The University of Prince Edward Island has lowered flags to half-mast to join all Canadians in mourning the tragic attack that took place in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia on February 10. The entire UPEI community offers its deepest condolences to all those who have been impacted. Read the full message sent to the campus community.

The flags near Kelley Memorial Building will remain at half-mast until February 17.
 

The UPEI Teaching and Learning Centre is hosting its annual full-day Teaching Community Conference on Tuesday April 28, 2026.  This year’s theme will be: Connected Teaching: Connecting with Community, Self, and Place. RSVP Here.

The Teaching Community Conference is an opportunity to breathe further life into our  strategic commitment to innovative and connected teaching, research, and scholarship by sharing our experiences, challenges, and opportunities of advancing teaching and learning at UPEI. Conference participants are invited to reflect on this theme and consider relevant questions such as:  

• What supports, skills, and critical capacities do faculty need to embrace the relational and connected nature of teaching?
• As we consider expanding the walls of our classrooms and broadening our partnerships, how do we ensure we aren’t simply supplementing traditional teaching practices but rather transforming what teaching itself means?
• How does a commitment to relational and connected teaching help build faculty capacity to recognize and respond to structural barriers students face?  

We are looking for proposals from the UPEI community that highlight current teaching and learning initiatives, share new ideas, and build collaborative strategies for a more inclusive accessible, and courageous university. Proposals from staff and faculty are welcome. There are four formats suggested for proposals:

• Traditional Oral Presentation: Presenters share a talk about a teaching and learning project or topic related to the theme, speaking for about 20 minutes, followed by 5-10 minutes for questions.
• Lightning Talk: "Small Shifts, Significant Gains." Presenters share a teaching strategy or practice that they’ve found effective in supporting student learning, speaking for about ten minutes, followed by a short group discussion.
• Interactive Workshop: A hands-on session that encourages active participation and collaboration among attendees. The workshop could involve group activities, discussions, practical exercises, etc.
• Indigenous Sharing Circle: A facilitated, safe space for individuals to come together to discuss topics related to the theme, share their experiences, listen to each other, build relationships, offer support, and connect with each other.
• Facilitated Round table Discussion: A structured, collaborative conversation led by a facilitator to encourage open dialogue, balanced participation, and exploration of shared issues among participants. The session is guided by clear objectives and prompts, resulting in documented insights and agreed‑upon themes or recommendations.  

The deadline for submissions is Monday, February 23, 2026. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to TLC@upei.ca.  

Proposals can be submitted here.  

The week of February 16-20 is not only Reading Week but also the beginning of holy seasons for many. Lent and Ramadan follow a similar schedule this year.  

The Chaplaincy Centre will NOT be hosting our annual pancake breakfast on Tuesday February 17.  The Chaplaincy Centre will have Mass on Ash Wednesday, February 18 at 4:00 pm.  

The University Research Excellence Award recognizes faculty members for outstanding research and scholarly accomplishments and significant contributions to advancing the University’s national and international reputation for research excellence. 

Nominated candidates will have demonstrated outstanding achievements in research, creative, scholarly, clinical, or diagnostic activities. Among the factors to be considered by the Committee will be: sustained and outstanding research achievement of excellent quality as documented through publications and/or other scholarly outcomes; recognition by one’s peers in the field of research; intellectual and creative endeavors that have made an exceptional impact on the community of interest; and/or, scholarly clinical or diagnostic activities of outstanding contribution to their scholarly disciplines. 

• Nominations may be submitted by faculty, staff, students, or a combination thereof.
• Nominations must be supported by two nominators. At least one nominator must be a member of UPEI's faculty or staff.
• Nominations must include a dated statement of no more than two (2) pages proposing the nomination, describing and justifying the achievements in the category for which the application is being made. Nominations must provide specific examples to support the nomination.

Nominations are submitted in confidence through the online nomination form. 

The Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship is hosting a workshop focused on teaching the basics about creating a business plan on Monday, February 23, from 5PM - 7PM. Participants will learn about the major components of a business plan and what sort of information should be included in the document.

Attendees participating in the Harry W. MacLauchlan Entrepreneurship Program will also receive suggestions, tips, and tricks for how to make the most of their business plan for their written award submissions. The event is open to the public, but those participating in the Harry W. MacLauchlan Entrepreneurship Program Accelerate stream will have the event count towards their attendance boost for the Entrepreneurial written awards if present.

Sign up today!

The Office of Research Services and the Teaching and Learning Centre are collaborating to put on a workshop about incorporating equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in Research*.   

Dr. Shilpa Dogra is Professor in Kinesiology in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University. Dr. Dogra’s diverse research program has been funded by NSERC, SSHRC, and CIHR. Some of her CIHR funded projects focus on the inclusion of older adults from equity deserving groups in research. She has co-authored papers on the development of a sex and gender-based analysis tool (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0323834), a call to action on Indigenization and EDIA (https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jpah/22/6/article-p644.xml), and has served on several CIHR review panels, including the Research Excellence, Diversity, and Independence (REDI) Early Career Transition Award.   

Dr. Dogra will join Dr. Nola Etkin, Dr. Josh MacFayden, Dr. Marissa Clapson, Dr. Cinthya Guzman, and Research Grants Coordinator Leslie Cudmore for an interactive workshop on incorporating EDIA into grant applications.   

In this session, researchers will explore their positionality, integrate EDIA into their proposal and highly qualified personnel (HQP) sections, and leave with actionable material to include in their next grant application.  

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026 

Time: 10:00 am–12:00 pm 

Location: FSDE 128A 

Open to all faculty members. Please RSVP here: EDIA in Research Workshop – Fill out form 

Storm date: Friday, February 20, 2026, 1-3 pm. FSDE 128A

*This session was previously marketed as a Indigenization and EDIA in Research Workshop. However, due to scheduling conflicts, the Indigenization portion has been removed from this session. We hope to run a separate Indigenization in Research session in the future.   

Questions can be directed to Julie VanLeeuwen (jmvanleeuwen@upei.ca), Research Navigator. 

Volunteers wanted for sauna and blood sugar and sauna study

Research study at the University of Prince Edward Island
Principal Investigator: Dr. Étienne Myette-Côté

Study Title:

The Effects of Acute Sauna Therapy on Glucose Control in Individuals at Risk for Metabolic Impairments.

What’s involved: Help us 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 (CGM), and attend a total of three lab visits. All meals for study days will be provided.

You may be eligible if you

• are 30–49 years old
• have a body mass index of ≥ 27 kg/m²
• have a waist size >102 cm (men) or >88 cm (women)
• have access to transportation for the last 2 visits (e.g., car, public transit, or drop-off) or live within a five-minute walk of the university.
• are cleared for participation based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+).

You cannot participate if you

• take medications that affect blood sugar
• exercise intensely 2+ times/week
• have diabetes, heart issues, low blood sugar or pressure
• are pregnant
• regularly use saunas or other heat therapy

Location: All sessions take place at the University of Prince Edward Island.

Interested? Contact us to learn more or see if you're eligible: researchupei@outlook.com

Faculty members and post-docs who supervise, mentor, and/or instruct graduate students are invited to join the upcoming Community of Practice on Excellence in Graduate Supervision session. 

Being a graduate student is just one of the many concurrent identities of the students we supervise/mentor/instruct. When competing priorities or impactful world events arise but research deadlines are looming, it can be difficult to know how to strike a balance between expecting progress and being compassionate in our supervision. Join peers for a dialogue about experiences, insights, and tools to support being mentors/supervisors/instructors of the whole grad student.

What: CoP: Mentoring and Supervision of the whole grad student – Balancing accountability with compassion
When: 10:30-11:45 am, Wednesday, February 18
Where: Rm 230 – Teaching and Learning Centre, UPEI Robertson Library Annex

Light refreshments will be provided.

For questions or more information, please contact Charlene VanLeeuwen at cvanleeuwen@upei.ca or Kendra Mellish at kmellish@upei.ca

Join the Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation (MCLT) for a hands-on, creative student mixer on February 25, 2026, from 1:30–3:30 pm in McMillan Hall.

Open to all students (undergraduate and graduate), participants can sign up in teams of three to build sustainability-themed miniatures—such as green homes and pollinator gardens—while learning about the MCLT program.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, with additional door prizes, food, and a relaxed opportunity for students to connect and explore future pathways in sustainability and graduate studies.

The event is free to attend but space is limited, so sign up today: MCLT Mixer & Miniature-Making Event - Sign Up – Fill out form

Questions? Email cleantech@upei.ca

The Faculty of Education invites all to attend the public presentation of Christina Perry's PhD Dissertation Defense, "Undergraduate Students’ Sense of Belonging in Course-Based Environments: A Case Study from an Atlantic Canadian University."

Please join us in person at Memorial Hall, Room 417 or through Teams: see the link below:
Christina Perry - PhD Dissertation Defense | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams

The University of Prince Edward Island has lowered flags to half-mast to join all Canadians in mourning the tragic attack that took place in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia on February 10. The entire UPEI community offers its deepest condolences to all those who have been impacted. Read the full message sent to the campus community.

The flags near Kelley Memorial Building will remain at half-mast until February 17.
 

GreenShield, our EAP provider, is offering additional support and resources for members who have been impacted by the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge, BC. We encourage you to use the following resources for anyone who may be impacted:

Three free hours of mental health support: Through GreenShield Cares, Canadians can access three free hours of culturally appropriate virtual therapy by visiting our website and following these steps to register: 

1. Navigate to https://app.greenshieldplus.ca/en/sign-up/org-code?ref=TR
2. Consent to Terms and Conditions
3. Enter your email address and select Continue
4. Enter the verification code that you received at the email you provided and select Continue.
5. On the Organization Code screen, enter the organization code GSCARES3
6. On the Personal Details screen, enter your information. Select Continue.
7. On the Contact Details screen, enter your Address Information. Select Continue.
8. On the Create New Password page, enter the password you would like to use for your account, then select Continue.
9. Select Sign In.

GreenShield’s 24/7 crisis line: Members seeking support can call 1-833-707-4747 to speak with mental health professionals and access additional resources.

We’re excited to share a fantastic lineup of Spring 2026 Professional Development opportunities offered by the Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development (OCEPD) at UPEI — designed to help you grow your skills, expand your expertise, and elevate your impact.

UPEI Staff Special Rate:
A reminder that UPEI staff and faculty are eligible to take select OCEPD Certificate programs at a reduced tuition rate of just $995 — a great way to invest in yourself and your professional journey. 

Spring 2026 Certificate Programs

• Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety - https://www.upei.ca/professional-development/certificates/occupational-health-and-safety
  • Starts: April 21, 2026
  • Certificate Goals: Build confidence in identifying risks, preventing incidents, and strengthening workplace safety practices.
• Certificate in Introductory Data Analytics: Bridging Qualitative and Quantitative Analytics - https://www.upei.ca/professional-development/certificates/introductory-data-analytics
  • Starts: April 22, 2026
  • Certificate Goals: Build foundational data skills to inform decision-making, enhance reporting, and bring data insights into your work.
• Certificate in Mental Health and Well-Being - https://www.upei.ca/professional-development/certificates/certificate-in-mental-health-and-well-being
  • Starts: April 28, 2026
  • Certificate Goals: Enhance your understanding of workplace mental health strategies that support wellness, resilience, and a positive organizational culture.
• Certificate in Conflict Resolution - https://www.upei.ca/professional-development/certificates/conflict-resolution-certificate
  • Starts: April 30, 2026
  • Certificate Goals: Sharpen practical skills for managing and resolving workplace conflict, turning challenging conversations into constructive outcomes.
• Certificate in Professional Communications - https://www.upei.ca/professional-development/certificates/professional-communications-certificate
  • Starts: May 4, 2026
  • Certificate Goals: Develop high-impact communication skills — from workplace writing to effective interpersonal exchanges — essential in every role.
• Certificate in Marketing and Branding - https://www.upei.ca/professional-development/certificates/certificate-in-marketing-and-branding
  • Starts: May 13, 2026 (three-course sequence)
  • Certificate Goals: Learn how to craft compelling messaging, utilize social media strategically, and strengthen your personal or department brand.
• Certificate in Motivational Interviewing - https://www.upei.ca/professional-development/certificates/certificate-in-motivational-interviewing
  • Starts: June 4, 2026
  • Certificate Goals: Gain practical conversational techniques to support behaviour change, coaching, and supportive dialogues across teams.

Why Take a Certificate?

Each of these OCEPD Certificate programs is practical, evidence-informed, and directly applicable to your work at UPEI. Whether it’s enhancing communication, boosting team morale, improving safety, strengthening analytics, or fortifying wellbeing — these Certificates are designed to give you the skills to improve in your role and contribute to stronger well-being. 

Ready to enroll or learn more?
Visit the full OCEPD Certificate listings on UPEI’s Professional Development site: https://www.upei.ca/professional-development/certificates

Feel free to reach out if you’d like help selecting the right program for your goals — we’re cheering you on as you continue your professional development journey!

Join the Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation (MCLT) for a hands-on, creative student mixer on February 25, 2026, from 1:30–3:30 pm in McMillan Hall.

Open to all students (undergraduate and graduate), participants can sign up in teams of three to build sustainability-themed miniatures—such as green homes and pollinator gardens—while learning about the MCLT program.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, with additional door prizes, food, and a relaxed opportunity for students to connect and explore future pathways in sustainability and graduate studies.

The event is free to attend but space is limited, so sign up today: MCLT Mixer & Miniature-Making Event - Sign Up – Fill out form

Questions? Email cleantech@upei.ca

The Health, Safety, and Environment Department (HSE) is offering Basic (previously called Emergency) First Aid/CPR training sessions on the following date:

• March 2, 2026, 8:30 am–4:00 pm. Registration cut off: February 20, 2026

**Seats are limited, please register early to guarantee your spot!

To register, please email HSE@upei.ca. Include your name, department, contact number and the session date you are registering for. 

The cost of registration will be covered by HSE for all UPEI faculty and staff, including students who require training for on-campus employment. Students who do not require training for on-campus employment are welcome to attend; however, the cost of registration will not be covered by HSE. 

Intermediate (Previously called Standard) First Aid/CPR training is a comprehensive two-day course that offers first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for those who need enhanced training as a work requirement. Please contact HSE at HSE@upei.ca if you require this training.

The Faculty of Education invites all to attend the public presentation of Christina Perry's PhD Dissertation Defense, "Undergraduate Students’ Sense of Belonging in Course-Based Environments: A Case Study from an Atlantic Canadian University."

Please join us in person at Memorial Hall, Room 417 or through Teams: see the link below:
Christina Perry - PhD Dissertation Defense | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams

GreenShield, our EAP provider, is offering additional support and resources for members who have been impacted by the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge, BC. We encourage you to use the following resources for anyone who may be impacted:

Three free hours of mental health support: Through GreenShield Cares, Canadians can access three free hours of culturally appropriate virtual therapy by visiting our website and following these steps to register: 

1. Navigate to https://app.greenshieldplus.ca/en/sign-up/org-code?ref=TR
2. Consent to Terms and Conditions
3. Enter your email address and select Continue
4. Enter the verification code that you received at the email you provided and select Continue.
5. On the Organization Code screen, enter the organization code GSCARES3
6. On the Personal Details screen, enter your information. Select Continue.
7. On the Contact Details screen, enter your Address Information. Select Continue.
8. On the Create New Password page, enter the password you would like to use for your account, then select Continue.
9. Select Sign In.

GreenShield’s 24/7 crisis line: Members seeking support can call 1-833-707-4747 to speak with mental health professionals and access additional resources.

The week of February 16-20 is not only Reading Week but also the beginning of holy seasons for many. Lent and Ramadan follow a similar schedule this year.  

The Chaplaincy Centre will NOT be hosting a pancake breakfast on Tuesday February 17. We encourage UPEI pancake lovers to enjoy IKERAS Faculty-Led Program for Study Abroad to New Zealand on Saturday February 14 at The Local Pub.

The Chaplaincy Centre will have Mass on Ash Wednesday, February 18 at 4:00 pm.  

The UPEI Writing Centre will be closed during the Mid-Semester Break week. We look forward to seeing you again on Monday, February 23.

To see availability and to book a session, please visit https://upei.mywconline.com/ or drop by for a walk-in appointment (Robertson Library 274).

At UPEI, our people make the difference. The University Awards of Excellence recognize employees who go above and beyond in teaching, research, service, leadership, and more! Categories include: 

• University Teaching Excellence Award
• University Research Excellence Award
• University Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Supervision
• University Award for Exemplary Service
• University Ambassador Award
• University Award for Support of Student Success

Taking time to nominate a colleague or an individual who has made a difference in your experience at UPEI is a powerful way to show appreciation and foster a culture of gratitude. Recognition can bridge gaps, uplift individuals, and strengthen our sense of belonging

Nominations may be submitted by faculty, staff, and students.

Submit your nomination today! 

Nominations close on Friday, February 27, 2026

For more information about each award, including eligibility and the nomination process, please visit the University Awards of Excellence page.