All faculty, staff, students, and researchers who work with biological materials are invited to attend the upcoming Basic Biosafety and Biosecurity Training session.

Basic Biosafety and Biosecurity Training is required for all personnel working in Containment Level 2 (CL2) laboratories on campus and is strongly recommended for those working in Containment Level 1 (CL1) laboratories.

This training consists of both online modules and an in-person session. Participants are encouraged to complete the required online coursework prior to attending the in-person training to maximize learning and participation. 

Date: September 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Location: To be determined

This training will provide an introduction to essential biosafety and biosecurity principles, including:

• Safe handling of biological materials
• Containment practices and procedures
• Incident reporting requirements
• Roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe laboratory environment
• Biosecurity awareness and best practices

For additional information or to register, please contact biosafety@upei.ca.

Help us maintain a safe and secure research and learning environment by participating in this important training opportunity.

As we welcome students back to campus, ITSS is adjusting our in-person Employee Help Desk hours for the first two weeks of the semester. 

From September 8 to September 18, the Employee Help Desk will be open to walk-ins from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.    

While these reduced counter hours may seem unusual, the change allows our team to be more flexible and responsive during the critical start and end of the academic day, when classrooms, labs, and teaching spaces experience the highest demand for support. 

Rather than concentrating staff behind a single service desk, we are positioning our team across campus to provide the best possible experience for both students and faculty. 

Enhanced Campus Coverage 

During the first two weeks of the semester, ITSS staff will be deployed across multiple locations: 

• Student Help Desk at Robertson Library
• Student Support Location at the Murphy Centre (Day Lounge – first week only) 
• Employee Help Desk @ the AVC
• A dedicated floater who can be rapidly deployed where support is needed most
• Our AV Coordinator focused on classroom technology readiness and major teaching-space issues
• Our Deskside Support team provides additional on-site assistance across campus 

This approach gives us significantly greater flexibility to respond to issues where and when they occur. 

Live Critical Classroom Issues 

If you are experiencing a live critical classroom issue, there is no need to walk to the Help Desk. Instead, call 902-566-0465 and select Option 2 

This line is monitored for critical teaching and learning issues that require immediate attention. Calling allows us to dispatch support directly to your location and helps resolve issues faster.  If your issue is not considered critical, you will be asked to open a ticket.  

For Non-Critical Issues that require additional attention

If you are not receiving a timely response on your non-critical issue, you can always reach out to one of our ITSS managers listed at go.upei.ca/itssteam

Thank you for your patience and support as we implement this temporary start-of-semester service model. We look forward to assisting you throughout the academic year. 

On Friday, September 18 at 7:30 pm, the UPEI Department of Music opens its 2026-2027 recital series with their second annual Prelude to Homecoming concert, which will once again showcase the Department's new Yamaha CFX concert grand piano in the refurbished Steel Recital Hall (UPEI campus). This concert will feature Magdalena von Eccher as a soloist and in collaboration with full-time faculty (Dale Sorensen, Nicole Strum, and Sung Ha Shin-Bouey), along with part-time faculty and several Department of Music alumni. Also featured this year will be a faculty/alumni jazz combo. Tickets can be purchased online here. Please visit https://upei.ca/music for more information.

Senate meetings for the 2025-2026 Calendar year are scheduled 3:00 to 5:00 pm on the following dates:

• Friday, September 25, 2026            
• Friday, October 23, 2026              
• Friday, November 27, 2026            
• Friday, December 11, 2026            
• Friday, January 22, 2027              
• Friday, February 26, 2027             
• Thursday, March 25, 2027                
• Friday, April 23, 2027                
• Friday, May 7, 2027

To view the 2026-2027 calendar of Senate meetings or documents for the upcoming meeting, click here.

All meetings are open to members of the University community, although certain in-camera items (e.g., granting of degrees) may require the Senate to go into a closed session. Only members of Senate are permitted to address the Senate unless otherwise recognized by the chair.

For logistical purposes, members of the UPEI community who wish to attend the open session of a UPEI Senate meeting are asked to contact senate@upei.ca one week prior to the meeting. While Senate is an in-person meeting, members of the University community may request a virtual connection when they are unable to attend in person.

Looking to strengthen your skills or bring new knowledge back to your team? The UPEI Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development (OCEPD) has a wide range of practical professional development opportunities available to UPEI staff this fall. Choose from leadership, AI, project management, data analytics, case management, workplace skills, and more.

Full-time UPEI staff can take eligible certificate programs and microcredentials for just $995. Take advantage of this special staff rate to invest in your professional growth.

 Certificates and Microcredentials

• Certificate in Collaborative Leadership — Starts September 22, 2026.
• Certificate in Case Management (online) — Starts September 28, 2026.
• Certificate in Motivational Interviewing — Starts October 1, 2026.
• Microcredential in Applied Artificial Intelligence for the Workplace — Starts October 5, 2026.
• New Managers Certificate — Starts October 6, 2026.
• New Managers Certificate (online) — Starts October 13, 2026.
• Certificate in Project Management — Starts October 19, 2026.
• Certificate in Professional Office Administration(online) — Starts October 27, 2026.
• Certificate in Mental Health Case Work — Starts November 5, 2026.
• Certificate in Introductory Data Analytics – Bridging Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis — Starts December 16, 2026.

Workshops

• Understanding Epekwitk Through Mi'kmaq Perspectives – Developing Cultural Competency Through Indigenous Knowledge, History, and Outlooks — Starts September 28, 2026.
• The Adult Learner: Course Design and Facilitation Workshop(online) — Starts November 18, 2026.

Learn Anytime — Self-Paced Online Courses

• Safe Work Spaces
• Beyond Awareness – Strategies for Neurodiverse Workplace Success 

This is an excellent opportunity to build new skills, strengthen your current role, prepare for future opportunities, and invest in your professional development at a significantly reduced rate. Learn more about the UPEI staff professional development discount through the UPEI Human Resources staff discount page.

Questions or looking for the right professional development opportunity for you? Contact pdp@upei.ca.

The deadline for Animal Care Protocol Submissions (new, renewal, or amendment) is Friday, October 2 for the October meeting. 

Please note that as of June 1, 2020 all animal user protocols must be submitted through UPEI Researcher Portal at https://upei.researchservicesoffice.com/Romeo.Researcher/

For new protocols select ‘applications’ and for renewal or amendment protocols select ‘events’.

To view any UPEI ACC SOPs and Codes of Practice, they can be accessed through myUPEI at https://portal.upei.ca/facultystaff/administrativeservices/AVCAnimalCare/Pages/default.aspx. 

Those protocols received after the deadline will be reviewed the following month.  The Committee requires at least one month for processing applications.

Note:  All investigators are reminded that any deviations in animal use, including unexpected mortality, must be reported to the ACC and University Veterinarian Jonathan Spears at 902-620-5026.

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.
 

All faculty, staff, students, and researchers who work with biological materials are invited to attend the upcoming Basic Biosafety and Biosecurity Training session.

Basic Biosafety and Biosecurity Training is required for all personnel working in Containment Level 2 (CL2) laboratories on campus and is strongly recommended for those working in Containment Level 1 (CL1) laboratories.

This training consists of both online modules and an in-person session. Participants are encouraged to complete the required online coursework prior to attending the in-person training to maximize learning and participation. 

Date: September 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Location: To be determined

This training will provide an introduction to essential biosafety and biosecurity principles, including:

• Safe handling of biological materials
• Containment practices and procedures
• Incident reporting requirements
• Roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe laboratory environment
• Biosecurity awareness and best practices

For additional information or to register, please contact biosafety@upei.ca.

Help us maintain a safe and secure research and learning environment by participating in this important training opportunity.

With all that's happening in the first few weeks of Fall term, it's easy for students to miss their chance to apply for the Co-op program. If you know some students starting their second year who would like to make money while gaining real-world experience in their field of study, please don't hesitate to encourage them to apply, ask questions, or come by during one of our drop-in sessions. Applications are open now and close September 23. See drop-in dates below:

• Friday, September 11 - 11:30am-1pm
• Wednesday, September 16 - 11:30am-1pm
• Thursday, September 17 - 11:30am-1pm
• Monday, September 21- 11:30am-1pm

We appreciate your help getting the word out!

Co-operative Education

Come hungry and ready to meet some fellow Panthers! Join President Rodgers in the Quad for UPEI's annual Welcome Back BBQ on Wednesday September 9 from 11:30-1:00. Enjoy some food, lawn games, and a chance to celebrate the start of another year together. It's the perfect midday break to grab a bite, meet people, and enjoy the UPEI community. All Panthers invited!

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. 

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.

The deadline for Animal Care Protocol Submissions (new, renewal, or amendment) is Friday, October 2 for the October meeting. 

Please note that as of June 1, 2020 all animal user protocols must be submitted through UPEI Researcher Portal at https://upei.researchservicesoffice.com/Romeo.Researcher/

For new protocols select ‘applications’ and for renewal or amendment protocols select ‘events’.

To view any UPEI ACC SOPs and Codes of Practice, they can be accessed through myUPEI at https://portal.upei.ca/facultystaff/administrativeservices/AVCAnimalCare/Pages/default.aspx. 

Those protocols received after the deadline will be reviewed the following month.  The Committee requires at least one month for processing applications.

Note:  All investigators are reminded that any deviations in animal use, including unexpected mortality, must be reported to the ACC and University Veterinarian Jonathan Spears at 902-620-5026.

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.

Come hungry and ready to meet some fellow Panthers! Join President Rodgers in the Quad for UPEI's annual Welcome Back BBQ on Wednesday September 9 from 11:30-1:00. Enjoy some food, lawn games, and a chance to celebrate the start of another year together. It's the perfect midday break to grab a bite, meet people, and enjoy the UPEI community. All Panthers invited!

As we welcome students back to campus, ITSS is adjusting our in-person Employee Help Desk hours for the first two weeks of the semester. 

From September 8 to September 18, the Employee Help Desk will be open to walk-ins from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.    

While these reduced counter hours may seem unusual, the change allows our team to be more flexible and responsive during the critical start and end of the academic day, when classrooms, labs, and teaching spaces experience the highest demand for support. 

Rather than concentrating staff behind a single service desk, we are positioning our team across campus to provide the best possible experience for both students and faculty. 

Enhanced Campus Coverage 

During the first two weeks of the semester, ITSS staff will be deployed across multiple locations: 

• Student Help Desk at Robertson Library
• Student Support Location at the Murphy Centre (Day Lounge – first week only) 
• Employee Help Desk @ the AVC
• A dedicated floater who can be rapidly deployed where support is needed most
• Our AV Coordinator focused on classroom technology readiness and major teaching-space issues
• Our Deskside Support team provides additional on-site assistance across campus 

This approach gives us significantly greater flexibility to respond to issues where and when they occur. 

Live Critical Classroom Issues 

If you are experiencing a live critical classroom issue, there is no need to walk to the Help Desk. Instead, call 902-566-0465 and select Option 2 

This line is monitored for critical teaching and learning issues that require immediate attention. Calling allows us to dispatch support directly to your location and helps resolve issues faster.  If your issue is not considered critical, you will be asked to open a ticket.  

For Non-Critical Issues that require additional attention

If you are not receiving a timely response on your non-critical issue, you can always reach out to one of our ITSS managers listed at go.upei.ca/itssteam

Thank you for your patience and support as we implement this temporary start-of-semester service model. We look forward to assisting you throughout the academic year. 

On Friday, September 18 at 7:30 pm, the UPEI Department of Music opens its 2026-2027 recital series with their second annual Prelude to Homecoming concert, which will once again showcase the Department's new Yamaha CFX concert grand piano in the refurbished Steel Recital Hall (UPEI campus). This concert will feature Magdalena von Eccher as a soloist and in collaboration with full-time faculty (Dale Sorensen, Nicole Strum, and Sung Ha Shin-Bouey), along with part-time faculty and several Department of Music alumni. Also featured this year will be a faculty/alumni jazz combo. Tickets can be purchased online here. Please visit https://upei.ca/music for more information.

This year’s Shannon K. Murray Lecture Hope for Humans features Dr. Kevin Gannon, Director of the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence and Professor of History at Queens University of Charlotte. 

The Shannon K. Murray Lecture on Hope and the Academy will take place on Tuesday, September 22, at 3:30 pm in SDU Main Building, Faculty Lounge, Room 201. 

The Shannon K. Murray Lecture on Hope and the Academy was established in 2023 to honour the achievements of Dr. Shannon Murray, an award-winning professor of English and a 3M National Teaching Fellow. In 2022, Dr. Murray received the Christopher Knapper Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the highest honours awarded in Canada for teaching and learning in higher education.

All are welcome. 

The first UPEI Board of Governors meeting of the 2026-2027 academic year will take place on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 4:00 pm in Room 102, Alumni Hall. All board meetings include sessions that are open to the public. Certain agenda items, including but not limited to human resources discussions, may require the board to go into a closed session. 

For logistical purposes, members of the public who wish to attend the open session of a meeting are asked to contact board@upei.ca one week prior to the meeting. Members of the public wishing to attend the public portion of a meeting must adhere to the UPEI Board of Governors' Meeting Observer Guidelines.

The Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship (CCCE) is recruiting students to join its Student Ambassador Team for the upcoming academic year! As a Student Ambassador, you'll help promote entrepreneurship across campus, support workshops and events, engage with fellow students, and help build a vibrant entrepreneurial community at UPEI.

If you're a full-time UPEI student with strong communication skills and a passion for innovation, we'd love to hear from you! Applications for the volunteer student ambassador positions is open until September 8. Apply here!