Vagabond is presenting ". . . destroyed surely: An Evening of Plays by John Millington Synge" from March 12 to 15 inclusive in the UPEI Performing Arts Centre and Residence (PAC121S). The doors open at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start.

Vagabond is presenting both "Riders to the Sea" and "In the Shadow of the Glen." When asked about the shows, director Greg Doran said: “We are building a substantial set, and we will be going with period costumes. We want to showcase what the students are capable of when properly supported.” He went on to say that he hopes the plays will resonate with Island audiences, for they deal with the dangers of life on the sea and the isolation of life on a rural farm.

There will be a talk-back with the company after the March 14 performance. Admission is pay what you can. For more information, contact Greg at gdoran@upei.ca. 

The plays deal with mature themes, so they might not be appropriate for a younger audience. 

Are you curious about machine learning but unsure where to start or whether it's the right fit for you? Join ACENET for an introductory session that explores the fundamentals of machine learning and its applications. We’ll break down key terminology—machine learning, deep learning, and neural networks—so you can confidently navigate the field. You'll learn about essential methods, from simple models like Linear Regression and Decision Trees for classification to more advanced techniques such as Support Vector Machines and Neural Networks—the foundation of Large Language Models. We’ll also discuss practical considerations for setting up a machine learning project, including the resources you need, data collection strategies, factors that contribute to success, and lessons to take away when things don’t go as planned.

This virtual workshop will be held on March 14, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. To register, go to https://www.acenet.training/courses.

Dr. Henry Dimingu, a candidate for an accounting tenure-track faculty position in the McDougall Faculty of Business, will give a presentation titled "Exploring the Lived Experiences of Accounting Professionals in Diverse and Inclusive Workplaces and Their Impact on Financial Decision-Making" on Friday, March 14, at 11:30 am in Don and Marion McDougall Hall, Room 329.

Aniket Naik, a candidate for an accounting tenure-track faculty position in the McDougall Faculty of Business, will give a presentation titled "The Audit Expectations Gap: The Canadian Perspective" on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 2:30 pm in Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, Room 142.

Dr. Yousef Malik, a candidate for an accounting tenure-track faculty position in the McDougall Faculty of Business, will give a presentation titled "The Intersection of Business and Climate Change, particularly in the Context of ESG Adoption and Carbon Accounting" on Friday, March 7, at 11:30 am in Don and Marion McDougall Hall, Room 329.

The seventh meeting of the UPEI Senate will take place on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm in Room 102 at Alumni Hall (618 University Avenue). To view the 2024-2025 calendar of Senate meetings or documents for the upcoming meeting, click here. 

All meetings are open to members of the University community, although certain in-camera items (e.g., granting of degrees) may require the Senate to go into a closed session. Only members of Senate are permitted to address the Senate unless otherwise recognized by the chair. 

For logistical purposes, members of the UPEI community who wish to attend the open session of a UPEI Senate meeting are asked to contact senate@upei.ca one week prior to the meeting. While Senate is an in-person meeting, members of the University community may request a virtual connection when they are unable to attend in person. 
 

The Office of Student Culture and Community Standards is calling all Panthers, including students, staff, and faculty members, to join us on Friday, March 7, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, at The Fox & Crow to celebrate the UPEI Women's Basketball team's success and the UPEI Men's Basketball team's monumental and record-breaking victory at the Atlantic University Sports (AUS) Championship. 

Join us in wishing the UPEI Men's Basketball team good luck as they head to Vancouver to represent the AUS at the U SPORTS national championships, watch AUS highlights, play games, and win UPEI merchandise! 

Snacks will be provided at the event. However, you can also purchase your own food and beverage at the Fox & Crow. 

Please join us on Friday, March 7, at 4:00 pm in FSDE 128B for our next Pizza Seminar! Dr. Amy Hall with Veteran's Affairs Canada's Research Directorate will give a talk entitled "Data on the frontlines:exploring connections between military service and health". 

Abstract: This talk will describe the critical role of data in understanding and addressing health issues within military and Veteran populations. By analyzing data trends from epidemiological, qualitative, and administrative sources, we gain insights into the unique health challenges faced by those who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces. We will discuss how data-driven approaches are pivotal to identify risk factors, predict health outcomes, and tailor interventions to improve the well-being of service members and Veterans. This examination of real-world applications will highlight the transformative potential of data to shape military and Veteran programs and policies to support the health of those who have served our country.

There will be free pizza and pop to follow!

The UPEI Faculty of Science Graduate Studies Committee invites the campus community to two MSc seminar presentations: “Climate change impacts on potato storage and carbon flux estimates of potato production” by Shu Zhang, School of Climate Change and Adaptation and “Evaluation of an agri-nutrition education program in primary schools in Meru, Kenya” by Roseglory K. Murungi, Department of Applied Human Sciences. The presentations are part of the regular ESC/HB Seminar Series and will be held in the Duffy Science Centre, Room 204, on Friday March 7, at 12:30 pm. 

Everyone is welcome.

Join UPEI President Wendy Rodgers for casual  “coffee chats” at Tim Horton's in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre, beginning this Friday, March 7 from 8:15-9:15 am.

These coffee chats offer a relaxed setting where any member of the UPEI community can drop by, grab a drink, and chat with Wendy about anything on your mind. Whether you want to share ideas, ask questions, or simply say hello, these chats are a great way to connect with the president in a comfortable and informal environment.

Stay tuned for future "coffee chat" dates!

Everyone is welcome to the second Faculty of Arts ConneXions 2.0 series! This week, two new faculty members will engage us in the kinds of "provocations" that animate their teaching and scholarly activities. 

Provocation: We teach students, yes, but what does that mean? 

Friday, March 7, from 2:30-3:30 pm, SDU Main Building, Room 320

Sébastien Parker, Political Science and Sociology/Anthropology

Title: “The 'Trust Challenge': Developing Critical Advocates for Academic Institutions in Polarized Times”

This talk explores a central question: how can we develop informed citizens who both question and champion academic institutions in an era of declining institutional trust? Against a backdrop of government and academic funding cuts, polarization, and increasing skepticism toward expertise, we face a challenge. Students must develop the critical thinking skills to recognize methodological limitations and institutional biases while simultaneously becoming advocates for knowledge-producing institutions worthy of public confidence. Drawing on a series of data visualizations on cohort trends in trust and polarization, as well as classroom pedagogical experiences, notably, I provide threads for thinking about how we might cultivate "critical advocates" for positive change in our communities.

Brent MacDonald, Psychology

Title: “Disrupting Mental Toughness Mythology: What mental toughness really is and how/why it can/should be implemented for university students to enhance their post-secondary- and life-experiences”

My real interest is in the development and understanding of mental toughness. First off, it’s important to understand what mental toughness is not (as it has been wildly misunderstood, in part due to its roots in sport psychology and in part because of its co-opted use in corporate and military “toxic masculinity” culture). It is not about “sucking it up,” nor is its polar opposite mental weakness. It is a combination of a number of concepts embedded (to an extent) in stoicism and positive psychology (including resilience, growth mindset, risk-taking, and other factors that are involved in the human endeavour). But it is something also that can be studied, understood, and applied. Its application at the university level is well researched and shows promising results. Specifically, my interest is in how mental toughness can be developed in university students, particularly those with neurodiverse profiles, along with its possible applications in education and health care.

Title: "Building a Resilient Cropping System Amidst Climate Change"

Presenter: Dr. Mumtaz Cheema, Professor, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Date and Time: March 7, 2025, 1:00–2:00 pm (Atlantic Time)

Registration: Click here to receive the Zoom link. The webinar is free. 

The Eklektik Music Duo (Andrea Willis and Megaria Halim) will perform on the SDU Stage in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall on March 8, 2025, at 7:30 pm.

The name Nü Voice is derived from the word “new,” reflecting our commitment to programming not only contemporary music but also works by underrepresented composers. Additionally, Nü means “women” in Chinese, underscoring our dedication to featuring female composers in this concert’s program.

In this program, we seek to highlight women from two contrasting realms—mythology and history. Featuring legendary figures such as Penelope and Calypso to esteemed historical figures like Canadian folklorist Helen Creighton, our selection weaves together diverse narratives across time.

During their graduate studies at the University of Western Ontario, Andrea Willis and Megaria Halim discovered a shared passion for exploring new, unconventional, and underrepresented musical works. With an abundance of remarkable repertoire for piano and voice—many of which remain underperformed—they were inspired to form the Eklektik Music Duo. Derived from the Greek word eklektikos, meaning “choosing the best from various sources,” their name reflects their commitment to drawing inspiration from diverse genres and styles, creating a truly distinctive sound.

Accessible parking is available, and the theatre has an accessible entrance via elevator. General admission is $30 (cash only). Admission is free for students. 

Vagabond is presenting ". . . destroyed surely: An Evening of Plays by John Millington Synge" from March 12 to 15 inclusive in the UPEI Performing Arts Centre and Residence (PAC121S). The doors open at 7:00 pm for a 7:30 pm start.

Vagabond is presenting both "Riders to the Sea" and "In the Shadow of the Glen." When asked about the shows, director Greg Doran said: “We are building a substantial set, and we will be going with period costumes. We want to showcase what the students are capable of when properly supported.” He went on to say that he hopes the plays will resonate with Island audiences, for they deal with the dangers of life on the sea and the isolation of life on a rural farm.

There will be a talk-back with the company after the March 14 performance. Admission is pay what you can. For more information, contact Greg at gdoran@upei.ca. 

The plays deal with mature themes, so they might not be appropriate for a younger audience. 

Dr. Shannon Potter, a candidate for the Management (Organizational Behaviour/Human Resource Management) tenure-track position in the McDougall Faculty of Business, will give a presentation titled "It's the Kids: The Gender Pay Gap in Emergency Medicine" on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 9:00 am in Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, Room 142.

Join the UPEI Chaplaincy Centre community in celebrating the season of Lent, which begins on Wednesday, March 5.

• Tuesday, March 4: Pancake Tuesday, 11:30-1:00 pm at the Fox & Crow
• Wednesday, March 5: Ash Wednesday mass with the distribution of ashes at 12:05 pm; Liturgy of the Word with the distribution of ashes at 4:05 pm. Both are at the Chaplaincy Centre
• Liturgy of the Word with communion: Thursdays at 12:05 pm, beginning March 6
• Lectio Divina: Wednesdays  at 11:30 am, beginning March 12

We continue our Sunday evening Mass at 6:00 pm. Stay tuned for the schedule of our Easter celebrations.

Cooperative Education and Work-Integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada has a call for proposals open for curricular work-integrated learning projects taking place between May 1 and December 31, 2025. Full details of the CFP can be found through their website. Please note that the funding has criteria to meet around eligible students, partners, opportunities, and spending. If you have an idea for a proposal and would like to help, the Experiential Education office has submitted many successful applications through past rounds and can support you. Email Shannon at smsnow@upei.ca to explore possibilities. Applications close on March 18. 

Apache Spark is an open-source software for large-scale data processing and analysis. Using Apache Spark and Python (PySpark), this workshop is aimed at analyzing data sets that are too large to be handled and processed by a single computer. In a hands-on format using PySpark, participants will learn to import data, and use functions to transform, reduce and compile the data. You will also learn how to produce parallel algorithms that can run on the national clusters.

This two-day virtual workshop is being offered on March 11 and 13, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm each day. To register, go to https://www.acenet.training/courses.

The Asian Studies and the new Centre for Korean Studies are pleased to invite everyone to this special academic event, Asian Studies International Seminar: Korean Studies Speaker Series 2025.

Speaker: Dr. Jin Y. Park, Chair and Professor, Department of Philosophy and Religion, American University, Washington D.C.

Title: "The Contemporary Buddhism: A Guide To Good Life”

Date and location: Thursday, April 3, 2:15-–4:00 pm, Faculty Lounge, Room 201, SDU Main Building.

Reception and healthy refreshments from 2:15-–2:30 pm.

Welcome address by Dr. Greg Naterer, UPEI Vice-President Academic and Research

Thank you and farewell address by Dr. Sharon Myers, Dean of Arts

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn and discuss the contemporary Buddhist way of “good life,” together with Prof. Park’s international and comparative insights.

Bio: Dr. Jin Y. Park (BA, Yonsei University, Korea; MA, NY University; PhD, SUNY-Stony Brook, New York) is Professor and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at American University, Washington DC. An internationally renowned scholar in Korean (East Asian) Buddhism, Buddhist and intercultural philosophy, and modern Korean social and political philosophy, she examines issues of gender, violence, and the politics of discrimination. Marginality has been a consistent theme in her scholarship, as her works reveal power structures within thought traditions and amplify marginalized voices. She is the author, (co-)editor, or translator of over 10 books (including "Women and Buddhist Philosophy" and "Buddhism and Postmodernity"), published 60 articles, and presented about 200 keynote speeches, invited lectures, and conference papers in her expertise areas. She has also recently served as President of the American Academy of Religion, the North American Korean Philosophy Association, and the Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy. Everyone is welcome to attend.  See you there!  

For the event poster, e-mail to jbbandara@upei.ca or chung@upei.ca.

Special acknowledgement: This Korean Studies International Speaker Series is funded by Dr. Edward Chung’s Korean Studies Seed Program grant (AKS-2022-INC-2230004) at UPEI, thanks to Korean Studies Promotion Service (KSPS), the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS), Ministry of Education, Government of South Korea.

Contact: Jay K. Bandarage, jbbandara@upei.ca, 566-0331 (AST admin Assistant); Dr. Edward Chung (AST Director), 566-0324.

Dr. Yousef Malik, a candidate for an accounting tenure-track faculty position in the McDougall Faculty of Business, will give a presentation titled "The Intersection of Business and Climate Change, particularly in the Context of ESG Adoption and Carbon Accounting" on Friday, March 7, at 11:30 am in Don and Marion McDougall Hall, Room 329.