69传媒wins award from U.S.-based Sustainable Endowments Institute
The 69传媒 has been awarded a Sustainability Innovator Award from the U.S.-based Sustainable Endowments Institute for its advancement of sustainability initiatives.
69传媒won the award for its work to create an academic environmental studies program and to implement 鈥済reening the campus鈥� initiatives across all sectors of the university. It was only the second university in Canada--after the University of British Columbia--to follow a campus-wide sustainability strategy.
From 2005 to 2007, 69传媒employed a director of environmental studies and sustainability, Dr. Almut Beringer, who led the university鈥檚 academic environmental studies program and implemented a pan-university 鈥済reening the campus鈥� initiative. Through this initiative, research and development projects linked interdisciplinary Environmental Studies teaching and learning with student advocacy for campus sustainability.
This led to the creation of an Office of Sustainability and Energy Management in August of 2007, headed by manager David Taylor. UPEI鈥檚 campus-wide, multidisciplinary academic program is now being further developed and led by Dr. Darren Bardati, Director of Environmental Studies. Taylor and Bardati work closely with the active student鈥搑un Environmental Society to move sustainability forward on campus.
A campus sustainability audit and annual reporting, combined with energy, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, and innovative transportation, food and governance initiatives, among others, are aimed at building a culture of sustainability through a comprehensive sustainability strategy for the university. The university鈥檚 sustainability strategy also established strategic alliances off-campus.
UPEI鈥檚 campus master plan, adopted in 2006, identifies 鈥済reening the campus鈥� as a guiding principle. 鈥淕reen鈥� initiatives taken at 69传媒include the use of 100 per cent recycled paper, retrofitting of older buildings to reduce energy use, purchase of its first-ever hybrid vehicle, conscious reduction of electrical energy consumption by turning off lights and equipment, geothermal heating and cooling in the New Residence, and incorporating environmentally friendly building methods, materials and equipment in new construction.
Through research and education, the Sustainable Endowments Institute advances sustainability in campus operations and endowment practices. The Sustainability Innovator Awards are part of the Institute鈥檚 College Sustainability Report Card 2009, which evaluates campus and endowment sustainability activities at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Founded in 2005 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Institute is a special project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
69传媒won the award for its work to create an academic environmental studies program and to implement 鈥済reening the campus鈥� initiatives across all sectors of the university. It was only the second university in Canada--after the University of British Columbia--to follow a campus-wide sustainability strategy.
From 2005 to 2007, 69传媒employed a director of environmental studies and sustainability, Dr. Almut Beringer, who led the university鈥檚 academic environmental studies program and implemented a pan-university 鈥済reening the campus鈥� initiative. Through this initiative, research and development projects linked interdisciplinary Environmental Studies teaching and learning with student advocacy for campus sustainability.
This led to the creation of an Office of Sustainability and Energy Management in August of 2007, headed by manager David Taylor. UPEI鈥檚 campus-wide, multidisciplinary academic program is now being further developed and led by Dr. Darren Bardati, Director of Environmental Studies. Taylor and Bardati work closely with the active student鈥搑un Environmental Society to move sustainability forward on campus.
A campus sustainability audit and annual reporting, combined with energy, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, and innovative transportation, food and governance initiatives, among others, are aimed at building a culture of sustainability through a comprehensive sustainability strategy for the university. The university鈥檚 sustainability strategy also established strategic alliances off-campus.
UPEI鈥檚 campus master plan, adopted in 2006, identifies 鈥済reening the campus鈥� as a guiding principle. 鈥淕reen鈥� initiatives taken at 69传媒include the use of 100 per cent recycled paper, retrofitting of older buildings to reduce energy use, purchase of its first-ever hybrid vehicle, conscious reduction of electrical energy consumption by turning off lights and equipment, geothermal heating and cooling in the New Residence, and incorporating environmentally friendly building methods, materials and equipment in new construction.
Through research and education, the Sustainable Endowments Institute advances sustainability in campus operations and endowment practices. The Sustainability Innovator Awards are part of the Institute鈥檚 College Sustainability Report Card 2009, which evaluates campus and endowment sustainability activities at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Founded in 2005 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Institute is a special project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.
UPEI鈥檚 Tourism Research Centre expands research capacity with new staff
The Tourism Research Centre (TRC) at the 69传媒 is pleased to announce the hiring of five new staff members.
Monica MacDonald holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Culture from York University. Before beginning her doctorate, she spent 10 years in Ottawa working at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Library and Archives Canada and the CBC. Most recently, she was a consultant to the IRIS Group in its comprehensive study of heritage in P.E.I. An adjunct professor of Canadian Studies at UPEI, MacDonald joins the TRC as a research director.
Paul Lewis received his Ph.D. in sustainable economic development from the University of Ottawa. He comes to the Centre as a research director, with six years of economic development experience in Canada鈥檚 Arctic, having worked for the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tourism. Lewis has over 25 years of other international work and teaching experience with an emphasis on economic development, corporate governance and ethics.
A graduate of the 69传媒School of Business in 2006, Amanda Strongman is now a project manager at the TRC. She was most recently employed as a Junior Consultant at MRSB Chartered Accountants where she was involved in research, survey work, report writing and preparation of financial projections. Prior to this, she worked with DeltaWare Systems in Charlottetown.
Joining the TRC as a data analyst, Hyeonjung Park received her Ph.D. degree in Tourism Management from Kyonggi University in Seoul, Korea. Before coming to Canada, she worked at the Korea Tourism Research Institute as Senior Tourism Researcher and taught various tourism-related courses at several universities. She specializes in tourism data analysis, and her research interests include consumer behaviour, cultural tourism and destination marketing.
Grace McCourt comes to the TRC as a research analyst after a 13-year career in the tourism and hospitality industry both in Canada and abroad. For the past five years, she worked as a corporate sales manager with Rodd Hotels & Resorts Ltd. She holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in tourism and hospitality management from Mount Saint Vincent.
These highly qualified people join the Centre鈥檚 current staff of faculty director Dr. Sean Hennessey, senior development analyst Dongkoo Yun, and project manager Jennifer MacPhail.
Monica MacDonald holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Culture from York University. Before beginning her doctorate, she spent 10 years in Ottawa working at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, Library and Archives Canada and the CBC. Most recently, she was a consultant to the IRIS Group in its comprehensive study of heritage in P.E.I. An adjunct professor of Canadian Studies at UPEI, MacDonald joins the TRC as a research director.
Paul Lewis received his Ph.D. in sustainable economic development from the University of Ottawa. He comes to the Centre as a research director, with six years of economic development experience in Canada鈥檚 Arctic, having worked for the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tourism. Lewis has over 25 years of other international work and teaching experience with an emphasis on economic development, corporate governance and ethics.
A graduate of the 69传媒School of Business in 2006, Amanda Strongman is now a project manager at the TRC. She was most recently employed as a Junior Consultant at MRSB Chartered Accountants where she was involved in research, survey work, report writing and preparation of financial projections. Prior to this, she worked with DeltaWare Systems in Charlottetown.
Joining the TRC as a data analyst, Hyeonjung Park received her Ph.D. degree in Tourism Management from Kyonggi University in Seoul, Korea. Before coming to Canada, she worked at the Korea Tourism Research Institute as Senior Tourism Researcher and taught various tourism-related courses at several universities. She specializes in tourism data analysis, and her research interests include consumer behaviour, cultural tourism and destination marketing.
Grace McCourt comes to the TRC as a research analyst after a 13-year career in the tourism and hospitality industry both in Canada and abroad. For the past five years, she worked as a corporate sales manager with Rodd Hotels & Resorts Ltd. She holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in tourism and hospitality management from Mount Saint Vincent.
These highly qualified people join the Centre鈥檚 current staff of faculty director Dr. Sean Hennessey, senior development analyst Dongkoo Yun, and project manager Jennifer MacPhail.
69传媒attracts research excellence through Canada Research Chairs program
The 69传媒 (UPEI) is adding to its celebrated pool of research talent with the awarding of two new Canada Research Chairs (CRC) and the renewal of an existing CRC appointment.
Dr. Kate Tilleczek comes from Laurentian University to 69传媒as CRC in Youth Cultures and Transitions. Dr. Crawford Revie, from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, joins 69传媒as CRC in Epi-Informatics. Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, currently CRC in Island Studies at UPEI, has had his mandate renewed for a second term.
Tilleczek will establish an interdisciplinary, community-based research and training program to address gaps in knowledge relating to the challenges children and youth face in contemporary society. Her research will expand understanding of the social contexts and experiences of Canadian youth in schools, health care settings, mass media, digital contexts, families, and communities, and it will examine how their experiences impact their decisions.
Based at UPEI鈥檚 Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), Revie will explore new ways to use information contained in databases linked to human and animal disease to ensure a better understanding of diseases and their transmission. Through his work with the AVC鈥檚 Centre for Veterinary Epidemiological Research, he will investigate techniques such as data mining, knowledge management, data-driven modelling and semantic web technologies. His work has the potential to lead to improved monitoring and treatment strategies, as well as to more sustainable approaches to production in the livestock and aquaculture sectors.
Baldacchino will lead projects on small scale manufacturing strategy, labour and industrial relations, impact of population density on cultural stewardship and land use, and island migration dynamics. He will involve other researchers and build on existing collaborative efforts with the Institute of Island Studies on such themes as jurisdictional capacity, transportation strategies, marketing knowledge-based services and sustainable tourism practices.
With these appointments, 69传媒now has a total of seven Canada Research Chairs. The Canada Research Chairs Program is designed to attract the best talent from Canada and around the world, helping universities achieve research excellence in natural sciences and engineering, health sciences, and social sciences and humanities. There are currently 1,855 Canada Research Chairs at 70 universities across Canada. For more information on the Canada Research Chairs program, please visit: .
Dr. Kate Tilleczek comes from Laurentian University to 69传媒as CRC in Youth Cultures and Transitions. Dr. Crawford Revie, from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, joins 69传媒as CRC in Epi-Informatics. Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, currently CRC in Island Studies at UPEI, has had his mandate renewed for a second term.
Tilleczek will establish an interdisciplinary, community-based research and training program to address gaps in knowledge relating to the challenges children and youth face in contemporary society. Her research will expand understanding of the social contexts and experiences of Canadian youth in schools, health care settings, mass media, digital contexts, families, and communities, and it will examine how their experiences impact their decisions.
Based at UPEI鈥檚 Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), Revie will explore new ways to use information contained in databases linked to human and animal disease to ensure a better understanding of diseases and their transmission. Through his work with the AVC鈥檚 Centre for Veterinary Epidemiological Research, he will investigate techniques such as data mining, knowledge management, data-driven modelling and semantic web technologies. His work has the potential to lead to improved monitoring and treatment strategies, as well as to more sustainable approaches to production in the livestock and aquaculture sectors.
Baldacchino will lead projects on small scale manufacturing strategy, labour and industrial relations, impact of population density on cultural stewardship and land use, and island migration dynamics. He will involve other researchers and build on existing collaborative efforts with the Institute of Island Studies on such themes as jurisdictional capacity, transportation strategies, marketing knowledge-based services and sustainable tourism practices.
With these appointments, 69传媒now has a total of seven Canada Research Chairs. The Canada Research Chairs Program is designed to attract the best talent from Canada and around the world, helping universities achieve research excellence in natural sciences and engineering, health sciences, and social sciences and humanities. There are currently 1,855 Canada Research Chairs at 70 universities across Canada. For more information on the Canada Research Chairs program, please visit: .
Australian poet Tim Thorne 2008 69传媒Writer-in-Residence from Tasmania
Distinguished Australian poet and poetry publisher Tim Thorne is the 2008 69传媒Writer-in-Residence from Tasmania this month.
His visit is part of the annual exchange of writers-in-residence between Tasmania and Prince Edward Island. His residency is co-hosted by the 69传媒Dean of Arts, Department of English and Institute of Island Studies, and the P.E.I. Writers' Guild.
Throne will hold individual, one-hour consultations with 20 Island writers during the weeks of October 13 and 20. The consultations are free of charge. To make an appointment with Thorne, contact the 69传媒Department of English secretary, Tracy Johnston, at 566-0389 or tjohnston@upei.ca. Appointments will be booked on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Throne will also give a public reading from his work on Thursday, October 23, at 7 p.m. in the Main Building Faculty Lounge at UPEI. And he will host a writing workshop on Saturday, October 25, from 9:30 to 4 p.m., also in the Main Building Faculty Lounge
Throne says the workshop will include 鈥渁n exploration of what makes for effective imagery, the role of lineation [line breaks] in poetry and the question of a poem's dynamic, with emphasis on patterning towards an effective ending.鈥�
鈥淚n fact, I have found that workshops tend to develop their own dynamic, and I aim to be sufficiently flexible in my approach to accommodate this while ensuring that, as far as possible, all participants get out of it what they came for.鈥�
The fee for the workshop is $10 for P.E.I. Writers' Guild members and students, and $20 for others. To reserve a space, phone Tracy Johnston at 566-0389.
Thorne has lived in Tasmania most of his life. His jobs have included glass packer, store man, community arts officer and current affairs columnist for the Hobart Mercury. In 1985 he established the Tasmania Poetry Festival, which he directed until 2001. His poems have appeared in 15 Australian anthologies and most major Australian journals. The author of twelve books, he is publisher of Cornford Press, which features the work of Tasmanian poets.
Island author Deirdre Kessler, who was writer-in-residence in Tasmania in 2007, says that Thorne鈥檚 poetry increasingly reflects his environmental and political concerns, and the links between these issues and language. His devotion to his community is evident also in his work as writer-in-residence for various organizations and poet in public schools, universities, and prisons.
His visit is part of the annual exchange of writers-in-residence between Tasmania and Prince Edward Island. His residency is co-hosted by the 69传媒Dean of Arts, Department of English and Institute of Island Studies, and the P.E.I. Writers' Guild.
Throne will hold individual, one-hour consultations with 20 Island writers during the weeks of October 13 and 20. The consultations are free of charge. To make an appointment with Thorne, contact the 69传媒Department of English secretary, Tracy Johnston, at 566-0389 or tjohnston@upei.ca. Appointments will be booked on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Throne will also give a public reading from his work on Thursday, October 23, at 7 p.m. in the Main Building Faculty Lounge at UPEI. And he will host a writing workshop on Saturday, October 25, from 9:30 to 4 p.m., also in the Main Building Faculty Lounge
Throne says the workshop will include 鈥渁n exploration of what makes for effective imagery, the role of lineation [line breaks] in poetry and the question of a poem's dynamic, with emphasis on patterning towards an effective ending.鈥�
鈥淚n fact, I have found that workshops tend to develop their own dynamic, and I aim to be sufficiently flexible in my approach to accommodate this while ensuring that, as far as possible, all participants get out of it what they came for.鈥�
The fee for the workshop is $10 for P.E.I. Writers' Guild members and students, and $20 for others. To reserve a space, phone Tracy Johnston at 566-0389.
Thorne has lived in Tasmania most of his life. His jobs have included glass packer, store man, community arts officer and current affairs columnist for the Hobart Mercury. In 1985 he established the Tasmania Poetry Festival, which he directed until 2001. His poems have appeared in 15 Australian anthologies and most major Australian journals. The author of twelve books, he is publisher of Cornford Press, which features the work of Tasmanian poets.
Island author Deirdre Kessler, who was writer-in-residence in Tasmania in 2007, says that Thorne鈥檚 poetry increasingly reflects his environmental and political concerns, and the links between these issues and language. His devotion to his community is evident also in his work as writer-in-residence for various organizations and poet in public schools, universities, and prisons.
Daily Planet host to speak to 69传媒students about climate change
Jay Ingram, host of Discovery Channel Canada鈥檚 popular show Daily Planet, will speak about climate change to students at the 69传媒 on Thursday, October 16, and Friday, October 17.
Ingram will give a presentation called 鈥淐ool Ideas for Global Warming鈥� to the students taking the university鈥檚 new Global Issues course during his visit. Dr Tim Goddard, 69传媒Dean of Education, says, 鈥淲e are delighted that our first-year students will have the opportunity to engage with Jay Ingram on this important topic. Global warming is a global issue, and this type of event is core to our vision of the course.鈥�
On October 16, Ingram will speak in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre鈥檚 McMillan Hall at 7 p.m., with simultaneous live broadcasts in Rooms 243 and 246 in Don and Marion McDougall Hall, and Lecture Theatre A in the Atlantic Veterinary College.
His talk on Friday, October 17, takes place at 2 p.m. in Room 135 of the Duffy Science Centre, with simultaneous live broadcasts in Room 104 in the K.C. Irving Chemistry Centre and Room 242 in Don and Marion McDougall Hall.
Both presentations are free and open to the general public, but seating is limited.
Ingram has been the host of Daily Planet since it began in 1995. At the time it was the only hour-long, prime-time daily science show in the world. Prior to joining Discovery, he hosted CBC radio鈥檚 national science show, Quirks and Quarks, from 1979 to 1992. During that time he won two ACTRA awards, one for best host, and several Canadian Science Writers鈥� awards. He wrote and hosted two CBC radio documentary series, and short radio and television science stories for a variety of programs.
He was a contributing editor to Owl magazine for 10 years, and wrote a weekly science column in the Toronto Star for 12. He has also written 10 books, most recently The Daily Planet Book of Cool Ideas, which explores what people can do to reverse global warming and what they are doing to create a sustainable future.
He has received the Sandford Fleming medal from the Royal Canadian Institute for his efforts to popularize science, the Royal Society鈥檚 McNeil medal for the Public Awareness of Science and the Michael Smith award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. He is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Alberta and has received four honorary doctorates.
Ingram鈥檚 visit to 69传媒coincides with National Science and Technology Week, which runs from October 17 to 25.
Ingram will give a presentation called 鈥淐ool Ideas for Global Warming鈥� to the students taking the university鈥檚 new Global Issues course during his visit. Dr Tim Goddard, 69传媒Dean of Education, says, 鈥淲e are delighted that our first-year students will have the opportunity to engage with Jay Ingram on this important topic. Global warming is a global issue, and this type of event is core to our vision of the course.鈥�
On October 16, Ingram will speak in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre鈥檚 McMillan Hall at 7 p.m., with simultaneous live broadcasts in Rooms 243 and 246 in Don and Marion McDougall Hall, and Lecture Theatre A in the Atlantic Veterinary College.
His talk on Friday, October 17, takes place at 2 p.m. in Room 135 of the Duffy Science Centre, with simultaneous live broadcasts in Room 104 in the K.C. Irving Chemistry Centre and Room 242 in Don and Marion McDougall Hall.
Both presentations are free and open to the general public, but seating is limited.
Ingram has been the host of Daily Planet since it began in 1995. At the time it was the only hour-long, prime-time daily science show in the world. Prior to joining Discovery, he hosted CBC radio鈥檚 national science show, Quirks and Quarks, from 1979 to 1992. During that time he won two ACTRA awards, one for best host, and several Canadian Science Writers鈥� awards. He wrote and hosted two CBC radio documentary series, and short radio and television science stories for a variety of programs.
He was a contributing editor to Owl magazine for 10 years, and wrote a weekly science column in the Toronto Star for 12. He has also written 10 books, most recently The Daily Planet Book of Cool Ideas, which explores what people can do to reverse global warming and what they are doing to create a sustainable future.
He has received the Sandford Fleming medal from the Royal Canadian Institute for his efforts to popularize science, the Royal Society鈥檚 McNeil medal for the Public Awareness of Science and the Michael Smith award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. He is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Alberta and has received four honorary doctorates.
Ingram鈥檚 visit to 69传媒coincides with National Science and Technology Week, which runs from October 17 to 25.
69传媒reaches all-time high enrolment in 2008-2009 academic year
Despite regional demographic challenges in post-secondary enrolment, the 69传媒 (UPEI) recorded its highest-ever enrolment for full and part-time students for this academic year.
Enrolment statistics released by the Association of Atlantic Universities today show that total full and part-time enrolment at 69传媒stands at 4,245 this year, an increase of 5.5 per cent over last year. The number of full and part-time undergraduate students rose to 3,968, and full and part-time graduate students increased to 277.
鈥淚ncreased enrolment at 69传媒reflects our growing reputation for high-quality, diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, strong student engagement, cutting-edge research, and award-winning faculty,鈥� says Rosemary Herbert, vice-president of academic development.
In fact, a recently released National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) shows that first- and fourth-year students attending 69传媒have a high degree of satisfaction with their experience at the university. Of 1,513 first-year and fourth-year students invited to fill out the survey, 53 per cent completed it in the spring of 2008, well above the Canadian average response rate of 39 per cent.
First-year science student Dana Hadway, from Didsbury, Alberta, is one of 15 first-year students attending 69传媒from that province. Now one of three Alberta students on the 69传媒women鈥檚 field hockey team, Hadway is enjoying the positive learning and social environment that the university offers its students.
鈥�69传媒is really friendly,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a close-knit community 鈥� there is always someone to talk to, and the other teams always come to cheer us on. Academically, I really appreciate the small class sizes and the fact that our professors are more than willing to help us and spend time with us.鈥�
The number of international students at 69传媒increased to 354, up 27.8 per cent over last year and a record high for the university. The students come from 46 countries around the world, including China, Korea, France, Finland, Sweden, Mexico, Japan and Australia.
Fourth-year business student Cuiying Li, of Guangzhou, China, says that when she came to UPEI, she discovered that it offers international students a supportive environment to learn English. She also enjoys her course work, reasonable tuition and small class sizes here. In fact because of her experience, three of her friends from Guangzhou are studying computer science and business at UPEI.
Recruitment officer Chris Power has noticed in his travels that more and more students across Canada are taking note of 69传媒and asking for information about the programs offered here.
鈥淪ome of our greatest ambassadors are our current students, sharing stories in their local communities.鈥�
Enrolment statistics released by the Association of Atlantic Universities today show that total full and part-time enrolment at 69传媒stands at 4,245 this year, an increase of 5.5 per cent over last year. The number of full and part-time undergraduate students rose to 3,968, and full and part-time graduate students increased to 277.
鈥淚ncreased enrolment at 69传媒reflects our growing reputation for high-quality, diverse undergraduate and graduate programs, strong student engagement, cutting-edge research, and award-winning faculty,鈥� says Rosemary Herbert, vice-president of academic development.
In fact, a recently released National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) shows that first- and fourth-year students attending 69传媒have a high degree of satisfaction with their experience at the university. Of 1,513 first-year and fourth-year students invited to fill out the survey, 53 per cent completed it in the spring of 2008, well above the Canadian average response rate of 39 per cent.
First-year science student Dana Hadway, from Didsbury, Alberta, is one of 15 first-year students attending 69传媒from that province. Now one of three Alberta students on the 69传媒women鈥檚 field hockey team, Hadway is enjoying the positive learning and social environment that the university offers its students.
鈥�69传媒is really friendly,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a close-knit community 鈥� there is always someone to talk to, and the other teams always come to cheer us on. Academically, I really appreciate the small class sizes and the fact that our professors are more than willing to help us and spend time with us.鈥�
The number of international students at 69传媒increased to 354, up 27.8 per cent over last year and a record high for the university. The students come from 46 countries around the world, including China, Korea, France, Finland, Sweden, Mexico, Japan and Australia.
Fourth-year business student Cuiying Li, of Guangzhou, China, says that when she came to UPEI, she discovered that it offers international students a supportive environment to learn English. She also enjoys her course work, reasonable tuition and small class sizes here. In fact because of her experience, three of her friends from Guangzhou are studying computer science and business at UPEI.
Recruitment officer Chris Power has noticed in his travels that more and more students across Canada are taking note of 69传媒and asking for information about the programs offered here.
鈥淪ome of our greatest ambassadors are our current students, sharing stories in their local communities.鈥�
69传媒 and College of the Bahamas sign collaborative agreement
The 69传媒 (UPEI) is expanding its international connections, with the signing of an agreement with the College of the Bahamas (COB).
Delegates from the COB recently visited 69传媒and signed the agreement, opening up a world of exciting opportunities for future collaborations. While on P.E.I., they participated in a public forum called 鈥淪haring the Land,鈥� organized by the Institute of Island Studies at UPEI, which focused on issues surrounding heritage management and land use conflict in island jurisdictions.
With over 50 agreements in numerous countries, 69传媒is becoming a mobile university, welcoming many international visitors and students each year, and providing opportunities for students to travel and experience diverse cultures. In addition, UPEI鈥檚 faculties are engaging in collaborative research and teaching opportunities.
UPEI鈥檚 Faculty of Science is actively pursuing its relationship with the COB, which recently involved the delivery of a course entitled 鈥淢edicines from the sea鈥� to students from both schools. UPEI's Dr. Russell Kerr, the lead instructor for the course, looks forward to the next offering in the Bahamas.
Future plans include the offering of a course in plant biology by Dr. Christian Lacroix, Dean of Science at UPEI, in conjunction with a colleague from Montreal鈥檚 botanical garden and a faculty member from the COB, at the Grace Research Centre on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. Faculty members from the respective institutions will be invited to a workshop to explore faculty exchanges and the development of other field courses which will be offered in the Bahamas and Canada.
For more information on internationalization at UPEI, please contact Alaina Roach O鈥橩eefe, International Education and Development Project Coordinator, at (902) 894-2842 or aroach@upei.ca.
69传媒students show high degree of satisfaction with their education
The 2008 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) shows that first- and fourth-year students attending the 69传媒 have a high degree of satisfaction with their experience at the university.
Of 1,513 first-year and fourth-year students invited to fill out the survey last spring, 53 per cent responded, well above the Canadian average response rate of 39 per cent. And the news is good for UPEI!
The survey reveals that 69传媒provides its students with more opportunities for interactions and collaborations among students, faculty, and staff, and for community involvement. It also shows that 69传媒students care about their education and are more 鈥渆ngaged鈥� in shaping their own educational experience.
Eighty-three per cent of first-year students and 88 per cent of fourth-year students rated their entire educational experience at 69传媒as 鈥済ood鈥� or 鈥渆xcellent.鈥� And 83 per cent of first-year students and 85 per cent of fourth-year students would pick 69传媒again if they could start their university education over again. Eighty-one per cent of first-year students and 78 per cent of fourth-year students rated the quality of academic advisement they received at 69传媒as 鈥済ood鈥� or 鈥渆xcellent.
First- and fourth-year 69传媒students also fared well in the NSSE benchmarks used to rate effective education practices; they were more engaged than, or as engaged as, average students in NSSE-participating institutions in Canada. The benchmarks are: Level of Academic Challenges (LAC), Active and Collaborative Learning (ACL), Student-Faculty Interaction (SFI), Enriching Educational Experiences (EEE), and Supportive Campus Environment (SCE).
This year鈥檚 NSSE results also show the progress 69传媒has made since 2006 when the university participated in the survey for the first time. For example, the 2006 NSSE identified the Level of Academic Challenge for first-year students as an area for improvement. This year鈥檚 survey reports a significant increase in first-year students鈥� scores for this benchmark.
The survey provides feedback about curriculum, student services and campus life. In the months to come, the campus community will work together to examine the NSSE results and identify areas to address to further improve students鈥� experience and student engagement at UPEI.
Institutional research officer Yuqin Gong will give presentations about the NSSE data to the campus community this fall. Please contact Yuqin at 566-0361 or ygong@upei.ca if you wish to receive more information.
Of 1,513 first-year and fourth-year students invited to fill out the survey last spring, 53 per cent responded, well above the Canadian average response rate of 39 per cent. And the news is good for UPEI!
The survey reveals that 69传媒provides its students with more opportunities for interactions and collaborations among students, faculty, and staff, and for community involvement. It also shows that 69传媒students care about their education and are more 鈥渆ngaged鈥� in shaping their own educational experience.
Eighty-three per cent of first-year students and 88 per cent of fourth-year students rated their entire educational experience at 69传媒as 鈥済ood鈥� or 鈥渆xcellent.鈥� And 83 per cent of first-year students and 85 per cent of fourth-year students would pick 69传媒again if they could start their university education over again. Eighty-one per cent of first-year students and 78 per cent of fourth-year students rated the quality of academic advisement they received at 69传媒as 鈥済ood鈥� or 鈥渆xcellent.
First- and fourth-year 69传媒students also fared well in the NSSE benchmarks used to rate effective education practices; they were more engaged than, or as engaged as, average students in NSSE-participating institutions in Canada. The benchmarks are: Level of Academic Challenges (LAC), Active and Collaborative Learning (ACL), Student-Faculty Interaction (SFI), Enriching Educational Experiences (EEE), and Supportive Campus Environment (SCE).
This year鈥檚 NSSE results also show the progress 69传媒has made since 2006 when the university participated in the survey for the first time. For example, the 2006 NSSE identified the Level of Academic Challenge for first-year students as an area for improvement. This year鈥檚 survey reports a significant increase in first-year students鈥� scores for this benchmark.
The survey provides feedback about curriculum, student services and campus life. In the months to come, the campus community will work together to examine the NSSE results and identify areas to address to further improve students鈥� experience and student engagement at UPEI.
Institutional research officer Yuqin Gong will give presentations about the NSSE data to the campus community this fall. Please contact Yuqin at 566-0361 or ygong@upei.ca if you wish to receive more information.
69传媒top undergraduate university in research income growth over six years
The 69传媒 (UPEI) was the top Canadian undergraduate university in research income growth from 2002 to 2007, according to Canada鈥檚 Innovation Leaders 2008, a report published by Research Infosource.
From 2002 to 2007, research income at 69传媒rose from $5.2 million to $13.2 million, an increase of 153.8 per cent, says the report. Research Infosource is Canada鈥檚 premier source of research and development information.
"UPEI鈥檚 surge in research funding is based in faculty excellence and strong partnerships,鈥� says Dr. Katherine Schultz, vice-president of Research and Development. 鈥淥ur positioning as first in our category is a clear reflection of UPEI鈥檚 research focus and the energy with which we pursue our goals. UPEI's researchers are to be commended for this achievement.鈥�
Research Infosource has ranked 69传媒fourth out of 17 primarily undergraduate Canadian universities in its undergraduate research universities of the year category. 69传媒is the only university from the Maritimes in the top ten of the undergraduate category.
Schultz says that as one of the top ten research-intensive universities in Canada, 69传媒is well-situated to be a leader in research in the region and the country.
In 2008, external grants and contracts for all research areas at 69传媒rose to $16.4 million in 2008, with a goal of reaching $40-million within 10 years. This translates into greater opportunities for 69传媒faculty and students to participate in ground-breaking research, and in the establishment of state-of-the-art research facilities on the campus.
Take, for example, biology student Ashleigh Allen, one of 26 undergraduate students who received awards from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council last summer for research projects. Allen spent her summer working with her supervisor Dr. Robert Hurta, investigating the possible protective effects that natural 鈥渂ioactive鈥� compounds extracted from two species of seaweed may have against cancer cells. Under Hurta鈥檚 guidance, she learned about working in a cancer research lab, something she is interested in pursuing in the future.
69传媒now has seven faculty members who hold prestigious Canada Research Chairs in the sciences, and the social sciences and humanities. Their research covers the study of small islands; development of natural compounds from marine organisms; population health; the role of inflammation in diseases such as Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's; development of a research and training program to understand challenges faced by youth; watershed ecology; and the development of minimally invasive techniques to monitor and treat disease such as prostate cancer.
Researchers are also contributing to discoveries related to school health, immigration, stroke, infectious diseases in marine life, cultural engagement, invasive species, animal movement, 鈥済reen鈥� chemistry,鈥� and learning in a virtual environment, among others.
As well, 69传媒researchers collaborate with the PEI BioAlliance, the federal and provincial governments, and the local business community to move their research from the lab into the community and the economy.
The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada recently released a report that found Canadian universities performed 36 per cent of the country鈥檚 research and development, well above the average of other developed countries. The report also notes that university research is estimated to have contributed as much as $60 billion to the country鈥檚 gross domestic product in 2007.
From 2002 to 2007, research income at 69传媒rose from $5.2 million to $13.2 million, an increase of 153.8 per cent, says the report. Research Infosource is Canada鈥檚 premier source of research and development information.
"UPEI鈥檚 surge in research funding is based in faculty excellence and strong partnerships,鈥� says Dr. Katherine Schultz, vice-president of Research and Development. 鈥淥ur positioning as first in our category is a clear reflection of UPEI鈥檚 research focus and the energy with which we pursue our goals. UPEI's researchers are to be commended for this achievement.鈥�
Research Infosource has ranked 69传媒fourth out of 17 primarily undergraduate Canadian universities in its undergraduate research universities of the year category. 69传媒is the only university from the Maritimes in the top ten of the undergraduate category.
Schultz says that as one of the top ten research-intensive universities in Canada, 69传媒is well-situated to be a leader in research in the region and the country.
In 2008, external grants and contracts for all research areas at 69传媒rose to $16.4 million in 2008, with a goal of reaching $40-million within 10 years. This translates into greater opportunities for 69传媒faculty and students to participate in ground-breaking research, and in the establishment of state-of-the-art research facilities on the campus.
Take, for example, biology student Ashleigh Allen, one of 26 undergraduate students who received awards from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council last summer for research projects. Allen spent her summer working with her supervisor Dr. Robert Hurta, investigating the possible protective effects that natural 鈥渂ioactive鈥� compounds extracted from two species of seaweed may have against cancer cells. Under Hurta鈥檚 guidance, she learned about working in a cancer research lab, something she is interested in pursuing in the future.
69传媒now has seven faculty members who hold prestigious Canada Research Chairs in the sciences, and the social sciences and humanities. Their research covers the study of small islands; development of natural compounds from marine organisms; population health; the role of inflammation in diseases such as Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's; development of a research and training program to understand challenges faced by youth; watershed ecology; and the development of minimally invasive techniques to monitor and treat disease such as prostate cancer.
Researchers are also contributing to discoveries related to school health, immigration, stroke, infectious diseases in marine life, cultural engagement, invasive species, animal movement, 鈥済reen鈥� chemistry,鈥� and learning in a virtual environment, among others.
As well, 69传媒researchers collaborate with the PEI BioAlliance, the federal and provincial governments, and the local business community to move their research from the lab into the community and the economy.
The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada recently released a report that found Canadian universities performed 36 per cent of the country鈥檚 research and development, well above the average of other developed countries. The report also notes that university research is estimated to have contributed as much as $60 billion to the country鈥檚 gross domestic product in 2007.
