Campus Notices
We have a variety of outdoor games to sign out for use on campus with your colleagues. Games include bocce, croquet, ladderball, washers, and yard-zee. You are encouraged to sign out items for more than one day.
Come out and try pickleball and/or spikeball with fellow UPEI staff and faculty every Thursday at noon for the summer (weather permitting) near the new residence.
You do not have to register online. To sign out equipment, contact Angela Marchbank at amarchbank@upei.ca
The Healthy Campus Committee coordinates these initiatives through the UPEI Employee Wellness Strategy supported by the Joints Benefits and Advisory Committee.
UPEI Board of Governors Chair Shannon MacDonald and President Wendy Rodgers will host a Town Hall on the implementation plans and external governance review on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 11:00 am–12:00 pm, in the amphitheatre at the Performing Arts Centre (PAC 121S). They would like to hear the thoughts of UPEI community members about these important plans as the University continues to make the changes needed to move forward, live its values, and achieve its mission of scholarship to the benefit of our Island and beyond.
If you are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join virtually— please use the Teams Town Hall link below.
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The UPEI Teaching and Learning Centre is hosting some August Moodle tutorials. These sessions are available for staff and faculty.
Moodle Essentials, an introduction to UPEI's learning management covering the basics for running a Moodle course, will be available as an online synchronous session on Tuesday, August 27, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. An in-person session will be hosted on Wednesday, August 28, from 1:30-3:00 pm in the UPEI Teaching and Learning Centre in the Robertson Library Annex.
Moodle New Tips and Features, a session covering some of the changes brought by the May 2024 upgrade, will be available online on Thursday, August 29, from 1:30-2:30 pm.
Recordings of the online sessions for both tutorials will be available for those unable to attend. Moodle Essentials is also available as a self-paced asynchronous resource available on the Moodle front page in the Instructor Resources section.
Register for these tutorials at https://forms.office.com/r/TyBqvLYbVJ
Join us for the finale of SPREE 2024 on Thursday, August 22, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm in McMillan Hall (MSC 111). W.A. Murphy Student Centre!
Undergraduate students working on summer research projects and graduate students with a research component to their program will showcase their research in a poster competition, with three top awards up for grabs in each category. There will be research poster presentations by students studying biology, biotechnology, chemistry, education, English, environmental sciences, island studies, mathematics and computational sciences, psychology, and sustainable design engineering or who are part of the Mitac Globalink Internship.
The Office of the Associate Vice-President, Research and the Faculty of Graduate Studies is thrilled to have offered our eighth Student Program for Research Engagement & Excellence (SPREE), formerly SPUR. The program included skill-building workshops and gave students practical tools for designing, managing, and conducting research projects. Throughout the summer, students have learned about research projects and experiences as researchers across disciplines presented their careers in research. If you have any questions about the program or are interested in participating next year, please contact Julie VanLeeuwen at jmvanleeuwen@upei.ca.
Title: “The Influence of Direct and Indirect Interactions in Small Biogenic Habitats Associated with the Giant Irish Moss from Basin Head, Prince Edward Island”
Abstract: Trophic interactions are often explored in literature through a terrestrial scope, with only a small amount of recent detail towards their aquatic counterpart. This Thesis first investigates the role of various complex habitats (Seagrasses, Seaweeds, Mollusks shells, and their associated mimics) as potential mediators of trophic interactions (both direct and indirect), with general conclusions suggesting that as habitats become more complex, prey survival rates increase. This Thesis then shifts to a more narrow focus within the Basin Head Marine Protected Area (MPA), the only known MPA in Prince Edward Island (PEI). The Basin Head lagoon is home to various predator and prey species used in experiments throughout this thesis. However, the main reason for its establishment in 2005 was for the protection and further conservation of the giant Irish moss (Chrondrus crispus), that is exclusively found in this lagoon, which relies on a unique association with the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) to form small patchy habitats (clumps) on the seabed. The role of these clumps (later referred to as IMBM) as a habitat mediator for various interactions between a non-indigenous predator, the European green crab (Carcinus maenas), the native consumer, the Atlantic mud crab (Panopeus herbstii) and the bottom level European oyster prey (Crassotrea virginica) has not been studied, with results outlying its key influence as a habitat for safe refuge. Finally, there are currently ongoing efforts in the MPA to actively control the ongoing green crab population via various trapping efforts, to little avail. The final chapter of this Thesis investigates a means of potential biological control against this invasive species, with results proving its effectiveness, with potential implications suggesting new methods of trapping for the removal of the green crab.
The Library’s instance of EZproxy is being upgraded from version 7.2.8 to 7.3 beginning at 4 pm on Monday, August 26. We expect the upgrade to be routine, and to take approximately two hours.
EZproxy will not be available during the upgrade. This means that off-campus users will have limited access to the Library's subscription databases and other subscription services. For example, users can use OneSearch but links to full text outside of OneSearch may fail: https://research.ebsco.com/c/xzprbb/search/advanced/filters?locale=en
On-campus users may continue to access subscription services during the upgrade, but they will need to manually remove the "https://proxy.library.upei.ca/login?url=" from links in order to gain access.
UPEI Co-op students are seeking fall work terms (full-time, September to December). Students' programs include Biology, Computer Science, Economics, and Environmental Studies.
If you have questions about hiring a co-op student, contact Karen Turner, job development coordinator for UPEI Co-operative Education, at co-op@upei.ca. Follow us on LinkedIn to see student stories and program updates. Visit Co-op Program information for employers and form to submit a co-op job posting.
The Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI, and the broader community have suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Dr. Sheri Ross, Associate Professor in Small Animal Internal Medicine, on August 16, after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
The flags in front of the Kelley Memorial Building and at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place have been lowered to half-mast in her memory.
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On August 21, 2024, at 9:00 pm, ITSS will perform an update of the Shibboleth application. Between 9:00 and 10:00 pm, access to the Robertson Library vendors may be affected intermittently. This primarily impacts off-campus users. Users on the campus network, including campus wifi, should not be affected as you still can access the products directly without login.
Join us for the finale of SPREE 2024 on Thursday, August 22, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm in McMillan Hall (MSC 111). W.A. Murphy Student Centre!
Undergraduate students working on summer research projects and graduate students with a research component to their program will showcase their research in a poster competition, with three top awards up for grabs in each category. There will be research poster presentations by students studying biology, biotechnology, chemistry, education, English, environmental sciences, island studies, mathematics and computational sciences, psychology, and sustainable design engineering or who are part of the Mitac Globalink Internship.
The Office of the Associate Vice-President, Research and the Faculty of Graduate Studies is thrilled to have offered our eighth Student Program for Research Engagement & Excellence (SPREE), formerly SPUR. The program included skill-building workshops and gave students practical tools for designing, managing, and conducting research projects. Throughout the summer, students have learned about research projects and experiences as researchers across disciplines presented their careers in research. If you have any questions about the program or are interested in participating next year, please contact Julie VanLeeuwen at jmvanleeuwen@upei.ca.
The UPEI Health and Wellness Centre will offer walk-in clinics for the Meningitis B (MenB) vaccine for students on August 29, and on September 6, 13, and 20, from 8:30 to noon. Students are asked to bring their PEI health card or proof of international insurance, and their student ID. They can also request an appointment for a vaccine by emailing the Health and Wellness Centre at healthcentre@upei.ca. Please note: the vaccine supply is limited.
MenB vaccines prevent against a type of meningococcal disease that targets the lining of the brain and spinal cord and is potentially life-threatening. With a high mortality rate (10%), meningococcal disease is a medical emergency. It can cause death within days if prompt antibiotic treatment is delayed. The infection typically triggers symptoms such as severe headache, sudden high fever, skin rashes, vomiting, and a stiff neck. Among survivors, 10% to 20% have long-term complications, which may include hearing loss, neurologic disabilities, and digit or limb amputations.
The disease spreads between people through saliva and respiratory fluids. Engaging in activities with infected people, such as sharing drinks, vapes, or kissing, may put you at risk. The risk is higher for young adults up to the age of 25 years and those who are living in a dormitory or crowded space as the bacterium spreads quickly through large groups.
MenB vaccine is highly recommended by the Canadian Immunization Guide to protect you from this vaccine-preventable disease. Beginning April 2023, PEI began offering free MenB vaccine to students attending a post-secondary school. To learn more about MenB, visit Meningococcal vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide - Canada.ca.
Title: “The Influence of Direct and Indirect Interactions in Small Biogenic Habitats Associated with the Giant Irish Moss from Basin Head, Prince Edward Island”
Abstract: Trophic interactions are often explored in literature through a terrestrial scope, with only a small amount of recent detail towards their aquatic counterpart. This Thesis first investigates the role of various complex habitats (Seagrasses, Seaweeds, Mollusks shells, and their associated mimics) as potential mediators of trophic interactions (both direct and indirect), with general conclusions suggesting that as habitats become more complex, prey survival rates increase. This Thesis then shifts to a more narrow focus within the Basin Head Marine Protected Area (MPA), the only known MPA in Prince Edward Island (PEI). The Basin Head lagoon is home to various predator and prey species used in experiments throughout this thesis. However, the main reason for its establishment in 2005 was for the protection and further conservation of the giant Irish moss (Chrondrus crispus), that is exclusively found in this lagoon, which relies on a unique association with the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) to form small patchy habitats (clumps) on the seabed. The role of these clumps (later referred to as IMBM) as a habitat mediator for various interactions between a non-indigenous predator, the European green crab (Carcinus maenas), the native consumer, the Atlantic mud crab (Panopeus herbstii) and the bottom level European oyster prey (Crassotrea virginica) has not been studied, with results outlying its key influence as a habitat for safe refuge. Finally, there are currently ongoing efforts in the MPA to actively control the ongoing green crab population via various trapping efforts, to little avail. The final chapter of this Thesis investigates a means of potential biological control against this invasive species, with results proving its effectiveness, with potential implications suggesting new methods of trapping for the removal of the green crab.
As a buildup to the new school year, and a last hurrah for summer, Robertson Library would like to welcome everyone to come and have some free coffee or tea in the lobby on Tuesday, August 27. Bring your own reusable cup any time between 10:00 and 10:30 am to get your morning coffee or tea!
A variety of NEW small group training opportunities will begin the week of September 16. Train in small groups of six under the guidance of a certified personal trainer. We have a variety of options-- Beginners, Bodyweight Strength, Core & Glutes, Crosstraining, Powerlifting, Strength, Strength 101, and Weight Loss. UPEI personal trainers are Derek Smith, Oyin Eniola, and Danie Marais.
Fees: UPEI full-time students: $65; UPEI faculty/staff/retirees: $75; all others: $150 (plus applicable taxes). Each session has 10 classes. Maximum of six individuals per group.
Visit recreation.upei.ca for more information and to register. Detailed information on how to log into the system and register can be found here: https://www.upei.ca/ar/small-group-training. Please contact Angela Marchbank, Fitness & Wellness Coordinator, at amarchbank@upei.ca if you have any other questions.
The Library’s instance of EZproxy is being upgraded from version 7.2.8 to 7.3 beginning at 4 pm on Monday, August 26. We expect the upgrade to be routine, and to take approximately two hours.
EZproxy will not be available during the upgrade. This means that off-campus users will have limited access to the Library's subscription databases and other subscription services. For example, users can use OneSearch but links to full text outside of OneSearch may fail: https://research.ebsco.com/c/xzprbb/search/advanced/filters?locale=en
On-campus users may continue to access subscription services during the upgrade, but they will need to manually remove the "https://proxy.library.upei.ca/login?url=" from links in order to gain access.
The Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College will host an in-person symposium on September 13 and 14. The theme is "The human dimension of animal welfare: the intersection between animal care and the community."
Speakers:
- Dr. Michelle Lem, Founder of Community Veterinary Outreach, Veterinary Social Worker, Capital City Specialty & Emergency Animal Hospital
- Dr. Quinn Rausch, Postdoctoral Fellow, Ontario Veterinary College
- Dr. John VanLeeuwen, Service Clinician and Professor of Ruminant Health Management and Epidemiology, Atlantic Veterinary College
- Dr. Marti Hopson, Adjunct Faculty, Lecturer, Community Practice, Atlantic Veterinary College
This hybrid symposium will include a free public talk in addition to a half-day event that is open to the veterinary community in Atlantic Canada.
On Wednesday, August 21, ITSS will conduct routine maintenance on the myUPEI portal and related services from 8:00 pm to midnight. During this time, there may be intermittent access to and performance issues with myUPEI, Self-Service, and Colleague.
We encourage students, faculty, and staff who may need documents or links located on myUPEI to plan ahead and bookmark or download the resources they may need during this period.
As a reminder, you can access Moodle directly using https://moodle.upei.ca and Outlook email directly using https://outlook.office.com.
If you have any questions, please contact the ITSS Help Desk at 902-566-0465.
Thinking about climate change? Submit an abstract to "Turning the Tide: Island Imaginaries and Interdisciplinaries in Climate Change" before September 30, 2024. This third international conference on small island states and subnational island jurisdictions will be hosted from June 16-20, 2025, on the UPEI campus in Charlottetown and at the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation in St. Peter's Bay. Local co-hosts include the Institute of Island Studies, the UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability, and the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation at UPEI.
Turning the Tide 2025 is an interdisciplinary conference that is open to everyone. It is a way to share stories, thoughts, and knowledge about climate change in the context of the lived experience of islandness. Think about how your work and experiences on and from Prince Edward Island can find expression and connection, and about how we can highlight Canada's smallest subnational island jurisdiction across the world. Take a look at our call for abstracts and find our submission form at https://projects.upei.ca/unescochair/turningthetide2025/
Calling all International students in PEI! Are you in your final semester/year at the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, or Collège de l'Île?
Looking to stay in PEI after graduation?
Don't miss the chance to apply for the Study & Stay PEl program. Apply now at studypei.ca.
This incredible program offers the support you need to excel in your career and fully embrace your time in PEI. Program highlights:
- Cultural and Social Adaptation
- Professional Communications and Networking Skills
- Career and Labor Market Support
- Access to Immigration Resources & Support
- Mentorship Opportunities
Applications close on Thursday, September 5, 2024, 11:59 pm.
Please contact us at studyandstaypei@upei.ca if you have any questions.
Renewal of Employee Parking Permits who use payroll deduction is now open for Faculty and Staff for 2024–2025. Please visit the UPEI Security web page and select “Buy a staff or faculty parking pass” or click on the app link below (note: app will not work with Internet Explorer). Permits holders in Lots B, C, DRC, and reserved spaces have no expiry date, but must be renewed yearly as well.
Please DO NOT select the lot you may wish to move into—that is what the wait list is for (see below). New employees will be assigned to the General Lots. All permit holders will be reassigned to their current lot/space.
We would like to advise that there will be an increase in permits this year. The last increase for a permit was in 2014. The cost of a permit will increase by 5%. This change will affect any permits issued or sold for the 2024-2025 school year. If you use payroll deductions your biweekly deductions will increase on September 13, 2024.
If you use payroll deduction, and no longer use a UPEI lot to park, please email parking@upei.ca so we can stop your deduction.
Employees taking a leave of absence from UPEI and using parking lots B, C, F, G, or DRC must email parking@upei.ca with their ID#, name, departure date, and expected return date to maintain access to their assigned lot.
All fields with a red asterisk must be filled in, including office phone number and if you have an electric vehicle.
If you have a student in your household that is starting UPEI in September and they have their own vehicle, remember to include the vehicle info, their name, and ID# on the application if you are paying for their parking. Students will only be assigned a general permit.
If you are in a gated lot and you have a student that will be using your vehicle to come and go during the workday, please include their information on the application as an additional driver. If you wish to add additional information after you have submitted your form, you must resubmit a new application and inform parking@upei.ca that you have done so.
If you change your vehicle, please email parking with the Make, Model, Province/State, Plate #.
If you would like to be added to the wait list for a designated lot or wish to change lots, please email parking@upei.ca with the following information. (Note: if you are already on the wait list there is no need to resubmit.) While you are on the waitlist, you will be assigned to your current lot until a spot opens in your requested location.
Employee ID #:
Name (last, first):
Contact Email:
Phone Number:
Current lot:
Requested lot:
Please direct any questions or information changes to parking@upei.ca
If you have already applied for your 2024-2025 Parking Permit, you can disregard this email.
902-566-0312
parking@upei.ca
NOTE: Metered parking is enforced on weekdays from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, year-round but is not enforced on weekends or holidays.
