The sixth meeting of the UPEI Senate will take place on Friday, February 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 campus community is invited to a kick-off for Black History Month hosted by the UPEI Student Union in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, on February 4 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Celebrate African and Caribbean heritage through food, music, and culture! Enjoy a specially curated menu brought to you by the UPEISU, Black History Month Advisory Committee, and the African Students Association, featuring the following:

• In-house from Fox & Crow: Jollof rice, rice and peas, and plantain
• Ordered from Naija Bites: Puff puffs and meat pies
• Ordered from Boonoonoos: Jerk chicken

Come share a meal, connect, and celebrate!

The UPEI Faculty of Arts ConneXions series presents the first two speakers for this semester: Drs Renée Valiquette (DSJS) and Nick Mercer (Environmental Studies and MAIS), who will explore the broad topic of  "Environmental Justice - but for whom? And how?"

i) Dr. Renée Valiquette, DSJS

Title: “Beyond purity and refusal: rethinking environmentalisms

I would say a knotty area of interest that motivates me these days is the expectation that "good" environmental ethics are defined by a commitment to austerity and lack. I am more compelled by thinkers/activists who offer something darker and messier than enduring environmentalisms of purity and refusal. How can we cultivate eco-ethics that resist naive hope without falling into melancholia? Are there ways of dwelling in/responding to our wild futures that don't evade the brutalities ahead but also feel full of potential and possibility?

ii) Dr. Nick Mercer, Environmental Studies and MAIS

Title: “Is eliminating fossil-fuel consumption ‘just’?: Lessons learned from the diesel-powered North” 

Guided by near scientific consensus, most nation-states globally have pledged ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, with the goal of maintaining planetary heating of less than 1.5 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial period. Central to this mission is the rapid electrification of societies and economies and a massive expansion of low-carbon generation sources. For instance, the influential Canadian Energy Regulator (2023) has suggested that national power output may double by mid-century, fuelled by new wind farms, hydroelectric facilities, and other sources of renewable energies. One critical question that must be considered in this seemingly benign pursuit: "Are renewable energy transitions ‘just’?" Reflecting on a deep and ongoing research relationship with nine Indigenous diesel-dependent communities in southern Labrador, our research program has long sought to answer: "Who wins and who loses as a result of energy transitions? Who has power and influence in decision-making? And whether the worldviews and priorities of diverse peoples are honoured, centered, and upheld in ‘renewable’ energy development." 

This year, the UPEI Chaplaincy Centre is celebrating 10 years of Soup for the Soul! Our celebration continues with two more events in February. Mark your calendars for February 11 and 25, when we will serve free bowls of soup for the campus community from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm (or until we run out!). See you at the Chaplaincy Centre!

UPEI annually acknowledges individuals for their outstanding contributions to the success of the University. The awards are valued at $1,000 each and given in recognition of excellence to faculty, librarians, clinical veterinary professionals, clinical nursing instructors, sessional instructors, and staff.

Nominations are open and must be submitted to universityawards@upei.ca by the last Friday in February each year. This year, nominations close on Friday, February 28, 2025.

For further details about the awards and the nomination process, please visit https://www.upei.ca/president/university-awards-of-excellence

On January 27, Health PEI implemented a universal masking policy across its facilities to protect patients, staff, and the public from the spread of illness.

UPEI recommends steps to help protect yourself during the winter months. These include staying up to date on vaccinations; staying home if symptomatic; practicing good hand hygiene; and wearing a mask to protect yourself and help prevent spread if you are feeling ill or have been exposed. Please visit the UPEI Guidance For Respiratory Illness for more information.

While the UPEI Health and Wellness Centre (HWC) is not implementing mandatory masking at this time, patients and staff are strongly encouraged to wear masks in the clinic. Masks are readily available at the HWC for anyone who needs one. Please note that care will not be denied to individuals who choose not to wear a mask.

COVID-19 test kits continue to be available at the HWC and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE).

Feel free to reach out to HSE at HSE@upei.ca or call 902-566-0901.

The second in this series of President's town halls will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025. For this event, which falls during a month sometimes known for “hearts and flowers” as well as the short days of midwinter, there will be opportunities to share examples of success, what we are proud of at UPEI—and to shine some light! Everyone is invited to give a shoutout to campus community members and to celebrate our Panther Pride. There also will be a surprise guest appearance!

Let’s Celebrate our Panther Pride 

• Thursday, February 6, 2025 
• 1:30–2:30 pm 
• Amphitheatre, Performing Arts Centre and Residence building (PAC121S)  

If you are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join us virtually at this Teams Town Hall link.

Read the full invitation from President Rodgers.

The Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship is pleased to present the Food Ecosystem Tour, in partnership with BioFoodTech, Food Island Partnership, and Canada's Smartest Kitchen. Twenty UPEI students will get the chance to attend a full day where they will tour the facilities of BioFoodTech and Canada's Smartest Kitchen and learn about the resources and support available to entrepreneurs in the food product development sector. 

The tour will take place on Thursday, February 20, from 8:45 am to 3:15 pm. Students will start with a tour of BioFoodTech, followed by a presentation from Food Island Partnership, before moving over to The Culinary Institute of Canada to have lunch at The Marché. Students will then hear from and tour the facilities of Canada's Smartest Kitchen, and end the day with a panel discussion and Q&A opportunity with food entrepreneurs who are current and past clients of the organizations that opened their doors to the group. 

Applications to attend the Food Ecosystem Tour will open on Friday, February 7, at 12:00 pm. Participation is only available to current full-time UPEI students, and invites will be given on a first-applied, first-offered basis. Students are required to be in attendance for the full itinerary.

The application form can be found here, but will only go live on February 7 at 12:00 pm.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to scramble your way through a presentation you have no control over? It’s more fun than you think, and you can experience it yourself (or just come to watch!) on Tuesday, February 4, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship in 201 Robertson Library! No pre-registration required!

Note: If you would like to participate, please bring a phone or computer that can access wi-fi or cellular data.

UPEI piano professor Magdalena von Eccher will present a solo piano recital on February 7, at 7:30 pm, featuring Robert Schumann's colourful Faschingschwank aus Wien, Op 26 (Viennese Carnival) alongside Bach's marvelous Toccata in C Minor, BWV 911, interwoven with other selections including Schoenberg's Op. 19 and Ravel's Sonatine. Magdalena will be joined by pianist Glen Montgomery for Debussy's charming piano duet, Petite Suite.

The recital will take place on the SDU Stage, Dr. Steel Recital Hall (SB 224). Admission is $30 for adults and $10 for students, payable by cash at the door.

A public forum titled “The Future of Professional Journalism and Public Broadcasting” will take place at the UPEI Performing Arts Centre Amphitheatre (121S) on Wednesday, February 5, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. 

The forum will be led by award-winning journalists Ian Petrie, former national and regional reporter for CBC; Paul MacNeill, publisher of "The Eastern Graphic" and a champion of local news media; Teresa Wright, freelance journalist covering politics and policy; Sally Pitt, journalist and instructor at Holland College; Rick MacLean, journalist and UPEI instructor; and Rafael Barliardo, journalist on culture and politics in Brazil.  

Participants will explore the following topics:

• Why are many professional journalism organizations losing audience, and in some cases, trust?
• What does this decline in audience and trust mean for democracy, and keeping those in power accountable? 
• What do younger generations think about the conventional news media?  
• What can be done to preserve the integrity, expand the reach, and ensure the economic viability of professional journalism into the future?  

This free event is sponsored by the UPEI journalism program, the UPEI Faculty of Arts, and the UPEI Office of the Vice-President Research and Academic. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The forum will also be available to watch via Zoom for those who are unable to attend the event in person. Join the forum online here: The Future of Professional Journalism and Public Broadcasting.

In accordance with the UPEI Action Plan: Building A Culture of Trust, Safety and Inclusion, the University of Prince Edward Island has committed to developing a new Harassment and Discrimination Policy and a revised Sexual Violence Policy. In an email message issued on January 21 to students, staff, and faculty, co-chairs Wendy Rodgers and Lucky Fusca announced that a Review Committee has been struck, and work is now underway to develop a recommendation for the two policies, following a university-wide consultative process. 

The Review Committee was selected by the University among individuals who responded to a call for expressions of interest to participate, with a view to ensure a broad representation across constituency groups in the UPEI community (with diverse experiences and backgrounds). The Committee held its initial meeting on December 18, 2024, and will continue to meet on a bi-weekly basis for the next three months, with a target completion date of March 31, 2025. 

All members of the UPEI community are, and will be, encouraged to provide feedback regarding their experiences with the current suite of policies and to offer other comments or suggestions they want to bring forward for the Committee's attention. If you wish to provide feedback, you may do so either through the online feedback form, found here, or by submitting comments by email to Bobby Cameron, Chief of Staff, Office of the President, at trcameron@upei.ca. Individuals are encouraged to provide feedback on or before February 7, 2025.

The UPEI Alumni Association Panther for Life Spirit Award is given to a current UPEI student (of no particular standing), who exemplifies true Panther pride inside and outside of the classroom. This individual has contributed to the campus community in a meaningful way, whether it be through their volunteerism, participation in UPEI-related events and activities, support of Panther sport, or any other significant way that makes them a strong ambassador for UPEI, both now and as a future Panther alumni.

The recipient will receive an engraved award and a $500 cash prize and will be recognized during a celebratory student event.

Any student, staff, or faculty member may submit nominations for this award. Nominations must be received by February 28th at 4 pm to be considered for 2025.

To nominate a current student, please fill out the Panther for Life Spirit Award Nomination form here: https://www.upei.ca/alumni/awards-and-recognition/panther-for-life-spirit-award

For more information, email alumni@upei.ca.

The second in this series of President's town halls will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025. For this event, which falls during a month sometimes known for “hearts and flowers” as well as the short days of midwinter, there will be opportunities to share examples of success, what we are proud of at UPEI—and to shine some light! Everyone is invited to give a shoutout to campus community members and to celebrate our Panther Pride. There also will be a surprise guest appearance!

Let’s Celebrate our Panther Pride 

• Thursday, February 6, 2025 
• 1:30–2:30 pm 
• Amphitheatre, Performing Arts Centre and Residence building (PAC121S)  

If you are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join us virtually at this Teams Town Hall link.

Read the full invitation from President Rodgers.

Every year in February, we celebrate Black History Month. Members of the campus community are invited to join the UPEI Student Union, the Black Cultural Society, and the African Student Association today at the raising of the Pan-African flag at the flag plaza near Kelley Memorial Building at 11:30 am. All are welcome! For information about other events and activities at UPEI to mark Black History Month, go to https://www.upei.ca/communications/news/2025/01/upei-marks-black-history-month-2025

The Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship is pleased to present the Food Ecosystem Tour, in partnership with BioFoodTech, Food Island Partnership, and Canada's Smartest Kitchen. Twenty UPEI students will get the chance to attend a full day where they will tour the facilities of BioFoodTech and Canada's Smartest Kitchen and learn about the resources and support available to entrepreneurs in the food product development sector. 

The tour will take place on Thursday, February 20, from 8:45 am to 3:15 pm. Students will start with a tour of BioFoodTech, followed by a presentation from Food Island Partnership, before moving over to The Culinary Institute of Canada to have lunch at The Marché. Students will then hear from and tour the facilities of Canada's Smartest Kitchen, and end the day with a panel discussion and Q&A opportunity with food entrepreneurs who are current and past clients of the organizations that opened their doors to the group. 

Applications to attend the Food Ecosystem Tour will open on Friday, February 7, at 12:00 pm. Participation is only available to current full-time UPEI students, and invites will be given on a first-applied, first-offered basis. Students are required to be in attendance for the full itinerary.

The application form can be found here, but will only go live on February 7 at 12:00 pm.

It can be hard to get group work right, and many students are primed to dislike it. Here are a pair of student-facing resources and an instructors guide to set them up to have a successful experience of working within a team in your course. Download “Effective Teaming: A Resource Designed For and With Students” and "Instructor Guide for Using Effective Teaming: A Resource Designed For and With Students". 

In recognition of Black History Month, the UPEI Department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights is hosting an educational display titled “Not Peripheral” outside McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, from Tuesday, February 4, to Friday, February 28.

Community thank you 

The EDIHR department is grateful for all the support throughout this project from the community. Thank you, ASA (African Student Association), UPEISU, and BIPOC USHR, for your time and thoughts.  

Display description 

The display paints a picture of Black history by highlighting Black speculative art and Black people who fall at intersecting marginalized identities--identities that are not often highlighted or celebrated by non-Black folks, for example, Black-Indigenous people, Black Latinx people, Black Muslims, Black Palestinians, Black queers, Black folks from the Global South, and Black folks with disabilities. 

Event highlights 

• Vastness of Blackness: With a deeply rooted culture dating back over 300,000 years, this display aims to emphasize black history before, during, and well beyond the trans-Atlantic slave trade. 
• Challenge understanding of intersectionality: This display challenges you to consider the ways in which those living across the intersection of disability, queerness + Blackness have had their history(ies) included or excluded in Canada's colonial project.  
• Interactive discussions: Engage in meaningful conversations about the significance of recognizing and honoring Black History and futures using discussion prompts provided throughout the display.  

Why learning about Black History Year year-long matters 

In addition to Black History Month recognizing and celebrating the contributions, achievements, and history of Black individuals and communities throughout time, this month also serves as a reminder of the struggles against racial injustice and inequality Black people continue to face. This month offers a space for reflection on the progress and the work still needed to create a more equitable society--work that cannot be done in 28 days.  

Accessibility note 

There is one entrance on the East side of the building with dual push button automatic doors that swing out and have about 34 inches of clearance. The display is 50 metres away from the entrance. Gendered washrooms with accessibility stalls are located on the same floor and are no more than 15 meters from the display area. If you have any questions or concerns, please email equity@upei.ca. 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to scramble your way through a presentation you have no control over? It’s more fun than you think, and you can experience it yourself (or just come to watch!) on Tuesday, February 4, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship in 201 Robertson Library! No pre-registration required!

Note: If you would like to participate, please bring a phone or computer that can access wi-fi or cellular data.

In honour of Apukna'jit and Indigenous Story Telling Month, we are hosting a "Sharing Our Stories and Apukna'jit Spirit Ceremony" event with local knowledge keepers, community members, and UPEI staff and students on Wednesday, February 5, from 1:00-3:00 pm in Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, Room 142. Four local knowledge keepers will share stories in a sharing circle.

Apukna'jit is the spirit of the winter. In some ways, the tradition involves making offerings to Apukna'jit with the hope of a light winter and an early spring. We do so by making tobacco offerings and a plate of food to feed Apukna'jit.

We have 30 seats available;  others may stand outside the circle.

Wela'lin, hope to see you there.