The Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development (OCEPD) is offering an exciting lineup of Certificates and courses this Fall to help you build skills, advance your career, and make an impact in your workplace.

UPEI Staff, Faculty, and Alumni save 15% on tuition!

Fall 2025 Offerings:

• “Indigenous Cultural Awareness” – September 24, 2025
• Certificate in Case Management – Specialization in Health Care – Starting October 1, 2025
• New Managers Certificate (in-person) – Starting October 7, 2025
• New Managers Certificate (online) – Starting October 14, 2025
• Certificate in Project Management – Starting October 20, 2025
• Certificate in Professional Office Administration – Starting October 28, 2025
• Certificate in Case Management – Advanced Collaboration in Care – Starting November 12, 2025
• Certificate in Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being – Starting November 12, 2025
• Certificate in Conflict Resolution – Starting November 27, 2025

Learn more and register: upei.ca/professional-development Email: pdp@upei.ca

Join us on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, Room 142 for the Indigenous Cultural Awareness course, led by prolific Mi’kmaq storyteller, author, and Knowledge Keeper Julie Pellissier-Lush.

In this interactive in-person course, you will:

• Learn about Mi’kmaq history, traditions, and culture from an authentic voice.
• Explore the impacts of colonization and the path toward truth, reconciliation, and restitution.
• Engage in storytelling, discussion, and reflection in a safe, respectful space.
• Gain insights to strengthen intercultural understanding in your workplace and community

Julie Pellissier-Lush, former Poet Laureate of PEI, is a celebrated Mi’kmaq storyteller, actor, singer, dancer, and writer. Her work shares the traditions, challenges, and resilience of the Mi’kmaq people, offering participants an unforgettable learning experience.

More information: https://www.upei.ca/professional-development/certificates/indigenous-cultural-awareness

This is more than a course—it’s an opportunity to connect, listen, and learn from an authentic Indigenous voice.

Spaces are limited, so secure your seat today and take a meaningful step on the journey toward reconciliation.

UPEI's current round of the Student Program for Research Engagement & Excellence (SPREE) is swiftly drawing to a close, with the culminating research poster and presentation competition on the horizon.

This year's competition will be held the afternoon of Wednesday, August 27 and we are seeking UPEI faculty and staff members as judges! Are you interested and available to join us as a judge?

 The commitment options are:

• Wed. Aug 27 from 12:30 pm - approx. 2:30 pm; or
• Wed. Aug 27 from 12:30 pm - approx. 3:30 pm.

We will have both a graduate student category and undergraduate student category of the competition, and the role of our judges will be to select the top 3 entries in each category (winning cash prizes). Taking feedback from last year into account this year: the 3 top selected entries will all receive equal prizes, plus we have a fully revised judging criteria rubric.

We are seeking judges representing the broad range of programs/disciplines the competitors draw from including: Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Psychology, Climate Change, Biotechnology, Foods and Nutrition, Island Studies, and Education.  

The student researchers have been challenged to create their posters and accompanying (up to 5 minute) presentation about their research for a non-specialist audience.

To volunteer as a judge, or for questions/additional details about judging or the poster competition, please contact: Kendra Mellish, Graduate Programs Officer at kmellish@upei.ca.

Please "save the date" for our next town hall on August 20:

August Check-In and Update

• Wednesday, August 20, 2025
• 2:30–3:30 pm
• Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium, Don and Marion McDougall Hall (MCDH 242)

This event will be similar to past events where brief updates will be given with an opportunity to ask questions. You will be able to attend in person (always preferable) or online. If you are unable to participate in person, you are welcome to join us virtually at this Teams Town Hall link.

We look forward to seeing you!

Members of the UPEI campus community,

It has recently come to the attention of IT Systems and Services (ITSS) that there is a fake website impersonating the real myUPEI login page. This site looks very convincing—it even links to genuine UPEI web pages—but it is designed to steal your login info.

Please DO NOT visit: myupei.org. This fake website address is being shared so that you know to avoid it—please DO NOT open it or provide any information through the site. 

What to do if you have visited the site:

1. Change your UPEI password immediately.
2. Let ITSS know by submitting a help request at go.upei.ca/itrequest.

Please know these scams are tricky and can fool anyone. Reporting it helps us protect others.

ITSS is working on having the fake site taken down, if possible, but that can take time.

If you have questions, concerns, or spot other suspicious sites, please reach out at go.upei.ca/itrequest.

Thank you!

IT Systems and Services Team

The UPEI Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is seeking a volunteer graduate student member to join the IBC for a two year term! The IBC meets monthly to review Biosafety Permit applications and discuss other issues related to biosafety on campus. Time commitment is approximately 3 hours per month.

• Are you a current UPEI graduate student?
• Do you work with biohazardous material as part of your research?
• Do you want to contribute to the research community and biosafety at UPEI?
• Would you like to gain valuable experience (looks great on a CV!) and be the student voice on a committee composed of UPEI Faculty and staff?

To express your interest in this exciting opportunity, please complete THIS FORM by Monday, August 18.

For more information please contact Stephanie Palmer, Research Compliance Coordinator scpalmer@upei.ca.

Thanks for passing this information along to anyone who might be interested!

Master of Science in Molecular and MacroMolecular Sciences

Title : Thermodynamic Properties and Applications of Modified β-Cyclodextrins
Host-guest chemistry is a key area of supramolecular chemistry in which noncovalent interactions between a host and a guest molecule result in the formation of an inclusion complex. Fluorescence spectroscopy is used as a primary tool to study these interactions, as it can detect changes in emission properties upon complex formation. This work centers on modified β-cyclodextrins, which are macrocyclic hosts valued for their hydrophobic cavities, chemical tunability, and biocompatibility. The research is divided into three interconnected projects, each exploring different modified β-cyclodextrins with a focus on their inclusion properties and potential applications. The first project examines how structural differences in both host and guest molecules influence the thermodynamic properties of the inclusion process. The second project studies a β-cyclodextrin derivative (L12), functionalized to chelate gadolinium ions for use as an MRI contrast agent, and assesses its capacity to include guest molecules despite its bulky modifications. The third project explores β-cyclodextrin-grafted magnetic nanoparticles developed for pollutant capture in textile wastewater. Together, these studies provide a deeper understanding of how chemical modifications on β-cyclodextrins affect the inclusion behaviour and binding capability of the host. The findings support the relevance of cyclodextrin-based materials for diverse applications, including drug delivery, imaging, and environmental remediation.

August 18, 2025 at 10:00 am, in AVC 278N

Everyone is Welcome

The Teaching and Learning Centre is hosting onboarding sessions for new(er) sessional instructors, where you can learn about:

• instructional design supports and professional development offerings available through the Teaching and Learning Centre
• Moodle, UPEI’s learning management system
• how to design learning so everyone can access, engage, and succeed—an approach known as Universal Design for Learning
• a guide to enhancing assessment practices, including grading, feedback, and considerations for generative AI
• what goes into a good syllabus, including Gen AI statements

These sessions are as follows:

• Online: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 2:00 to 3:00 pm
• Online: Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 6:00 to 7:00 pm

Sign up to attend one of these sessions using the following link - https://forms.office.com/r/jvbDHQA2Gq

Note: These sessions will also be recorded and can be sent to you if you are unable to attend.

If you have any questions, please reach out to TLC@upei.ca.

The annual "Back to School Sale" is on now until August 22. Save 20% on all regular priced UPEI and AVC clothing, giftware, backpacks, school supplies and more. We're located in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre, open Monday to Friday 9:00-4:00. Shop online 24/7 at upei.ca/bookstore. 

UPEI Procurement Services is currently taking bids on a few used vehicles and a sidewalk plow. 

The following equipment for sale is in parking lot A closest to the Farmer's Market. 

• 2011 GMC SLE 3500 Dually 6.0L Gas
• 2012 GMC SLE 2500
• 2007 MT6 Sidewalk Plow
• 2011 Dodge Caliber SXT
• 2015 Chevrolet Equinox

Bids are being accepted in the University's e-tendering portal Bonfire until August 15, at 2:00 pm. This portal requires you to register by creating a username and password as your UPEI credentials are not connected to this system. When registering for the Bonfire portal, please put your name in the vendor's name and contact name fields. You can access the information about this opportunity at https://upei.bonfirehub.ca/projects/96266/details

If you require assistance, please email tenders@upei.ca

In September 2024, UPEI launched a five-phase process to develop our next five-year strategic plan.

Each phase of the process has been anchored in consultation with our University and community members. In total, more than 700 participants have provided us with input, ideas, and candid feedback to help shape UPEI’s focus for the future.

Since our last consultation session, the UPEI Strategic Plan Steering Committee and team members have worked to review input and develop the draft UPEI Strategic Plan (2025–2030).

In keeping with our commitment to transparency, we are sharing the draft strategic plan framework with you for reflection and further input. Feedback on the draft can be provided through the feedback form linked in the document or by email to strategicplan@upei.ca. Input will be collected until August 14, 2025.

Read the Message from the President

Master of Science in Molecular and MacroMolecular Sciences

Title : Thermodynamic Properties and Applications of Modified β-Cyclodextrins
Host-guest chemistry is a key area of supramolecular chemistry in which noncovalent interactions between a host and a guest molecule result in the formation of an inclusion complex. Fluorescence spectroscopy is used as a primary tool to study these interactions, as it can detect changes in emission properties upon complex formation. This work centers on modified β-cyclodextrins, which are macrocyclic hosts valued for their hydrophobic cavities, chemical tunability, and biocompatibility. The research is divided into three interconnected projects, each exploring different modified β-cyclodextrins with a focus on their inclusion properties and potential applications. The first project examines how structural differences in both host and guest molecules influence the thermodynamic properties of the inclusion process. The second project studies a β-cyclodextrin derivative (L12), functionalized to chelate gadolinium ions for use as an MRI contrast agent, and assesses its capacity to include guest molecules despite its bulky modifications. The third project explores β-cyclodextrin-grafted magnetic nanoparticles developed for pollutant capture in textile wastewater. Together, these studies provide a deeper understanding of how chemical modifications on β-cyclodextrins affect the inclusion behaviour and binding capability of the host. The findings support the relevance of cyclodextrin-based materials for diverse applications, including drug delivery, imaging, and environmental remediation.

August 18, 2025 at 10:00 am, in AVC 278N

Everyone is Welcome

UPEI's current round of the Student Program for Research Engagement & Excellence (SPREE) is swiftly drawing to a close, with the culminating research poster and presentation competition on the horizon.

This year's competition will be held the afternoon of Wednesday, August 27 and we are seeking UPEI faculty and staff members as judges! Are you interested and available to join us as a judge?

 The commitment options are:

• Wed. Aug 27 from 12:30 pm - approx. 2:30 pm; or
• Wed. Aug 27 from 12:30 pm - approx. 3:30 pm.

We will have both a graduate student category and undergraduate student category of the competition, and the role of our judges will be to select the top 3 entries in each category (winning cash prizes). Taking feedback from last year into account this year: the 3 top selected entries will all receive equal prizes, plus we have a fully revised judging criteria rubric.

We are seeking judges representing the broad range of programs/disciplines the competitors draw from including: Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Psychology, Climate Change, Biotechnology, Foods and Nutrition, Island Studies, and Education.  

The student researchers have been challenged to create their posters and accompanying (up to 5 minute) presentation about their research for a non-specialist audience.

To volunteer as a judge, or for questions/additional details about judging or the poster competition, please contact: Kendra Mellish, Graduate Programs Officer at kmellish@upei.ca.

Please "save the date" for our next town hall on August 20:

August Check-In and Update

• Wednesday, August 20, 2025
• 2:30–3:30 pm
• Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium, Don and Marion McDougall Hall (MCDH 242)

This event will be similar to past events where brief updates will be given with an opportunity to ask questions. You will be able to attend in person (always preferable) or online. If you are unable to participate in person, you are welcome to join us virtually at this Teams Town Hall link.

We look forward to seeing you!

Members of the UPEI campus community,

It has recently come to the attention of IT Systems and Services (ITSS) that there is a fake website impersonating the real myUPEI login page. This site looks very convincing—it even links to genuine UPEI web pages—but it is designed to steal your login info.

Please DO NOT visit: myupei.org. This fake website address is being shared so that you know to avoid it—please DO NOT open it or provide any information through the site. 

What to do if you have visited the site:

1. Change your UPEI password immediately.
2. Let ITSS know by submitting a help request at go.upei.ca/itrequest.

Please know these scams are tricky and can fool anyone. Reporting it helps us protect others.

ITSS is working on having the fake site taken down, if possible, but that can take time.

If you have questions, concerns, or spot other suspicious sites, please reach out at go.upei.ca/itrequest.

Thank you!

IT Systems and Services Team

The UPEI Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is seeking a volunteer graduate student member to join the IBC for a two year term! The IBC meets monthly to review Biosafety Permit applications and discuss other issues related to biosafety on campus. Time commitment is approximately 3 hours per month.

• Are you a current UPEI graduate student?
• Do you work with biohazardous material as part of your research?
• Do you want to contribute to the research community and biosafety at UPEI?
• Would you like to gain valuable experience (looks great on a CV!) and be the student voice on a committee composed of UPEI Faculty and staff?

To express your interest in this exciting opportunity, please complete THIS FORM by Monday, August 18.

For more information please contact Stephanie Palmer, Research Compliance Coordinator scpalmer@upei.ca.

Thanks for passing this information along to anyone who might be interested!

The Teaching and Learning Centre is hosting onboarding sessions for new(er) sessional instructors, where you can learn about:

• instructional design supports and professional development offerings available through the Teaching and Learning Centre
• Moodle, UPEI’s learning management system
• how to design learning so everyone can access, engage, and succeed—an approach known as Universal Design for Learning
• a guide to enhancing assessment practices, including grading, feedback, and considerations for generative AI
• what goes into a good syllabus, including Gen AI statements

These sessions are as follows:

• Online: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 2:00 to 3:00 pm
• Online: Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 6:00 to 7:00 pm

Sign up to attend one of these sessions using the following link - https://forms.office.com/r/jvbDHQA2Gq

Note: These sessions will also be recorded and can be sent to you if you are unable to attend.

If you have any questions, please reach out to TLC@upei.ca.

The annual "Back to School Sale" is on now until August 22. Save 20% on all regular priced UPEI and AVC clothing, giftware, backpacks, school supplies and more. We're located in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre, open Monday to Friday 9:00-4:00. Shop online 24/7 at upei.ca/bookstore. 

Dr. Brenton Dickieson has been appointed Coordinator of Univ. 1000 and Coordinator of the Bachelor of Integrated Studies. Brenton has taught extensively in ACLC, Asian Studies, Global Issues, Religious Studies, Univ. 1020: Inquiry Studies and various courses in the Univ. 1000 suite, including University Studies, and Leadership studies. He has won the Hessian Award for Teaching Excellence twice, and recently received a MacLauchlan Prize for Effective Writing by faculty.

In addition to his scholarly work, including a forthcoming book with Oxford University Press, Brenton hosts a popular blog, A Pilgrim in Narnia, and podcast, The MaudCast: The Podcast of the L. M. Mongomery Institute, now in its third season. He has previously taught at Signum University, where he has supervised eight MAs, and at The King's College, NY, Maritime Christian College, and Regent Colllege, BC.

For a number of years, Brenton served as department and/or division lead in policy, research, and writing for the Post-Secondary Education division within the Government of PEI. In that capacity, he helped to produce PEI's population growth strategy, private training school standards, and PEI's international student strategy.

We welcome Brenton to his new role. He can be contacted at: bdickieson@upei.ca

In September 2024, UPEI launched a five-phase process to develop our next five-year strategic plan.

Each phase of the process has been anchored in consultation with our University and community members. In total, more than 700 participants have provided us with input, ideas, and candid feedback to help shape UPEI’s focus for the future.

Since our last consultation session, the UPEI Strategic Plan Steering Committee and team members have worked to review input and develop the draft UPEI Strategic Plan (2025–2030).

In keeping with our commitment to transparency, we are sharing the draft strategic plan framework with you for reflection and further input. Feedback on the draft can be provided through the feedback form linked in the document or by email to strategicplan@upei.ca. Input will be collected until August 14, 2025.

Read the Message from the President