UPEI where for 13 years, she became the head resident of Marian Hall, a men’s dormitory. In 1995, the University paid tribute to Ross and her work by awarding her with an honorary degree.
“On behalf of the entire University community, I’d like to extend sincere condolences to Mary’s family and friends,” said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “UPEI was fortunate enough to work and...
The UPEI Wind Symphony has released its latest CD, “Four Horsemen,” a compilation of selected works from performances during the 2012–13 academic year. Recorded live in UPEI’s Dr. Steel Recital Hall, this CD features many contemporary wind band pieces including works by two emerging Canadian composers.
The CD begins with Dmitri Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture,” a masterpiece by this Russian composer, consisting of an opening fanfare followed by driving, energetic, and lyrical themes. UPEI’s composition professor Dr. Richard Covey was commissioned to write a piece for the Wind Symphony with funding from the PEI Council of the Arts, which was premiered during the fall semester. This piece expands upon the general style of a fanfare, exploring different perspectives of the “majestic” through contrasting musical gestures...
The following was distributed by Canadian Parents for French PEI:
Canadian Parents for French PEI, a branch of a National network of volunteers which promotes and creates opportunities for Canadian youth to learn and use French as a second language, has announced the winner of its Educator of the Year Award for the past year. The award is presented annually to a person who has shown exceptional support and dedication to the quality and availability of French language programs in PEI schools. This year’s recipient is UPEI Dean of Education Miles Turnbull.
Since 2002, Dr. Miles Turnbull has worked in and provided leadership to UPEI’s pre-service and graduate programs. He was coordinator of the bachelor of education—français langue seconde from 2002–2010. As coordinator of graduate studies from 2008–2011 he led in establishing the PhD in...
UPEI Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman is proud to launch the UPEI Panther Academy. “We have some of the best athletic facilities and talented staff in the country,” he said. “We are positioning the Panther Academy to attract people of all ages, from everywhere, to enjoy a high performance experience and excellent customer service in all of our offerings.”
The Panther Academy will become the umbrella organization for all UPEI Athletics and Recreation programs including day/week camps; fitness classes; training; leagues; developmental, high performance, and travel clinics that are offered externally to individuals, groups, and teams. Participation in these activities will be targeted to all ages including the local Island community, Atlantic Canada, across Canada, and around the world.
Panther Academy participants will build self-confidence,...
UPEI’s faculty of education would like to congratulate Carolyn Francis on receiving the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award. This award recognizes the contributions of volunteers from across the country. Francis, coordinator of practice teaching in the faculty of education, has been committed to connecting her province with people in developing countries.
As an educator, Francis has been closely involved in teacher development and training through the Canadian Teachers’ Federation and Uganda Teachers’ Union project; Teachers’ Action for Girls (TAG), to enable Ugandan girls to remain in school; as well as a twinning program that links schools in Kenya with those in Prince Edward Island in conjunction with Farmers Helping Farmers. She has also served on the board of Camp Abegweit.
“It is an honour and a privilege to work and learn from Carolyn,...
Researchers at the University of Prince Edward Island have launched a new website to help track the population and activity of the Island’s coyotes. The site, upei.ca/coyote, will provide valuable data about this non-native species which first arrived on the Island in the early 1980s. The project is called the Advanced Coyote Mapping Exercise, or ACME.
“It is important to know as much as possible about our coyote population before we can rationalize any approach to co-existing with these animals,” said Dr. Rob Löfstedt, professor of Theriogenology in the Department of Health Management at UPEI’s Atlantic Veterinary College. “Current estimates of the coyote population are based on pelt numbers, and their effects on farm animals, pets, and humans are based on anecdotal information. This site will help to substantiate this knowledge.”...
The UPEI Panther Academy soccer program is opening its training sessions to all PEI soccer club coaches looking for additional training and coaching techniques.
“This is a great way for coaches to absorb more information to bring back to their own teams,” said Panther Academy soccer leader Lewis Page. “Coaching is about acquiring more and more knowledge to incorporate into technical training and tactical strategies, and new ways to present concepts and deliver practices.”
Clubs coaches can observe Panther Soccer Head Coach Lewis Page and members of both the men’s and women’s soccer teams put the players through seven weeks of spring training. Sessions will include 1vs1 attacking and defending, passing and receiving, crossing and finishing, as well as tactical principles of play taught in small-sided games. Club coaches can attend, take notes,...
UPEI women’s hockey Head Coach Bruce Donaldson is pleased to welcome Trenton, Ontario native Amy Mountenay to the Panther program for the 2013-14 season.
“Amy’s leadership will be a great addition to the program,” said Donaldson. “And while she will be joining our program as a forward, her previous experience as a defenceman provides versatility and really adds to the depth of the overall program.”
Currently attending Trenton High School, Mountenay played this past year for the Kingston Ice Wolves of Ontario’s Provincial Women’s Hockey League. She was the team captain and played as a defenceman earning 12 points—four goals and eight assists in league play.
“We are pleased to welcome Amy to the University of Prince Edward Island,” said UPEI Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman. “Amy is a great...
The UPEI Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre is inviting the Island community to an open house on Saturday, May 4, 9:00 am–2:00 pm. The day will be jam-packed with something for everyone. Bring the family and see what the Sports Centre has to offer.
The event will kick off at 9:00 am with a motivational presentation entitled “Finding your Butkus” by Emmy award-winner Bob Mueller. The presentation is Mueller’s life story and has won him the 2008 Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Feature from NFL Films. Mueller’s NFL and NHL art has been featured in a number of shows including the Superbowl 42 Gala and for a combined 2011 NFL Hall of Fame Art Show in Ohio with then president of NFL Films, the late Steve Sabol.
Mueller, a former national and international martial arts teacher, has developed his story and art into a presentation designed to speak to high...
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) and Holland College announced a new agreement today to work together to administer resources in the areas of research and development, and commercialization. A memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed by Dr. Audrey Penner, Holland College’s Director of Applied Research, and Dr. Robert Gilmour, UPEI’s Vice-President Research, outlines the terms of the agreement.
“This is an important step in the growth of research at both institutions,” said Dr. Gilmour. “The university and college have made giant leaps in the last decade in terms of R&D and commercialization of new technology. That growth requires resources for proper management and administration. It only makes sense that we work together.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Holland College and UPEI will cooperate in partnerships with industry,...
UPEI alumni who graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree are invited to participate in the National Baccalaureate Graduate Outcomes Survey, which is being conducted by Mosaic Research Solutions, on behalf of a consortium of over 30 Canadian universities including the University of Prince Edward Island.
Emails were sent earlier this month to these graduates to invite them to participate. According to UPEI’s institutional research officer, Dr. Yuqin Gong, she’s pleased with the responses received so far but hopes that more individuals will complete the online survey before it closes on May 10.
“We want to reassure those who have received the invitation that UPEI is conducting the survey and that we appreciate those who have already completed it as it’s of huge benefit to the University,” said Gong.
The survey provides information about the student...
The UPEI Panther Golf Classic will have a new look beginning this summer after securing Stewart McKelvey, one of Atlantic Canada’s leading law firms and the largest law firm on the Island, as a presenting sponsor for the next three years.
“The UPEI Panther Golf Classic is one of the premier golf tournaments held on the Island each summer and we are very pleased that Stewart McKelvey has agreed to be the presenting sponsor for the next three years,” said UPEI Director of Athletics and Recreation Bill Schurman. “This is a wonderful commitment to the UPEI Panthers by a valuable member of our corporate community.”
“Stewart McKelvey shares a long, rewarding relationship with UPEI,” said Spencer Campbell, Stewart McKelvey Charlottetown’s managing partner. “Many of us are UPEI alumni, have worked and taught at UPEI, and we are...
The University of Prince Edward Island’s IT Systems and Services (ITSS) department announced this month that UPEI is now a member of the federated network access service, “eduroam.”
eduroam, a worldwide educational and research institution initiative provides “education roaming” or a simple way for students, faculty, and staff to get instant and secure access to the Internet while visiting other participating institutions. eduroam participants simply enter their own institution’s login credentials to gain access to the eduroam service while visiting other campuses.
“We are very pleased to participate in eduroam which serves to break down barriers to wireless network access among participating institutions,” said Blair Vessey, director of UPEI’s ITSS department.
eduroam is a secure, worldwide roaming access service...
Want to know what university is really about? UPEI is launching Experience U (XPU)—a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) for free, delivered on Facebook, and open to anyone—hopeful new students, supportive parents, high school teachers, or just interested observers who are eager to engage and connect with some of the key concepts that make the university experience unique. XPU provides a platform for students to chat with their peers and faculty members, get answers to their questions, meet great people, and make connections before classes even begin.
XPU is a free, five-week course, organized by current UPEI students and begins on Thursday, April 25. Students can enroll at any time between April 25–May 30. Topics include “what’s a student,” “what’s a syllabus,” “what’s research,” “how do I succeed at...
An exciting new coaching structure for UPEI soccer is underway as the 2013–14 season draws closer. Award-winning UPEI soccer coach Lewis Page has been asked to lead both the men’s and women’s varsity soccer programs. UPEI is moving forward with Page’s dual coaching role as a pilot project.
Page has been head coach of the UPEI men’s soccer team since 2000, having won an AUS championship in 2002, and has taken teams to the CIS Nationals in 2002, 2005, and 2009. Page has been named AUS Coach of the Year on four occasions, as well as CIS Coach of the Year in 2002. He holds an “A” license coaching certification from the Canadian Soccer Association. Page has served for eleven years as a national team coach, winning a silver medal at the 2002 U19 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and a gold medal at the 2011 Pan Am Games.
In addition to his coaching...
