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.

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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, 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.

Dear Students,

With the 2017–18 academic year about to begin, I would like to thank you for choosing the University of Prince Edward Island. Whether you are a brand new student or returning for another great year, I am honoured to welcome you to our University. UPEI offers innovative, experiential learning opportunities in a close-knit, safe, Island community. 

We strive every day to create a welcoming environment on our diverse campus. At UPEI, we embrace and respect one another because of our beautiful differences. Our outstanding faculty and staff work hard to create safe, inclusive spaces, where you can thrive academically, socially, and culturally.

I look forward to another year of creating future-focused programming by collaborating with faculty and staff and consulting with the community. We have many things to celebrate from last year, including the opening of the School for Sustainable Design Engineering building, the launch of the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, and the approval of our new program—Applied Communications, Leadership, and Culture—that starts this semester.

With the start of our new academic year also comes a commitment to renew our University’s strategic plan. Building on the momentum and considerable success of our existing plan (which was developed for 2013 to 2018), our campus community will once again explore the possibilities and priorities that will help us to achieve our vision of being a leader in delivering outstanding experiential learning opportunities that encourage our students to develop to their full potential in both the classroom and the community. As we undertake our plan’s renewal in the coming months, we look forward to refreshed dialogue and discussions, while maintaining our focus on ensuring continual growth in the quality of the education and experiences we provide our students.

UPEI is a community. As a community, we are all connected. And university is not a journey you need to take alone. UPEI has numerous departments and resources in place dedicated to your success, including the Student Health Centre, Counseling Services, the Mawi'omi Aboriginal Student Centre, the Chaplaincy Centre, the Campus Life program, the Student Diversity office, Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning, Career Services, and many more. I encourage you to reach out and explore the many different networks we have created to support your university experience.

Whether this is your first year or fourth, I urge you to take advantage of the many opportunities, activities, and celebrations that UPEI has to offer. Going to university is more than what happens in the classroom! The 2017–18 AUS season is kicking off, and our Panther varsity and club sports teams are striving to make this the best year ever. You can see the game-day details on gopanthersgo.ca. You can also view the University’s upcoming events on upei.ca. Participating in extra-curricular activities is a great way to have fun, make a difference, and build friendships that last a lifetime.

I wish you all the very best for a wonderful year at UPEI. You will receive an exceptional education in a warm, friendly atmosphere that is notably located on one of the most beautiful Islands in Canada.

Best wishes,

Alaa

Dr. Alaa S. Abd-El-Aziz
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Prince Edward Island
 

It’s a brand new season for the UPEI Panthers! This weekend sees the UPEI home-opening games for Women’s Soccer, Men’s Soccer, and Men’s Rugby.

UPEI Women’s Soccer starts off the weekend with a game on the UPEI Turf Field Saturday at 3:00 pm against St. Francis Xavier University.

“I’m looking forward to our home opener,” said Graeme McDonald, coach of UPEI Women’s Soccer. “There is an extra edge to it going up against last year’s AUS champions. The squad is in a positive mood coming off a successful pre-season. We are heading into this game full of confidence.”

The men’s soccer team takes the field at 5:15 pm against St. FX.

“We have had a great pre season and our looking forward to playing St. FX in our home opener,” said Lewis Page, coach of UPEI Men’s Soccer. “St. FX is one of the top teams in our conference. It will be a great early season test."

UPEI Men’s Rugby takes on St. Thomas University at home Sunday at 2:00 pm.

“If the past few years are anything to go by, STU is a team on the rise, so they'll be a good opponent to start the season,” said coach Charles Waddell.  “I'm feeling very optimistic about our chances. We've had great numbers out in training, and we're looking strong in every position. Our back row, especially, is looking incredibly strong.”

The start of a new season is a great time to pick up your Panther Package. For just $75, you get admission to every home game for UPEI Women’s and Men’s Soccer, UPEI Women’s and Men’s Rugby, UPEI Women’s and Men’s Basketball, and UPEI Women’s Hockey. Head to gopanthersgo.ca and click on ‘tickets’!

And don’t forget, UPEI students get into all Panther home games for free. Let’s fill the stands and make 2017–18 the best season ever!

The University of Prince Edward Island has a number of resources available to students whose families may be affected by Hurricane Irma, and other storms in the Caribbean, as well as the recent earthquake in Mexico.

If students want to talk to someone or require assistance, they can drop into Student Affairs (second floor, W.A. Murphy Student Centre), call 902-566-0488 during business hours, or email Manager Treena Smith at trlsmith@upei.ca. Other on-campus supports include:

Office of Recruitment and International Relations
Robertson Library, 230
iro@upei.ca
(902) 566-0576

Residence Life Office
Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, 121
(902) 566-0330
residence@upei.ca

Chaplaincy Centre (Sister Sue Kidd, Chaplain)
(902) 894-2876
sukidd@upei.ca

If students need support at any time, they can also call The Island Helpline at 1-800-218-2885, which operates on a 24 hour, 7 day-a-week basis.  

To keep up-to-date on Hurricane Irma and other storms, visit the Canadian Hurricane Centre website.