Campus Notices

Based upon the popularity of our first Reading Group of 2020, we will build upon that reading with another chapter from The Equity Myth.

This time, please come to discuss the "Everyday World of Racialized and Indigenous Faculty Members in Canadian Universities" (Frances Henry and Audrey Kobayashi).

The library has a copy of the book, but we’ve also put a PDF of the chapter on a shared Google folder, at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1C-Kp3Rgic3p4Beu_26WK5h4i0ZD4LZmv?usp=sharing (accessible to anyone with a UPEI email address; we’ll be putting future readings in the same folder).

Take a look, grab a colleague, and come join the conversation on Wednesday March 4, at 3:00 pm, in Arts 409.

Everyone welcome!

Are you a member of UPEI’s LGBTQ2S+ community looking for a safe and fun space to discuss your experiences and connect with others? Then this group is for you!

On Friday March 6th, join UPEI’s LGBT+ Support Group as we connect for our first meeting. Headed by Joshua Peters and Allegra Netten, both Doctoral Psychology students and proud members of PEI’s LGBT2S+ community, this group will explore the unique mental health experiences of LGBT2S+ individuals. Topics may include anything from sex and sexuality, to finding support for specific LGBTQ2S+ issues, or tips for maintaining healthy relationships. Most importantly, this group will be a safe place to connect, learn, and support one another. For those who are new to the community or just want to listen – participation isn’t necessary. We hope to create a space for everyone, so confidentiality among participants will be strongly encouraged.

For our first gathering, we will be asking folks what they might want to include in our conversation as we move forward as well as outlining a few ideas we have for getting started. Light snacks will be provided.

Any questions or concerns? Don’t be afraid to reach out to either Allegra Netten (anetten@upei.ca) or Joshua Peters (jpeters5634@upei.ca), or find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LGBT-Support-Group-for-UPEI-students-and-staff-102290731361044/

We look forward to seeing you there!

Speaker:  Dr. Kai Liu, School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences (SMCS)

Title: Real-time Valuation of Large Variable Annuity Portfolios: A Green Mesh Approach

Abstract: The valuation of large variable annuities (VAs) portfolio is an important problem of interest, not only because of its practical relevance but also of its theoretical significance. This is prompted by the phenomenon that many existing sophisticated algorithms are typically efficient at valuing a single VA policy but they are not scalable to valuing large VAs portfolio consisting of hundreds of thousands of policies. As a result, this sparks a new line of research direction exploiting machine learning methods on providing more efficient algorithms to estimate the market values and sensitivities of the large VAs portfolio. 

If you use Moodle for receiving assignment submissions, you can create rubrics and marking guides to change how students see their grades and feedback. This short workshop will show how to build rubrics and marking guides for Moodle assignments. There will be time for guided practice as well. Register for the workshop here

If you have any questions about the session please contact jbhogan@upei.ca. 

It's not too late to register for Go CODE Girl Day at UPEI!  The Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering is welcoming girls in Grades 7 to 10 to spend an afternoon with us learning about the exciting world of computer programming and software development for engineering applications. UPEI FSDE has been a participant in Go CODE Girl Day, which is an initiative that takes place at 20+ universities with Engineering programs across Canada to encourage young women to pursue Engineering!

Additional details and registration instructions can be found here: http://www.onwie.ca/programs/go-code-girl

OR go straight to the registration form: https://events.onwie.ca/

Tweet that you're coming after you register! @EngineeringUPEI #GoCODEGirl

LOCATION: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN ENGINEERING 212

Registration is FREE but space is limited.  Deadline to register is Monday, March 2, by 12 noon.

Contact:  Dr. Amy Hsiao, ahsiao@upei.ca

In a flipped classroom learners engage with lectures or other materials outside of class to prepare for an active learning experience in the classroom. Flipping some classes can add some variety and a change of pace and create more interest for both the learners and the instructor. This workshop will introduce you to flipped instruction tools and techniques that can aid in creating a more active and engaging learning environment. Facilitated by the E-Learning Office, this workshop will be offered on Thursday, March 5th from 2:00 to 3:00 pm in the Robertson Library, Room 265. REGISTER

You’re invited to attend an Open House for the MBA in Global Leadership at UPEI!

Come to UPEI on Thursday, March 5, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall.

Earn your MBA in just 12 months! Meet with MBA in Global Leadership Program Director Dr. Don Wagner, faculty, staff, and alumni to learn all about this innovative and in-demand program.

Attendees will be able to apply on-site (please bring a laptop or mobile device) and have their application fee waived.

UPEI students with an average of at least 80% in their last two years of undergraduate study in any discipline are automatically eligible for the MBA program, with no GMAT/GRE requirement. 

Light refreshments will be served.

We look forward to seeing you there!

--

Can’t make the Open House? Feel free to contact our program office at 902-894-2866, or by email at mba@upei.ca to request a call or to be added to a waitlist for upcoming webinars.

upei.ca/globalmba

The Multidisciplinary Faculty Discussion Group on Environmental Issues is launching a series of brown bag lunch events which aim to showcase UPEI faculty's environment-related research. 

Kicking off the series is Dr. Michael Arfken, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology, speaking about Critical Psychology, Work, and the Environment on Friday, February 28, 12:30-1:15 p.m. in MCDH 215. Students, faculty, and staff are all welcome to attend.

The Fiona Papps Psychology Colloquium Series will feature Dr. Tina Pranger speaking about the role of Psychology in mental health on PEI from the 1940's to today. In her new book, Beyond the Asylum: The Evolution of Mental Health Care in Prince Edward Island, 1846-2017, Dr. Pranger richly details this often bumpy evolution of care. Tina Pranger, PhD (Social Science and Health), has over 35 years of experience in the mental health field, most recently as a mental health officer with Veterans Affairs Canada. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.

Attention Dads, Moms and Guardians:

Do you want to learn how to stay positive and confident as a parent and reduce stress in your
family? Free Triple P-Positive Parenting Seminars will be held February 18th, 25th and March
3rd at Murphy’s Community Centre (room 207) from 7:00-8:30pm. Triple P is an international
project promoted and supported by the Government of Prince Edward Island. There are three
sessions in the seminar series, and each session addresses a different theme. Fathers,
mothers, grandparents, foster parents and guardians are welcome!

For more information, contact Catherine Noseworthy at cnoseworthy@upei.ca

 

Dear colleagues:

You are invited to attend the "3-minute research roundabout on environmental issues" on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 from 5:00 -7:00 PM in HSB104.

This multidisciplinary research roundabout includes a number of  3-minute presentations by our colleagues from various departments at UPEI followed by Q&A and discussion from the audience. This is a great opportunity to learn about the ongoing research and projects related to the environmental issues at UPEI.  

We look forward to seeing you at this event.

Nazanin and Justin

 

 

Please join Mahdis Tabatabaei for her Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences Seminar Program presentation entitled " Nanoparticles Based Immuno-PCR Assay for Trace Detection of Biomarkers"

Abstract: Sensitive detection of analytes in biological fluids is critical for early detection of disease and can enhance the timely treatment, management and prevention strategies in clinics. Immuno- PCR is a relatively novel method that combines the two most widely used methods, namely enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to create a very sensitive, specific, facile and robust strategy, for detection of small quantities of analytes in biological fluids. Employing nanoparticles in immuno-PCR has the potential to further improve the sensitivity of the assay and gold nanoparticles are one of the most promising nanomaterials for this purpose. Gold nanoparticles are non-toxic, offers large surface area for facile conjugation of variety of biomolecules and possess unique optical and electronic properties, which are useful for a variety of immuno-assays including immuno-PCR. This study is primarily focused on evaluating the role of size of gold nanoparticles to improvise the sensitivity of immuno-PCR assays.

Everyone is welcome to attend!

Please join Amin Babaeighazvini for his Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences Seminar Program presentation entitled "Development of “green” nano-composite films based on starch/tunicate-based/plant-based nano-crystalline cellulose exposure to a magnetic field: Physicochemical and mechanical properties"

Abstract: In this study, the effects of two different types of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and the exposure of a magnetic field (MF) on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of starch/NCC films have been investigated. Permanent Neodymium magnets (≈1.4–2.8 T) were employed to control the alignment of NCC within the starch matrix, resulting in improved physical and mechanical properties. High aspect ratio tunicate sourced NCC, showed much better physicochemical properties as compared to the low aspect ratio plant sourced NCC.  This orientation and alignment is supported by Raman data and SEM micrographs. By tracing the intense Raman peak at ≈1095 cm-1, we confirmed the purposive orientation of the NCCs in the starch matrix.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

UPEI and the Rezaei and Jaberi Families in Canada and Kuwait invite you to gather at a memorial service to honour the life of UPEI student Khaled Rezaei who passed away in January in a tragic accident while he was visiting his family in Kuwait.

The memorial service will take place Friday, February 28, 2020 from 4:00–6:00 pm, with the program beginning at 4:30 pm, in McMillan Hall at the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. All are welcome to attend.

View the invitation on the upei.ca events calendar

The Environmental Studies Program and Robertson Library Talks Invite the UPEI students, faculty, and staff to attend the screening of the documentary “Athropocene: The Human Epoch.” The screening will be followed by the discussion led by the UPEI students.

Created by Jennifer Baichwal, Nicholas de Pencier and Edward Burtynsky, this documentary is “a cinematic meditation on humanity’s massive reengineering of the planet.”

Date and time: March 5, 2020 at 5:30pm

Place: RL 235

Invited discussants: Sarah Davison, Island Studies; Noble Newman, Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture; Isabelle Fitzpatrick, Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture; Emily Smith, Environmental Studies; Choyce Chappell, Environmental Studies.

All are welcome!

If have any questions/suggestions, please feel free to contact Dr. Nino Antadze at nantadze@upei.ca

Speaker:  Dr. Kai Liu, School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences (SMCS)

Title: Real-time Valuation of Large Variable Annuity Portfolios: A Green Mesh Approach

Abstract: The valuation of large variable annuities (VAs) portfolio is an important problem of interest, not only because of its practical relevance but also of its theoretical significance. This is prompted by the phenomenon that many existing sophisticated algorithms are typically efficient at valuing a single VA policy but they are not scalable to valuing large VAs portfolio consisting of hundreds of thousands of policies. As a result, this sparks a new line of research direction exploiting machine learning methods on providing more efficient algorithms to estimate the market values and sensitivities of the large VAs portfolio. 

In recognition of the outstanding performance and dedication of our faculty and staff, a number of annual awards have been created to acknowledge their efforts and achievements. 

Up to 10 Presidential Awards of Merit for UPEI Faculty, Librarians, Clinical Veterinary Professionals and Clinical Nursing Instructors and four categories of Presidential Awards of Merit for UPEI Staff will be awarded in 2020.  These awards will be presented during a Celebration of Colleagues to be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 from 10:30am-12:00pm in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre. 

Susan Connolly, Associate Vice-President, Human Resources & Legal, will lead the process and chair the committee to select award recipients. 

Nominations for both faculty and staff awards close on Friday, March 27, 2020. 

For further details on the awards and the nomination process, please visit: http://www.upei.ca/president/presidential-recognition-awards-merit

 

Dr. Yoshi Takano, candidate for the tenure track position with the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts, will make two public presentations.

The first is entitled "Stories of change in men who were violent and abusive toward their partners: A collaborative narrative inquiry" and will take place on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 10:30 am in Memorial Hall, room 308.

The second is entitled “Building a connection with resistant clients”. This presentation will be held on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 10:00 am in Kelley Memorial Building, room 210.

All are welcome to attend.

UPEI’s Faculty of Business will hold an information session for those interested in its Executive MBA program. The event will be Thursday, March 12 at 5:00 pm in the Boardroom at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown.

UPEI's Executive MBA program offers a high-quality learning experience for working business professionals. The program is designed for those working in, or aspiring to work in, a management or leadership position. Classes are offered bi-weekly on Fridays and Saturdays with the option to complete the program in 20 months.

Central to the program design is an evidence-based management approach which helps students develop the skills and knowledge to make better-informed and well-supported decisions both in the program and in applied situations in their workplaces.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, the Faculty of Business invites you to attend this upcoming information session. Learn more about the program and application process, have your questions answered, and meet with staff, faculty and students.

We encourage you to call 902-894-2866 or email mba@upei.ca to reserve a seat. For more information about UPEI's Executive MBA program, please visit www.upei.ca/emba or email mba@upei.ca

Help Build an Inclusive Campus Culture at UPEI!

UPEI is conducting consultations for the development of a new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for the UPEI campus. 

Survey

Everyone is welcome to complete the survey here, or at upei.ca/edi.  The survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete.

Open Meeting for Students

Students are invited to a consultation session open to all students being held Tuesday, February 25, 2020, 1:30 – 2:30 pm in the Faculty Lounge (SDMB 201).  The session will be jointly run by Keesha Ryan, UPEI Student Union Vice-President Finance & Administration and Patti Wheatley, UPEI Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Officer.  Coffee and snacks to be provided.

Open Meeting for Staff

Staff are invited to a consultation session open to all staff being held Thursday, February 20, 2020, 10:00am – 11:00am Andrew Hall Room 142.  Coffee and snacks to be provided.

For more information on the process see upei.ca/edi or contact equity@upei.ca