UPEI faculty and students are invited to attend a free online workshop, "ACENET Basics: Introduction to High Performance Computing (HPC) with ACENET," on September 20, 2022, from 10:00 to 11:30 am.

This core session is designed to help new researchers get up and running. 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, with entry-level advice about how to begin; an overview of the software packages available 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.  

For details and to register, go to  https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acenet-basics-introduction-to-hpc-tickets-413029391027

Susan Graham and Amy MacFarlane from the Faculty of Business will share some of their findings from their study exploring and examining the experiences of minoritized students when doing group work. Join us in the Teaching and Learning Centre, Robertson Library Annex, Room 230, on Wednesday, September 14, at 11:30 am.

On Thursday, September 15, 2022, UPEI Research Services and the Office of Commercialization, Industry, and Innovation are pleased to host an in-person session with Matt Adams, Mitacs business development specialist, from 1:30 to 3 pm, in Room 287N, Atlantic Veterinary College (please note that this is a new location for this session).

Matt will provide details on the Mitacs programs. This session will interest researchers hoping to develop or expand partnerships with industry, not-for-profit, or other partners. There is also time for one-on-one sessions with Matt to answer specific questions.  

Please pre-register to attend the in-person and/or one-on-one sessions by emailing researchservices@upei.ca.

For more details, visit https://data.upei.ca/funding/mitacs-program-information-session

Academic integrity is an important aspect of university life. If you are looking for some resources to use in your classes, this webpage has a few options that you may want to consider: The improvement of student learning by linking inclusion/accessibility and academic integrity

WELCOME BACK, STUDENTS!!

Do you spend lots of time creating charts to visualize data in Excel? No more - just use ALT F1. These two keys automatically create a bar chart using the selected data and insert it right into the active worksheet.

NEW Fall fitness training programs announced!  Sports Centre membership fitness classes will begin the week of September 12. Specialty fitness classes include kettlebell training, and yoga and pilates classes with some beginning on September 9 and others starting the week of September 19. A variety of small group training programs will also begin the week of September 19. For more details on prices, start times, and program descriptions, please log into recreation.upei.ca with your UPEI login.

Overview: All Canadians are called to learn about Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples and how we can move forward in reconciliation and restitution. In the Indigenous Cultural Awareness course, facilitator Julie Pellissier-Lush, author, actor, engaged community member, educator of Mi’kmaq culture and heritage, and Poet Laureate of Prince Edward Island, will highlight and explain in-depth the traditional knowledge of the Mi’kmaq (the Indigenous peoples of Mi’kma’ki, and specifically Epetwitk), their life before contact with Europeans, the impact of colonization on the Mi’kmaq, and how all Canadians can move forward positively with Indigenous peoples. This will be done in a fun way that will focus on participants feeling safe in the learning circle provided and ensure all taking part in the course will leave with a greater knowledge of traditional Mi’kmaq teachings and history, and how to engage and grow through truth, reconciliation, and restitution.  

Designed for: Anybody, from employees to executives, managers and entrepreneurs, who wish to learn about the traditional ways and knowledge of Indigenous – specifically Mi’kmaq – people, their journey, and how all Canadians can move forward positively in terms of truth, reconciliation, and restitution with Indigenous peoples  

Type of delivery: Virtual. 

Duration: One course for six hours. 

Dates: September 26--27, 2022 (9 am--12 pm both days)

Facilitator: Julie Pellissier-Lush 

Cost: $225 plus HST. 

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

Registration is limited.  

Are you looking for an opportunity to learn more about teaching and learning practices? Are you looking to explore what inclusive teaching practices and structures look like in university learning environments? If so, consider joining 11 other colleagues as a participant in our Fall Reading Group. Colleagues from across campus will be exploring the book, Inclusive Teaching: Strategies for Promoting Equity in the College Classroom (2022). The Fall Reading Group is open to all faculty (sessionals too), librarians, instructional staff, post-docs, and PhD students at UPEI.

By signing up for the Fall Reading Group, you commit to attending the four scheduled meetings across the Fall 2022 semester. Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.

Things you need to know:

• Registration is limited to 12 participants.
• An e-book copy of Inclusive Teaching is available through the Robertson Library.
• You will read, explore, and collaboratively discuss the book, Inclusive Teaching, by Kelly Hogan and Viji Sathy.
• The reading group will meet in-person for up to 90 minutes, four times this semester.
• All sessions will be on Thursdays, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm, on the following dates:
•       October 6 – Preface, Chapters 1 & 2 (61 pages)
•       October 27 – Chapters 3 & 4 (56 pages)
•       November 17 – Chapters 5 & 6 (90 pages)
•       December 8 – Chapter 7 and reading group wrap-up (27 pages).

About the book:

Recently reviewed in Science, Inclusive Teaching is praised for “…translating the sometimes-dense literature of education research into clear, accessible, and actionable steps for instructors” by “…[weaving] firsthand accounts into the narrative, describing the continual improvements they have made in their teaching over their respective careers.”  

The book review continues, stating: “The book addresses several underexplored, but critical, areas where instructors can play vital roles in promoting inclusion outside the classroom. A whole chapter, for instance, focuses on modeling inclusivity with students, including suggestions for proactively emailing struggling students; promoting transparency and sharing norms about office hours; reducing bias in grading; and providing structured feedback to encourage students. Similarly, another chapter is devoted to institutional change, discussing how instructors can reflect and document their inclusive teaching practices and use their efforts to advocate for change” (Hsu, 2022).

Registration for Fall 2022 Reading Group is until September 16, or until all spaces have been reserved. Email TLC@upei.ca to register.

UPEI faculty and students are invited to register for a free ACENET training session, "Basics of Computers," which will be held online on September 16 from 11 am to 1 pm.

Most of us have experience using a computer, whether for school, work, or entertainment, but how many of us have actually had an expert teach us how to use it? This talk won't teach you how to troubleshoot everything, but will give you insight to how media, programs and data are encoded and used by computers, so you can make more sense of why computers behave the ways they do, and solve some of your problems with greater efficiency and less frustration. We will provide an approachable overview of how a computer works, by both looking at their history and breaking one down to explain individual components, before highlighting some of the trade-offs to consider when buying a computer. We will provide practical, simple, and actionable advice on digital security and show you a few "pro tips" on how to make the most of your workstation, phone, or whatever device you happen to use. Whether you have a lot or a little experience using your digital technology, if you want to learn how to use your devices more effectively, this workshop is for you! 

For details and registration, go to https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acenet-basics-of-computers-tickets-413034486267 
 

Susan Graham and Amy MacFarlane from the Faculty of Business will share some of their findings from their study exploring and examining the experiences of minoritized students when doing group work. Join us in the Teaching and Learning Centre, Robertson Library Annex, Room 230, on Wednesday, September 14, at 11:30 am.

The University of Prince Edward Island has lowered the flags in front of the Kelley Memorial Building and at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place to half-mast to honour the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. She passed away at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, on Thursday, September 8, 2022, after 70 years on the throne. She was 96. 

The University community offers sincere condolences to King Charles III and all members of the Royal Family. Her Majesty was Britain's longest-reigning monarch.  

Campus flags will remain at half-mast until sunset on the day of the memorial service for Her Majesty the Queen. 

Monkeypox is a viral infection with a rash that may be painful. Other symptoms could include headache, fever, chills, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle, joint or back pain. Symptoms usually develop within 5-21 days after being exposed to the monkeypox virus, and the symptoms could last 14 to 28 days. If you have symptoms, isolate and contact your primary care provider or local public health nursing office for advice.  

The monkeypox virus can spread from one person to another or from contaminated objects through:

• contact with the lesions or scabs that may be found on the skin or mucosal surfaces (such as the eyes, mouth, throat, genitals, anus, or rectum)

• contact with body fluids (such as blood, saliva, or semen)

• direct contact with shared personal items (such as clothing, bedding, or towels)

• sexual activity, including oral and non-penetrative contact

• close physical contact with others (such as during sports, parties, or raves)

For more information, go to canada.ca/monkeypox

NOTE:  

Vaccine and antiviral treatment

A supply of Imvamune vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and TPOXX antiviral treatment (if needed) is available in PEI should cases occur. In addition, individuals who are planning to travel to outbreak areas and engaging in activities that increase the risk of exposure to monkeypox should contact their local Public Health Nursing office to discuss whether they should be getting vaccinated as a preventative measure.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis

The CPHO is recommending that individuals who are traveling to areas where monkeypox is circulating and plan to engage in activities that increase their exposure to monkeypox (e.g., frequenting bath houses, sex work, or sexual activity with more than one partner) should consider pre-exposure prophylaxis with Imvamune vaccine. Local Public Health Nursing offices will be administering the vaccine to those for which pre-exposure prophylaxis indicated. 

With the new term, prayer schedules resume at the Chaplaincy Centre. There are spaces and opportunities for personal and communal prayer throughout the week. Please check with Sister Sue to confirm availability.

Catholic Mass on Sundays at 6:00 pm resumes on Sunday, September 11. Liturgy of the Word with Communion on Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:05 pm resumes on Monday, September 12.

Thank you!

Sister Sue

On Thursday, September 15, 2022, UPEI Research Services and the Office of Commercialization, Industry, and Innovation are pleased to host an in-person session with Matt Adams, Mitacs business development specialist, from 1:30 to 3 pm, in Room 287N, Atlantic Veterinary College (please note that this is a new location for this session).

Matt will provide details on the Mitacs programs. This session will interest researchers hoping to develop or expand partnerships with industry, not-for-profit, or other partners. There is also time for one-on-one sessions with Matt to answer specific questions.  

Please pre-register to attend the in-person and/or one-on-one sessions by emailing researchservices@upei.ca.

For more details, visit https://data.upei.ca/funding/mitacs-program-information-session

Welcome back! 

The UPEI Writing Centre will open during the second week of classes, offering both in-person and online appointments. Our friendly and knowledgeable tutors will be available to help at any stage of a writing or research assignment in any subject area, including understanding assignment expectations and getting started. See us early; see us often!

If you're an instructor who would like more information or to arrange a short five-minute class visit from a tutor to explain our service, contact Jarmo at jjpuiras@upei.ca.

Our appointment schedule will become available shortly at https://upei.mywconline.com/

For more information, drop by our location at Roberston Library 274, or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/UPEIWC

Best wishes for a smooth start and a great term!

There will be a UPEI Basic Biosafety training session on Wednesday, September 28. Topics that will be covered include basic biosafety principles and how they are applied at the University of Prince Edward Island, as well as biosecurity training. This session is open to everyone including graduate students.

To attend the Basic Biosafety course, you must pre-register by contacting Jacky Buell, before September 19, 2022, by email (hse@upei.ca) or by phone (902-566-0901).

Please provide your name, department, your supervisor’s name (if applicable), email address, and phone number in your email or voice message. Please indicate if you are a graduate student. 

NOTE: An online Basic Biosafety Training Refresher course is available for those that need their refresher. 

The Scholarships and Awards Office is accepting applications for the 1st Semester (Fall) Award Cycle!

Students can now access the Scholarship and Award Application portal by clicking the link provided here or in the "UPEI Forms" section of their MyUPEI account. Students are encouraged to review the application instructions and submit their electronic application through the portal by the October 1st deadline to be considered for over 100 scholarships and awards.

Not only can students apply to numerous awards through the Scholarship and Award Application portal, but there are also dozens of awards with a separate application process conveniently listed on the 1st Semester (Fall) Award Cycle webpage. Deadlines for the separate application awards vary across the Fall term. Be sure to click the links, review the award criteria, and submit in time for the deadline.

If you have questions about the application processes, award criteria, or deadlines, please contact scholarships@upei.ca or visit us in Dalton Hall, room 202. Best of luck to all who apply!

The UPEI Health & Wellness Centre will provide COVID-19 Booster Clinics on September 14 and 15 in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The clinics will provide first dose, second dose, and booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines to students, faculty, and staff, as well as family members who are 18 and older. First come, first served. There is no need to make an appointment, and there is no charge for the vaccine. Vaccines are provided by the Province of Prince Edward Island's Chief Public Health Office (CPHO). Please bring your provincial health card or UPEI ID as we need to provide a record to the CHPO.

COVID-19 rapid-antigen testing kits are available for pick-up beginning Wednesday, September 7, as follows:

• Students in residence can pick them up from their RLA or at the front desk of their residence.
• Students who are not in residence, and faculty and staff can pick up kits at the UPEI Food Bank Kiosk (between Tim Hortons and McMillan Hall) in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre from Monday to Friday, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.  On weekends and holidays, kits will be available at Panther Central, Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre (view operating hours).

Please bring your UPEI ID when you come to pick up a kit. Stay safe!

The University of Prince Edward Island has lowered the flags in front of the Kelley Memorial Building and at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place to half-mast to honour the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. She passed away at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, on Thursday, September 8, 2022, after 70 years on the throne. She was 96. 

The University community offers sincere condolences to King Charles III and all members of the Royal Family. Her Majesty was Britain's longest-reigning monarch.  

Campus flags will remain at half-mast until sunset on the day of the memorial service for Her Majesty the Queen.