Campus Notices
The UPEI Scholarships and Awards Office is accepting applications and nominations for the 2020 MacLauchlan Prizes for Effective Writing.
In July 2011, the family of Harry and Marjorie MacLauchlan of Stanhope, PEI made another leadership gift to UPEI to create a substantial program of awards to encourage and recognize student writing achievement. The gift is to honour H. Wade MacLauchlan’s twelve years of service as UPEI president and vice-chancellor, and to recognize the importance of effective writing as a foundational skill for academic success and lifelong learning.
The MacLauchlan Prizes for Effective Writing is the largest such student-oriented program in Canada.
A total of 60 awards valued at $500 each are available in 2020 for successful applicants.
Returning undergraduate students, faculty, and staff are eligible to apply for a MacLauchlan Prize for Effective Writing based on criteria for four categories:
MacLauchlan Prize for Effective Writing (Community)
MacLauchlan Prize for Effective Writing (Course Work)
MacLauchlan Prize for Effective Writing (Faculty and Staff)
MacLauchlan Prize for Effective Writing (Webster Centre)
The UPEI learning community is encouraged to review the four categories of prizes for details on submission criteria. The deadline for submissions is October 6, 2020.
For more information, please contact scholarships@upei.ca.
As part of our Campus high voltage distribution system upgrade project, we will be required to have a number of power interruptions. These power interruptions are necessary to transfer the power from the existing UPEI high voltage electrical switchgear located in the lower level of the Central Utility Building to the new high voltage electrical distribution system located in the new main electrical room recently added on to the Central Utility Building.
The schedule of power interruptions and associated buildings is listed below. This schedule may be required to be changed as we progress through the stages. Should that be required, I will send out a new Campus notice listing the updated schedule.
The emergency power generators will be started for each building prior to the beginning of the power interruption, which will mean there will be no delay of power for anything currently on emergency power when the power is disconnected.
Facilities Management apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jackie MacPhail at jmacphail@upei.ca or 902-566-6034.
August 11, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00 pm, expected to take approximately 12 hours to complete.
Dalton Hall, Memorial Hall, Cass Science Hall, K.C. Irving Chemistry Centre, Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, Don and Marion McDougall Hall, Bernardine Hall, Blanchard Hall, Chaplaincy Centre, Daycare Building, Kelley Memorial Building, Regis and Joan Duffy Research Centre, and the Atlantic Veterinary College.
August 12, 2020 – Beginning at 4:00 pm, expected to take approximately 12 hours to complete.
All Campus Buildings
Beginning Monday August 10th, the Robertson Library will offer additional services to the campus community.
More Curbside Options
Starting August 10th, the Library has expanded its curbside service. You can submit a request at anytime and are able to pick up your book Monday to Friday from 11 am-1 pm.
In-Library Research Consultations
Recognizing that some students and faculty may need to access the library in-person to meet their research needs and to support faculty as they prepare for their courses in the fall semester, subject librarians are now offering limited appointments in the library. These are research consultations with mediated access to the collection. To book a consultation, email your subject librarian and please bring a mask with you to your appointment. For all other requests, please contact your subject librarian to schedule a virtual meeting.
TITLE OF THESIS: Selection Of Scientific Indicators For Tracking, Understanding, And Communicating Climate Change In Prince Edward Island, Canada
Date: Tuesday, August 11th, 1:00 pm
ABSTRACT
The objective of this thesis is to develop a suite of scientific indicators for tracking, understanding, and communicating climate change in the 3 major economic sectors in PEI, including agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, and the general public as a fourth group. The process for the selection of scientific indicators for PEI was conducted by (1) a literature review through examination of scientific papers and government documents, (2) a public survey, and (3) statistical analysis of survey results. Climate indicators selected in other coastal environment jurisdictions, with similar climatic patterns, and from research papers in the sectors of interest were first reviewed for their suitability in the context of PEI. A total of 127 potential indicators were compiled from the literature review and screened, using 6 criteria: relevance, traceability, timeliness, data adequacy, representative data, and relevance to PEI. The characteristics of each selected climate indicator are discussed to reflect what the indicator measures, why it is important, and what factors influence the indicator. Technical considerations that support the reliability and understanding of each climate indicator are discussed, including the strengths and limitations of available data, as well as complementary graphs, maps, and other visual techniques. The selected climate indicators intersect with at least one of the chosen sectors or the general public and have adequate data available to be calculated on a timely basis. Preference was given to indicators that provide climate tracking information to more than one sector in an effort to reduce the overall number of those selected. Climate indicators not applicable to local PEI conditions by not demonstrating local climate change effects over time were screened out.
A public survey was used to obtain input from the economic sectors of agricultural, fishery, tourism, and the general public to enable selection of the most useful climate indicators for these major sectors of the Prince Edward Island economy and the general public. For the survey, one hundred and three (n=103) individuals completed the survey allowing the evaluation of 23 unique indicators on a score from 0 to 5 depending on their perceived importance (with 5 being the highest importance). The public survey results were statistically analyzed to assess the value and importance of each climate indicator to each economic sector. Climate change was considered an important issue by over 98% of all evaluators. The top 5 scoring climate change indicators in terms of importance included extreme precipitation events, sea level rise, drought periods, extreme wind events, and seasonal temperature change. As expected, some indicators were found to be more important to some sectors than others. For example, sea level rise was rated more important by the fishery and tourism sectors and less important by the farming sector.
A list of 19 indicators was further refined by completion of a feasibility assessment using 5 evaluation criteria resulting in shortened list of 11 climate change indicators. Any of the 8 other indicators can also be included if commitments for funding, monitoring, tracking and analysis can be identified from one or more organizations.
The presentation and examination will be presented via a web conference. Please RSVP to the Graduate Studies Coordinator at gsc@upei.ca for the information to connect if you wish to attend.
Through partnership with Ten Thousand Coffees, we offer virtual networking and career conversations for students and alumni - UPEI Connect!
How does it work? Students and Alumni fill out a profile with various education, experience, and interest tags, and this information is used to drive smart-matched introductions to someone else in the community every month. Here’s a 60-second video to help you learn more.
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Students will be automatically matched with an alumnus or industry partner each month who can answer questions related to their career trajectory, background, degree, and skill set.
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Once connected, members meet their match for a virtual coffee over the phone or through video conferencing to have a career-driven conversation.
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Students receive UPEI-affiliated mentorship to add to their CV and a LinkedIn profile certification to add to their resume and/or volunteer experience.
What do we need from you? Depending on your role, you may interact directly with students either one on one or in a group setting. We ask you to send the video and share a little bit about Ten Thousand Coffees with them, so that they have access to this rich programming to help them prepare for their careers.
Alumni & Students are encouraged to sign up using this link: www.tenthousandcoffees.com/schools/upei
Online Employee and Spouse/Dependent Tuition Waive
The deadline for Fall 2020 Tuition Waivers is August 19, 2020. We encourage you to have tuition waivers
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Walsh at: (902) 566-0514 or HRgeneral@upei.ca.
The E-Learning Office is hosting online tutorials on how to use Moodle for basic course editing (August 11th and August 12th) and using Moodle for activities and assessments (August 18th and August 19th). Recordings of the webinars will be available for those unable to attend. For more information, or to register, see https://www.upei.ca/teaching-and-learning-centre/learning/workshop-calendar
The UPEI Scholarships and Awards Office is accepting applications and nominations for the 2020 MacLauchlan Prizes for Effective Writing.
In July 2011, the family of Harry and Marjorie MacLauchlan of Stanhope, PEI made another leadership gift to UPEI to create a substantial program of awards to encourage and recognize student writing achievement. The gift is to honour H. Wade MacLauchlan’s twelve years of service as UPEI president and vice-chancellor, and to recognize the importance of effective writing as a foundational skill for academic success and lifelong learning.
The MacLauchlan Prizes for Effective Writing is the largest such student-oriented program in Canada.
A total of 60 awards valued at $500 each are available in 2020 for successful applicants.
Returning undergraduate students, faculty, and staff are eligible to apply for a MacLauchlan Prize for Effective Writing based on criteria for four categories:
MacLauchlan Prize for Effective Writing (Community)
MacLauchlan Prize for Effective Writing (Course Work)
MacLauchlan Prize for Effective Writing (Faculty and Staff)
MacLauchlan Prize for Effective Writing (Webster Centre)
The UPEI learning community is encouraged to review the four categories of prizes for details on submission criteria. The deadline for submissions is October 6, 2020.
For more information, please contact scholarships@upei.ca.
TITLE OF THESIS: Selection Of Scientific Indicators For Tracking, Understanding, And Communicating Climate Change In Prince Edward Island, Canada
Date: Tuesday, August 11th, 1:00 pm
ABSTRACT
The objective of this thesis is to develop a suite of scientific indicators for tracking, understanding, and communicating climate change in the 3 major economic sectors in PEI, including agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, and the general public as a fourth group. The process for the selection of scientific indicators for PEI was conducted by (1) a literature review through examination of scientific papers and government documents, (2) a public survey, and (3) statistical analysis of survey results. Climate indicators selected in other coastal environment jurisdictions, with similar climatic patterns, and from research papers in the sectors of interest were first reviewed for their suitability in the context of PEI. A total of 127 potential indicators were compiled from the literature review and screened, using 6 criteria: relevance, traceability, timeliness, data adequacy, representative data, and relevance to PEI. The characteristics of each selected climate indicator are discussed to reflect what the indicator measures, why it is important, and what factors influence the indicator. Technical considerations that support the reliability and understanding of each climate indicator are discussed, including the strengths and limitations of available data, as well as complementary graphs, maps, and other visual techniques. The selected climate indicators intersect with at least one of the chosen sectors or the general public and have adequate data available to be calculated on a timely basis. Preference was given to indicators that provide climate tracking information to more than one sector in an effort to reduce the overall number of those selected. Climate indicators not applicable to local PEI conditions by not demonstrating local climate change effects over time were screened out.
A public survey was used to obtain input from the economic sectors of agricultural, fishery, tourism, and the general public to enable selection of the most useful climate indicators for these major sectors of the Prince Edward Island economy and the general public. For the survey, one hundred and three (n=103) individuals completed the survey allowing the evaluation of 23 unique indicators on a score from 0 to 5 depending on their perceived importance (with 5 being the highest importance). The public survey results were statistically analyzed to assess the value and importance of each climate indicator to each economic sector. Climate change was considered an important issue by over 98% of all evaluators. The top 5 scoring climate change indicators in terms of importance included extreme precipitation events, sea level rise, drought periods, extreme wind events, and seasonal temperature change. As expected, some indicators were found to be more important to some sectors than others. For example, sea level rise was rated more important by the fishery and tourism sectors and less important by the farming sector.
A list of 19 indicators was further refined by completion of a feasibility assessment using 5 evaluation criteria resulting in shortened list of 11 climate change indicators. Any of the 8 other indicators can also be included if commitments for funding, monitoring, tracking and analysis can be identified from one or more organizations.
The presentation and examination will be presented via a web conference. Please RSVP to the Graduate Studies Coordinator at gsc@upei.ca for the information to connect if you wish to attend.
UPEI Athletics and Recreation is excited to announce that the first draw of the Gold Rush 50-50 fundraiser took place on Saturday, August 1 with Thomas Becker taking home $897.50 in winnings. Gold Rush is a virtual fundraising initiative that raises funds for UPEI’s varsity and club sport programs as well as enhances recreational offerings that are available to all UPEI students. Read the story
Play today and every week for a chance to win! Download the UPEI Panthers app from the App Store or on Google Play, or play from your computer. The weekly draw is held at 8 pm every Saturday.
UPEI Athletics and Recreation is holding a "LIKE & SHARE" contest on their Facebook page right now! Visit the page and help us promote GOLD RUSH, and you could win $100 in Source for Sports–Charlottetown gift cards!
UPDATE: The Arts and Sciences Equity and Inclusion reading group readings are now also available through Robertson Library : http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=2364605. We'll be talking about chapters 4 and 5, on August 17, at 10:30 am. Please let Greg Doran, gdoran@upei.ca, know if you're coming; he'll send you the Zoom invitation to the event, closer to the date. Questions? contact Greg Doran or Ann Braithwaite, abraithwaite@upei.ca. Hope to see lots of you there!
Online Employee and Spouse/Dependent Tuition Waive
The deadline for Fall 2020 Tuition Waivers is August 19, 2020. We encourage you to have tuition waivers
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Walsh at: (902) 566-0514 or HRgeneral@upei.ca.
We are pleased to announce the upcoming Master of Science in Sustainable Design Engineering (MSc-SDE) Thesis Defense of Abhishek Pokharel.
Title: Application of biochar for efficient municipal wastewater treatment
Date: Friday, August 7, 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Abstract: A more circular and therefore more sustainable economy requires us to value our waste. Something like wastewater can be an unconventional source of nutrients, energy, and water. Thus, far from being something to discard or ignore, wastewater can be a resource option. Similarly, biochar is the solid byproduct of pyrolysis and its cascading use can offset the cost of the process. A wide variety of research on biochar has highlighted its ability to absorb/adsorb nutrients, metals, and complex compounds; filter suspended solids; enhance microorganisms’ growth; retain water and nutrients as well as increase carbon content of soil. The thesis analyzes the effect of biochar in two biological treatment processes, activated sludge for municipal wastewater and anaerobic digestion for sludge at Charlottetown Pollution Control Plant located in the province of Prince Edward Island, Canada. The analysis is carried out using Response Surface Methodology for varied size and dose of two types of carbon, namely biochar from wood pellets and non-treated activated carbon sourced from Sigma Aldrich Inc. A higher COD removal efficiency of above 80%, 82% and 88% in the retention time of 1, 4 and 24 hours respectively is achieved in the region of lower size and higher dose for AC. Whereas, for similar conditions and variation, the reactor fed with biochar achieved COD removal efficiency of 60, 78 and 69 for HRT 1, 4 and 24 hours, respectively. The study showed that the biochar improves the settleability of the sludge. A sludge volume index as low as 37.33 was obtained with biochar. It was also found that the use of carbon in anaerobic digestion has an effect on the biogas yield and the quality of the biosolids. This study has shown that types of biochar have significant impact on the biological systems in the wastewater treatment process and could be a viable way for valorization of wastewater. In addition, sustainable biochar systems are an attractive approach for carbon sequestration and total waste management cycle.
Abhishek is supervised by Dr. Aitazaz Farooque in the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering.
The presentation and examination will be presented via a web conference. Please RSVP with the Graduate Studies Coordinator and Chair of the Defense, Dr. Amy Hsiao, at ahsiao@upei.ca for the information to connect if you wish to attend, by Friday, August 7, at 10:00 am.
The UPEI Alumni Association is calling for individuals to join its Board of Directors for a three-year term, beginning in September, 2020
Nominees must:
- be a graduate of UPEI, SDU, or PWC
- desire to strengthen alumni/university connections
- want to enhance the experiences of current students
- attend 4 to 5 meetings a year
- be willing to serve as chair/member of a committee
To nominate yourself or someone you know, or for more information, contact the Alumni office at alumni@upei.ca. Include name, graduation year, and any experiences/interests that would make the nominee a valuable board member.
Please submit nominations by August 28, 2020.
UPDATE: The Arts and Sciences Equity and Inclusion reading group readings are now also available through Robertson Library : http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=2364605. We'll be talking about chapters 4 and 5, on August 17, at 10:30 am. Please let Greg Doran, gdoran@upei.ca, know if you're coming; he'll send you the Zoom invitation to the event, closer to the date. Questions? contact Greg Doran or Ann Braithwaite, abraithwaite@upei.ca. Hope to see lots of you there!
The AVC Cafe is now open from 8 am-3 pm, Monday to Friday! Drop by for pizza, OTG, and more!
Online Employee and Spouse/Dependent Tuition Waive
The deadline for Fall 2020 Tuition Waivers is August 19, 2020. We encourage you to have tuition waivers
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Walsh at: (902) 566-0514 or HRgeneral@upei.ca.
The E-Learning Office is hosting online tutorials on how to use Moodle for basic course editing (August 11th and August 12th) and using Moodle for activities and assessments (August 18th and August 19th). Recordings of the webinars will be available for those unable to attend. For more information, or to register, see https://www.upei.ca/teaching-and-learning-centre/learning/workshop-calendar
We are pleased to announce the upcoming Master of Science in Sustainable Design Engineering (MSc-SDE) Thesis Defense of Abhishek Pokharel.
Title: Application of biochar for efficient municipal wastewater treatment
Date: Friday, August 7, 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Abstract: A more circular and therefore more sustainable economy requires us to value our waste. Something like wastewater can be an unconventional source of nutrients, energy, and water. Thus, far from being something to discard or ignore, wastewater can be a resource option. Similarly, biochar is the solid byproduct of pyrolysis and its cascading use can offset the cost of the process. A wide variety of research on biochar has highlighted its ability to absorb/adsorb nutrients, metals, and complex compounds; filter suspended solids; enhance microorganisms’ growth; retain water and nutrients as well as increase carbon content of soil. The thesis analyzes the effect of biochar in two biological treatment processes, activated sludge for municipal wastewater and anaerobic digestion for sludge at Charlottetown Pollution Control Plant located in the province of Prince Edward Island, Canada. The analysis is carried out using Response Surface Methodology for varied size and dose of two types of carbon, namely biochar from wood pellets and non-treated activated carbon sourced from Sigma Aldrich Inc. A higher COD removal efficiency of above 80%, 82% and 88% in the retention time of 1, 4 and 24 hours respectively is achieved in the region of lower size and higher dose for AC. Whereas, for similar conditions and variation, the reactor fed with biochar achieved COD removal efficiency of 60, 78 and 69 for HRT 1, 4 and 24 hours, respectively. The study showed that the biochar improves the settleability of the sludge. A sludge volume index as low as 37.33 was obtained with biochar. It was also found that the use of carbon in anaerobic digestion has an effect on the biogas yield and the quality of the biosolids. This study has shown that types of biochar have significant impact on the biological systems in the wastewater treatment process and could be a viable way for valorization of wastewater. In addition, sustainable biochar systems are an attractive approach for carbon sequestration and total waste management cycle.
Abhishek is supervised by Dr. Aitazaz Farooque in the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering.
The presentation and examination will be presented via a web conference. Please RSVP with the Graduate Studies Coordinator and Chair of the Defense, Dr. Amy Hsiao, at ahsiao@upei.ca for the information to connect if you wish to attend, by Friday, August 7, at 10:00 am.
Online Employee and Spouse/Dependent Tuition Waive
The deadline for Fall 2020 Tuition Waivers is August 19, 2020. We encourage you to have tuition waivers
If you have any questions, please contact Heather Walsh at: (902) 566-0514 or HRgeneral@upei.ca.
