What brought you to UPEI? In other words, why did you choose to study here?

I’ve lived all my life on PEI, so UPEI was very high on my list of options. I checked out similar degree programs at universities and colleges from Ontario to Newfoundland and Labrador and found that the structure of UPEI’s Bachelor of Integrated Studies pathway suited my needs the best. There were a variety of online courses and other hybrid classes that I could take, so I only had to be on campus on weekends to write exams, which was perfect for me. I work full-time and have a family, so with UPEI just a two-hour drive away, I couldn’t commit to daytime classes and I had limited time to travel for evening classes.

What kinds of support have you received during your time as a student from UPEI students, staff, and faculty members?

I met with Inge Dorsey (Bachelor of Integrated Studies program co-ordinator)early on and she explained the program to me and what it entailed, and that encouraged me to apply. I was able to discuss course delivery options with my professors, as I needed asynchronous online classes so I can watch the lectures and do coursework in my free time, which is usually early weekend mornings when the rest of the family is still in bed, and we aren’t travelling for sports or other activities.

Many of the courses I've taken required a prerequisite that I didn’t have, but I was able to discuss my related career background and my life experiences with professors to enrol in the required courses. With their permission I was able to choose a variety of classes in different programs that were of interest to me such as forestry, accounting, and island studies. I appreciated that the program reviewed and credited my previous post-secondary study at Holland College toward my BIS degree. 

"I think the BIS program provides an excellent opportunity for students who have work and life experience that they can use to gain course credits. The ability to earn the degree on a part-time basis is also beneficial, especially since most people enrolled in the program are currently working full-time." 

What kinds of opportunities have you experienced because you're studying at UPEI, or because of the Island location?

I'm making valuable connections with my professors, and that's enabling me to network with others professionally. Because PEI is so small compared to many other provinces, we only seem to be twice removed from knowing almost everyone else across the Island. I've also met provincial government colleagues who are also enrolled in the BIS program, which has led to friendships that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.

What's unique about UPEI’s BIS program?

I think the BIS program provides an excellent opportunity for students who have work and life experience that they can use to gain course credits. The ability to earn the degree on a part-time basis is also beneficial, especially since most people enrolled in the program are currently working full-time. 

What would you tell a prospective student considering UPEI’s BIS program?

I would encourage anyone interested in the program to get more information and see if it is something that they can fit into their schedule. I have retained a nugget or two of valuable information from each course that I have taken. I learned Excel shortcuts in Management Information Systems that I use at work everyday, Adult Activity Based Learning where I came up with innovative ways to train new hires, Personal Finance helped me to get all the important financial matters looked after for myself and my family, and compiling an professional career portfolio in Career Learning Portfolio that I can continue to update as time goes on.

What are your plans after graduation?

I currently work full-time as lead finance clerk with the Treasury Board Secretariat for the Province of PEI, but I'm hoping to use my experiences in the BIS program to enrol in a non-profit management program so I can bring more value to the local organizations that I volunteer with.