Collective Bargaining Update – August 20
The following provides an update on collective bargaining and related labour relations activities at UPEI.
CUPE 501
The University has reached a tentative agreement with CUPE 501 following negotiations held on August 10 and 11, 2026. The tentative agreement is now subject to ratification by both parties.
The University appreciates the work undertaken by both bargaining teams throughout the negotiations and remains committed to supporting a constructive collective bargaining process.
UPEI Faculty Association
"Attending medical school comes with many sacrifices, including financial ones."
UPEI recognizes the life-changing impact our donors and supporters have in the lives of our students!
Graduate student Tayah Sommer completed a Master's in Biology at UPEI in the Faculty of Science and is entering the Medical Doctor program in fall 2026 at UPEI. In her gracious thank you letter to Marylou Hughes, Tayah wrote:
UPEI Founder Dennis Clough passes away
The University of Prince Edward Island extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and former colleagues of Dennis Clough, a former UPEI leader, dedicated community builder, and UPEI Founder who passed away on August 16, 2026.
Welcome Week: The UPEI Experience Presentation
Come learn more about the many services, supports, and opportunities available to you throughout your time on campus. Student service staff will share helpful information to help you settle in, find your way around, and make the most of your UPEI experience. Students, family, friends, and supporters are welcome!
Research Security Training Session
As a result of Canada’s research community's commitment to open science and international collaboration, Canada is a leader in innovation, research, and development. However, this commitment has the potential to be exploited, leading to loss of expertise and trade secrets, damage to the integrity of Canadian academic and research institutions, and the loss of publication and patent opportunities. These implications have national and economic security impacts – particularly if the knowledge is sensitive or has potential military applications.
Welcome Week: Residence Move-in and Welcome Week Check-in
Welcome to UPEI, Panthers! Stop by the Welcome Week check-in table to pick up your swag after signing up for Welcome Week, meet some of the people who help make campus life happen, and get ready for an exciting week ahead. Haven’t signed up yet? No worries - you can sign up here. Have questions? This is a great place to start! For incoming students only.
Plant swap event a huge success and a lot of “fern”!
UPEI employees showed up by the dozens for a plant and trimming exchange on Wednesday, August 12 in the campus quadrangle.
Colleagues mixed and mingled over the lunch hour while swapping indoor plant trimmings. Organized by the Employee Experience and Development team in UPEI Human Resources, the event was designed to welcome new employees, reconnect returning staff, and set the tone for a thriving year ahead. No green thumb was required, just curiosity and the willingness to chat over cuttings.
Welcome Week: Grad Student Mixer, hosted by the Faculty of Graduate Studies
Kick off the year by meeting the Faculty of Graduate Studies and connecting with fellow graduate students! Come enjoy some food, pick up your Welcome Week swag, and chat with others about the exciting events happening around campus. Whether you're new to UPEI or returning for another year, this is a great chance to meet people and start building your graduate community.
UPEI mourns the passing of Matthew Macdonald, OMM, MBE, CD, LLD
The University of Prince Edward Island extends condolences to the family, friends, and former colleagues of Major-General Retired Matthew Gregory Macdonald, OMM, MBE, CD, UPEI honorary degree recipient and distinguished alumnus, who passed away on August 9, 2026.
A celebration of the literary achievements of Dr. Brent MacLaine, Professor Emeritus of English
The Bookmark will host a celebration of UPEI Professor Emeritus Brent MacLaine’s contributions to the PEI literary community. The evening, which will be co-hosted by UPEI Professor Emeritus Richard Lemm and PEI Poet Laureate Bren Simmers, will include readings of Dr. MacLaine's poetry by other Island writers, colleagues, and friends. Admission is free and all are welcome.
