UPEI'S Centre for Health and Biotech Management Research (CHBMR) is running the first instance in Canada of a web-based addictions treatment program known as CBT4CBT. The pilot program will be run in Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations communities.

CBT4CBT is an award-winning Cognitive Behavioural Therapy developed at the Yale School of Medicine by Dr. Kathleen Carroll. In PEI, CBT4CBT will be run and assessed by a research team from UPEI's CHBMR, including Dr. Michelle Patterson.

'Ever since I first discovered Dr. Carroll's work with CBT4CBT, I believed it to be an ideal program to offer in Canadian, and particularly First Nation, communities,' said Dr. Patterson. 'CBT4CBT has real potential to improve addictions treatment options and enhance the quality of life within the communities of Abegweit and Lennox Island, as well as other rural populations throughout Canada.'

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy strives to allow patients to recognize triggers, improve coping mechanisms, and alter the behaviour that leads to substance abuse. CBT4CBT is the first program to offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy online alongside traditional treatment options such as counselling.

'The First Nations community of Lennox Island is proud to be the first trial site in Canada for the implementation of this new computer-based mental health and addictions treatment program,' said Matilda Ramjattan, Chief of the Lennox Island First Nation. 'Based on the need for improved care in our rural communities and the success of this new approach in previous studies in the U.S. we expect to see notable benefits.'

Brian Francis, Chief of the Abegweit First Nation adds, 'The CBT4CBT program has the potential to be a great resource for those suffering from substance abuse in our community. We believe that this program will positively impact our community as a whole as well as other First Nations and non-First Nation communities in Canada.'

Online delivery of CBT4CBT will allow 24/7 access to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for remote and rural communities that often struggle with the availability of treatment options.

'This initial trial in the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations communities constitutes a crucial first step in bringing a new frontline approach to improve Mental Health and Addictions treatments to Prince Edward Island and Canada,' said Dr. Juergen Krause, dean of UPEI's School of Business, and director of the CHBMR. 'It is our goal at the Centre for Health and Biotechnology Management Research to identify and implement new and meaningful research projects, such as the CBT4CBT, which address predominant needs in our communities.'

The research team at CHBMR is in negotiations to run CBT4CBT in other health care settings and communities on Prince Edward Island and looks forward to more exciting announcements in the near future.

On March 30, CBC's The National aired an emotional feature story on McGuigan family who lost father and husband, Brendon McGuigan, in a double homicide last summer.

Last November, the Men's Hockey Panthers held a benefit game for the family in Montague and were so touched by seven-year-old Kayden that they connected the family with New York Islander defenceman Travis Hamonic. Hamonic, who lost his own father at age 10, invites a child whose parent has died, and their family, to be his guest at every Islanders home game.

Read and view CBC story

Engineers PEI, the association of professional engineers on Prince Edward Island, announced the addition of two scholarships and the creation of a new endowment to support students enrolled in UPEI's new School of Sustainable Design Engineering. This brings the total number awards that Engineers PEI funds from six to nine.

Justin Dunn, President of Engineers PEI, made the announcement at the annual UPEI Engineering Design Expo and Awards Ceremony on April 8. 'Engineers PEI has generously supported numerous awards at UPEI since 1994,' said Dunn, 'but with the launch of the new School of Sustainable Design Engineering, our membership wanted to increase our support to UPEI and further recognize engineering students and their achievements in this design-focused, project-based learning environment.'

The additional scholarships include two new entrance awards valued at $1,500 each awarded to a female student and a male student entering the first year of the four-year UPEI sustainable design engineering degree program who graduated from a Prince Edward Island high school.

Engineers PEI also approved a one-time contribution of $15,000 to start an endowment fund to allow our members and supporters of the engineering program to contribute to growing a new scholarship awarded to a graduating student. Members and supporters will receive a tax receipt directly from UPEI for their donations, which will also be matched by Engineers PEI. This award will be granted to a graduating student from the degree program who registers as an Engineer-in-Training in Prince Edward Island and who has maintained a high academic standing throughout their engineering studies.

'On behalf of the entire UPEI community, I thank Engineers PEI for their outstanding generosity over the years to UPEI students and for their support of our new School of Sustainable Design Engineering. In establishing these additional awards, Engineers PEI is helping us build upon a long history of excellence in engineering education and take it to an entirely new level,' said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz.

The UPEI School of Sustainable Design Engineering, the first of its kind in Canada, develops engineers who have exceptional design skills combined with a global perspective and who are ready from day one of graduation to meet the challenges of today's world.

Until 2014, UPEI educated future engineers through a two-year diploma program that required all graduates to continue their education at another institution to complete an engineering degree. In September 2014, the University of Prince Edward Island established the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design Engineering, a four-year degree program. Engineers PEI played an active role in advising the University in the development of this new program, and the construction of a cutting-edge 75,000 square-foot facility to house the School of Sustainable Design Engineering (scheduled completion date is September 2016).

The new awards will go into effect for the 2015-16 academic year.

Over the next several weeks, a number of candidates for tenure-track positions in the School of Sustainable Design Engineering will be visiting campus. The School encourages members of the campus community to attend the public presentations scheduled for each candidate as per the following schedule:

Dongbing Li - Monday, April 20, 2:45-3:45 pm, McDougall Hall, Room 246
"Process and Product Development Based On Fast Pyrolysis of Forestry Residues"

Dongbing Li is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR) at Western University where he has maintained an active portfolio of research projects sponsored by BioFuelNet Canada, Lignoworks Research Network, and industrial partners. His major research interests focus on optimization and value-added opportunities in chemical and bioresource engineering.

Andrew Swingler - Tuesday, April 21, 10:45-11:45 am, McDougall Hall, Room 246
"Who, What, When, How & Why of Micro-Grids, the Impacts for Communities and the latest in R&D"

Andrew Swingler is an expert in micro-grid energy systems with more than 12 years direct industry experience; including serving as Head of Technology Anticipation for Schneider Electric's international solar business. Andrew's experience and expertise ranges across the intelligent grid spectrum from high-performance off-grid PV-hybrid power systems to the integration and optimization of injecting PV and stored energy directly to the grid.

Bishnu Acharya - Wednesday, April 22, 10:45-11:45 am, McDougall Hall, Room 246
"Bioprocessing and Bioconversion of Biomass & Bio-waste to Biofuel and High Value Product"

Bishnu Acharya is the General Manager-Projects for Greenfield Research Incorporated, an energy and environment related research and development company in Halifax. He has been working for developing clean and sustainable energy and bio-resource technologies for the last 8 years with focus on transferring the knowledge gained through research into industrial application. Bishnu has taught both graduate and undergraduate engineering courses at Dalhousie University, the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand and at Kantipur Engineering College in Nepal.

Dan Nkwetta - Friday, April 24, 2:45-3:45 pm, McDougall Hall, Room 246
"Practicality of Sustainable Energy Systems and Mechatronics: Design, Integration, Automation and Optimization"

Dan Nkwetta is the director of applied alternative and sustainable energy research laboratory (ASERL) and a professor and researcher of sustainable energy systems at New Brunswick Community Colleg, Saint John campus. He also currently serves as expert consultant for NSERC strategic grants, NSERC Community Colleges Innovation Grants, sustainable development technology Canada (SDTC) and national reviewer for Canadian Technologies Accreditation Board (CTAB).

Hossein Ahari - Monday, April 27, 10:45-11:45 am, McDougall Hall Room 246
"Optimization of Laminated Dies Manufacturing"

Hossein Ahari is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Sustainable Design Engineering at UPEI. He holds a B.Sc. and a M.Sc. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering respectively. After more than seven years working in different industry and research sectors as a mechanical and aerospace engineer and also building a successful career in trade and technology managing his own business, Hossein earned his PhD from the department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo in 2011.

T3 Trius Transit has added a one-time bus service on Sunday, April 19 to assist students writing exams at the University of Prince Edward Island. University Avenue Express route (#1), that travels between the Confederation Centre of the Arts and the Charlottetown Mall, will operate from 8:00 am to 10:30 pm, following the Saturday schedule.

Buses will leave the Confederation Centre every half hour at the top and bottom of the hour, and leave the Charlottetown Mall every 30 minutes, at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour, with stops at UPEI both ways.

Earlier this year, UPEI extended the number of teaching days in the semester due to the number of storm closures, which resulted in a compressed exam period and some exams being scheduled on Sunday, not a normal practice.

Mike Cassidy, President of T3 Trius Transit said, 'When the UPEI administration and Student Union approached me to see if we could accommodate this need, I was only too happy to help out to alleviate some stress for students who are focused on exams.'

'We realized that, with the adjusted schedule, some students might face difficulty in securing transportation to campus on Sunday,' added Jackie Podger, UPEI's Vice-President Administration and Finance. 'UPEI thanks Mike for helping us address this challenge by adding the Sunday bus service.'

'Students don't need the added pressure of finding a way to get to campus during the exam period,' commented UPEI Student Union President Lucas MacArthur. 'The Student Union applauds UPEI and T3 Transit in coming up with a solution!'

For the full, regular T3 Trius Transit Schedule, visit www.triustransit.ca

UPEI's Executive MBA Program, in partnership with Island Advance and the PEI BioAlliance, is hosting a public talk by Jacques Dénommée, a founding partner of AXIAStrategists, a collaborative platform of strategic advisors with more than 30 years of experience in team management. The talk is entitled 'Innovation: at the Core of Value Creation' and takes place at 6:30 pm, Wednesday, April 29 in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium, room 242 of UPEI's Don and Marion McDougall Hall. The event will also include a Q & A session.

What drives value within the entrepreneurial journey? The development of a good product and a superior ability to deliver its benefits to clients is central to good business practices. However, that formula may be the demise of a business if it is not constantly challenged by the possibilities emerging from the business environment.

Dénommée will explore the role of dynamic innovation in business sustainability, discuss the primary challenges to an innovative culture, and examine tools and practices to assist businesses in maximizing value creation.

Prior to founding AXIAStrategists, Dénommée was an investment partner with a leading Canadian venture capital fund. He has held key board positions and participated in the development of various Canadian companies, such as Miranda Technologies, Metrowerks, Optosecurity, Netistix (BSM), Télécité and Sciemetrics. Jacques is also heavily involved in several innovative platforms such as NSERC program i2i, Devtech (Quebec International), and University Business Games. He regularly lectures at McGill's Desautels Faculty of Management, Université Laval, and Hautes Études Commerciales on the theme of value creation and sustainable economic development through the creation of innovative ecosystems. He is also the author of The Business Paradox, published by Friesen Press.

For more information: 902-566-6474 or mba@upei.ca.

The University of Prince Edward Island is proud to be a member of Universities Canada, formerly known as AUCC or the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. Today, at its national meeting of university presidents in Halifax, NS, the organization unveiled its new brand.

The considerations that led to the evolution from AUCC to Universities Canada / Universités Canada included the need for clarity about the organization's mandate and role. Universities Canada's mission is to foster and promote the interests of higher education and university research. It participates in the development of public policy to find solutions to the economic and social challenges facing Canada. Universities Canada works closely with governments, private sector and the public to raise the profile of higher education.

The ability to adapt the new look to highlight key words and values truly reflects the innovative, focused and dynamic nature of the organization-the new name and look are bold and timeless. From an international perspective, the move to Universities Canada / Universités Canada reflects the global trend by sister organizations, such as Universities UK and Universities Australia.

View a short video for additional insights into the evolution and development of the new Universities Canada brand.

UPEI student-athletes are showing that 'Panthers care' at SUBWAY® locations across the province today as part of SUBWAY® Cares for Kids Day.

The event is an initiative of SUBWAY® Canada in partnership with Children's Miracle Network. On Thursday, April 23, SUBWAY® Restaurants on PEI will be accepting donations in support of the Maritime's local Children's Miracle Network member hospital, the IWK Health Centre.

Approximately 30 members of UPEI Panther teams will be in SUBWAY® Restaurants from Summerside to Montague, handing out free cookie coupons to thank patrons who have donated to the campaign.

The University of Prince Edward Island announced today that four Islanders will receive honorary Doctor of Laws degrees at Convocation 2015. Honorary degrees will be conferred upon retired business leader and Senator, and former PEI premier, The Honourable Catherine Callbeck; multiple award-winning singer-songwriter Lennie Gallant; retired educator, and former MLA, Leader of the Official Opposition, and Provincial Treasurer Patricia Mella; and beloved pastor, member of the Queens County Fiddlers, retired UPEI professor, and former UPEI chaplain Father Charlie Cheverie.

'Each honorary degree recipient exemplifies success in their chosen field, whether it be politics, business, education, religious life, or arts and culture,' said President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 'We are so excited to honour these distinguished individuals who have contributed so much to their communities. As our graduates begin to imagine how their education will lead to their own success, they will be inspired by the stories of how our honorary graduands have made their mark.'

The University's Senate approved the honorary graduands at a meeting earlier this year in accordance with University policy that states that honorary doctorates of laws will be presented to individuals who display the highest levels of achievement in public and community service.

The Honourable Catherine Callbeck has a long and active involvement in business, politics, and charitable and public service groups at all levels, and is a woman of many firsts and honours. She received her early education Central Bedeque and Summerside, later receiving degrees from Mount Allison University and Dalhousie University. After a period of teaching, Ms. Callbeck returned to PEI where she became involved with the family business-Callbeck's Limited and Callbeck's Furniture. She was the second woman ever elected to the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island and, from 1974-78, served as the first female Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister Responsible for the Disabled, and Minister Responsible for Non-Status Indians. In 1988, she was the first woman elected as the Member of Parliament for Malpeque, making her the second woman ever to be elected to the House of Commons from PEI. She returned to provincial politics in 1993 when she was elected Leader of the Liberal Party of PEI, and soon after, the first woman in Canada to be elected as Premier. In 1997, she was called to the Senate of Canada and retired in July 2014.

Father Charlie Cheverie is one of PEI's most respected citizens. He was educated at Saint Dunstan's University, Holy Heart Seminary, and the Catholic University of America, where he received a doctorate in biology. He was ordained as Roman Catholic priest in 1957 and in 1959, he began an outstanding career of teaching and research at Saint Dunstan's University, and its successor, UPEI. Following his retirement from teaching in 1997, he served as Chaplain at UPEI. 'Father Charlie' also served as a commissioned officer and military chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces. His devotion to the province and to the well-being of its people has been demonstrated in many ways, through his promotion of traditional music, his efforts to sustain and protect the natural environment, and, of course, by his dedication as a teacher. His leadership is a special blend of personal example, wisdom, and general insight into the ways of people. Over the years, he has received numerous awards-for example, the Rotary Mentor Award and Order of PEI-and was conferred as Professor Emeritus and named a UPEI Founder in 2009.

Lennie Gallant, a native of Rustico and graduate of UPEI, has been fully engaged for more than four decades in his career as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer. He has recorded ten albums (eight in English and two in French), which have won him a host of awards and nominations from the Juno, East Coast Music, Canadian Folk Music, Étoile, and Éloize awards. He has received numerous honours including the Order of Canada, Red Cross Humanitarian Award and UPEI Distinguished Alumni Award. Mr. Gallant and his band have toured North America and Europe in both acoustic settings and with symphony orchestras, while over 30 artists from around the world have recorded his songs. His hard-hitting lyrics, chronicling the lives of people dealing with tremendous adversity and serious issues, articulate the feelings of many caught up in desperate situations. At the same time, his musical stories celebrate the beauty of lifestyle and landscape with their stirring poetry. He is very generous with his time and talent but is best known for his work with UNESCO and World Vision.

Patricia Mella is a retired educator and politician who continues to serve her Island community. Born in Port Hill, Ms. Mella received her early education in Bloomfield and Kinkora and graduated in 1965 from St. Dunstan's University with a major in English. She received her Master's Degree in Medical Sociology from the Catholic University of America and, in 1973, a Bachelor of Education from UPEI. Ms. Mella enjoyed an extensive teaching career in Washington, DC; Ottawa and Kingston, Ontario; and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She returned to PEI in 1979, teaching Political Science and English at four Charlottetown area schools-Colonel Gray, Queen Charlotte, Birchwood, and Charlottetown Rural. Elected Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of PEI in 1990, she became Leader of the Official Opposition in 1993. In 1996, she became the Provincial Treasurer and Chair of Treasury Board and later was appointed Minister Responsible for the PEI Public Service Commission, PEI Liquor Control Commission, PEI Lending Agency, and Status of Women. She has served on a number of community organizations including the Teachers Federation of PEI, Southport/Bunbury/Crossroads Recreation Commission, Forum for Young Canadians Symposium, and Charlottetown Christian Council (as president).

The Convocation ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 9 in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre with the first ceremony beginning at 10:00 am and the afternoon ceremony at 2:30 pm. Callbeck will address the morning convocation while Mella will speak during the afternoon ceremony.