From the Desk of the Vice-President, Academic and Research: Teaching, Learning, and Research Initiatives
As we move into March, I am pleased to share exciting academic and research progress over the past month. We have secured new research funding opportunities for Island Studies and vaccine research, among others. The AI Advisory Group has awarded funding for projects that strengthen the University's capacity in thoughtful and evidence-based curriculum redesign that incorporates artificial intelligence. This month's newsletter provides a brief update on other teaching, learning, and research initiatives across campus.
Curriculum Coherence
UPEI varsity curlers capture PEI Mixed Doubles Curling Championship
UPEI Curling student-athletes Jack MacFadyen and Ella Lenentine earned the PEI Mixed Doubles title at the Summerside Curling Club on February 22, 2026. They will proudly represent PEI at the Curling Canada national championships in Surrey, British Columbia from March 21–27, 2026.
MacFadyen, who is from Charlottetown, PEI, is nearing the completion of his business degree, and Lenentine, from New Dominion, PEI, is in her first year of studies in science.
2026 Summer Job and Career Fair and Climate Career Day March 11
The 2026 Summer Job and Career Fair, hosted by UPEI’s Experiential Education department, will take place on March 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at McMillan Hall in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre.
Island Lecture Series features author Frank Gillan on March 17
The Institute of Island Studies’ Island Lecture Series will present a talk titled “Finding Place: An Irish Story” by author Frank Gillan on March 17, 2026, at 7 pm, in the Faculty Lounge (Room 201), SDU Main Building, UPEI.
UPEI mourns the passing of honorary degree recipient and UPEI supporter F. Allan Curran
The University of Prince Edward Island extends its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of F. Allan Curran who passed away on February 19, 2026, at his home in Bay Shore, New York, at the age of 86.
A leader in the machine tool manufacturing industry, and previous owner of Royal Products, Curran was well-known as an entrepreneur, family man, advocate for UPEI, and a person who lived the mantra “service before self.”
Swing Into Spring | 5k run/walk
Get excited for the changing of seasons with the Swing into Spring 5k hosted by the AVC Class of 2029 as a fundraiser event for our white coat ceremony and the PEI Humane Society!
When: March 28, 10 am start
Where: Confederation Trail
Registration is ONLY $10 and is now open on our website for runners (and volunteers)! Everyone within the community is encouraged to participate; bring the fam, friends, pets, etc.!
We cant wait to see you at the start line!
MAIS Information Session
UPEI's Master of Arts in Island Studies (MAIS) program invites you to attend an upcoming online information session on Tuesday, March 17, 12-12:45 pm.
International Women's Day 2026
Join us on March 8, 2025, for International Women’s Day in Canada, under the theme: Give To Gain.
This year’s theme Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.
UPEI is fortunate to have an abundance of inspiring women who lead by example as teachers, researchers, volunteers, and community champions.