Public symposium on Sustainable Agriculture and the Island鈥檚 Food System, November 14

The Island鈥檚 food system will be the topic of a public symposium to be held at UPEI鈥檚 Duffy Science Centre Amphitheatre, Room 135, on Monday, November 14, beginning at 7:00 pm. In particular, the discussion will focus on a move toward a more sustainable agriculture, with a stronger emphasis on local food and food security.

This event is one of a regular series of public symposia sponsored by UPEI鈥檚 Institute of Island Studies, in conjunction with 69传媒Research Services.

The main speaker will be distinguished author and public policy specialist Dr. Mark Lapping, long associated with the Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine. Dr. Lapping has held many academic leadership posts, including that as founding dean of the prestigious School of Rural Planning and Development at the University of Guelph. Throughout his career, he has maintained a strong interest in land issues in Prince Edward Island and has published several papers and studies on the topic.

In recent years, Dr. Lapping has focused his work on food systems and has written extensively on the subject. He was the leader of an ambitious undertaking at the Muskie School, which developed a food plan and strategy for the state of Maine.

鈥淭o most people,鈥 said Dr. Lapping, 鈥渇ood is about growing and consuming food. But a food system is a large set of processes, and it is critical to take a wider, systems perspective. Only then might we have a more robust understanding of the ways by which a sustainable agriculture can become part of a larger process of change toward a more nutritious and just life for individuals, families, and communities.鈥

Responding to Dr. Lapping鈥檚 talk will be a panel comprised of two Island farmers and a researcher in public health nutrition. Barry Cudmore, of Brackley Beach, farms seed potatoes, soy beans, and grains.  A Nuffield Scholar and member of the Atlantic Agriculture Hall of Fame, he is a proponent of seeking farm-sustainability in moving from commodities to branded products, and reconnecting consumers with producers.

Mark Bernard and his wife Sally operate Barnyard Organics in Freetown. As the fourth generation Bernard on this family farm, Mark has moved away from potato production. The objective of Barnyard Organics is 鈥渢o bring the farm back to its original state as a self-sustaining mixed farm, using traditional methods combined with some of the efficient technologies of our time.鈥

The third Panelist is Dr. Colleen Walton, Associate Professor in Applied Human Sciences at UPEI. She has more than 20 years of working experience within the Island鈥檚 food system. Her research interests lie in the area of building capacity among groups and individuals toward strengthened livelihoods and greater household food security.

Members of the public are cordially invited to attend. Admission is free. Following the presentations, there will be ample time for discussion and questions from the floor.

The 69传媒 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鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥69传媒has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 69传媒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.

The 69传媒Panthers and the PEI LCC want you to 鈥淜eep it Social鈥

Research shows most university students believe their friends drink a lot more than they actually do. This leads to the perception that alcohol is a key ingredient to student life. 69传媒Athletics and Recreation and the PEI Liquor Control Commission (PEI LCC) to promote responsible alcohol consumption and harm reduction among students.

鈥69传媒is proud to be a member of this partnership, helping students make smarter choices when it comes to drinking,鈥 said Jackie Podger, Vice-President Administration and Finance at UPEI. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 exciting that the next phase will put the message and direction of the campaign in the hands of students themselves. I want to thank the PEI LCC for their support.鈥

In this next stage of Keep it Social, student-athlete ambassadors will keep their eyes and ears on campus, relaying feedback and discovering opportunities to amplify the campaign. The participation of student-athletes is crucial, so that the direction and messaging of the campaign is student-led and student-approved.

A partnership that originated between the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission and Nova Scotia universities, Keep it Social will soon be Atlantic Canada-wide, with expansion to New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. The addition of Atlantic University Sport (AUS) as a partner means Keep it Social messaging will appear at sporting events across the region.

鈥淚 am excited about the partnership we have created with the PEI LCC and our shared goals of promoting both the Keep it Social and the Don't Drink and Drive campaigns,鈥 said Chris Huggan, Director of Athletics and Recreation at UPEI. 鈥淚t was an exciting launch on Friday night as we kicked off our home opener surrounded by Keep it Social promotional material and give-aways. I am pleased that we have student athletes who are stepping up to be ambassadors for these initiatives.鈥

As Keep it Social continues, students will be encouraged and empowered to make their own decisions around alcohol consumption.

 provides broader information around responsible use and behaviour and the web address appears on each of the printed and digital products used in the on-campus advertising campaign. During phase one of the partnership, advertising material was placed in the 69传媒residences, at the campus pub, The Wave, and throughout the W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

The 69传媒 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鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥69传媒has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 69传媒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.

Information session for UPEI鈥檚 Executive MBA program, November 22

UPEI鈥檚 Executive MBA program offers a high-quality learning experience for working business professionals. The program is designed for those working in, or aspiring to work in, a management or leadership position. Classes are offered bi-weekly on Fridays and Saturdays with the option to complete the program in 20 months.

Central to the program is an evidence-based management approach, which helps students develop the skills and knowledge to make better-informed and well-supported decisions both in the program and in applied situations in their workplaces.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity in business graduate studies, UPEI鈥檚 School of Business invites you to attend the following information session. Learn more about the program and application process, have your questions answered, and meet with staff from the School of Business.

When: Tuesday, November 22, 5:00 pm

Where: Richmond Room, Rodd Charlottetown Hotel

Please call 902-566-6474 or email mba@upei.ca to reserve a seat. 

For more information about UPEI鈥檚 Executive MBA program, please visit: or contact the MBA Coordinator at 902-566-6474.

The 69传媒 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鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥69传媒has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 69传媒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.

69传媒Administration and Faculty Association reach deal

The 69传媒 and the 69传媒 Faculty Association (UPEIFA) are pleased to announce that a collective agreement has been reached.

The University and the UPEIFA, Bargaining Unit #1 representing faculty members, librarians, sessional instructors, and clinical nursing instructors have reached an agreement for a four-year collective agreement from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2020. 

鈥69传媒prides itself in offering great learning opportunities to all of our students so they can reach their full potential. This is only possible due to the collective contributions of our outstanding faculty,鈥 said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor. 鈥淚 look forward to working with our faculty association members and campus community at large to continue our momentum in providing an exceptional learning environment and great service to our Island community.鈥

鈥淭he Faculty Association is very pleased that negotiations have resulted in a collective agreement that ensures fairness and equity for our Members. We look forward to continuing to do what鈥檚 important to all of our members which is educating our students, continuing important research, and contributing to 69传媒and our community at large,鈥 said Dr. Nola Etkin, President of the UPEIFA.

The UPEIFA and UPEI鈥檚 Board of Governors unanimously voted for ratification.

Highlights of UPEIFA agreement:

鈥 The agreement will include an across the board increase of 2% each year. 
鈥 Under the new collective agreement, Deans will ensure, through working with the Chairs, that teaching workloads are equitable and fair.
鈥 Commencing on July 1, 2017, future retirees will pay 45% of the cost of supplemental health care benefits. 
鈥 The parties have agreed to establish an ad hoc committee, chaired by the VP Academic and Research, and consisting of  faculty members from each faculty and school and three Student Union representatives to review existing practices and examine other procedures with the aim to continue enhancing teaching and learning at UPEI.

The 69传媒 started the negotiation process with all unions in February 2016. 

 

69传媒announces the Panther Subway Athletes of the Week, October 31-November 6

Every week, 69传媒Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Jenna Mae Ellsworth (Women鈥檚 Basketball) and Tyler Scott (Men鈥檚 Basketball), the 69传媒Panther Subway Athletes of the week for October 31-November 6!

Jenna Mae Ellsworth is a first-year guard on the 69传媒Women鈥檚 Basketball team, and a Bachelor of Science student from Charlottetown. In her first two games in a Panther uniform, she shot 50% from the field, averaged 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and shot 100% from the free-throw line. 鈥淛enna Mae had a great first weekend in AUS play,鈥 said coach Greg Gould. 鈥淪he plays hard at both ends of the court on every possession!鈥

Tyler Scott is a fifth-year guard and a Bachelor of Arts student. The Panthers split a pair of games over the weekend with St. Francis Xavier University. Scott scored 56 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 blocks. 鈥淭yler is one of the best, if not the best, players in the nation,鈥 said coach Tim Kendrick. 鈥淗e had another great weekend for us here at UPEI.鈥

It鈥檚 not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men鈥檚 Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

69传媒reaches pension deal

The 69传媒 is pleased to announce that a pension agreement has been ratified with all of the unions.

The final step in the approval of the pension agreement happened last night when UPEI鈥檚 Board of Governors approved the agreement. The University鈥檚 unions, which include UPEIFA Bargaining Unit #1, UPEIFA Bargaining Unit #2, IBEW 1928, CUPE 1870 and CUPE 501, ratified the new pension agreement last week.

鈥淭he pension plan鈥檚 sustainability was critical to all employees of the University which is why I am so pleased with the new pension agreement鈥檚 structure,鈥 said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor. 

Highlights of pension agreement include:

鈥 The University and the 69传媒unions will transition to a Jointly Sponsored Pension Plan effective January 1, 2017. 
鈥 The Sponsor Board will make decisions on funding and benefits. 
鈥 The Jointly Sponsored Pension Plan will be administered by a Board of Trustees. 
鈥 Both the Sponsor Board and the Board of Trustees will have equal representation from the University and the unions. 
鈥 The Jointly Sponsored Pension Plan will have 50/50 cost sharing between the University and the unions. 

 

AVC honours the late Dr. Brian Hill with Green Hat Award

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) honoured the late Dr. Brian Hill, a founding faculty member, with the 2016 Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award for his contributions to the early development of the College.

Mel Gallant, former assistant dean finance and administration at AVC, nominated Dr. Hill for the award, and read the at an award ceremony held at AVC on Monday, November 7. Dr. Jim Miller, a close friend and colleague of Dr. Hill, accepted the award on behalf of his family, who were not able to attend.

Dr. Hill came to AVC in May 1986 as the founding chair of the Department of Companion Animals, and also served as co-director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, along with Dr. Bob Curtis, founding chair of the Department of Health Management. A respected clinician, teacher, and administrator, Dr. Hill served as Interim Dean from 1989-1991. Originally from California, he graduated from veterinary school at Colorado State University in 1973 and taught at Iowa State before coming to AVC.

A skilled negotiator and administrator, he was instrumental in the integration of the College into the 69传媒. He also played an important role in building the College鈥檚 human resources and technical support at the veterinary teaching hospital, successfully recruiting faculty members at a time of significant faculty shortages.

Dr. Hill died in January of 2000 at the age of 51. Shortly after his death, his family, colleagues, and friends established the Brian L. Hill Memorial Award in his memory. This award is given to a graduating student in Veterinary Medicine who demonstrates excellence in small animal medicine and surgery, as well as outstanding interpersonal skills with clients and colleagues鈥攁ll qualities that Dr. Hill exemplified.

鈥淚 have many wonderful memories of Brian鈥攁s a colleague and a friend,鈥 said Mel. 鈥淗e was a true gentleman, a disarmingly funny guy, a sailor, a natty dresser, and a keen poker player! I thank you for this opportunity to remember a good friend and colleague, and a relentless supporter of the Atlantic Veterinary College.鈥

About the Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award:

In 2000, the Atlantic Veterinary College established the Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award to recognize individuals who have played a significant role in the establishment and growth of the College. The greatest honour bestowed by AVC, the award is named after the Honourable Eugene Whelan, who, as federal minister of agriculture under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, was a driving force behind the creation of AVC in the early 1980s. The award is affectionately known as the Green Hat Award because Minister Whelan was well-known for wearing a green Stetson.

Canadian Bureau for International Education honours Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz

The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) honoured 11 innovators, leaders, connectors, and emerging stars of international education with its 2016 Excellence Awards. Among them was UPEI鈥檚 president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, who was named the recipient of the President鈥檚 Award for Distinguished Leadership in International Education. Great friend of President Abd-El-Aziz and to Prince Edward Island, Dr. Thomas H. B. Symons received the Founders Award for Excellence in International Education.

The distinguished leadership award recognizes an 鈥渋ndividual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the internationalization of Canadian education and/or the international education profession beyond their home institution.鈥

The citation for Dr. Abd-El-Aziz from the CBIE reads:

鈥淎t twenty-six years old, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz travelled to the University of Saskatchewan as an international student from Cairo University. Over the next 30 years he went from international student to President and Vice-Chancellor of the 69传媒 (UPEI). Dr. Abd-El-Aziz created the first International Development Relations Office (IRO) at 69传媒in 2012. He has been active in the front-line participation of recruitment trips to China, India, South Africa, Brazil, and the Middle East. In just four short years, the international student population has increased by 50% at 69传媒and 69传媒students now have the opportunity to study abroad at 55 institutions in 21 different countries.鈥

鈥淚t gives me great pleasure to recognize these dedicated and passionate people whose contributions pave the way for our collective internationalization goals,鈥 said Karen McBride, President and CEO of CBIE, 鈥渁nd I am proud to join with our members and partners in celebrating their outstanding achievements.鈥

The 69传媒 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鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥69传媒has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 69传媒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.

69传媒announces the Panther Subway Athletes of the Week, November 7-13

Every week, 69传媒Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Marie-Soleil Deschenes (Women鈥檚 Hockey) and Dut Dut (Men鈥檚 Basketball), the 69传媒Panther Subway Athletes of the week for November 7-13!

Marie-Soleil Deschenes is a fifth-year Bachelor of Science student from 脦le-Perrot, Quebec, and a goalie on the 69传媒Women鈥檚 Hockey team. The Panthers split a pair of games over the weekend, including a win over the CIS #2 ranked Saint Mary鈥檚 University Huskies.Marie continues to be one of the strongest goalies in the AUS,鈥 said coach Bruce Donaldson. 鈥 She competes very well and loves to challenge the shooter.  She has great reflexes, is quick, and moves well.  Game-in and game-out she is a leader with her work ethic on the ice.鈥

Dut Dut is a fifth-year forward on the 69传媒Men鈥檚 Basketball team, and a Bachelor of Arts student from Ottawa, Ontario. The Panthers dropped two games over the weekend to the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds, but Dut shone with an average of 17 points-per-game, and 20 rebounds for the weekend. 鈥淒ut Dut turned in two solid games for us this weekend,鈥 said coach Tim Kendrick. 鈥淗e played hard at both ends of the floor and was our most consistent player in every way.鈥

It鈥檚 not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men鈥檚 Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

69传媒Wind Symphony presents Angels in the Architecture

The 69传媒Wind Symphony will perform its final recital of the Fall semester on Friday, November 25 at 7:30 pm at Park Royal United Church in Charlottetown. With performances in recent years at local Churches 鈥 Saint Dunstan鈥檚 Basilica and Zion Presbyterian 鈥 the Wind Symphony is continuing a tradition of performing beyond campus. The exceptional acoustics of Park Royal will make this performance memorable, and the seating capacity will allow for all Wind Symphony supporters to attend.

The centrepiece of this recital will be Frank Ticheli鈥檚 Angels in the Architecture, a massive, landmark work for the wind band medium. Opening with a single soprano voice and accompanied with crystal-like backgrounds, this work features contrasting sections of force and power with tranquil moments of lyricism and colour. The work unfolds as a dramatic conflict between the two extremes of human existence鈥搊ne divine, the other evil. The work鈥檚 title is inspired by the Sydney Opera House itself, where it received its premier performance, with its halo-shaped acoustical ornaments hanging directly above the performance stage.

Featured soloist will be saxophonist Emily Proude, who will perform Claude T. Smith鈥檚 Fantasia, a work that exploits both the technical and lyrical qualities of the saxophone. Ms. Proude, a fourth-year Bachelor of Music student UPEI, is establishing a significant profile in performing many of the saxophone鈥檚 most challenging works with considerable poise and artistry. Currently, she is a student in the studio of Dr. Nicole Strum, and is principal saxophonist of the Wind Symphony and the 69传媒Saxophone Quartet.

Under the direction of Dr. Karem J. Simon, the Wind Symphony is known for its programming of eclectic contemporary repertoire. James David鈥檚 All Dark Is Now No More is one such piece which includes electronics with the band. These electronics amount to granular synthesis 鈥 a process of breaking apart large sounds into many segments that are then rearranged into algorithmic clouds of digital chaos. Other pieces on the programme will include Derek Bermel鈥檚 quirky Ides March, Joaquin Turina鈥檚 colourful La Procession du Rocio, and Gordon Jacob鈥檚 classic An Original Suite.

Performances this Fall have brought the Wind Symphony to Saint John, New Brunswick, Amherst Nova Scotia, and Summerside, PEI. These represent UPEI鈥檚 commitment to community outreach while providing its music majors with additional performance exposure.

During the past eighteen years the Wind Symphony has produced an annual compact disc featuring selected repertoire from each year鈥檚 performances. Cathedrals, released in May 2010 received the 2011 Music PEI Award for Best Classical Recording. In February 2011 the Wind Symphony released its O Canada CD, a project exclusively for PEI public schools. Its most recent compact discs, FreebirdsLord of the RingsFour HorsemenRumpelstilzchenLincolnshire Posy, and Magnolia Star have been highly acclaimed.

Tickets for this performance at $15 Adults/Seniors and $10 Students may be acquired at the 69传媒Music Department and at the admission鈥檚 desk the evening of the recital. 

The 69传媒 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鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥69传媒has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 69传媒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.