President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz is in Ottawa February 6–7 attending University Canada’s Converge 2017, joining future innovators, creators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from universities across the country.

A highlight in Monday’s schedule included a question and answer session with the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, who explored what Canada can become in the next 50 years. Prime Minister Trudeau commented on how important it is to draw upon the experience of those very Canadians who already are comfortable with change, including youth and those engaged in the post-secondary landscape, during this dialogue on transformation. The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to fundamental human rights and an inclusive society, mental health support, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report.

Roberta Jamieson, President and CEO of Indspire, also addressed the attendees on Monday about “the path to Canada’s future—education and reconciliation.” She challenged university leaders to use the Converge event as the catalyst for their institutions to support and partner with First Nations as they reconstruct, renew, and recapture their indigenous languages, culture, values, and knowledge, to make “reconciliaction” happen.  Ms. Jamieson added that this rebuilding not only involves the education of indigenous peoples but the education of Canadians, and that as partners, we must “transform education into a culturally appropriate engine” where youth can excel and realize their potential.
 

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 Marcus Power (Men’s Hockey), the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the week for January 30-February 5!

Jenna Mae Ellsworth is a first-year Bachelor of Science student from Charlottetown and a member of the UPEI Women’s Basketball team. Ellsworth played two exceptional games against the University of New Brunswick over the weekend, scoring 33 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and making nine steals. “Jenna Mae helped her Panthers earn a split with UNB,” said coach Greg Gould. “She was our team leader all weekend.”

Marcus Power is a third-year Business student from St. John’s, Newfoundland and a member of the UPEI Men’s Hockey team. Power scored a pair of goals and an assist in a weekend game against Dalhousie University.

“Friday versus Dalhousie was as big a game for us as there can be,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “We needed our big players to rise to the occasion. Marcus stepped up and gave a huge effort for us.”

The Panthers have a busy weekend at home coming up. The Subway AUS Swimming Championship is at the Bell Aliant Centre Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Men’s Hockey plays the Université de Moncton Friday night at 7:00 pm in the MacLauchlan Arena. Women’s Hockey hosts St. Thomas University Saturday evening at 7:00 pm. Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

Guided by the University Closure Policy, UPEI's senior administration takes the decision to delay, close, or remain open very seriously. In weather situations where the potential risk to UPEI’s students and employees, as well as property, is high, the University may “close*,” meaning classes and exams are cancelled and services are reduced. UPEI reminds students, faculty, and staff that there are several ways to keep informed about whether they need to come to campus or not during storms, inclement weather, or other adverse conditions.

How will I know if UPEI is operating on a delayed opening or is going to close?

UPEI has a number of different channels to communicate University delays and closures. These include:

• A message on the home page of upei.ca
• An email to all students, faculty, and staff to their upei.ca email account
• Updates from the University’s Twitter account, @UPEI
• Media outlets (radio, TV, news websites) are informed and encouraged to share our status
• A message is placed on the UPEI Campus Closure and Alert Phone Line (902-894-2882)
• A message is placed on the UPEI Campus Screen network (there are screens in several buildings across campus).

For more information, email communications@upei.ca.

Winter Parking Restrictions

Also note that from November 1 to April 30, winter restrictions on overnight campus parking will be enforced. Parking Lot "A" is the only lot where overnight parking is permitted for the winter season. Residents of Andrew Hall and Bernardine Hall may park overnight in the Andrew Hall lot provided that their vehicles are moved to Lot "A" during storm conditions and until the lots have been plowed after a storm.

If vehicles are left in any parking lot other than Lot "A" during snow storms or before snow removal is complete, the vehicle will be towed at the owner's expense. Facilities Management appreciates your co-operation to ensure parking lots are cleared safely. If you have any questions or concerns regarding winter parking please contact Mark Pharand, Manager, Security Services, at mpharand@upei.ca.

*Technically, UPEI is only truly closed in extreme circumstances, as there are essential personnel that need to work on campus and we have students living in residence. However, the University will use the word “closed” to communicate to the campus community that classes and most services are suspended. For more information, refer to the University Closure Policy.
 

UPEI is sending two of its strongest ever teams to compete at the 2017 Subway AUS Curling Championships this week in Truro, Nova Scotia. The championships begin Thursday, February 9 and run through February 12.

Both teams are filled with experienced players. The women’s team includes skip Sabrina Smith, who represented Prince Edward Island at the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 Canadian Juniors, as well as the 2017 Canadian Mixed Championships and the 2016 Mixed Doubles. Mate Meghan Ching was a member of the second-place squad at the 2015 U18 provincials. Second Breanne Burgoyne represented PEI at the 2017 Canadian Juniors and won the 2016 Atlantic U18. Annika Kelly throws lead for the Panthers.

Chris Gallant skips the men’s team. He was a member of Team Canada at the 2015 World Universiade in Granada, Spain. He was a member of the 2011 Atlantic U18 championship team and the 2014 CIS championship team. He is a two-time PEI junior champion and competed twice at the Canadian Juniors. Kyle Holland also competed twice at the Canadian Juniors. He won the PEI Juniors in 2012 and 2014 and the 2011 Atlantic U18 championship. Alex MacFadyen curled on the gold medal-winning 2015 Atlantic U18 team and the bronze team at the 2014 championship. Brooks Roche is a 2015 and 2017 provincial junior champion, competed twice at the Canadian Juniors, and took bronze at the 2013 Atlantic U18 championships.

Peter Gallant coaches the men’s team. Paul Smith coaches the women. Best of luck in Truro!

Bell Aliant will be webcasting some of the draws. The UPEI schedule is as follows:

Thursday

Draw #1, 11:30 am: UPEI Men vs. St. Francis Xavier; UPEI Women vs. University of New Brunswick

Draw #2, 3:30 pm: UPEI Women vs. Saint Mary’s University

Friday

Draw #3, 9:00 am: UPEI Men vs. Memorial University

Draw #4, 12:30 pm: UPEI Women vs. Dalhousie University

Draw #5, 4:00 pm: UPEI Men vs. Dalhousie University

Draw #6, 7:30 pm: UPEI Women vs. St. Francis University

Saturday

Draw #7, 9:00 am: UPEI Women vs. Mount Allison University

Draw #8, 12:30 pm: UPEI Men vs. University of New Brunswick

Draw #9, 4:00 pm: UPEI Men vs. Acadia University; UPEI Women vs. Memorial University

Draw #10, 7:30 pm: UPEI Men vs. Saint Mary’s University

The full schedule can be found here.

 Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

Due to predicted storm conditions, the 2017 UPEI Sports Legacy Celebration, originally scheduled for the evening of Thursday, February 9, has been postponed to Saturday, February 11. The reception will begin at 11:00 am with lunch being served at 11:30 am in the UPEI Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre.

Attendees who purchased a table for the event are encouraged to contact all invitees to inform them of the change. UPEI Athletics and Recreation apologizes for the inconvenience.

The original release for this event follows:

Four SDU hockey icons to be inducted into UPEI Sports Hall of Fame

The University of Prince Edward Island announced today that four hockey icons, Jack Kane Sr., his son Jack Kane Jr., Billy MacMillan, and Vince Mulligan, will be inducted into the UPEI Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, February 11, 2017. 

Jack Kane Sr., who will be inducted posthumously, was revered as a head coach in the forties and fifties for UPEI’s founding institution, Saint Dunstan’s University. The younger inductees started playing with the Saint Dunstan Saints and then each went on to coach after their playing careers. Jack Kane Jr. coached the Saints from 1965-69, and counted Mulligan and MacMillan on his roster, while Mulligan and MacMillan also both coached, but by then, they led the UPEI Panthers.

The four inductees will then formally take their place in Panther history later at the UPEI Sports Hall of Fame Gala Reception and Lunch, which will be held in the UPEI Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre.

UPEI Director of Athletics Chris Huggan said, “This is a great opportunity for all Panthers and Panther fans to recognize and celebrate the achievements of current and past Panthers, show our appreciation to those who support our student-athletes, and showcase many of our varsity teams.”

Tickets for the U Sports Academic All-Canadians Breakfast are $10 each, while tickets for the UPEI Sports Hall of Fame Gala are $50 each. Tickets to both events can be purchased in person at Panther Central at the Sports Centre or by calling 902-566-0368.

The UPEI Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 2001 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the athletic programs at the University ofPrince Edward Island, Saint Dunstan's University, or Prince of Wales College. Each year, individual athletes, teams, and builders are inducted to honour their contributions towards the University's athletic success or community leadership. 

The UPEI Sports Legacy Celebration is a lead-up for the final regular-season home game for the UPEI Men’s Hockey team on February 10 at 7:00 pm at MacLauchlan Arena.

About the inductees

John “Jack” Hurry Kane is remembered with great affection for his coaching style. He would always offer advice, never embarrass anyone, and was always the gentleman. After a storied playing career in the Ontario Hockey Association and the Maritime Big Four League with the Charlottetown Abegweits, Kane Sr. was invited to coach Saint Dunstan’s College. In 1947, he led the Saints to the Maritime Intercollegiate League title for the first time, defeating a strong St. Francis Xavier team in the final. The next year, Saint Dunstan’s won the City League title, and was a finalist for the Maritime Intercollegiate crown. Kane Sr. gave a tremendous amount of time to minor hockey and baseball and was surely missed as a coach, official, and administrator when he passed away after a brief illness at the age of 52 in 1959.

Jack Kane Jr.’s name is, as is his father’s, synonymous with several sports, all of which he played at a high level: hockey, football, track and field, basketball, and baseball. He excelled in both hockey and football at Saint Dunstan’s University and later went on to coach the SDU Men’s Hockey team. Eighteen years after his father coached the team to its first Maritime conference title, Kane Jr. took the Saints on a journey that included a 10-1 season record, the Maritime championship, and runner-up status at the national championship. The only loss in league play for the 1965 squad was to St. Thomas University on the final weekend of the regular season. Hockey PEI recognized him with a life membership in 2007 for his contributions to hockey in the province. He has also been involved in the sport of golf as an administrator. 

William “Billy” MacMillan has achieved a level of sport success that few other Islanders have. He was a player on several provincial, regional, and national championship hockey teams, and is the owner of the coveted Olympic scroll and Stanley Cup ring. After being recruited to play at St. Michael’s College and enjoying a highly successful junior “A” career, MacMillan returned to Charlottetown to pursue his academic studies, leading the Saint Dunstan’s Saints to the conference title and winning the scoring crown and the MVP award. After participating in four World Hockey Championships and winning bronze at the 1968 Olympic Winter Games, he was signed to the Toronto Maple Leafs, scoring 22 goals in his rookie season. He later was on the coaching staff of several NHL teams and then returned home to coach the UPEI Panthers, guiding UPEI to its last conference title in 1990-91. 

Vince Mulligan was a standout performer in hockey from his earliest years at Queen Square School and throughout his University years at Saint Dunstan’s, where he was both a stalwart and a dependable defenceman and forward. In his five years at SDU, Mulligan was an all-star four times, and captain for three of those years. He led the team to a Maritime championship and a national silver medal in the 1964-65 season. Mulligan really made a name for himself as a coach and builder ofnew programs at UPEI where, in addition to coaching, he served as intramural director, director of recruiting, and intercollegiate coordinator. As head coach, he led the UPEI Men’s Hockey team to three AUAA conference titles, in 1985-86, 1987-88, and 1988-89. To this day, he continues to serve as coach to the Charlottetown Hockey Mommas, a women’s recreational team that has raised thousands of dollars for breast cancer research.

The Panthers will see home action in the pool and on the ice this weekend as UPEI hosts the 2017 AUS Swimming Championships and UPEI Hockey winds up its regular season.

UPEI Swimming has a busy three days of competition in the Bell Aliant Centre pool. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, AUS Swimming Championship heats begin at 10:00 am with finals at 6:00 pm. UPEI has a small but strong group of swimmers competing.

“This is our one opportunity this year to have all the other teams come in and experience our pool,” said UPEI Swimming head coach Tom Ponting. “We have, by far, the newest and most up-to-date pool in the region. This is the fastest swimming PEI is going to see in a long while. There will be a showcase of young swimmers who are incredibly talented and fast.”

Read Thomas Becker’s preview of the championships here.

UPEI Men’s and Women’s Hockey finishes the regular season at home this weekend. The men host Université de Moncton Friday night at 7:00 pm at MacLauchlan Arena.

“We are heading into our final weekend of regular season,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “We were excited to secure a playoff position last weekend, however we are still fighting for higher seed opportunities. We want to make sure we are refining all areas of our game, so that we peak for the play-offs!”

Being the last regular season home game, the Panthers will recognize graduating graduating seniors Casey Babineau, Brock Beukeboom, and Nelson Armstrong during a pre-game ceremony. It’s also Ticket Redemption Night. Season ticket holders can redeem unused tickets for an extra ticket to Friday’s game.

AUS Men’s Hockey Playoffs begin next week. “Playoff Holding Seat” tickets will be available for purchase Friday night after the first period. Visit Anne at her table just outside the box office. For those not attending Friday night's game, the box office will be open on Saturday from 1:30-5:00 pm. Ticket cost is $15 and payment is by cash only.

As a special promotion for Friday’s game, Subway will donate 50 cents for every six-inch sub and a dollar for every foot-long sub sold during the game, as well as an hour before game time, and an hour after the game finishes.

UPEI Women’s Hockey hosts St. Thomas University Saturday night at 7:00 pm. Coach Bruce Donaldson said it is fitting to be ending the regular season against the nationally ranked Tommies.

“STU has had their way with us all year and there is no time like your last league game to set the bar for playoff hockey. We need to match their intensity, their patience, and most of all, their specialty team success. STU has scored more goals then any other team, if we want to win, we need to limit their opportunities and take advantage of the few they allow.”

Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to swimmers Rebekah Nitschmann and Matthew Smith, the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the week for February 6-12!

Rebekah Nitschmann is a fourth-year Foods and Nutrition student from Perth, Ontario and a graduating senior on the UPEI swim team. Rebekah swam her final AUS meet as a Panther this weekend, shattering a pair of UPEI records in the process. She broke records during the heats for the 200-meter and 400-meter free swims, and broke them again in the finals for both races. “Rebekah is one of the hardest working and dedicated athletes I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” said coach Tony Theriault. “She’s attended 99.9 per cent of scheduled workouts and has always given 110 per cent.”

Matthew Smith is a second-year Biology student from Charlottetown. Matthew opened the Subway AUS Swimming Championship this weekend with a bronze medal and a new UPEI record in the 200-meter free swim. He also broke school records in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke and was a member of the record-breaking men’s relay team. “A gifted swimmer, Matthew’s ability to perform at big meets always keeps it interesting,” said Theriault. “He's discovering true potential which is great to see in a swimmer,” said co-coach Tony Theriault.

AUS Hockey quarter-finals begin this week. The Panther women take on Université de Moncton Thursday at 7:00 pm at MacLauchlan Arena. The men play Saint Mary’s University Friday evening, also at home, at 7:00 pm. Ticket’s for the women’s game can be purchased game day one hour prior to start. For tickets to the men’s games, the Bell Aliant Centre Box office will be open Wednesday from noon until 5:00 pm, Thursday noon until 5:00 pm, and Friday, noon until game time. Tickets can also be purchased online at panthertickets.universitytickets.ca.

UPEI Basketball hosts Cape Breton University Sunday afternoon in the UPEI Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. The women tip off at 1:00 pm. The men’s game begins at 3:00 pm.

Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

UPEI Men’s and Women’s Hockey teams head into the first round of the AUS playoffs this weekend and both basketball teams host Cape Breton University.

The Panther women are paired against the Université de Moncton for the quarter-finals. Game one is Thursday at 7:00 pm at MacLauchlan Arena.

“UPEI Women's Hockey program is excited to be back in the playoff picture this year,” said coach Bruce Donaldson. “We clearly understand the challenges that U de M will bring to the game. Statically, we are very similar, with U de M scoring six more power-play goals and having stronger results at killing penalties. U de M has three very gifted players who we need to contain as well as last year’s top AUS goaltender between the pipes. On paper, this series should be a very entertaining one.”

Tickets for the women’s game can be purchased on game day, one hour prior to start.

UPEI Men’s Hockey plays Saint Mary’s University at home Friday at 7:00 pm.

“It has been a year-long battle for us to secure a play-off position,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “We are excited to get this opportunity to play SMU in the first round of the play-offs. We will have our hands full. SMU has some very dangerous players, and home-ice advantage, but we feel very confident heading into this series.”

For more on this series, read Thomas Becker’s preview at GoPanthersGo. For tickets to the men’s games, the Bell Aliant Centre Box office will be open Wednesday from noon until 5:00 pm, Thursday noon until 5:00 pm, and Friday, noon until game time, or online at panthertickets.universitytickets.ca.

UPEI Basketball hosts Cape Breton University Sunday afternoon in the UPEI Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. The women tip off at 1:00 pm. The men’s game begins at 3:00 pm.

“We are looking forward to playing AUS-league-leading CBU on Sunday,” said Greg Gould, coach of the women’s team. “They won our first meeting and are the only team we haven't beaten this year. Our team has been playing well lately and we are expecting a competitive game Sunday.”

“We are very happy and pleased to honour our five fifth-year seniors Mark Matheson, Dut Dut, Jake Kendrick, Lorenzo Parker, and Tyler Scott,” said Tim Kendrick, coach of the men’s team. “All of these young men have been a pleasure for me to coach and get to know. These five young men have brought a lot of great things to our program, but most of all, they have represented our program with a great degree of Panther Pride! I am a better coach and a better man for having spent time with each of them.”

Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

Students from UPEI’s Department of Physics organized and hosted the 2017 Atlantic Universities Physics and Astronomy Conference (AUPAC). This annual conference brings together undergraduate physics students and university faculty from across Atlantic Canada to share research findings and stimulate new collaborations. Conference co-chairs Phoenix McCloud and Andrew Cameron, along with their organizing team, worked through the school year to make this year’s conference a smashing success.

“I congratulate our physics students for organizing and delivering an engaging scientific program, for hosting conference participants at UPEI and for being exceptional UPEI ambassadors,” said Dr. William Whelan, chair of the Department of Physics. “It is impressive to see students, many in their graduating year, take on the responsibility of organizing and hosting an Atlantic Canadian Conference. This is exactly the type of student-led initiative UPEI should encourage and support.”

AUPAC drew together more than 70 participants from across the region. The conference featured 40 research presentations by undergraduate physics students, including presentations by UPEI’s own Patrick Connolly, Patrick Strongman, Andrew Cameron, David Heckbert, Deanna Kerry, Phoenix McCloud and Aidan Tremblett. Dr. Whelan reports each gave an excellent presentation and congratulates Patrick Connolly for winning the Student Choice Award.

The conference included a presentation by Dr. Shohini Ghose (Wilfred Laurier University and a TED Fellow) on sexism in science. Dr. Ghose also moderated a panel discussion on Women in Science, which included local physicists and engineers, Megan Glover (UPEI), Kelly Galloway (Engineering Technologies Canada), Reina Lamothe (PEI Cancer Treatment Centre), and Li-Hong Xu (UNB). 

Plenary talks at AUPAC included “What's the matter with our universe,” by Dr. Stephane Courteau (Queen's University), “Asteroseismology: dissecting stars,” by Dr. Catherine Lovekin (Saint Mary's University), “Lightning and thunder in tissues,” by UPEI’s Dr. Whelan, and “How to make a career from counting, floating, melting and black tape,” by Dr. Jeff Dahn (Dalhousie University).

Congratulations to all involved!

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.

Registration for UPEI’s 2017 Summer Sessions and the release of the myUPEI "Student Planning" tool have been rescheduled to now begin Tuesday, February 28, 2017.

The myUPEI Celebration (and opportunity to learn more) that was originally scheduled for Thursday, February 16 has been rescheduled to Monday, February 27 at 12:00 pm in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. All students, staff, and faculty are invited to visit the learning stations, and to enjoy the free swag and refreshments!

The Office of the Registrar and the Project Beacon team wish to thank the UPEI community for their patience and willingness to adapt throughout this organizational transformation project.

For more information, visit the myUPEI frequently asked questions page.