UPEI and Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina are working together to present a free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) about our increasingly toxic online interactions. Engagement in a Time of Polarization will examine how our communications environment became so toxic and will explore what individuals and citizens can do to stop the trend. The course is free and runs February 12 through 26 through EdX. All are welcome.

The course is led by Dr. Bonnie Stewart, program design lead and designer for experiential education and work-integrated learning at UPEI, and Dr. Natalie Delia Deckard, assistant professor of sociology at Davidson College.

This brief pop-up MOOC explores what our current information ecosystem means for societal institutions: education, government, and media. Facilitators will open live conversations with leading voices in disinformation and media literacies, and will lead participants through models of participatory engagement that can help minimize polarization and manipulation.

Over two weeks, the MOOC will convene a conversation on building understanding and relationships, even within the very real limits of contemporary social media. Participants can engage on their own time, in real time, and are welcome to complete as much or as little of the course as they wish. University classes from California, Pennsylvania, and Egypt have already signed on to embed some of the MOOC into their coursework, and the UPEI community is invited to engage as well.

For more information, or to register, visit the EdX page for the course.

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 Women’s Basketball Head Coach Greg Gould is pleased to announce that Abby Lacey has committed to the Panthers for the 2018–19 season. Lacey is a 5’7” guard from Riverview, New Brunswick who has been a three year-starter for the Riverview High School Royals, leading her team to the New Brunswick High School provincial final last season.

“I am very excited to be joining the UPEI Panthers,” said Lacey. “Their style of play is very fast, which I feel will be a good fit for my game. I am looking forward to the challenges of playing at the next level, continuing to develop my skills, and contributing to the team in any way I can.”

Lacey was drawn to UPEI’s Department of Psychology and is excited to be part of the close-knit campus and Island communities.

“I have followed Abby’s basketball career for the past three years, and I am excited to have her join our program,” said Gould. “She is dynamic player—fast, quick and very strong. Abby is a natural scorer, who can attack the basket, pull-up, or shoot the three. She is a very good student, a hard worker, and a great team player who I see making an immediate contribution. I look forward to helping her achieve her academic and basketball goals.”

Lacey has been accepted into the UPEI Faculty of Arts. Go Panthers Go!

UPEI invites students and employees to fully make use of UPEI Emergency Alert—UPEI's new emergency mass notification system—by signing up to receive texts during an emergency or for storm closures. 

All current students, faculty, and staff with an @upei.ca email have been automatically entered into the UPEI Emergency Alert system and will receive email messages (the database is updated on a periodic basis to capture new students and employees). However, campus members need to opt-in to receive text notifications.

As a further incentive to opt-in, UPEI is running a contest where students, faculty, and staff will have a chance to win one of four $100 gift certificates for the UPEI Bookstore if they update their profile by midnight on February 2, 2018. There are two ways to enter:

1. Visit upei.ca/alert for instructions on how to login, update your profile, and opt-in to receive texts, or read the updated UPEI Emergency Alert instruction guide
    
2. Visit the UPEI Emergency Alert booth from 12 noon–2 pm at the W.A. Murphy Student Centre (January 22–26) and Robertson Library (January 29–February 2) where UPEI Security Services will assist you in updating your profile and opting-in to receive texts.

If you think you have already updated your UPEI Emergency Alert profile with your cell/smart phone number but still are not receiving texts, please review the UPEI Emergency Alert instruction guide as there have been some updates since the initial instructions were sent in 2017. For more information, visit upei.ca/alert or email Mark Pharand, Manager, Security Services.

Contest rules:

• Contest closes February 2, 2018, at midnight.
• Any faculty, staff, or student who opts in prior to midnight, February 2, 2018 will be entered in a draw for a chance to win one (1) gift certificate to the UPEI Bookstore.
• A total of four (4) $100 gift certificates will be distributed in the following manner: one to a member of faculty and staff; three to students.
• Members of the Emergency Operations Centre team will be excluded from the draw.
• Winners will be drawn on Monday, February 5, 2018 and notified as soon as possible.

The UPEI Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams are partnering with Bell Aliant this weekend to present Bell Let’s Talk Night. Saturday’s home games against Cape Breton University will include activities to help encourage everyone to join the conversation about mental health.

The Panther basketball teams are hosing a two-night home stand against Cape Breton University. Saturday, the women take the court at 6:00 pm. The men play at 8:00 pm.

Greg Gould, coach of the UPEI Women’s Basketball team, says his squad will be looking to build on their recent momentum.

“We have two very tough games against CBU this weekend,” said Gould. “These game are extra important as we lost two close games to them at CBU. They are a big, physical team with two high scoring post players in Keough and Brown. We will need to be at our best to win.”

The teams play again the next day. The women start at 1:00 pm. The men tip off at 3:00 pm.

“We are looking forward to being back at home playing in front of our home crowd,” said Darrell Glenn, coach of the UPEI Men’s Basketball team. “Our goal on Saturday will be to build on our performance from Acadia this past weekend. Shot selection, lots of ball movement, and defending the paint are areas where we have to get significantly better.”

The teams are looking to pack the gym Saturday evening for Bell Let’s Talk Night.

“I am very pleased to have our student-athletes taking on a leadership role in the promotion Bell Let’s Talk in support of mental health,” said Chris Huggan, director of UPEI Athletics and Recreation. “For those impacted by mental illness, stigma can be one of the greatest obstacles. I’m proud that we’re part of the effort to get people talking. I hope you'll come out and cheer on our teams and support Bell Let's Talk.” 

Join the campus community for 2018's first Soup for the Soul on Wednesday, February 7 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm in the UPEI Chaplaincy Centre. Warm up with a bowl of chicken and rice or lentil soup.

This year, Soup for the Soul is proud to connect with the Bell Let’s Talk initiative to amplify its efforts to promote healthy eating and mental health awareness. The Chaplaincy Centre also recognizes the Kettle Black, a student-owned business, which is supplying a chef for the event.

“Midway through our third year, this event continues to draw students and others who are asking to work with us as cooks, servers and that very important ‘whatever you need’ role,” said Sister Susan Kidd. “Healthy food helps mental health and that it is free only adds to the goodness. This time, we are working with students, staff, faculty, smaller local and bigger national businesses.  The reach is extensive, and we may never really know its impact.”

Please note: this event was originally scheduled for Wednesday, January 31.

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.

U SPORTS announced in a news release today that the University of Prince Edward Island has been selected to host back-to-back women's hockey championships in 2019 and 2020.

While 2019 will mark the first time the national women’s hockey tournament will be in Charlottetown, UPEI has a proven track record in successfully hosting three U SPORTS national championships: men’s soccer in 2005 and 2014, and women’s soccer in 2010.

"We are very excited to be hosting another U SPORTS national event at UPEI, this time, the women’s hockey championship for two consecutive years," says UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “This prestigious sporting competition will showcase the very best talent in Canada, including our very own Panther student-athletes, and have a positive impact on the development of women’s hockey in our community. On behalf of UPEI, I thank U SPORTS and our local organizing committee for securing this great opportunity.”

The local organizing committee will be led by co-chairs Kathleen Casey, Della Sweet, and Lorna O’Donald who have a long-standing history of involvement in hockey and community events in the province, as well as existing relationships with UPEI.

“We are delighted to have engaged these three women to serve as event co-chairs,” says Director of Athletics and Recreation Chris Huggan. “With their leadership coupled with support from the UPEI administration and the City of Charlottetown, I know we will deliver exciting events that will be centred on student-athletes, fans, and visitors alike.”

“Through our nationally recognized sport tourism initiative, SCORE, the City of Charlottetown has been aggressively pursuing the marketplace, attracting high calibre sporting events and seeing steady returns,” said Mayor Clifford Lee. “We are proud to have led the bid to secure these events and congratulate UPEI on being successfully chosen to host these U SPORTS championships for two consecutive years. We look forward to working with UPEI and the organizing committee on these national events that are certain to have a positive impact on our community and city as a whole.”

The 2019 U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championship will be held March 14–17 while the 2020 edition will run March 12–15. Both events will follow an eight-team championship format and take place on the UPEI campus at MacLauchlan Arena (Bell Aliant Centre).

About the UPEI Women’s Hockey Program

The UPEI Women’s Hockey program can trace its roots back to 1975. The team operated as a club until it joined Atlantic University Sport in 2002. In 2004, the program requested and was granted a leave of absence for one year and subsequently returned as a full varsity program in 2005. Over the past twelve years, the program has grown, finding success in 2012 when the Panthers won the AUS championship. The program supports student-athletes from across Canada and around the world, and is proud to include German Olympic national player Anja Weisser, International University Sport Federation (FISU) Team Canada member Keirstin Visser, and South Korean Olympic national player Ye Eun Park among its alumni. In 2013, the UPEI Women’s Hockey program was Sport PEI’s Team of the Year. UPEI Women’s Hockey sits on a solid foundation and has a bright future moving toward 2019.

About the City of Charlottetown’s SCORE Program

The City of Charlottetown is the proud sport capital of Prince Edward Island and has had tremendous ongoing success in hosting numerous sport events as a result of a shared vision to be a premiere sport tourism destination, dedicated leadership, and strategic local and national partnerships. In 2005, the City launched its national award-winning SCORE initiative to attract and assist in the hosting of sport events in Charlottetown that offer a pronounced opportunity for economic, tourism, and community growth. Charlottetown garners an average of $43M of the province of Prince Edward Island’s annual $68M sport tourism economic impact through the attraction of new, one-off events, as well as the existing inventory of signature annual events. Equally important is the impact SCORE-attracted events have on the long-term development of sport within the community.

U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship Hosts (champions)

2020 University of Prince Edward Island (March 12–15, 2020)
2019 University of Prince Edward Island (March 14–17, 2019)
2018 Western University (March 15–18, 2018)
2017 Queen's University (Alberta)
2016 University of Calgary (Montreal)
2015 University of Calgary (Western)
2014 St. Thomas University (McGill)
2013 University of Toronto (Montreal)
2012 University of Alberta (Calgary)
2011 Wilfrid Laurier University (McGill)
2010 St. Francis Xavier University (Alberta)
2009 St. Francis Xavier University (McGill)
2008 University of Ottawa (McGill)
2007 University of Ottawa (Alberta)
2006 St. Francis Xavier University (Alberta)
2005 McGill University (Laurier)
2004 McGill University (Alberta)
2003 University of Regina (Alberta)
2002 University of Regina (Alberta)
2001 University of Calgary (Toronto)
2000 Concordia University (Alberta)
1999 University of Toronto (Concordia)
1998 Concordia University (Concordia)

Students from UPEI’s Faculty of Business took second place at the Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (ICBC) held January 18–20 at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. The ICBC is Canada’s longest-running undergraduate business case competition, celebrating its 40^th year.

The ICBC features competitions in eight different events, including accounting, business policy (strategy), ethics, debate, finance, human resources, marketing, and management of information systems. After strong showings at the preliminary round in October, two teams from UPEI earned invitations to compete in the final round in the categories of ethics and business policy.

UPEI’s ethics team competed against teams from University of Alberta, University of Calgary, Concordia University, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Wilfrid Laurier University. The team, comprised of Quinton Gorman, a fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student (marketing specialization) and Zach Geldert, a fourth-year Bachelor of Sociology student with an economics minor and business certificate, placed second.

“ICBC was a great learning experience, and I am happy that we were able to achieve this result,” said Geldert. “This competition gave us the chance to put what we have learned in the classroom to use in a very practical way.”

The team had five-and-a-half hours to prepare with no access to internet, but use of textbooks. They had 15 minutes to present their solution to a judging panel of industry professionals, with an additional five minutes to answer questions and defend their recommendations.

“If you want a big return, you have to be willing take a risk,” said Gorman. “Even though preparing and presenting a case in a short amount of time may be daunting, it is undoubtedly one of the greatest experiences that a business student can have. You learn how to approach a business situation and provide a recommendation in a hands-on way. This is something that all students can learn from, and I encourage all those who are interested to get involved in this great program.”

UPEI’s business policy team was made up of Alex Dunne, a fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student (accounting specialization); Callum Wood, a fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student (accounting specialization); and, Sydney Gallant, a fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student (finance specialization). The team had a great showing in an extremely competitive field, but unfortunately didn’t crack the top three.

“I am so proud of the work these students did in training and in competition,” said Mary Whitrow, UPEI’s case competition program coordinator and coach. “Congratulations to both teams on their performances!”

“It is a great achievement to have two teams qualifying again for the final round of such a rigorous competition,” said Dr. Juergen Krause, dean of the Faculty of Business at UPEI. “Getting to the final shows that you have what it takes to compete against some of the world’s top students.”

Faculty of Business students will be busy with more case competitions this semester. Alex Dunne, Callum Wood, and Sydney Gallant will compete at the John Molson Undergraduate Case Competition, an international competition in Montreal in mid-February. Zach Geldert will be competing in late February at the Network of International Business Schools Case Competition, an international competition in Guatemala.

Past results at ICBC:

• 2017: first place in marketing; third place in ethics
• 2016: third place in marketing
• 2015: third place in business policy
• 2013: first place in ethics
• 2012: second place in ethics

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.

It’s a busy weekend at home for the Panthers. The UPEI Women’s Hockey team plays Friday and Saturday night. UPEI Men’s and Women’s Basketball host a two-day home stand against Memorial. And Saturday night, show your Panther pride by helping us support the Canadian Cancer Society and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation with Pink in the Rink and Shoot for the Cure.

Friday night, UPEI Women’s Hockey takes on St. Thomas University at 7:00 pm.

“STU has had our number all season, and if we were entering the playoffs this weekend, we would be meeting them in the first round, so setting the tone early is important,” said coach Bruce Donaldson. “STU is very patient. They play great defence, so we really need to keep the pressure on them in their end if we want to have success against them.”

Friday’s game is also a Bell Let’s Talk Night in support of mental health initiatives. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Saturday’s action begins at 6:00 pm in the Chi-Wan Young Sport Centre as the women’s basketball team plays Memorial University.

“We play two important four-point games against Memorial this weekend,” said coach Greg Gould. “If we hope to have any chance of finishing in a first-round bye position at the AUS playoffs, we will need to sweep both games from a tough high-scoring MUN team.”

The game is also part of a special Shoot for the Cure/Pink in the Rink night with UPEI Women’s Hockey. The hockey team plays across the hall in MacLauchlan Arena at 7:00 pm where they host Mount Allison University.

“While Mount A will not be making the playoffs this year, they work very hard and have had a number of very close games,” said coach Donaldson. “Their goaltending is very solid. We need to match their intensity and work well as a team in order to have success. Saturday evening we will be paying tribute to our four graduating players: Megan Sullivan, Lindsay Johnston, Madison Clarke, and team captain Emma Martin.”

Back in the gym, UPEI Men’s Basketball hosts MUN at 8:00 pm.

“There are many areas of the game that we are hoping to improve upon in preparation for this weekend’s match-up against the Seahawks,” said coach Darrell Glenn. “Specifically we want to focus on our perimetre defence and keeping people out of the key. Offensively, we will need to continue to focus on ball movement and player movement to ensure that we are getting a good shot each time down the floor.”

Sunday, UPEI Men’s and Women’s Basketball see rematches against Memorial. The women’s game starts at 1:00 pm. The men tip off at 3:00 pm. Between games, Basketball PEI will hold a ceremony to celebrate the recipients of the 2016–2017 PEI Basketball Awards.

Go Panthers Go! 

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 and Milorad Sedlarevic, the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week for January 22–28!

Jenna Mae Ellsworth is a second-year guard on the UPEI Women's Basketball team and a Bachelor of Science student from Charlottetown. The Panthers split a pair of games over the weekend against Cape Breton University, winning the first 76–65, losing the second 88–78. In Saturday’s game, she scored 16 points, shooting 46% from the field and 100% from the free-throw line. She had five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and a blocked shot. On Sunday, she was back with an incredible 21 points, shooting 62% from the field, five-for-five from the free-throw line, and collecting three rebounds, an assist, two steals and a blocked shot. “Jenna Mae had an outstanding weekend on both ends of the court,” said coach Greg Gould. “Her offence was outstanding, but her defensive presence was even better.”

Milorad Sedlarevic is a fourth-year forward on the UPEI Men’s Basketball team and a Bachelor of Business Administration student from Jesenice, Slovenia. The Panthers picked up their first wins of the weekend with a two-game home stand against Cape Breton University, beating them 71–63 and 77–71. “Milorad Sedlarevic is maturing into a complete player offensive player,” said coach Darrell Glenn. “On Saturday night, however, he was given the task of guarding the second leading scorer in the conference and did a fantastic job of holding him to just seven points. Milorad also managed to score 21 points shooting six for eight from the field and eight for nine from the free-throw line.”

And don’t forget! UPEI students get into all Panther home games for free. Let’s fill the stands and make this the best season ever!

Join the UPEI Women’s Hockey and Basketball teams this Saturday night, February 3, for a very special evening in support of breast cancer research. In the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, UPEI Women’s Basketball is hosting its annual Shoot for the Cure game at 6:00 pm. In MacLauchlan Arena, UPEI Women’s Hockey is hosting Pink in the Rink at 7:00 pm. The games are in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and Canadian Cancer Society.

The Shoot for the Cure campaign has proven to be overwhelming success since it was launched in the fall of 2007, with over $1.1 million in donations to date. All 47 U SPORTS women’s basketball schools will once again participate in the program for the seventh year in a row.

“As an Island, we have the power to combat breast cancer through increasing awareness, educating our children, and raising funds for researchers seeking a cure, therapy resources, and foundations supporting those affected,” said Kiera Rigby of the UPEI Women’s Basketball team.

Shoot for the Cure t-Shirts will be available for sale before the game at the UPEI Bookstore. There will also be a bake sale, raffle, and, for a twist, a “Puck Toss” during half-time at the men’s basketball game.

Just across the hall in MacLauchlan Arena, the Panther women’s hockey team will be holding special events for Pink in the Rink, which will include a “Pink Ball Roll to Win”, raffle, and ceremonial puck drop by cancer survivor Anne MacArthur.

“I’m celebrating 15 years as a breast cancer survivor,” said MacArthur, “and when I say celebrating, I mean celebrating every day, because I’m so happy to be here. I celebrate by being active, staying strong, and doing all the things that I love.”

“I am so lucky to have been a part of this fundraising campaign,” said Emily March of the women’s hockey team. “Breast cancer has affected so many around the world, and I know I speak for my team when I say we have been inspired by the stories and want to help out in any way. Pink in the Rink will be a very special night not only for UPEI sports, but for raising awareness of this horrible disease.”

Tickets are available at Panther Central. Go Panthers Go!