The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) has partnered with the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island (MCPEI) to create a new Bachelor's Degree in Socio-Economic Development (BSED). It will follow the principles and research conclusions of the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, which found that good governance was a key factor in producing sustainable economic results and determining the success of indigenous communities in the US and Canada.

The Faculties of Arts, Business, and Education will work together to develop a unique combination of business, social, and political studies addressing the key elements of education, personal growth, and opportunity of future Aboriginal leaders. It will provide a comprehensive foundation for these future leaders by combining existing and proven academic courses and newly-designed programming integrated with cooperative learning opportunities.

Access to post-secondary education is of significant interest to the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU). The AAU has set up a Working Group whose mandate is to improve university access, retention, and graduation of Aboriginal students contributing to the health and well-being of Aboriginal communities through research and capacity-building. Dr. Vianne Timmons, Vice-President of Academic Development at UPEI and Co-chair of the AAU Working Group says, "UPEI is committed to improving access and support for Aboriginal students in the province." She adds that the partnership between UPEI and MCPEI is a model that could be replicated throughout Atlantic Canada.

Jeff Brant, Director of Socio-Economic Development with the MCPEI says there is an "increasing need to build the capacity of emerging Aboriginal leaders." He points out that as First Nations continue to exert greater autonomy over their own affairs, it is necessary that emerging Aboriginal business, social, and political leaders are equipped to build sustainable Aboriginal communities by using principles of good governance, business, and social development.

Funding for the development of this project is provided by the Indian Studies Support Program of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada . This program supports the development of post-secondary training that leads to the certification of Aboriginal people. It has been used to create Bachelor's programs in Social Work and Education as well as Conservation Officer certification.

For more information on the UPEI Bachelor's Degree in Socio-Economic Development, contact Dr. Vianne Timmons at (902) 566-6485 or Jeff Brant at (902) 367-3661.

The provincial government announced today that, beginning in September, all full-time Island students in their first and second year at UPEI will receive a new provincial grant of $400 through the enhanced Island Student Awards program. Third- and fourth-year students will continue to receive a $600 bursary each year.

This announcement is the second piece of good news for students in the past month. On July 4, the UPEI Board of Governors announced that the University had cut undergraduate and graduate tuition rates for the upcoming academic year by ten per cent.

"This is great news for UPEI, and for current and future students. UPEI tuition is already the lowest of any Maritime university. These substantial awards make UPEI an even better value, together with a premium quality education, for students who are entering, returning or transferring," says UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan.

Education Minister Gerard Greenan noted that the new programs will provide students with up to $2,000 in provincial government grants over the course of their programs. "The awards are an incentive for Island students to stay at home to study and to complete their programs. These new and enhanced programs, which are more generous and fair, will make it easier for more Island students to access the high quality post-secondary programs available here on the Island," he said.

Students do not have to apply for the awards. They will receive letters from the provincial government in early December advising them that the grant has been deposited in their tuition accounts.

Minister Greenan said planning will begin soon to implement the New Beginnings program in September, 2008. This new program will provide Island students entering UPEI with a $2,000 grant.

The UPEI School of Business Administration's Global Associates advisory group met on July 31 to discuss how the School can best position its program in a broader global context. This was the second annual meeting of the Global Associates, which is comprised of 13 highly accomplished business leaders and academics from organizations and institutions throughout North America and Europe.

"The Global Associates play a leadership role in the development of the School of Business. We are constantly working to deliver a high-calibre education that will equip our graduates with the skills they need to succeed in the global business community. The diverse experience and expertise of the Global Associates will help guide the development of programs that support this objective," says Roberta MacDonald, UPEI Dean of Business.

The members of the Global Associates have an impressive array of credentials and hold senior positions with companies such as IBM, Colgate-Palmolive, General Electric, and Novartis Animal Health. The group is chaired by Tim O'Neill, founder of O'Neill Strategic Economics and former Executive Vice President and Chief Economist of the Bank of Montreal Financial Group.

Discussion at the meeting focused on a global business environment that is becoming increasingly "flat," following up on a speech delivered at the UPEI Business Society's 30th annual luncheon by UPEI graduate Alex McBeath, Global Associates Member and Executive Partner and CEO of Grant Thornton LLP. Entitled "An Island in a and#145;Flat' World," the speech had challenged the Island's business community, educators, and leaders to succeed in a rapidly changing business environment. How the School of Business can tailor its programs to address this change in environment was on the minds of the Global Associates as participants considered the significance of emerging trends such as sustainability/eco-management, corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, and technology.

"We want to ensure that graduates of the School of Business are equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a and#145;flat' world, that we are providing an educational experience that is valuable to our students and applicable in today's business world," says Roberta MacDonald.

The School of Business has seen rapid growth over recent years and continues to introduce new opportunities and offerings to its students. In addition to the current bachelor's degree and certificate programs, the School is introducing new undergraduate streams in Entrepreneurship and Biotechnology Management, as well as Executive Education programming. To accommodate its continued evolution, a new 50,000-square-foot building is currently under construction and will house the School of Business Administration and Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.

The UPEI School of Business Administration’s Global Associates advisory group met on July 31 to discuss how the School can best position its program in a broader global context. This was the second annual meeting of the Global Associates, which is comprised of 13 highly accomplished business leaders and academics from organizations and institutions throughout North America and Europe.

“The Global Associates play a leadership role in the development of the School of Business. We are constantly working to deliver a high-calibre education that will equip our graduates with the skills they need to succeed in the global business community. The diverse experience and expertise of the Global Associates will help guide the development of programs that support this objective,” says Roberta MacDonald, UPEI Dean of Business.

The members of the Global Associates have an impressive array of credentials and hold senior positions with companies such as IBM, Colgate-Palmolive, General Electric, and Novartis Animal Health. The group is chaired by Tim O’Neill, founder of O’Neill Strategic Economics and former Executive Vice President and Chief Economist of the Bank of Montreal Financial Group.

Discussion at the meeting focused on a global business environment that is becoming increasingly “flat,” following up on a speech delivered at the UPEI Business Society’s 30th annual luncheon by UPEI graduate Alex McBeath, Global Associates Member and Executive Partner and CEO of Grant Thornton LLP. Entitled “An Island in a ‘Flat’ World,” the speech had challenged the Island’s business community, educators, and leaders to succeed in a rapidly changing business environment. How the School of Business can tailor its programs to address this change in environment was on the minds of the Global Associates as participants considered the significance of emerging trends such as sustainability/eco-management, corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, and technology.

“We want to ensure that graduates of the School of Business are equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in a ‘flat’ world, that we are providing an educational experience that is valuable to our students and applicable in today’s business world,” says Roberta MacDonald.

The School of Business has seen rapid growth over recent years and continues to introduce new opportunities and offerings to its students. In addition to the current bachelor’s degree and certificate programs, the School is introducing new undergraduate streams in Entrepreneurship and Biotechnology Management, as well as Executive Education programming. To accommodate its continued evolution, a new 50,000-square-foot building is currently under construction and will house the School of Business Administration and Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.

An Atlantic research and training project entitled,"Train the Trainer: A Family Literacy Approach for Aboriginal Families in Atlantic Canada" was officially launched today during a ceremony at the University of Prince Edward Island. The Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC), Honourable Monte Solberg, announced that the federal government will provide $294,567 in funding.

Dr. Vianne Timmons, Vice-President of Academic Development, is leading the three-year research project to develop and implement a family literacy training program with teachers and volunteers in Aboriginal communities. The research will be conducted in communities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island.

A train the trainer manual will be developed with the communities, based on relevant cultural materials, to use in the implementation of the program. It will then be available as a general guide to be used by other groups for training people for their respective projects. Local facilitators will acquire the skills and knowledge to host family literacy programs. Parents and children who participate will acquire skills related to literacy development. These skills can also improve parents' ability to support their children in all educational experiences.

"Recent research in developing family literacy programs in rural PEI has shown that engaging families in improving literacy for their children not only increases the children's literacy levels, but also builds family networks and transforms family practices," says Dr. Timmons. "The approach involves the whole family and benefits parents and children alike."

John Jerome Paul, Director of Programs and Services in Nova Scotia is very excited to partner with Dr. Timmons on this project: "We have hosted this family literacy program in our community in the past, and the feedback from families has been very positive. We look forward to working with Dr. Timmons and her team to train additional facilitators in the Atlantic region, so we can continue offering family literacy programming in our area."

The University of Prince Edward Island has been researching family literacy for the last six years. Dr. Timmons began her research to improve children's literacy levels in rural and Aboriginal communities across Atlantic Canada in 2001.

For further information, contact Dr. Vianne Timmons at vtimmons@upei.ca or 902 566-0405.

An Atlantic research and training project entitled,“Train the Trainer: A Family Literacy Approach for Aboriginal Families in Atlantic Canada” was officially launched today during a ceremony at the University of Prince Edward Island. The Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC), Honourable Monte Solberg, announced that the federal government will provide $294,567 in funding.

Dr. Vianne Timmons, Vice-President of Academic Development, is leading the three-year research project to develop and implement a family literacy training program with teachers and volunteers in Aboriginal communities. The research will be conducted in communities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island.

A train the trainer manual will be developed with the communities, based on relevant cultural materials, to use in the implementation of the program. It will then be available as a general guide to be used by other groups for training people for their respective projects. Local facilitators will acquire the skills and knowledge to host family literacy programs. Parents and children who participate will acquire skills related to literacy development. These skills can also improve parents’ ability to support their children in all educational experiences.

"Recent research in developing family literacy programs in rural PEI has shown that engaging families in improving literacy for their children not only increases the children's literacy levels, but also builds family networks and transforms family practices," says Dr. Timmons. “The approach involves the whole family and benefits parents and children alike.”

John Jerome Paul, Director of Programs and Services in Nova Scotia is very excited to partner with Dr. Timmons on this project: "We have hosted this family literacy program in our community in the past, and the feedback from families has been very positive. We look forward to working with Dr. Timmons and her team to train additional facilitators in the Atlantic region, so we can continue offering family literacy programming in our area."

The University of Prince Edward Island has been researching family literacy for the last six years. Dr. Timmons began her research to improve children's literacy levels in rural and Aboriginal communities across Atlantic Canada in 2001.

For further information, contact Dr. Vianne Timmons at vtimmons@upei.ca or 902 566-0405.

In the late 1990s, Prince Edward Island was invaded by more than just tourists. Like other marine invasives, such as the tunicates now infesting many island mussel farms, the green crab is suspected to have travelled in ship ballast water. Originally from Europe, the green crab has crept westward from Eastern PEI, inlet by inlet, feeding on mussels and clams, and rivalling native crab species, the mud and rock crab, for habitat.

What does such an invasion mean for PEI, ecologically and economically? At the University of Prince Edward Island three students, led by Dr. Pedro Quijon, are conducting fundamental research supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) to find out.

"It is important we understand the green crab because it could impact the Island fisheries and aquaculture industry," says Andrey Malyshev, who is researching the feeding habits of green crabs under the guidance of Dr. Quijon. He is one of 15 UPEI undergrads supported by the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award. These awards allow UPEI students like Andrey to experience hands-on research that may ultimately inspire or guide their careers. "My NSERC award gives me the opportunity for the first time to put forth my own ideas and be part of a research program that's relatively unexplored. It is helping me to develop skills essential to continue on with graduate studies," he says.

A poster session at UPEI's W. A. Murphy Student Centre on August 7 showcased this and other NSERC-supported student research.

"These students are doing research that has direct implications on PEI, such as the impact of invasive green crab on our coastal communities. NSERC undergraduate research awards also give students the benefit of working with NSERC discovery grant holders like Dr. Quijon," says Dr. Donna Giberson, NSERC Liaison at UPEI.

Other NSERC-supported research projects include whether bioactives in blueberries and cranberries can reduce stroke and act as antioxidants in the body, the mapping of wetland habitats at Deroche Pond Natural Protected Area, using sea lettuce as a renewable bio-fuel, new ways to monitor the effect of heavy metals on trout nutrition, increasing the amount of information we can store on computers, the genetics of clam immune systems, understanding leaf complexity, and statistics that allow the use of infra-red spectra for medical diagnosis.

The Seniors College of Prince Edward Island, a board-governed organization affiliated with UPEI, is hosting an Atlantic Canada conference on seniors' learning from August 26 to 28 at the University, with a view to duplicating the success of the College in other parts of the country.

The Conference will first explore the Seniors College model, determining the reason for its explosive growth. It will continue by examining models for seniors' learning in the other Atlantic provinces and in the rest of Canada. It is open to members of the public and to representatives of organizations and institutions interested in seniors' learning. Although it is aimed at a regional audience, national and international organizations concerned with seniors' learning will also be present.

Presentations and discussions will be held in the Faculty Lounge, Main Building at UPEI. Some of the topics on the agenda include the history and development of the PEI Seniors College model; seniors' learning models in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland; and the work of the McGill Institute for Learning in Retirement. There will be a panel discussion by representatives of Community School, the Centre for Life-long Learning, Holland College, and the PEI Seniors' Federation. The final conference session will be an open discussion on strategies for the future, followed by concluding remarks by UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan.

The conference has been made possible by a grant from the Adult Learning Knowledge Centre, which is the Atlantic Canada arm of the Canadian Council on Learning. For further information, see http://www.upei.ca/seniorscollege/conference2007.html or contact Bruce Garrity, Seniors College Co-ordinator, (902) 894-2867, bgarrity@upei.ca.

In the late 1990s, Prince Edward Island was invaded by more than just tourists. Like other marine invasives, such as the tunicates now infesting many island mussel farms, the green crab is suspected to have travelled in ship ballast water. Originally from Europe, the green crab has crept westward from Eastern PEI, inlet by inlet, feeding on mussels and clams, and rivalling native crab species, the mud and rock crab, for habitat.

What does such an invasion mean for PEI, ecologically and economically? At the University of Prince Edward Island three students, led by Dr. Pedro Quijon, are conducting fundamental research supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) to find out.

“It is important we understand the green crab because it could impact the Island fisheries and aquaculture industry,” says Andrey Malyshev, who is researching the feeding habits of green crabs under the guidance of Dr. Quijon. He is one of 15 UPEI undergrads supported by the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award. These awards allow UPEI students like Andrey to experience hands-on research that may ultimately inspire or guide their careers. “My NSERC award gives me the opportunity for the first time to put forth my own ideas and be part of a research program that’s relatively unexplored. It is helping me to develop skills essential to continue on with graduate studies,” he says.

A poster session at UPEI’s W. A. Murphy Student Centre on August 7 showcased this and other NSERC-supported student research.

“These students are doing research that has direct implications on PEI, such as the impact of invasive green crab on our coastal communities. NSERC undergraduate research awards also give students the benefit of working with NSERC discovery grant holders like Dr. Quijon,” says Dr. Donna Giberson, NSERC Liaison at UPEI.

Other NSERC-supported research projects include whether bioactives in blueberries and cranberries can reduce stroke and act as antioxidants in the body, the mapping of wetland habitats at Deroche Pond Natural Protected Area, using sea lettuce as a renewable bio-fuel, new ways to monitor the effect of heavy metals on trout nutrition, increasing the amount of information we can store on computers, the genetics of clam immune systems, understanding leaf complexity, and statistics that allow the use of infra-red spectra for medical diagnosis.

At a time when many young people are leaving PEI to pursue their education elsewhere, or to take jobs out west, it is refreshing to hear about the ones who come back. And according to Vianne Timmons, Acting Registrar at UPEI, they’re coming back at a greater rate than ever before. “It is due to the fact that UPEI now has the lowest tuition rate in the Maritimes, with the recent 10 per cent cut in tuition. And it is also because of our growing reputation as a quality school. It’s fabulous to see our students coming back, reversing the trend of out-migration, with transfers up over 30 per cent from last year.”

Emily Campbell and Sara MacPhail are two such students. Both grew up in Prince Edward Island, and both felt the need to get away from home. But now they’re back. And glad to be here, too.

Emily Campbell graduated from Colonel Gray in 2005. She attended UPEI in first year and studied English. “But so many students get in the mindset of leaving. They think—for whatever reason—that they have to get off the Island,” she says. “I was no different. I left for
Ontario after first year, thinking I’d be away for a number of years. But I soon realized how much I missed PEI. I missed it for the very
reasons that I left: home, family, friends. In March I made the decision to come back.”

Daughter of Gordon and Barb Campbell of Charlottetown, Emily grew up quite aware of politics and has a passion for it. She says
she’s interested in pursuing a law degree when she graduates. “I liked English,” she says, “but I love political studies, and I love learning about it. I’d taken some political studies summer courses here, so I know a few of the professors and look forward to being in their classes this fall.”

Often when students switch universities they tend to lose a credit or two. Emily says, “I had no problem at all transferring the credit back. UPEI was very accommodating. And because I took some summer courses, I’m ahead on the number of courses I’ll need to
graduate.”

“After being at university with close to 18,000 students, I’m looking forward to small class sizes,” she says. “It was quite shocking
to go into a lecture theatre with hundreds of students. Here I know I’ll have more of a relationship with my professors.”

Sara MacPhail graduated from Bluefield in 2003. She, too, attended UPEI for a year, then headed to Nova Scotia to pursue agricultural studies. “I’m from a farming family and I knew I wanted to do something in agriculture,” she says, “but I wasn’t ready to spend the extra money to leave and then find I didn’t like it.” She took science at UPEI, before making the decision to follow her brother and cousin to Nova Scotia, where she studied animal science.

She says she really enjoyed her course work and profs, but decided that she really wanted to come back home. “The expense was one of the reasons. This year it’s $100 less per course than what I was paying. Plus it was hard to find a part-time job and I didn’t really
like the location. Here I can live at home and save a lot of money, plus there’s more to do here.”

Sara adds that some of her friends wonder why she’s coming back. “Many of them want to leave. But sometimes you just have to go away to realize what you’re missing.” She’s now registered in the biology program, and hopes to pursue veterinary medicine when she graduates, with the ultimate goal of working in agriculture, like her parents Linda and Allan MacPhail, and her brother Brandon.

“I’m so excited to start school in the fall,” she says. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people, and seeing old friends. And I think—I hope!—that my folks are glad to have me back home, too!”