Campus Notices
This online Lunch & Learn session with Dr. Elizabeth Wells from Mount Allison University has been postponed. A new date later in the semester will be shared soon.
The UPEI departments of Human Resources and Athletics and Recreation are excited to invite staff and faculty to two Panther Pride events— “Why We Walk” on Thursday, February 5, and “Panther Sport Night and Employee Social” on Friday, February 6, 2026.
Why We Walk, hosted by the UPEI Men’s Basketball Panthers
Thursday, February 5, 2026 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Why We Walk is a campus-wide walk created to raise awareness and show unified support in the ongoing fight against breast cancer, bringing athletes, students, and the UPEI community together in a meaningful and visible way. This guided walk will take place around the campus beginning at a central location and ending at a final gathering point. Along the route, participants will stop at three interactive stations, each designed to encourage reflection, expression, and awareness.
Panther Sport Night and Employee Social
Friday, February 6, 2026
This high-energy night of sport will bring our campus community together to cheer on the UPEI Panthers as they near the finals—while also supporting an important cause.
The UPEI Women’s Basketball Panthers will host Shoot for the Cure, a fundraising initiative in support of breast cancer awareness and research. Dedicated to advancing breast cancer research and awareness, Shoot for the Cure has become a longstanding tradition in Canadian university sport, uniting athletes, coaches, and fans around a common cause.
FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK!
Join Ashton Dougan (Nursing) and Marissa Clapson (Chemistry) for an interactive lunch-and-learn on February 26 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm in the TLC, Robertson Library Annex, Room 230, where you won’t just hear about escape rooms--you’ll experience one.
In this session, participants will take part in a mini educational escape room, explore the tactile and digital materials we use to design them, and learn how escape rooms can promote engagement, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving across disciplines. We will share examples from nursing and chemistry, discuss student reactions and learning outcomes, and walk you through the first steps of planning your own classroom escape room. Whether you teach in the sciences, health, or beyond, you’ll leave with practical ideas, adaptable resources, and inspiration to bring playful, high-impact learning into your courses.
The Office of Research Services and the Teaching and Learning Centre are collaborating to put on a workshop about incorporating Indigenization and equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in Research.
Funders (especially the Tri-Agencies) are increasingly looking for Indigenization and EDIA to be included in grant applications. This session will help researchers explore their positionality and incorporate Indigenization and EDIA into their proposal and highly qualified personnel (HQP) sections.
Event details
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Location: FSDE 128A (in-person only)
More information and a registration link will be available shortly. 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
Upcoming Information Sessions: Reducing Administrative Burden for Low-Value, Low-Risk Fee for Service Agreements
You spoke. We listened!
As part of our ongoing effort to live UPEI’s core value related to the Pursuit of Excellence, UPEI’s Contracts and Insurance and Procurement teams — along with a cross-functional process improvement group including representation from administrative staff, Privacy, ITSS, and the Office of the VPAF— have worked collaboratively to reduce administrative burden related to UPEI’s Low-Value, Low-Risk Fee for Service (FFS) agreements.
Did you know?
In 2025, UPEI processed 195 FFS agreements.
These agreements are currently subject to 28 touch points across seven UPEI departments and consume, on average, four hours of employee time each. That’s 780 employee hours per year!
These agreements average 26 days to process from start to completion.
Most interestingly, 79% of the FFS agreements are valued at less than $50,000.
Many of these FFS engagements pose minimal risk but require significant administrative effort.
What’s new?
Effective February 9, 2026, UPEI’s Procurement and Contracts and Insurance teams are proposing to eliminate FFS agreements for engagements valued at $50,000 or less, provided they meet "low risk" criteria.
The new Low-Value, Low-Risk Process reduces administrative steps from 28 to 7 - a 75% reduction - while maintaining key safeguards, including insurance.
This streamlined process will result in a significant reduction in paperwork and annual hours spent on FFS engagements each year, as well as shortening the time to complete while reducing potential frustration for UPEI staff and external vendors.
What do you need to know?
The Contracts and Insurance Office invites all members of the campus community to attend upcoming information sessions regarding the new Low-Value, Low-Risk FFS process.
These pre-launch sessions are intended to help departments prepare and ask questions ahead of implementation.
Sessions will include overviews of the Contracts and Insurance Office; FFS agreements; and the new Low-Value, Low-Risk FFS process; and offer an opportunity for Q&A
Session details: February 4, 2026 | 9:00–10:00 am | TBD | Register Here
Questions: If you have questions or require additional information, please contact the Contracts and Insurance Office at contracts@upei.ca
UPEI is seeking input from community members and users of the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre on whether to develop a high-performance strength and conditioning facility for UPEI and PEI athletes. A dedicated high-performance training centre would support approximately 250 varsity and 200 club student-athletes. UPEI is considering the creation of this training centre by redeploying 3,146 square feet of space in the Sports Centre from current use as squash courts and “Studio One” (a flexible exercise space). For more details, click here. Please provide input to Tim Walker, Vice-President, Administration and Finance, at vpaf@upei.ca by February 20, 2026.
The Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship is hosting a workshop focused on teaching the basics about creating a business plan on Wednesday, February 3, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. 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.
Beginning at 9:00 am on Monday, February 2 and until further notice, anyone accessing electronic resources (e-journals, e-books, databases, etc.) subscribed to by the Robertson Library will be prompted to enter their UPEI username and password, even when connected to a UPEI computer network. Logging in with UPEI credentials is a long-standing requirement for accessing Library e-resources from off-campus, but not on UPEI computing networks. The need for a temporary “on-campus login” arrangement at this time arises from an initiative led by ITSS to consolidate UPEI-owned IP addresses. This has, in turn, made it necessary for the Library to reconfigure the EZProxy server that we use to manage access to our e-resources.
During the EZproxy reconfiguration, the only way to reliably access databases and other e-resources will be through the links on the Library's website. If you have saved or bookmarked links that do not include the word "proxy" in the URL (web address), please note that these will not work during this time. You can fix those URLs using our Creating Persistent Links to Content in Library Databases tool.
If you encounter any difficulties accessing Library e-resources during this EZproxy reconfiguration, or have questions about it, please contact us. For information about the broader UPEI IP initiative, please contact Graham Nixon, Manager, Infrastructure and Technology, ITSS. For updates see Change in Online Access to Library Resources.
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 fgaballa@upei.ca or cleantech@upei.ca
Bring your own lunch and join us for an engaging session
Hosted by: The Teaching and Learning Centre
Session Overview:
Join us for a relaxed and informative Teaching & Learning Centre (TLC) Lunch & Learn session focused on Maintaining Motivation & Engagement in your classes. This is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, share ideas, and gain insights into connecting learning to real‑world purpose, building an interactive learning environment, fostering a sense of belonging, providing clear structure and expectations, offering autonomy and choice, giving meaningful feedback, and integrating active learning technologies.
RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/c5DsnwcRTu
Contact: tlc@upei.ca
The Office of Research Services and the Teaching and Learning Centre are collaborating to put on a workshop about incorporating Indigenization and equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in Research.
Funders (especially the Tri-Agencies) are increasingly looking for Indigenization and EDIA to be included in grant applications. This session will help researchers explore their positionality and incorporate Indigenization and EDIA into their proposal and highly qualified personnel (HQP) sections.
Event details
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Location: FSDE 128A (in-person only)
More information and a registration link will be available shortly. Questions can be directed to Julie VanLeeuwen (jmvanleeuwen@upei.ca), Research Navigator.
Beginning at 9 am on Monday, February 2, and until further notice, anyone accessing electronic resources (e-journals, e-books, databases, etc.) subscribed to by the Robertson Library will be prompted to enter their UPEI username and password, even when connected to a UPEI computer network. Logging in with UPEI credentials is a long-standing requirement for accessing Library e-resources from off-campus but not on UPEI computing networks. The need for a temporary “on-campus login” arrangement at this time arises from an initiative led by ITSS to consolidate UPEI-owned IP addresses. This has, in turn, made it necessary for the Library to reconfigure the EZProxy server that we use to manage access to our e-resources.
During the EZproxy reconfiguration, the only way to reliably access databases and other e-resources will be through the links on the Library's website. If you have saved or bookmarked links that do not include the word "proxy" in the URL (web address), please note that these will not work during this time. You can fix those URLs using our Creating Persistent Links to Content in Library Databases tool.
If you encounter any difficulties accessing Library e-resources during this EZproxy reconfiguration, or have questions about it, please contact us. For information about the broader UPEI IP initiative, please contact Graham Nixon, Manager, Infrastructure & Technology, ITSS. For updates, see Change in Online Access to Library Resources.
Increasingly, faculty are reporting exhaustion, overwork, and burnout as serious issues affecting their work lives. Join Dr. Elizabeth Wells from Mount Allison University for this ONLINE session, where we will explore the landscape of burnout through the literature, and consider support and solutions for today’s overburdened academic. Register here to receive the Teams link for this session happening on February 3 at 12:00 noon.
February is Black History Month, and the UPEI Student Union invites everyone to take part in a series of celebrations throughout the month. During Black History Month, we honour and amplify the voices of Black folks while celebrating their many achievements and contributions.
We kick things off on Monday, February 2, with a Flag Raising Ceremony at 11 am in front of the Kelley Memorial Building. Later on the same day, at 12:30 pm in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, enjoy Flavours of Black History Month featuring free food, including rice and peas, fried plantains, jerk chicken, vegetable, beef, and chicken samosas, and mandazi, prepared by Out of Africa and Boonoonoonoos. Sorrel and pineapple juice will also be available. This event will run while supplies last.
Information about other events will be posted closer to the event dates on our social media channels: @upeisu on all platforms.
Upcoming Information Sessions: Reducing Administrative Burden for Low-Value, Low-Risk Fee-for-Service Agreements
You spoke. We listened!
As part of our ongoing effort to live UPEI’s core value related to the Pursuit of Excellence, UPEI’s Contracts and Insurance and Procurement teams—along with a cross-functional process improvement group including representation from administrative staff, Privacy, ITSS, and the Office VPAF—have worked collaboratively to reduce administrative burden related to UPEI’s Low-Value, Low-Risk Fee-for-Service (FFS) agreements.
Did you know?
In 2025, UPEI processed 195 FFS agreements.
These agreements are currently subject to 28 touch points across seven UPEI departments and consume, on average, four hours of employee time each. That’s 780 employee hours per year!
These agreements average 26 days to process from start to completion.
Most interestingly, 79% of the FFS agreements are valued at less than $50,000. Many of these FFS engagements pose minimal risk but require significant administrative effort.
What’s new?
Effective February 9, 2026, UPEI’s Procurement and Contracts & Insurance teams are proposing to eliminate FFS agreements for engagements valued at $50,000 or less, provided they meet "low risk" criteria.
The new Low-Value, Low-Risk process reduces administrative steps from 28 to 7--a 75% reduction--while maintaining key safeguards, including insurance.
This streamlined process will result in a significant reduction in paperwork and annual hours spent on FFS engagements each year, as well as shortening the time to complete while reducing potential frustration for UPEI staff and external vendors.
What do you need to know?
The Contracts and Insurance Office invites all members of the campus community to attend upcoming information sessions regarding the new Low-Value, Low-Risk FFS process.
These pre-launch sessions are intended to help departments prepare and ask questions ahead of implementation.
Sessions will include overviews of the Contracts and Insurance Office; FFS agreements; and the new Low-Value, Low-Risk FFS process, and offer an opportunity for Q&A
Session details:
February 2, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 pm | TBD | Register Here
February 4, 2026 | 9:00–10:00 am | TBD | Register Here
Questions: If you have questions or require additional information, please contact the Contracts & Insurance Office at contracts@upei.ca
The AVC Veterinary Teaching Hospital carries on-site pet food, treats and supplements. For your 24/7 convenience, we also have an online pet store at myVETstore.ca that offers a large selection of food, treats, toys, and supplies for cats, dogs, and exotic pets. For your added convenience, orders at myVETstore.ca with a minimum value of $30, before tax, qualify for free shipping directly to your home. As well, if you sign up for auto orders you will save 5% off your order, in addition to your UPEI Staff/AVC Student discount. If you order an item that does not qualify for home delivery it will be shipped to the clinic for pickup.
How does it work?
If you don't already have an account, we invite you to sign up for one on the AVC myVETstore through the link below. Please use your UPEI email address when creating an account to ensure you receive your UPEI Staff/AVC Student discount: https://www.myvetstore.ca/avcvth
Once you place an order and it is processed, you will receive an initial email confirming your order. You will then receive a second email letting you know when your order has shipped or is available for pickup at the hospital.
If you need assistance setting up your account, our Client Services Team is happy to help and can be reached by phone at 902-566-0950.
Yours sincerely,
AVC Veterinary Teaching Hospital
The Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship is hosting a workshop focused on teaching the basics about creating a business plan on Wednesday, February 3, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. 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.
Every year in February, we celebrate Black History Month. Members of the campus community are invited to join the UPEI Student Union, the Black Cultural Society, and the African Student Association at the raising of the Pan-African flag at the flag plaza near Kelley Memorial Building at 11:00 am. A reception with local food vendors will follow at 12:30 pm in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre. All are welcome.
For information about other events and activities at UPEI to mark Black History Month, go to https://www.upei.ca/communications/news/2026/01/upei-celebrates-black-history-month
On February 2, there will be a full moon ceremony at Kelley Memorial Building, Room 211. This will be a smudging ceremony led by Elder Thirly. We ask participants to bring a bottle of water for blessing and to refrain from recording the ceremony (photo or video). If you would like to wear a skirt but do not have one, you may borrow one during the ceremony. As always, all are welcome.
Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have followed the 13 Moons or moon cycles to ground themselves in their teachings and ensure balance. Life on Earth is connected to and regulated by Grandmother Moon, through the tides and waters, which stabilizes our Earth's position and determines the cycle of women and the birth of new life. Grandmother Moon helps us with healing and is strongly connected to human life.
