The Destination GO Challenge is a team-based physical activity challenge. Teams of 7 will compete from May 25 to July 27. Please note: participants must be registered in the Virgin Pulse GO individual program in order to compete in the Destination GO Challenge.

This program is available free of charge to UPEI Faculty and Staff only and is brought to you by the Healthy Campus Committee, with support from the UPEI Employee Wellness Strategy.

First step to register: Log into recreation.upei.ca, click on Wellness (UPEI Faculty/Staff ) icon and then the Virgin Pulse GO Program.  For questions, contact Angela Marchbank, Fitness and Wellness Coordinator, at amarchbank@upei.ca

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 20, 10:00 am . Note that teams must be registered by May 20. Once the deadline has passed, the program is locked, and no one else can register.

Activity will be tracked by using your own fitness tracking device or with the Virgin Pulse MAX BUZZ Device. If this is your first year of participation, the MAX BUZZ is free, but if staff/faculty participated previously, the fee is $15 + tax. Note: the Max Buzz devices are only good for this program. They can only be synced if registered in the program and are reset every night. It’s recommended to use your own device if you have one.

ACEnet has upcoming training sessions coming up that may be of interest to faculty and students. The sessions are online and all except the Parallel Computing School are free of charge.

Introductory Programming: Unix Shell, Git and R

10, 17, 24 May, 12:00-15:30 hrs Atlantic 

This is a beginner level series that is hands-on, covering the fundamentals of R, including data types, functions, importing, manipulating and analyzing data and data visualization, as well as program design, version control, data management, and task automation. Participants will be encouraged to help one another and to apply what they have learned to their own research problems. The goal is to teach the practical knowledge needed to start programming, debugging and using R in everyday tasks. 

DETAILS & REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acenet-introductory-programming-unix-shell-git-and-r-tickets-311915887817 

Introductory Programming: Unix Shell, Version Control and Python

12, 19, 26 May, 12:00-16:00 hrs Atlantic 

This is a beginner level series that is hands-on, covering the fundamentals of Python including data types, conditional statements, loops and functions, as well as program design, version control, data management, and task automation. Participants will be encouraged to help one another and to apply what they have learned to their own research problems. The goal is to teach the practical knowledge needed to start programming, debugging and using Python in everyday tasks.

DETAILS & REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acenet-introductory-programming-unix-shell-git-and-python-tickets-310552018447 

Basics: Introduction to High Performance Computing (HPC)

17 May, 10:00-11:30 hrs Atlantic

This is a beginner session. Researchers across many disciplines use HPC to tackle analyses that would be either inefficient or impossible on a desktop. This session offers: a basic description of the infrastructure and support accessible through Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) and ACENET, with entry-level advice about how to begin; an overview of the software packages available through the Alliance and ACENET for applications, data analysis, and software development, and how to request specific software relevant to your work; and insight into the potential of parallel computing to accelerate your analysis.  

DETAILS & REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acenet-basics-introduction-to-hpc-tickets-317566198047 

Basics: Introduction to Linux

18 May, 10:00-11:30 hrs Atlantic

This workshop is designed for those with no prior experience in working with a terminal interface. To access and use the ACENET and Digital Research Alliance of Canada HPC clusters from your desktop, you will use a text-based "command line" interface. You will use the command line to move data around and run calculations. In this session, learn how to get started with the command line and how to perform some basic tasks: create and navigate directories for your data; upload and download files; manage your storage; and run programs on the computing clusters.  

DETAILS & REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acenet-basics-introduction-to-linux-tickets-317567572157 

Basics: Introduction to Shell Scripting

19 May, 10:00-11:30 hrs Atlantic

This workshop is designed for both new and experienced users. You’ll learn how to use the command line to carry out repetitive tasks, extract information from files quickly, combine commands in powerful ways, and capture a workflow so you can re-use it easily. Save time, reduce errors, and use Linux more effectively. Prerequisite: ACENET Basic Series Introduction to Linux, or previous experience with Linux.  

DETAILS & REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acenet-basics-introduction-to-shell-scripting-tickets-317567682487 

Basics: Job Scheduling with Slurm

20 May, 10:00-11:30 hrs Atlantic

This workshop is designed for either new HPC users, or for experienced users either transitioning to Slurm or seeking to improve efficiency with the scheduler. The Digital Research Alliance of Canada’s (Alliance) national systems use a job scheduler called “Slurm”. In this session you will learn how Slurm works and how it allocates jobs, helping you to: minimize wait time by framing reasonable requests; ask for only the resources you need, to improve efficiency; increase throughput; run more jobs simultaneously; and troubleshoot and address crashes. Prerequisites: Completion of Introduction to Linux and Introduction to Shell Scripting, or prior experience with both.  

DETAILS & REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acenet-basics-job-scheduling-with-slurm-tickets-317567973357 

Parallel Computing School

25 May--29 June, Varied, 13:00-15:00 hrs Atlantic

This course seeks to educate participants in common tools and techniques used in high-performance computing and scientific computation. Over 12 sessions in 6 weeks, we will cover general parallel computing, Dask, Machine Learning, OpenMP programming, GPU accelerator programming, and Message Passing Interface (MPI) programming. Each session will include a lecture and learning exercises. These will be oriented to those learners seeking a more advanced experience. There will be online office hours each week so participants can ask questions about the course content and exercises. Participants must have familiarity with the Unix command line, at the level expected after completion of the ACENET Basics Series, along with some programming experience.

DETAILS & REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acenet-parallel-computing-school-2022-tickets-311909619067 

3, 10, 17, 24 May, 12:00-15:30 hrs Atlantic 

This is a beginner level series that is hands-on, covering the fundamentals of R, including data types, functions, importing, manipulating and analyzing data and data visualization, as well as program design, version control, data management, and task automation. Participants will be encouraged to help one another and to apply what they have learned to their own research problems. The goal is to teach the practical knowledge needed to start programming, debugging and using R in everyday tasks.

DETAILS & REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acenet-introductory-programming-unix-shell-git-and-r-tickets-311915887817 

NOTE: this presentation has been postponed; a new date will be determined later.

The Faculty of Education would like to invite all to attend Yi-Wen (Eva) Lia's public presentation of her MEd research titled: "Narrative Research on Asian Students' Interpretations and Integrations of Their Worldviews Studying in the Master of Education (MEd) program in Canada." Please join us in person in the HSB Room 106 at UPEI or through the Zoom link below.

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://upei.zoom.us/j/67066053777?pwd=SDQzOHYvUzlkY0pacUc5K1ZHOXFsZz09

Meeting ID: 670 6605 3777
Passcode: 449659

UPEI is partnering with the Canada Games Host Society during the 2023 Canada Winter Games from February 18 to March 5. From scorekeepers and ushers to drivers and bloggers, it will take thousands of people working together to plan and support all the athletic and cultural events during the Games. UPEI has developed Guidelines for Volunteer Leave for the 2023 Canada Winter Games. UPEI employees who wish to volunteer are eligible to apply for up to 15 hours of paid time off to volunteer for the Games.

To learn more and apply to be a volunteer, visit the 2023 Canada Winter Games Volunteer Portal.
 

NOTE: this presentation has been postponed; a new date will be determined later.

The Faculty of Education would like to invite all to attend Yi-Wen (Eva) Lia's public presentation of her MEd research titled: "Narrative Research on Asian Students' Interpretations and Integrations of Their Worldviews Studying in the Master of Education (MEd) program in Canada." Please join us in person in the HSB Room 106 at UPEI or through the Zoom link below.

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://upei.zoom.us/j/67066053777?pwd=SDQzOHYvUzlkY0pacUc5K1ZHOXFsZz09

Meeting ID: 670 6605 3777
Passcode: 449659

The Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre is pleased to share our 2022 spring newsletter with you! 

Like us on our Facebook page.

Ethics protocols that involve "more than minimal risk" must be reviewed by the full UPEI Research Ethics Board (REB). The next deadline for submitting these protocols is Friday, May 27, 2022.

Other ethics protocol submissions, including new applications that do not involve "more than minimal risk," renewals, and amendments may be submitted at any time. They will be sent for delegated review as soon as all necessary forms are received.

All research compliance applications, including Research Ethics Board application forms, must be submitted through the Researcher Portal. This online system is paired with electronic approvals to replace the hard-copy signatures process.

Information about the Researcher Portal, including instructions for using the site, is available at https://www.upei.ca/research-services/forms. Contact researchcompliance@upei.ca if you have any questions about accessing or using the Researcher Portal.

For more information about the REB review and approval process, please contact the Compliance Coordinator at researchcompliance@upei.ca.

The next deadline for submitting biosafety applications including new applications, renewals, and/or amendments is Friday, May 27, 2022. These applications will be reviewed at the June 2022 meeting.

Please be sure to use the March 2022 update to the application form. Please also note that the IBC has instituted a new category of protocol amendment: biosafety permit minor amendment. This event form is included in the Researcher Portal.

Minor amendments that are strictly limited to changes in personnel and/or funding can be submitted at any time but require up to a two-week review period. They are normally reviewed by the IBC chair or designate, the BSO or designate, and one other voting member of the IBC. If the amendment is approved, then an approval notification will be sent to the PI. Submissions via this route may be sent for full committee review at the discretion of the IBC chair and the BSO.  

All research compliance applications, including biosafety application forms, must be submitted through the Researcher Portal.

Information about the Researcher Portal, including instructions for using the site, is available at https://www.upei.ca/research-services/forms. Contact researchcompliance@upei.ca if you have any questions about accessing or using the Researcher Portal.

For more information about the IBC review and approval process, please contact the Compliance Coordinator at researchcompliance@upei.ca

While the Province of Prince Edward Island lifted its mask mandate on May 6, UPEI has adopted a more cautionary approach. As was communicated in a message to the campus community on April 12, the mandatory mask requirement at the University remains in effect until the end of the first summer session (June 21). Masks are mandatory in all indoor spaces on campus. However, people may remove their mask if they are seated and a minimum of six feet/two metres from others.

As well, the campus community is asked to continue other preventative health measures, including vaccination, good hand and respiratory hygiene, physical distancing, and staying home when ill. Physical distancing is no longer mandated, but people are encouraged to maintain distancing when possible.

Thank you for continuing to make the campus community a safe and collegial workplace. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and make necessary adjustment to protocols as needed.

The deadline for Animal Care protocol submissions (new, renewal, or amendment) is Friday, June 3 for the June 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."

UPEI ACC SOPs and codes of practice can be accessed through myUPEI at https://portal.upei.ca/facultystaff/administrativeservices/AVCAnimalCare/Pages/default.aspx. 

Protocols received after the deadline will be reviewed the following month. The committee requires at least one month for processing applications.

UPEI Procurement Services is currently taking bids on a used 2006 Ford F150 4X4 truck.

Bids are being accepted in the University's e-tendering portal, Bonfire, until May 13, 2022, 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 Name and Contact Name fields. You can access the information on this opportunity at the following link: https://upei.bonfirehub.ca/projects/53204/details

In order to prepare for the Fall 2022 semester, ITSS has a deadline of June 1 to accommodate modifications, additions, or removal of software to classrooms and lab equipment. More information on how to submit your requests to smahar@upei.ca can be found on our website. Thank you for your assistance; it ensures that our students will have the software resources they need. 

This one-and-a-half hour workshop is designed for both new and experienced users. You’ll learn how to use the command line to carry out repetitive tasks, extract information from files quickly, combine commands in powerful ways, and capture a workflow so you can re-use it easily. Save time, reduce errors, and use Linux more effectively. Prerequisite: ACENET Basic Series Introduction to Linux, or previous experience with Linux. 

DETAILS & REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acenet-basics-introduction-to-shell-scripting-tickets-317567682487 

The UPEI Sports Centre/Fitness Centre is closed for Convocation and fitness centre equipment repair/maintenance until Friday, May 13, at noon.  

Ethics protocols that involve "more than minimal risk" must be reviewed by the full UPEI Research Ethics Board (REB). The next deadline for submitting these protocols is Friday, May 27, 2022.

Other ethics protocol submissions, including new applications that do not involve "more than minimal risk," renewals, and amendments may be submitted at any time. They will be sent for delegated review as soon as all necessary forms are received.

All research compliance applications, including Research Ethics Board application forms, must be submitted through the Researcher Portal. This online system is paired with electronic approvals to replace the hard-copy signatures process.

Information about the Researcher Portal, including instructions for using the site, is available at https://www.upei.ca/research-services/forms. Contact researchcompliance@upei.ca if you have any questions about accessing or using the Researcher Portal.

For more information about the REB review and approval process, please contact the Compliance Coordinator at researchcompliance@upei.ca.

The next deadline for submitting biosafety applications including new applications, renewals, and/or amendments is Friday, May 27, 2022. These applications will be reviewed at the June 2022 meeting.

Please be sure to use the March 2022 update to the application form. Please also note that the IBC has instituted a new category of protocol amendment: biosafety permit minor amendment. This event form is included in the Researcher Portal.

Minor amendments that are strictly limited to changes in personnel and/or funding can be submitted at any time but require up to a two-week review period. They are normally reviewed by the IBC chair or designate, the BSO or designate, and one other voting member of the IBC. If the amendment is approved, then an approval notification will be sent to the PI. Submissions via this route may be sent for full committee review at the discretion of the IBC chair and the BSO.  

All research compliance applications, including biosafety application forms, must be submitted through the Researcher Portal.

Information about the Researcher Portal, including instructions for using the site, is available at https://www.upei.ca/research-services/forms. Contact researchcompliance@upei.ca if you have any questions about accessing or using the Researcher Portal.

For more information about the IBC review and approval process, please contact the Compliance Coordinator at researchcompliance@upei.ca

Looking to learn the basics of Moodle or how to use its gradebook to track grades and let students understand their progress in the course? The E-Learning Office has published two new courses as part of the Academic Instructional Skills Program (AISP) on Moodle Essentials and Moodle Gradebook and Assessment. These courses are available online and are self-paced.

To enroll in these courses, please visit the corresponding link:

Moodle Essentials: https://moodle31.upei.ca/course/view.php?id=13110

Moodle Gradebook and Assessment: https://moodle31.upei.ca/course/view.php?id=14449

For more information about the Academic Instructional Skills Program, please visit upei.ca/aisp.

Looking for some support (or know someone who is) with a writing assignment or presentation?  Make an appointment with a tutor.  

Our schedule will be reduced during the summer sessions, but we will still be available for both online and in-person appointments. Off-schedule appointments can also be arranged.

To make an appointment, see our schedule at https://upei.mywconline.com/ or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/UPEIWC for more information.

The Fox and Crow is open in the WA Murphy Student Centre from 8 am-3 pm from May 10-13.  If you would like to book a reservation, please email thefoxandcrow@upeisu.ca or call 902-566-0366.