UPEI Healthy Campus Committee encourages participation during Wellness Week
The UPEI Healthy Campus Committee is pleased to announce Wellness Week: Together We Thrive, running from November 17 to November 20, 2026. Designed to cultivate physical, mental, and social well-being of students, staff, and faculty across campus, the week presents a series of themed days that encourage connection, healthy nutrition, active movement, and school spirit.
The festivities kick off on Tuesday, November 17, with “Make n’ Mingle,” a day centred on creative expression, stress relief, and social bonding. Taking place from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on the second floor of the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, this drop-in event requires no registration and invites students, faculty, and staff to take a mental break together. Attendees can write positive messages on an affirmations board, practice mindfulness through mandala painting, enjoy colouring, or spend time knitting and crocheting. A highlight of the day is a hands-on floral embroidery session, where participants are encouraged to bring a sweater, hat, or fabric item to learn how to add custom embroidered flowers to give their personal belongings a unique touch.
On Wednesday, November 18, the focus shifts to body nourishment and wellness education with “Nourish,” held in McMillan Hall from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. This day emphasizes building healthy, sustainable lifestyle habits through practical guidance and wholesome food. Guest speaker Bethany Vessey, Registered Dietitian, will host three 20-minute presentations, beginning at 11:30 am with “Nutrition for Mental Health,” followed by “Healthy Eating on a Budget” at 12:00 pm, and “Myth Busting Nutrition Trends” at 12:30 pm, before concluding with the Panther Chef Final Announcement at 1:00 pm.
Throughout the session, attendees can enjoy complimentary food and beverage samples including fresh fruit, smoothies, coffee, tea, water, and soup, and enter door prize draws for kitchen gear, including a grand prize basket complete with a slap chopper, immersion blender, silicone loaf molds, and a $50 gift card to Kay’s Fresh Market.
The momentum continues Thursday, November 19, with “Move,” an initiative dedicated to physical vitality, active motion, and functional wellness. Situated on the second floor of the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, this day offers multiple interactive ways to get active without needing to pre-register. Participants can take part in “Desk Reset: Chair Yoga and Mindfulness Break”—a 25-minute session offered at 11:30 am, 12:00 pm, and 12:30 pm featuring gentle chair yoga, desk-friendly stretches, and tension-releasing mindfulness techniques, followed by a brief Q&A. Limited space for the Desk Reset sessions is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, attendees can take a guided tour of the Fitness Centre to learn how to operate various workout equipment or join the interactive Track Circuit led by kinesiology students, walking or running the indoor track while stopping at exercise stations designed for strength, movement, and balance.
Wellness Week concludes on Friday, November 20, with “Connect and Unwind Panther Pride,” a day dedicated to fostering school spirit, relaxation, and campus community celebration. Campus departments are invited to participate in an Office Decorating Contest to show off their Panther Pride, with free morning coffee delivered by Panther athletes to participating offices (registration due by 12:00 pm on Monday, November 16) and a grand prize of a $150 Fox and Crow gift card. Office Decorating Contest Sign Up: Show Your Panther Pride! – Fill out form
Throughout the day, campus members can take advantage of special discounts, including 25% off Panther clothing and merchandise at the UPEI Bookstore (available November 19–20) and 25% off food and café items at The Fox and Crow (excluding alcohol) on November 20.
In the evening, staff, faculty, and their families receive free admission to UPEI home games, featuring Women's Basketball at 6:00 pm and Men's Basketball at 8:00 pm against St. Francis Xavier University, alongside Women's Hockey at 7:00 pm against St. Thomas University. Throughout the games, attendees can join Pride's Birthday Celebration on the second floor of the Sports Centre to enjoy cake, refreshments, photo opportunities, and autograph signings with varsity athletes. Please fill out the Expression of Interest: Pride’s Birthday & Panther Game Night – Fill out form if you are planning to attend!
The UPEI Healthy Campus Committee hopes to see you there!
