New Student Orientation (NSO) is an annual tradition at UPEI to help incoming students get their bearings at their new school and put them on the path to success. NSO 2017 aims to build healthy connections between students and the people and places that will impact their first-year experience.

This year, NSO runs from Saturday, September 2 to Saturday, September 9.

Welcome Day (see activities below) is this Saturday, which is always an exciting day for UPEI. Similar to previous years, students will be introduced to various departments and services on campus that will gather in McMillan Hall of the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. This allows them to become familiar with UPEI staff and its supports and services.

Throughout the rest of the week, there will be information sessions, engaging activities, and fun celebrations— all with the purpose of building healthy connections and lasting memories for our incoming students.

This will culminate in a fundraising event on the last day—Panthers for Change. This year, we are supporting two local charitable organizations: Learning Disabilities Association PEI and Canadian Mental Health Association (PEI Division). These local charities have both agreed to invite our students to continue volunteering with them throughout the year.

To jumpstart fundraising efforts, NSO leaders will sweep the campus on Friday, September 1 at 9:30 am as part of an annual activity called “Bling-bling”. They will collect spare change from staff, faculty, students, and visitors on campus to see who can raise the most money in under an hour—you are encouraged to donate!

Welcome Day Activities
Time: Activity; Location

9:00 am: Residence Move-in; Residence Buildings
9:00 – 10:30 am:  Coffee House; Chi-Wan Sports Centre
9:30 am – 1:00 pm: Campus Tours (every 30 min); W.A. Murphy Student Centre
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Register for courses and pay tuition; Registrar's Office, Kelley Memorial
10:00 am – 1:30 pm: Welcome Day Fair, Laugh it up! Photo Booth, Musical Entertainment; W.A. Murphy Student Centre
1:30 pm – 9:00 pm: NSO Team Registration, Team Activities, Supper, and NSO Kick-Off; Chi-Wan Sports Centre

For more information, visit the New Student Orientation webpage.

Congratulations to Dr. Jeanne Lofstedt, Professor of Large Animal Medicine at AVC, on being awarded with a Life Membership in the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) for her outstanding contributions to the Association and to the veterinary profession worldwide.

Dr. Lofstedt was honoured during the CVMA’s annual convention held in Charlottetown in July. The following is a media release issued by the CVMA on July 14, 2017, to mark Dr. Lofstedt’s achievements:

P.E.I. veterinarian honoured nationally for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession

OTTAWA, ON – Dr. Jeanne Lofstedt is being honoured with a Life Membership to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) for her significant contributions to the CVMA and veterinary profession worldwide.

“We are pleased to honour Dr. Jeanne Lofstedt with a Life Membership to the CVMA,” says Dr. Troy Bourque, 2016-17 CVMA President. “We will forever be grateful for her over 20 years of service to our Association and her dedication to the profession.”

Dr. Lofstedt has held various leadership positions at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) and volunteer positions in various veterinary organizations, including the CVMA. Amongst others, she served as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at AVC, was a member of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Examination Committee, a member of the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education Editorial Board, a North American Veterinary Licensing Examination item writer, a site visit team member for the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education and the CVMA, a member of the CVMA National Issues and Professional Development Committees, and served as CVMA President from 2002-2003. Dr. Lofstedt has been the Scientific Program Coordinator for the CVMA since 2004.

Born in Benoni, South Africa, summers spent on the sheep and dairy farms of close relatives, the influence of a veterinarian uncle, as well as the opportunity to volunteer at a mixed animal practice during high school inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. In 1975, Dr. Lofstedt received her Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree with honours from the University of Pretoria in South Africa and was awarded the Sir Arnold Theiler Medal for the student with the highest academic standing overall.

After seven months in a mixed animal practice in Krugersdorp, South Africa, she was accepted into a Rotating Internship in Large Animal Medicine and Surgery at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. In 1981, she completed a three-year residency in food animal medicine and surgery and received a Master of Science degree in Pathology, both at Iowa State University. Dr. Lofstedt then joined Tufts University as an Assistant Professor in Large Animal Medicine from 1981 to 1987 and became Board Certified in Large Animal Internal Medicine in 1987. That same year she moved to Prince Edward Island to assume a faculty position at AVC where she currently holds the position of Professor of Large Animal Medicine in the Department of Health Management.

Dr. Lofstedt plans to join her husband, Dr. Rob Lofstedt, also a veterinarian, in retirement in January of 2018. She hopes to maintain her connection to the profession through various volunteer opportunities.

“Dr. Jeanne Lofstedt has been invaluable in building the academic foundations of the Atlantic Veterinary College. In so many ways, she defines professionalism for her students and for us, as colleagues. The profound effect she has had on her clients, her students, and the veterinary community is reflected in the utmost respect universally expressed by everyone who knows her or her work,” says Dr. Larry Hammell, Professor and Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Research, Atlantic Veterinary College. “We are so grateful that she came to practice veterinary medicine in Canada so many years ago and even more grateful that she chose to share her wisdom and compassion in building the Atlantic Veterinary College.”

Life Membership is presented to a CVMA member for long and outstanding service on CVMA Council, Executive, Boards and Committees, or for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession.

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The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Each year, CVMA proudly recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more about CVMA.

Contact:

Tanya Frye, Manager Communications and Public Relations
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
613-236-1162 ext. 128 or tfrye@cvma-acmv.org

UPEI Athletics and Recreation is again offering the Panther Package—the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island. For only $75 dollars, you can attend every home game for UPEI Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Rugby, and Women’s Hockey. That means season tickets for seven varsity teams at one remarkably low price!

Your Panther Package includes with a Panther coin, ball cap, and a poster with all the dates for the 2017-18 season.

Holders of the Panther Package also receive a discount on season tickets for UPEI Men’s Hockey. Buy your Panther Package, and add in Men’s Hockey for $165—you’ll save $25!

To purchase your package, visit gopanthersgo.ca and click on ‘tickets’!

Congratulations to Dr. David Condon, AVC Class of 1991, on being awarded the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Small Animal Practitioner Award for his compassion towards the animals in his care and his dedication to the student veterinarians he mentors and supervises.

Dr. Condon was honoured during the CVMA’s annual convention held in Charlottetown in July. The following is a media release issued by the CVMA on July 14, 2017, to mark his achievements:

Island veterinarian awarded for his compassion towards animals and dedication to student veterinarians

Ottawa, Ont. – Dr. David Condon was honoured with the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Small Animal Practitioner Award for his compassion towards the animals in his care and his dedication to the student veterinarians he mentors and supervises.

“I can attest to Dr. Condon’s outstanding reputation as a competent and caring small animal practitioner within our community,” says Dr. Leigh Lamont, Associate Dean, Academic and Student Affairs, University of Prince Edward Island. “What I believe sets Dr. Condon apart is his passion for education and his willingness to mentor veterinary students.”

Dr. Condon, who grew up on a small family farm on P.E.I., developed a strong interest in veterinary dentistry and has devoted a significant portion of his time pursuing continuing education in this area. He was instrumental in the formation of the student chapter of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry for Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) students, hosts dental wet labs for the students at his clinic, and offers lunch lectures on veterinary dentistry at AVC.

Dr. Condon and his wife, Lisa, travel with the Peter Emily International Veterinary Dental Foundation to provide free veterinary dental care to captive large cats (tiger, lions, etc.).

He is a member of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry, the CVMA, the PEI Veterinary Medical Association, and the Canadian Veterinary Reserve. He currently serves on the board of directors of his local watershed group and has had past involvement with the PEI Wildlife Federation.

“Perhaps most noteworthy are the students who report that they leave their rotation at the Abegweit Animal Hospital feeling more confident in their skill set and ready to practice independently. That is high praise indeed,” adds Dr. Lamont.

CVMA’s Small Animal Practitioner Award, sponsored by Petsecure Pet Health Insurance, is presented to a CVMA member whose work in small animal practice, clinical research or basic sciences is judged to have contributed significantly to the advancement of small animal medicine, surgery, or the management of a small animal practice.

– 30 –

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Each year, CVMA proudly recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more about CVMA.

Contact:

Tanya Frye, Communications & Public Relations
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
613-236-1162 ext. 128 or tfrye@cvma-acmv.org

In the great tradition of performance poets and singer-songwriters, Joseph Maviglia is known for his riveting music and poetry presentations. His songs, poems, and essays draw on diverse influences—from his Calabrian-Italian heritage and North American folk and rock, to the Beat poets and contemporary spoken word artists. During tours across Canada, Europe, and the United States, he has supported many social justice causes through his artistry.

Maviglia will give two performances as part of the UPEI Winter’s Tales Author Reading series: on September 14, 7:30 pm in the Faculty Lounge of UPEI’s SDU Main Building, and again on September 16, 1:00 pm in the Montague Rotary Library at 53 Wood Island Hill (Cavendish Wellness Centre) in Montague. Admission is free.

Originally from Ottawa, Maviglia attended the Banff Centre for the Arts after studying at Simon Fraser University. He settled in Toronto where he was part of a group of singer-songwriters and poets in the vanguard of Toronto's musical and literary circles.

Among his publications are poetry books The God Hangs Upside Down and Freakin’ Palomino Blues, and his recent essay collection, Critics Who Know Jack: Urban Myths, Media and Rock and Roll. His albums include Memory to Steel and Angel in the Rain.

Maviglia’s performances are sponsored by the UPEI Faculty of Arts and Department of English, the Montague Rotary Library, and with generous support from the Writers’ Union of Canada and The Canada Council for the Arts.

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 is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

The AVC Class of 2021 celebrated the commencement of their veterinary education at the 2017 AVC-CVMA Blue Coat Ceremony held at UPEI on Friday, August 25. At the ceremony, the new students were presented with blue lab coats, signifying the beginning of their four-year journey toward their doctor of veterinary medicine degrees. Welcoming them were Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI; Dr. Greg Keefe, Dean of AVC; and Dr. Melanie Hicks, Vice-President of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and a member of AVC’s Class of 2003.

On Monday, August 28, the new students hit the ground running, attending their first lectures of the year! We thank the CVMA for supporting our incoming students at their Blue Coat Ceremony. Welcome and congratulations, Class of 2021! 

The Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre is hosting a conference September 22 and 23 on Animal Welfare in Practice with a focus on feline behaviour. The conference opens with a free public lecture by Dr. Lynne Seibert, entitled “Preventing Behaviour Problems in Cats.” The lecture begins at 7:00 pm, Friday, September 22 in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium of UPEI’s Don and Marion McDougall Hall.

Many problematic behaviours of pet cats can be prevented by providing resources to meet the needs of the cat, including scratching surfaces, play opportunities, and exercise. Dr. Seibert will discuss common problems such as scratching, house-soiling, nocturnal behaviour, and aggression. All are welcome to this free, public event.

Dr. Seibert received her DVM degree from the University of Tennessee. After 3 years in private practice, she completed her master’s and PhD degrees in psychology at the University of Georgia, with a focus on animal behaviour and neuroscience. She completed a residency in behaviour medicine at the University of Georgia, achieving board-certification with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists in 2001. At this time, she owned and operated a behaviour referral practice in Seattle, Washington and served as adjunct faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and psychology faculty at Antioch University-Seattle. She has taught veterinary behaviour courses at six veterinary colleges and currently teaches behaviour to veterinary students at Tuskegee University and Auburn University. She is a past president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and served two terms as secretary-treasurer on the ACVB Board of Regents. She has presented over 2,000 hours of behaviour education in 38 states and 4 countries. She owns a behaviour referral practice in Roswell, Georgia, and is mentoring her second approved non-conforming behaviour resident. She shares her home with two dogs, two cats, six birds, and a pot-bellied pig named Vivianne.

The Animal Welfare in Practice conference continues Saturday, September 23 with more presentations and discussions on feline behaviour. For registration details, see awc.upei.ca.

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 is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

UPEI Athletics and Recreation is excited to announce the 2017 Mulligan Cup schedule and invites the community to come out and enjoy ‘the beautiful game’, September 1-3 at the UPEI Turf Field.

The Mulligan Cup provides an excellent opportunity for coaches to make final roster decisions. This sixth annual cup honours Vince Mulligan, the ageless varsity UPEI soccer and hockey coach throughout the 80s and 90s. It is a great way to kick off the season and showcase the UPEI men’s and women’s soccer teams to their supporters.

“Mulligan Cup is a great pre season tradition for us,” said Lewis Page, coach of UPEI Men’s Soccer. “It allows us to honour a UPEI legend in Vince Mulligan and provides three crucial games to help us prepare for the start of the season.”

“Mulligan Cup is an exciting opportunity to showcase our new recruits and get the chance to see how the squad has progressed from the previous season,” said Graeme McDonald, coach of UPEI Women’s Soccer. “It's also a special time as we continue to show our appreciation to Vince Mulligan.”

The AUS league openers for both UPEI soccer teams will take place at home on September 9, when the men's and women’s teams take on St. FX.

The full schedule for the Mulligan Cup can be found at gopanthersgo.ca.

Tickets for the Mulligan Cup are $5 per day for adults, free for children and students in K-12. You can also purchase your Panther Package—the best sports deal on the Island. The Panther Package gives you tickets to every home game for UPEI Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Rugby, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and Women’s Hockey. You can also buy them online! Head to gopanthersgo.ca and click on “tickets.”

Dr. Alice Crook, coordinator of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre (SJDAWC) at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), is the recipient of the College’s 2016 Atlantic Award of Excellence in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Care.

Dr. Greg Keefe, dean of AVC, presented Dr. Crook with the award at the College’s All-Years Alumni Reunion in July. She was nominated for the award by Dr. Ian Dohoo, professor emeritus of epidemiology.

Dr. Crook has been a driving force for animal welfare on PEI, in the Atlantic region, and across Canada. She has been instrumental in the development, management, and growth of the SJDAWC since taking on the role of coordinator in 1994.
She has played a prominent role on the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s (CVMA) animal welfare committee, including as chair of the overall committee and of the small animal sub-committee. She was instrumental in the development of information for veterinarians about the identification and handling of animal abuse, and currently serves as the CVMA spokesperson on this topic.

Dr. Crook co-led a group that developed codes of practice for kennels and catteries, which have had a direct impact on provincial animal welfare legislation. The committee contributed to the adoption of restrictions on cosmetic surgery for animals by many provincial veterinary medical associations, including PEI. She played a crucial role in ensuring that the PEI Veterinary Medical Association’s (VMA) bylaw banning cosmetic surgery was approved by the provincial government. She also was a leader in the development of PEI’s recently approved Animal Welfare Act.

Among other things, she teaches animal welfare courses to veterinary students at AVC; provides information about animal welfare to veterinarians, students, government, and members of the public; publishes and co-publishes academic and general-knowledge papers and presentations on animal welfare; and serves on organizations in this field.

Jost Am Rhyn, executive director of the CVMA, wrote in support of Dr. Crook’s nomination: “Dr. Alice Crook is a driven and passionate leader in the animal welfare community in Canada, one who never gives up in the pursuit for animal health and welfare. … She has fought for over a decade on CVMA’s behalf for change in animal cruelty legislation. …[I]t has been both a privilege and a pleasure to have worked with her over the past fifteen years.”

Brian Matheson, director of policy and agriculture resources, PEI Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, worked with Dr. Crook on the development of the province’s new animal welfare legislation: “Dr. Crook’s vast knowledge of and dedication to

implementing sound animal welfare practices, and her ability to tactfully yet assertively ensure the welfare of animals, was always at the forefront of any legislative discussion proved invaluable in the development of the new act and regulations. …[S]he has always exemplified the veterinary profession with the highest level of integrity, passion, and humility.”

Dr. Crook has received numerous awards for her dedication to animal welfare, including the 2013 PEI Veterinary Medical Association Leadership Award and the 2009 CVMA President’s Award.

An annual report released today by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC) confirms tuition fees at the University of Prince Edward Island remain among the lowest in the region.

The MPHEC report indicates tuition for full-time undergraduate students in the Maritimes range from a low of $5,830 at Université de Moncton to $8,182 at Acadia University. UPEI’s undergraduate tuition went up slightly this year to $6,030, making it the second lowest in the Maritime provinces.

“UPEI is proud to continue both its high quality educational experience and a low cost of admission,” said Dr. Robert Gilmour, Vice-President Academic and Research at UPEI. “Our programs continue to expand in scope and reach through innovation and efficient use of resources, while minimizing increases in the financial burden to students.”

Tuition for full-time graduate students in arts and sciences at UPEI increased by three per cent in 2017-18 to $4,053, which is also the second lowest in the Maritimes.

Despite a three per cent increase of tuition for international students at UPEI, the fees remain the third-lowest in the region. International undergraduate students pay $13,062. International graduate students in arts and sciences at UPEI pay $11,085.

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 is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.