Campus Notices
Welcome to the following new employees who joined the University of Prince Edward Island community in August 2026:
- Holly Barrett, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering
- Samantha Barrett, Clinical Learning and Simulation, Faculty of Medicine
- Julia Breneol, Office of the Associate Vice-President, Students
- Jehaan Cooper, Registrar’s Office
- Colin Doran, Clinical Learning and Simulation, Faculty of Medicine
- Mona Dunn, Office of the President
- Robert Frankfurth, Facilities Management
- Dwayne Gardiner Jr., Facilities Management
- Melissa Gillespie, Faculty of Nursing
- Diana Gomez Mayen, Facilities Management
- Jennifer LeBlanc, Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies
- Jeff Lecky, Clinical Learning and Simulation, Faculty of Medicine
- Shelby McCarron, Faculty of Medicine
- Harnoor Singh, Facilities Management
- Mehtab Singh, Facilities Management
- Bryn Turner, Experiential Education and English Language Centre
- Katharine Woods, Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College
We are excited to have you join the UPEI team!
Consent Awareness Week, held September 21 – 25, is a national initiative that asks each of us to have thoughtful and affirming conversations about consent. Make sure to check out the poster display in the concourse of the W. A. Murphy Student Centre which will be in place from September 21–25.
On Monday, September 21, join the UPEI Student Union and SVPRO for Consent Pizza from 11:00 am-2:00pm in the concourse of the W. A. Murphy Student Centre.
The Student Union will be hosting Paint Your Boundaries at The Fox and Crow on Wednesday, September 23 at 7:00 pm and Sex Toy Bingo at The Fox and Crow on Thursday, September 24 at 7:00pm. We look forward to seeing you there!
Don’t forget, if you experience sexual or gender-based violence, you’re not alone. The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) is here to help. You can reach us at 902-620-5090 or sv-pro@upei.ca. You can also visit us on the second floor of the W. A. Murphy Student Centre, above the UPEI Bookstore from 8:30 am–4:00 pm, Monday – Friday.
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.
Join the Teaching and Learning Centre, today for UPEI's annual Let's Talk Teaching event featuring keynote speaker Dr. Natasha Kenny, Executive Director of the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning at the University of Calgary. In her keynote, Rethinking Teaching Expertise: Toward a More Holistic Framework for Conceptualizing, Assessing and Developing Teaching Expertise in Higher Education, Dr. Kenny will explore how teaching expertise can be recognized, supported, and developed through a more comprehensive and evidence-informed lens. This timely session will also help inform the work of the Senate Committee on Teaching Evaluation as it develops recommendations for a more holistic approach to evaluating teaching. Join the campus community for this opportunity to reflect, connect, and contribute to the future of teaching and learning at UPEI.
Come out and observe the moon through our telescope on September 19 as part of International Observe the Moon Night at the Earl L. Wonnacott Observatory.
Drop by between 8-10 pm at Memorial Hall, room 417, to wait for your turn to go up to the observatory. We will have moon information and activities for different ages while you wait. More information and directions can be found on our website: https://projects.upei.ca/astronomy/
In the event of cloudy weather, we may have to cancel this event. We'll post updates on our website.
All ages are welcome to attend, however to fully benefit from the experience, visitors need to be able to follow simple directions about where to look, what to touch versus not touch, regarding using the telescope. It is necessary to climb at least one storey of stairs to reach the observatory.
Participants are being sought for a study on the effects of acute sauna therapy on controlling blood sugar levels in individuals living with overweight or obesity. The study is led by Dr. Étienne Myette-Côté, assistant professor of Applied Human Sciences at UPEI.
The purpose of the study is to understand how a single 45-minute infrared sauna session affects blood sugar levels. Participants will complete two sessions (sauna and rest), wear a small blood sugar sensor, and attend a total of three lab visits. All meals for study days will be provided. All sessions take place at the Steel Building, Room #119.
Potential participants may be eligible if they are 30 to 55 years old; have a body mass index equal to or greater than 27 kg/m2; have a waist size greater than 102 cm for men or greater than 88 cm for women; and are cleared for participation based on the results of a physical activity readiness questionnaire. People are not eligible if they take medications that affect blood sugar; exercise intensely twice a week; have diabetes, heart issues, and low blood sugar or pressure; are pregnant; regularly use saunas or other heat therapy; and consume more than seven alcoholic drinks per week on average.
To find out more about the study, email researchupei@outlook.com
Join UPEI President Wendy Rodgers for casual "coffee chats" at Tim Horton's in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre on Monday, September 21, 2026 from 9:00-10:00 am.
These coffee chats offer a relaxed setting where any member of the UPEI community can drop by, grab a drink, and chat with Wendy about anything on your mind. Whether you want to share ideas, ask questions or simply say hello, these chats are a great way to connect with the president in a comfortable and informal environment.
Looking for ways to stay active, reduce stress, and connect with colleagues? Check out these wellness opportunities available this Fall.
Mindful Flow and Stillness - Reconnect with your body and mind through this gentle yoga and meditation class. No experience necessary! Registration is required each week.
Thursdays, September 24 – December 10
12:10–12:50 p.m.
Studio #2, second floor of the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre
Indoor Pickleball - Join your colleagues for a fun and social game of pickleball! All staff and faculty are welcome, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player. Registration is required each week.
Tuesdays, September 22 – December 8
12:00–1:00 p.m.
Indoor Track Access - Stay active throughout the year with access to the indoor track.
Register for indoor track access for September 1, 2026 – October 4, 2027.
Please note: Even if you registered for indoor track access in previous years, everyone must register again this fall.
To learn more and register: Visit recreation.upei.ca and log in using your UPEI email address and password. Then, select the Wellness icon.
The Healthy Campus Committee is pleased to support these wellness opportunities for UPEI staff and faculty. All of these wellness activities are FREE for UPEI staff and faculty!
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.
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.
Please visit https://upei.ca/music for more information.
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
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
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.
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.
Visit the Qollab hackathon website for more details.
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.
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
