The University of Prince Edward Island is building on its reputation as one of Canada’s top undergraduate institutions by focusing on international student recruitment as a top priority. According to the Canadian Bureau of International Education, UPEI has led all Canadian universities in international student growth since 2008. One in five UPEI students now comes from outside of Canada. Now, with competition to attract international students increasing around the world, UPEI is upping its recruitment efforts in key international markets, and working to make it easier for international students to stay and work here after they graduate.

Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), together with the Honourable Richard Brown, Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning, today announced government support for UPEI’s international student attraction and retention efforts. ACOA is providing $493,631 under its Business Development Program and the Province of PEI is providing $52,790, through the Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning to assist PEI’s post-secondary institutions in their student attraction and retention efforts.

This assistance from the federal and provincial governments will help the University of Prince Edward Island to attract foreign students through targeted advertising and participation in international education fairs. The assistance will also enable the university to focus on helping foreign students integrate into Canadian academic life by improving language and other study skills, and by creating a new international student liaison position to assist students during their study and help them integrate into PEI’s workforce after graduation. This liaison person will also work with students at Holland College and College Acadie on a part-time basis.

The attraction and retention of skilled and educated immigrants is a key component of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, a collaborative approach to building a stronger economy in Atlantic Canada. Immigration is key to building strong Atlantic communities and can play a significant role in meeting skill shortages that are holding back economic development across the region.

Quotes

“I applaud the University of Prince Edward Island for playing such a key role in our economy, and for taking a progressive view towards growth. By attracting students from over 70 countries around the world, UPEI has already shown strong leadership in this area. I am especially pleased to see the renewed focus on integrating these bright young minds into our workforce, which can only boost our economy over the long term."  - Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown

“International students bring diversity to our Island classrooms and contribute to our province’s overall economic growth and long-term sustainability. Adding new cultural lenses to classroom discussions heightens the overall student experience at our post-secondary institutions and encourages respectful dialogue and critical thinking.”  - The Honourable Richard Brown, Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning

"UPEI has been extremely successful in attracting students from around the world. Not only does this help us overcome challenging regional demographics and create positive impact on the economy, but this important diversity adds so much in terms of cultural exchange and learnings among all of our students. We thank the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning for supporting our strategic efforts to recruit in new areas and to retain international students in our region upon graduation."   - Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, UPEI

The Island’s food system will be the topic of a public symposium to be held at UPEI’s Duffy Science Centre Amphitheatre, Room 135, on Monday, November 14, beginning at 7:00 pm. In particular, the discussion will focus on a move toward a more sustainable agriculture, with a stronger emphasis on local food and food security.

This event is one of a regular series of public symposia sponsored by UPEI’s Institute of Island Studies, in conjunction with UPEI Research Services.

The main speaker will be distinguished author and public policy specialist Dr. Mark Lapping, long associated with the Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine. Dr. Lapping has held many academic leadership posts, including that as founding dean of the prestigious School of Rural Planning and Development at the University of Guelph. Throughout his career, he has maintained a strong interest in land issues in Prince Edward Island and has published several papers and studies on the topic.

In recent years, Dr. Lapping has focused his work on food systems and has written extensively on the subject. He was the leader of an ambitious undertaking at the Muskie School, which developed a food plan and strategy for the state of Maine.

“To most people,” said Dr. Lapping, “food is about growing and consuming food. But a food system is a large set of processes, and it is critical to take a wider, systems perspective. Only then might we have a more robust understanding of the ways by which a sustainable agriculture can become part of a larger process of change toward a more nutritious and just life for individuals, families, and communities.”

Responding to Dr. Lapping’s talk will be a panel comprised of two Island farmers and a researcher in public health nutrition. Barry Cudmore, of Brackley Beach, farms seed potatoes, soy beans, and grains.  A Nuffield Scholar and member of the Atlantic Agriculture Hall of Fame, he is a proponent of seeking farm-sustainability in moving from commodities to branded products, and reconnecting consumers with producers.

Mark Bernard and his wife Sally operate Barnyard Organics in Freetown. As the fourth generation Bernard on this family farm, Mark has moved away from potato production. The objective of Barnyard Organics is “to bring the farm back to its original state as a self-sustaining mixed farm, using traditional methods combined with some of the efficient technologies of our time.”

The third Panelist is Dr. Colleen Walton, Associate Professor in Applied Human Sciences at UPEI. She has more than 20 years of working experience within the Island’s food system. Her research interests lie in the area of building capacity among groups and individuals toward strengthened livelihoods and greater household food security.

Members of the public are cordially invited to attend. Admission is free. Following the presentations, there will be ample time for discussion and questions from the floor.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Research shows most university students believe their friends drink a lot more than they actually do. This leads to the perception that alcohol is a key ingredient to student life. UPEI Athletics and Recreation and the PEI Liquor Control Commission (PEI LCC) are partnering on the Keep it Social campaign to promote responsible alcohol consumption and harm reduction among students.

“UPEI is proud to be a member of this partnership, helping students make smarter choices when it comes to drinking,” said Jackie Podger, Vice-President Administration and Finance at UPEI. “I think it’s exciting that the next phase will put the message and direction of the campaign in the hands of students themselves. I want to thank the PEI LCC for their support.”

In this next stage of Keep it Social, student-athlete ambassadors will keep their eyes and ears on campus, relaying feedback and discovering opportunities to amplify the campaign. The participation of student-athletes is crucial, so that the direction and messaging of the campaign is student-led and student-approved.

A partnership that originated between the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission and Nova Scotia universities, Keep it Social will soon be Atlantic Canada-wide, with expansion to New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. The addition of Atlantic University Sport (AUS) as a partner means Keep it Social messaging will appear at sporting events across the region.

“I am excited about the partnership we have created with the PEI LCC and our shared goals of promoting both the Keep it Social and the Don't Drink and Drive campaigns,” said Chris Huggan, Director of Athletics and Recreation at UPEI. “It was an exciting launch on Friday night as we kicked off our home opener surrounded by Keep it Social promotional material and give-aways. I am pleased that we have student athletes who are stepping up to be ambassadors for these initiatives.”

As Keep it Social continues, students will be encouraged and empowered to make their own decisions around alcohol consumption.

Keepitsocial.ca provides broader information around responsible use and behaviour and the web address appears on each of the printed and digital products used in the on-campus advertising campaign. During phase one of the partnership, advertising material was placed in the UPEI residences, at the campus pub, The Wave, and throughout the W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

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 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 in business graduate studies, UPEI’s School of Business invites you to attend the following information session. Learn more about the program and application process, have your questions answered, and meet with staff from the School of Business.

When: Tuesday, November 22, 5:00 pm

Where: Richmond Room, Rodd Charlottetown Hotel

Please call 902-566-6474 or email mba@upei.ca to reserve a seat. 

For more information about UPEI’s Executive MBA program, please visit: http://business.upei.ca/mba or contact the MBA Coordinator at 902-566-6474.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The University of Prince Edward Island and the University of Prince Edward Island Faculty Association (UPEIFA) are pleased to announce that a collective agreement has been reached.

The University and the UPEIFA, Bargaining Unit #1 representing faculty members, librarians, sessional instructors, and clinical nursing instructors have reached an agreement for a four-year collective agreement from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2020. 

“UPEI prides itself in offering great learning opportunities to all of our students so they can reach their full potential. This is only possible due to the collective contributions of our outstanding faculty,” said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor. “I look forward to working with our faculty association members and campus community at large to continue our momentum in providing an exceptional learning environment and great service to our Island community.”

“The Faculty Association is very pleased that negotiations have resulted in a collective agreement that ensures fairness and equity for our Members. We look forward to continuing to do what’s important to all of our members which is educating our students, continuing important research, and contributing to UPEI and our community at large,” said Dr. Nola Etkin, President of the UPEIFA.

The UPEIFA and UPEI’s Board of Governors unanimously voted for ratification.

Highlights of UPEIFA agreement:

• The agreement will include an across the board increase of 2% each year. 
• Under the new collective agreement, Deans will ensure, through working with the Chairs, that teaching workloads are equitable and fair.
• Commencing on July 1, 2017, future retirees will pay 45% of the cost of supplemental health care benefits. 
• The parties have agreed to establish an ad hoc committee, chaired by the VP Academic and Research, and consisting of  faculty members from each faculty and school and three Student Union representatives to review existing practices and examine other procedures with the aim to continue enhancing teaching and learning at UPEI.

The University of Prince Edward Island started the negotiation process with all unions in February 2016. 

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Jenna Mae Ellsworth (Women’s Basketball) and Tyler Scott (Men’s Basketball), the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the week for October 31-November 6!

Jenna Mae Ellsworth is a first-year guard on the UPEI Women’s Basketball team, and a Bachelor of Science student from Charlottetown. In her first two games in a Panther uniform, she shot 50% from the field, averaged 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and shot 100% from the free-throw line. “Jenna Mae had a great first weekend in AUS play,” said coach Greg Gould. “She plays hard at both ends of the court on every possession!”

Tyler Scott is a fifth-year guard and a Bachelor of Arts student. The Panthers split a pair of games over the weekend with St. Francis Xavier University. Scott scored 56 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 blocks. “Tyler is one of the best, if not the best, players in the nation,” said coach Tim Kendrick. “He had another great weekend for us here at UPEI.”

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men’s Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

The University of Prince Edward Island is pleased to announce that a pension agreement has been ratified with all of the unions.

The final step in the approval of the pension agreement happened last night when UPEI’s Board of Governors approved the agreement. The University’s unions, which include UPEIFA Bargaining Unit #1, UPEIFA Bargaining Unit #2, IBEW 1928, CUPE 1870 and CUPE 501, ratified the new pension agreement last week.

“The pension plan’s sustainability was critical to all employees of the University which is why I am so pleased with the new pension agreement’s structure,” said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor. 

Highlights of pension agreement include:

• The University and the UPEI unions will transition to a Jointly Sponsored Pension Plan effective January 1, 2017. 
• The Sponsor Board will make decisions on funding and benefits. 
• The Jointly Sponsored Pension Plan will be administered by a Board of Trustees. 
• Both the Sponsor Board and the Board of Trustees will have equal representation from the University and the unions. 
• The Jointly Sponsored Pension Plan will have 50/50 cost sharing between the University and the unions. 

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) honoured the late Dr. Brian Hill, a founding faculty member, with the 2016 Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award for his contributions to the early development of the College.

Mel Gallant, former assistant dean finance and administration at AVC, nominated Dr. Hill for the award, and read the citation at an award ceremony held at AVC on Monday, November 7. Dr. Jim Miller, a close friend and colleague of Dr. Hill, accepted the award on behalf of his family, who were not able to attend.

Dr. Hill came to AVC in May 1986 as the founding chair of the Department of Companion Animals, and also served as co-director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, along with Dr. Bob Curtis, founding chair of the Department of Health Management. A respected clinician, teacher, and administrator, Dr. Hill served as Interim Dean from 1989-1991. Originally from California, he graduated from veterinary school at Colorado State University in 1973 and taught at Iowa State before coming to AVC.

A skilled negotiator and administrator, he was instrumental in the integration of the College into the University of Prince Edward Island. He also played an important role in building the College’s human resources and technical support at the veterinary teaching hospital, successfully recruiting faculty members at a time of significant faculty shortages.

Dr. Hill died in January of 2000 at the age of 51. Shortly after his death, his family, colleagues, and friends established the Brian L. Hill Memorial Award in his memory. This award is given to a graduating student in Veterinary Medicine who demonstrates excellence in small animal medicine and surgery, as well as outstanding interpersonal skills with clients and colleagues—all qualities that Dr. Hill exemplified.

“I have many wonderful memories of Brian—as a colleague and a friend,” said Mel. “He was a true gentleman, a disarmingly funny guy, a sailor, a natty dresser, and a keen poker player! I thank you for this opportunity to remember a good friend and colleague, and a relentless supporter of the Atlantic Veterinary College.”

About the Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award:

In 2000, the Atlantic Veterinary College established the Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award to recognize individuals who have played a significant role in the establishment and growth of the College. The greatest honour bestowed by AVC, the award is named after the Honourable Eugene Whelan, who, as federal minister of agriculture under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, was a driving force behind the creation of AVC in the early 1980s. The award is affectionately known as the Green Hat Award because Minister Whelan was well-known for wearing a green Stetson.

The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) honoured 11 innovators, leaders, connectors, and emerging stars of international education with its 2016 Excellence Awards. Among them was UPEI’s president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, who was named the recipient of the President’s Award for Distinguished Leadership in International Education. Great friend of President Abd-El-Aziz and to Prince Edward Island, Dr. Thomas H. B. Symons received the Founders Award for Excellence in International Education. Read the CBIE release

The distinguished leadership award recognizes an “individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the internationalization of Canadian education and/or the international education profession beyond their home institution.”

The citation for Dr. Abd-El-Aziz from the CBIE reads:

“At twenty-six years old, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz travelled to the University of Saskatchewan as an international student from Cairo University. Over the next 30 years he went from international student to President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). Dr. Abd-El-Aziz created the first International Development Relations Office (IRO) at UPEI in 2012. He has been active in the front-line participation of recruitment trips to China, India, South Africa, Brazil, and the Middle East. In just four short years, the international student population has increased by 50% at UPEI and UPEI students now have the opportunity to study abroad at 55 institutions in 21 different countries.”

“It gives me great pleasure to recognize these dedicated and passionate people whose contributions pave the way for our collective internationalization goals,” said Karen McBride, President and CEO of CBIE, “and I am proud to join with our members and partners in celebrating their outstanding achievements.”

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Marie-Soleil Deschenes (Women’s Hockey) and Dut Dut (Men’s Basketball), the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the week for November 7-13!

Marie-Soleil Deschenes is a fifth-year Bachelor of Science student from Île-Perrot, Quebec, and a goalie on the UPEI Women’s Hockey team. The Panthers split a pair of games over the weekend, including a win over the CIS #2 ranked Saint Mary’s University Huskies. “Marie continues to be one of the strongest goalies in the AUS,” said coach Bruce Donaldson. “ She competes very well and loves to challenge the shooter.  She has great reflexes, is quick, and moves well.  Game-in and game-out she is a leader with her work ethic on the ice.”

Dut Dut is a fifth-year forward on the UPEI Men’s Basketball team, and a Bachelor of Arts student from Ottawa, Ontario. The Panthers dropped two games over the weekend to the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds, but Dut shone with an average of 17 points-per-game, and 20 rebounds for the weekend. “Dut Dut turned in two solid games for us this weekend,” said coach Tim Kendrick. “He played hard at both ends of the floor and was our most consistent player in every way.”

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men’s Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.