Message from Shannon MacDonald, Chair, UPEI Board of Governors

Dear Members of the University Community, 

I would like to thank everyone who joined us yesterday at the Duffy Science Centre where we held a session to help define the role of the next president and vice-chancellor of UPEI in an open forum. This is part of the consultation phase of the Presidential Search process and is designed to ensure we are hearing from the UPEI community about what you see as opportunities, key characteristics, and even recommendations for the new president and vice-chancellor. Our recruiters from the search firm Perrett Laver have been doing in-person consultations, and there is also an anonymous online survey option available until September 8, 2023, where you can share your opinions.  

We will keep you informed about future opportunities to connect and provide input. I strongly encourage all faculty, staff, students, and members of the broader University community to share your thoughts in whatever way works best for you. I have benefited greatly from the conversations I have had in the past few months. 

I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to help me better understand the issues and opportunities on campus. I have learned so much over the past 20 months about campus life and how there have been challenges for many people that have been difficult to live through. I wish that I had known this information in previous years. I am sorry for those who have experienced fear of reprisal, harassment, and/or workplace toxicity. That is unacceptable anywhere, and certainly at an institution dedicated to higher learning. I intend to channel all of my learnings into the search for a new president and vice-chancellor as well as better governance of UPEI for the future. 

We have much work ahead, but we are well supported and moving forward. I have spoken with many people who are focused on the future and interested in working together to make UPEI the community we all know it can be.  

To all our returning students and those coming to campus for the first time in the next few weeks, please know that we welcome you and are working every day to make UPEI a safe, inclusive environment in which to learn, work, and to thrive.