A recent survey by the Tourism Research Centre (TRC) at UPEI found that many visitors to PEI prefer to spend time in the rural regions of the province and are satisfied with the amenities and experiences available in these areas.

'The survey found that in general, the respondents prefer to travel to rural destinations but when it comes to choosing a place to stay, they prefer to stay in a rural location in close proximity to an urban centre or vice versa. PEI offers the ideal setting for these travellers. Visitors can stay overnight in Charlottetown, for example, and make day trips to other regions. Or, they have the opportunity to stay overnight in a rural area and still be less than an hour's drive from an urban setting,' says Dr. Sean Hennessey, faculty director of the TRC.

He adds, 'Given PEI's small size it is not surprising that visitors frequently visit the rural regions. Visitors spend less time travelling between various parts of the province and the rural regions are less isolated than those in larger provinces or states. The rural areas of PEI are travel destinations as opposed to being places that visitors drive through on their way to their end destination.'

85 per cent of survey respondents had previously visited PEI and the majority of these travellers had visited at least one of the rural regions (defined as all areas outside of Charlottetown and Summerside). The respondents were attracted to the rural regions by the natural beauty, pastoral settings and scenic vistas, the opportunity to relax and enjoy a change of pace from everyday life, the beaches, the tranquility and peacefulness of the countryside, the fresh, clean country air and the opportunity to enjoy local foods and cuisine.

The majority of respondents felt the rural regions had enough accommodations, restaurants, grocery/convenience stores, service/gas stations and things to do. Those who disagreed were asked to provide details about what they felt was lacking-some respondents wanted more things to see and do, more eating establishments, more accommodations, more grocery stores, more places to buy local products, and more service stations. Many respondents explained that when they travel to PEI's rural regions they are expecting to find fewer amenities and attractions and that is what they enjoy. They prefer to visit less crowded areas and are satisfied with the offerings in PEI's rural regions.

Overall, respondents enjoyed their time in rural PEI. They rated their experience in the rural regions at 6.3 on a scale from 1 (poor) to 7 (excellent). Almost all respondents indicated they plan to return to PEI and 98 percent of those who plan to return agreed that they would visit rural PEI during their next visit.

Data for this report was collected on behalf of Tourism PEI using an online research panel from April 20 to May 10, 2010. The TRC survey was distributed to an online survey group and was completed by 3,176 people. To read the full report, please visit www.trc.upei.ca. For more information, please contact trc@upei.ca or call (902) 566-6096.

Dr. Ina Berg, an archaeologist who is visiting UPEI from the University of Manchester, will deliver a public lecture this Monday, November 22 at noon in the Faculty Lounge, Main Building. Her topic will be the sea in prehistoric Greece: its symbolism, meaning and living space.

Dr. Ina Berg lectures in Mediterranean Archaeology at the University of Manchester, UK. Her main research areas are the Bronze Age Cyclades, island archaeology, ceramic analysis and experimental studies. Her current research joins together her archaeological interest in the prehistoric Cyclades (Greece) with her fascination of island studies to develop a better understanding of past seascapes.

For more information, contact the Institute of Island Studies at UPEI, at 566-0386.

Both the UPEI Men and Women Basketball teams hit the court this weekend for ‘double-header' home openers against the UNB Varsity Reds.

The women's team plays Friday, November 19 at 6 pm and November 20 at 4 pm. Read preview.

The men's team plays Friday, November 19 at 8 pm and November 20 at 6 pm. Read preview.

New look for UPEI Women's Basketball

The UPEI Women's Basketball program begins the 2010-11 AUS regular season with just four players from last year - Katie Moore, Carly LaFave, Julia McKenna and Nadine Chomyc. From high schools across the region and country come seven new faces: Jenna Jones, Danielle MacDonald, Amy Gough, Nakita Newman, Kelcy McNally, Laura Marcolin and Katelyn Powers. College transfer, Emily MacEachern, and CEGEP transfer, Marie Christine Parent, are also new additions.

There is no doubt this group will have to grow quickly to challenge the highly competitive AUS conference, but head coach Carly Clarke is confident has the capacity to make a big impact, especially with the four returnees at the helm.

'We expect our lone fourth-year, 6' forward, Katie Moore, to anchor the Panthers' inside game at both ends of the floor. Katie's dominant presence on the boards will help to dictate the up-tempo style of play this season and lead the rest of the team,' said coach Clarke.

She added, 'Third-year, 5'7' guard, Carly LaFave, has had a strong pre-season, and as one of the team's best three-point shooters I know she'll contribute offensively and use her experience to help guide her younger teammates.'

Julia McKenna, a 5'6' guard who is entering her second season, will be called upon to lock down the opposing teams' greatest threats while attacking the rim and get to the free throw line offensively. Also entering second year is 5'9 guard, Nadine Chomyc, who will play multiple positions this season, a role in which she thrived throughout the pre-season.

Headlining the rookies is 5'8' guard, Jenna Jones, who had a stellar career at Riverview High, including back-to-back NB Provincial Championships and a championship MVP award. Danielle MacDonald, a 5'5' guard, enters her first season as the team's fittest player, earning significant court time in the pre-season due to her constant defensive hounding and her growing sense of how to lead from the point guard position. First-year, 5'10' guard, Amy Gough, leads the pre-season scoring efforts and earned a nod on UPEI's own Mickey Place Tournament All-star team. With an incredibly high basketball IQ and superb passing ability, Amy should have a major impact on the Panthers' success this season. Gough, MacDonald, and Jones are all potential candidates for recognition on the AUS All-Rookie Team.

Also entering first year is 5'11' guard, Nakita Newman, a Canada Games gold medallist with Team Alberta. Her creative scoring and passing, and her size and length make her a difficult match-up on both ends of the floor which the Panthers are certain to exploit this season. Third-year, 6' forward, Emily MacEachern, a transfer from Holland College, has developed as a strong inside presence alongside Katie Moore. Her impact is expected to strengthen as she gains comfort with the speed of play in the CIS.

First-year guards, Marie Christine Parent, 5'10', Kelcy McNally, 5'5', and Laura Marcolin, 5'9', all add different dimensions to the Panthers' back court. Parent has the potential to be a knockdown shooter; McNally is demonstrating herself as one of the team's feistiest on-ball defenders; and Marcolin adds a level of toughness and grit as one of the team's best shooters off the dribble. First-year forward, Katelyn Powers, has an opportunity to disturb offenses with her length and become a strong rebounder.

UPEI Men's Basketball ready to hit the court

The UPEI Men's Basketball Program enters the 2010-11 season with six new faces and the return of two former players. Back are Manock Lual, Terrence Brown, Michael Hardy, Anthony McDougald, Nick Kaminsky, and Mitchell McQuade. Jonathan Cooper returns after an academic ‘red-shirt' year, while Greg Wright comes back after three seasons off. New to the program are Geoff Doane, Anwar Faza, college transfer Jermaine Duke, Aaron Robbins, Mark Lutley, and walk-on Sean Seviour.

Head coach, Matthew Davies, enters his fifth season with the Panthers and is happy to welcome back assistant coach, Bob Maks, for his second season. Joining them as student assistant coach is alumnus, Tim Butler.

Says Coach Davies, "We're proud of how the team has bonded together and dedicated themselves on the court, in the classroom, and within the community. We believe this team has the potential of being a threat heading into February and March as long as we stay dedicated to our style of basketball―aggressive, full-court defense leading to an up-tempo offensive attack."

A second-team, AUS All-Star in 2009-10, 6'6", fourth-year forward, Manock Lual, is expected to continue to make an impact for the Panther front court. He is a versatile inside-out offensive threat whose length creates issues at the defensive end. 6'5" forward, Geoff Doane, is coming off a fantastic high school career at Sir John A. MacDonald (2010 provincial champions) and with Basketball Nova Scotia (2009 Canada Games Silver Medalist). A physical offensive player, he can create off the bounce and hit the open jumper.

Back for his fourth season, 6'2" guard, Jonathan Cooper, is hungry to elevate the bar for his teammates. One of the quickest guards in the league, he is tenacious defensively and pushes the tempo on offense. Entering his first season, Anwar Faza is a versatile 6'4" guard who has the ability to make an instant impact in his rookie campaign. His length and defensive IQ have created problems for opponents in the pre-season.

6'0", second-year guard, Terrence Brown, is a natural scorer off the bounce with maximum range on his jump shot. He is expected to be a threat to take over games when necessary as the team's starting shooting guard. Michael Hardy, a third-year, 6'6" forward, has the ability to grind it out inside and take the ball face-up on the perimeter to hit the open jumper. He is a key piece of the Panthers' front court plans. A transfer from Fleming College in the OCAA, third-year, 6'6" forward, Jermaine Duke, has the potential of being one of the best defensive players in the AUS. He is a natural shot blocker who is also one of the quickest players on the roster.

The only fifth-year player on the roster is 6'4" forward Anthony McDougald. His leadership will be counted on to help guide the Panthers this season. He has the potential to be one of the best post defenders in the league. At 6'7", Aaron Robbins has arguably the most potential on the roster as he has the ability to play in both the frontcourt and backcourt.

Greg Wright, a second-year, 6'2" guard, Mark Lutley, a first-year, 6'3" guard, and Nick Kaminsky, a third-year, 6'4" guard, all bring different elements to the team's backcourt. Greg has the potential of being a knockdown, 3-point shooter with a very strong ability to read screens and create open looks for himself. A very strong guard, Mark has the ability to be a strong defender and table-setter for the team. Nick's basketball IQ is among the best on the team and he is a talented shooter off the catch or off the bounce. Fourth-year, 6'9" forward, Mitchell McQuade is sidelined for the entire first semester with a lower body injury but once healthy, he is expected to make an impact in the second semester as a gritty post player, shot blocker, and 3-point threat. Walk-on Sean Seviour, a 6'1" guard, will likely red-shirt the season as he continues to learn the point guard position at the CIS level.

The Senate and Board of Governors of UPEI have both unanimously adopted a common position regarding proposed changes to post-secondary education in the province of Prince Edward Island.

The Board of Governors met Thursday evening for its regularly scheduled meeting and unanimously passed the following resolution:

'Be it resolved that the Board of Governors strongly urges the Minister to allow sufficient time for consultation to take place with all stakeholders before making any changes to the University Act or introducing a Degree Granting Act.'

'The Board of Governors is deeply concerned that amendments proposed to section 38 of the Act have not been thoroughly considered as to their effect on the university's independence,' said Mr. Frederick E. Hyndman, Chairman of the Board. 'We seek time for consultation and careful study.'

UPEI's Senate, meeting Friday afternoon for a special sitting, endorsed a similar statement.

'Be it resolved that Senate strongly urges the Minister to allow sufficient time for consultation with all stakeholders before making any changes to the University Act or introducing a Degree Granting Act.'

The statements echo sentiment being expressed by several groups, including the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU), the UPEI Alumni Association, the UPEI Student Union, and countless individuals.

Find background on this story, and read what Islanders are saying about these proposed changes at upei.ca/addmyname

PDF link: Discussion Paper for Senate: Proposal to Introduce a Degree Granting Act in Prince Edward Island and to Amend the University Act

The McCain Foundation has donated $1 million to the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in support of the Atlantic Veterinary College's (AVC) expansion program.

With this leadership gift, The McCain Foundation is supporting state-of-the-art learning and educational facilities through The McCain Foundation Learning Commons at AVC-the most recent addition within AVC's $45 million expansion project.

'The McCain Foundation has a remarkable history of leadership giving that strengthens communities, notably in Atlantic Canada,' says H. Wade MacLauchlan, President of UPEI. 'We are extremely grateful to The McCain Foundation for this generous gift to UPEI in support of AVC's expansion project. This donation supports a community of learning at UPEI and AVC, and enriches the exceptional quality of education that we offer to our students.'

"The McCain Foundation is pleased to support the University of Prince Edward Island and our Atlantic region's school of veterinary medicine, the Atlantic Veterinary College, through this donation," said Kathryn McCain, Chair of The McCain Foundation. "The work of the Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI impacts our society in significant ways through contributions to animal health, human health, food safety and public health. We are fortunate to have this outstanding resource in Atlantic Canada and are very proud to demonstrate our support for its growth."

The McCain Foundation Learning Commons at AVC enhances the quality of learning and educational experiences of students through resources such as additional classroom space, seminar rooms, teaching equipment, a veterinary resource room and much-needed study space. The heart of The McCain Foundation Learning Commons-a floor-to-ceiling glass atrium-is a gathering point for students and the community.

'Through the generosity of The McCain Foundation, we are able to provide our students with an environment that challenges and excites them, and prepares them to be lifelong learners and leaders in their profession and in their communities,' says Dr. Don Reynolds, Dean of AVC. 'For this outstanding contribution to teaching and learning, I sincerely thank The McCain Foundation.'

Established in 1986 as the veterinary college serving Atlantic Canada, the Atlantic Veterinary College is committed to improving the health and well-being of animals and humans through excellence in education, discovery, professional practice and dedicated service to the four Atlantic provinces. AVC is an active industry partner, providing the world-class research and services needed to grow the Atlantic region. AVC aims to raise $8.5 million by June 2011 in partnership with Atlantic Canadian leaders to fully fund its capital expansion program.

The philanthropic arm of McCain Foods Limited, The McCain Foundation was established to assist charitable organizations within Canada. The Foundation continues the giving tradition of the McCain family with particular emphasis on the communities in which McCain Foods has operations, and on the organizations and institutions that support these communities and their citizens.

From Friday, November 12, until Monday, November 22, the UPEI Alumni Association undertook to engage alumni and friends of the University to support its call for public consultation on proposed changes to the University Act on Prince Edward Island. The level and quality of engagement that resulted was both overwhelming and reassuring to the Association and the University in general.

You are encouraged to read through the letters of support that can be found at friends.upei.ca/universityact. The involvement of our alumni and friends clearly indicates that UPEI continues to be the university on Prince Edward Island, and that our far-reaching University community remains aware of and involved in the life of our institution. Knowing that the level of engagement remains so high has bolstered the Alumni Association to continue to reach out to alumni, hear their concerns and opinions, and present them to the best of their ability in the University and across PEI.

The UPEI Alumni Association thanks everyone who took the time to become informed about the issue, lend their support, and demonstrate their commitment to UPEI and its place on Prince Edward Island. The result of this initiative will provide motivation now and into the future to work enthusiastically on the part of the 20,000 graduates of UPEI, SDU, and PWC.

Frederick E. Hyndman, Chair of the UPEI Board of Governors, announced today that Dr. Alaa S. Abd-El-Aziz has been selected as President-designate of the University of Prince Edward Island.

'The presidential search committee unanimously recommended Dr. Abd-El-Aziz to the Board of Governors and I am delighted that the board has supported that recommendation,' said Hyndman. 'Dr. Abd-El-Aziz is a talented academic and a successful university administrator. His considerable accomplishments and qualifications, his infectious enthusiasm, and his collaborative experience in developing scholarship are all qualities that are essential for UPEI's continued positive development.'

Dr. Abd-El-Aziz is the Provost of the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus in Kelowna, which he joined in 2006. As Provost, he provides leadership and direction in the areas of planning, policy development, and resource management. His responsibilities also encompass the Okanagan campus' academic and research mandates. Throughout his administrative career, he has remained actively engaged as a chemistry professor and has made significant contributions to research and teaching in his field.

'I am delighted to become part of the UPEI family. I have always held a high regard for education institutions that cultivate an integrated teaching and research environment and those that are strongly tied to both the local and the global community. UPEI is an institution that excels in these areas,' said Dr. Abd-El-Aziz. 'I am looking forward to working with faculty, staff, students and the UPEI community in advancing the goals and mission of the institution and the province.'

Dr. Abd-El-Aziz received his BSc and MSc degrees from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, and his PhD from the University of Saskatchewan. After completing an NSERC postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Toronto, he joined the chemistry department of the University of Winnipeg, becoming a full professor in 1997. He served as Dean of Science, Associate Vice-President of Research and Graduate Studies, and Vice-President, Research, International & External Affairs.

The President-designate will visit the UPEI campus early in 2011. He is expected to assume his responsibilities as President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI on July 1, 2011, replacing Wade MacLauchlan, CM who has led UPEI for almost 12 years. The formal installation ceremony for Dr. Abd-El-Aziz will take place during the fall semester, 2011.

The UPEI Presidential Search Committee, led by Frederick Hyndman, selected Dr. Abd-El-Aziz after a 12-month search that involved extensive outreach to students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community.

For Dr. Abd-El-Aziz's biography and more information on the Presidential Search process, click here.

The University of Prince Edward Island Wind Symphony will perform its final recital of the Fall semester on Thursday, November 25 at 7:30 pm at the Dr. Steel Recital Hall.

Under the direction of Dr. Karem J. Simon, the UPEI Wind Symphony has been acclaimed for its performance standard and programming. Recent performances in Montague, PEI, New Glasgow and Truro, NS were very favorably received.

The 52 members of this year's ensemble consists of 24 music majors, other UPEI students, high school students, and community musicians. It is within its mission to give its audiences meaningful and personal experiences with quality wind music, in the widest possible range of musical style and expression.

Each year the Wind Symphony tours selected areas of the region to provide its membership with additional performance experiences and share its music with a wider audience. In 2001 the Wind Symphony was a featured guest performer at the Maritime Band Festival in Charlottetown. During the past twelve years the Wind Symphony has produced an annual compact disc featuring selected repertoire from each year's performances.

This Thursday's performance will feature an eclectic set of pieces designed to engage the audience and showcase the unique sounds of the wind band. Two of the principal works are Angels in the Architecture and Concertino for Four Percussion. Angels unfolds as a dramatic conflict between the two extremes of human existence - one divine, the other evil. Using a soprano soloist - unique for a wind band - the colors of the ensemble are exploited to represent the light and darkness of these opposing protagonists. The Concertino is a virtousic and expressive work, displaying the keyboard, membrane and auxiliary timbres of the percussion section. Percussionists Branden Kelly, Meghan Harris, Philip Krommer and Krista Carruthers will be featured. Other works by composers David Maslanka, Procession of the Academics, Gordon Jacob, An Original Suite, and Leroy Anderson, The Rakes of Mallow, will be performed.

Dr. Simon is well known throughout Atlantic Canada for his roles as a clarinetist, conductor, adjudicator, and music educator. In 2007, he was selected to conduct the National Youth Band of Canada. Prior to his appointment to UPEI, he taught public school instrumental music in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. During this performance, Dr. Simon will interact with the audience in order to heighten their engagement and enjoyment of the music.

The public is cordially invited to attend.

The PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada (PEIANC) and the UPEI Men's and Women's Basketball Panthers have teamed up to host 'UPEI Culture Sharing Day' on Sunday, November 28. The UPEI Men's and Women's Basketball teams will take on St. FX, and PEI newcomers will be there to cheer them on! Join the festivities when newcomers and Islanders come together to share their cultures and show their Panther Pride!

This event will feature two basketball games (the women at 2:00 pm and the men at 4:00 pm). Newcomers will extend greetings to the crowd in their native languages; the Korean Drum Band Ra On Je Na will provide half-time music, and information about the PEIANC Host Program and fun facts from around the world will be shared throughout the games.

Marilenne Urena with the PEIANC Host Program says, 'An event like this connects newcomers to the community, promotes cross-cultural sharing and allows Islanders to learn more about the amazing volunteer opportunities available at the PEIANC.'

The PEIANC would like to thank the UPEI Athletics Department for providing game passes, transportation, face paint and noise makers to all newcomers and PEIANC volunteers attending this event.

The PEIANC was incorporated in 1993 as non-profit charitable organization with a mandate to provide short-term settlement services and long-term inclusion and community integration programs for new immigrants in the province of PEI. The Association speaks publicly on immigrant issues and advocates on behalf of newcomers.

For more information, contact Rosalie Murphy at 628-6009 or rosalie@peianc.com.

The UPEI Alumni Association recently elected several new members to its Board of Directors, including President Perlene Morrison (BA '94), partner at law firm Stewart McKelvey. She replaces Betty Johnston (BA '87) who provided leadership to the Association over the past two years.

The UPEI Alumni Association is comprised of graduates of UPEI, and seeks to facilitate and constantly improve relations amongst alumni of all ages and between alumni and the University.

The Association is gearing up for a very productive 2011, starting with its annual New Year's Levee on January 1, 2011 at Don and Marion McDougall Hall on the UPEI campus, through to Reunion Weekend in July, and Homecoming in September. The Board of Directors will focus its efforts on building partnerships with businesses that can serve alumni, building a 3-year strategic plan, and implementing programs and activities based on feedback received through a survey conducted earlier this year.

Any UPEI, SDU, or PWC alumni who wish to learn more about the activities of the UPEI Alumni Association Board of Directors, or would like to get involved as a volunteer during activities or on committees can get in touch with the UPEI Alumni Office at alumni@upei.ca.

Besides Morrison (President) and Johnston (Past-President), other members of the UPEI Alumni Association Board of Directors include Mark O'Halloran (Vice-President), Bruce Davison (Secretary), Jeff Somers (Treasurer), Alicia Bremner, Trevor Lawson, Andrew MacPherson, Walter Bradley, William Stanish, Rob Livingstone (Student Union President), and Sjors Reijers (UPEI Alumni Office Representative).