The University of Prince Edward Island's Board of Governors is pleased to announce that Dr. Gulrose Jiwani has been appointed dean of the UPEI School of Nursing.

"I am deeply honoured to be chosen to lead UPEI’s School of Nursing,” says Jiwani. “I passionately believe in the essential role that nurses play in the delivery of health care, community development, policy and education. I look forward to helping to educate future nurse leaders, and to promote excellence in nursing scholarship at UPEI.”

“I look forward to working with Dr. Jiwani as we continue to build on the excellent reputation of our School of Nursing,” said UPEI Vice-President Academic Dr. Christian Lacroix. “We take great pride in graduating nurses who are destined to be leaders in primary health care, here in Prince Edward Island and beyond.”

Jiwani holds a PhD in Nursing Science from the University of Washington in Seattle, a Master of Nursing degree specializing in psychiatry and mental health from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Honours) from the University of Windsor. She is a Magnuson Scholar from the prestigious Warren G. Magnuson Institute for Biomedical Research and Health Professions Training, University of Washington, USA.

She has held executive leadership positions in government and health sciences settings, and practiced as a clinical nurse specialist in mental health, addictions, forensic and oncology settings. She has extensive experience in health and social policy development, strategic planning, system redesign and managing complex projects. She brings teaching experience at the undergraduate and graduate level studies, and lectures internationally in the areas of policy decision making, leadership development, research and poverty reduction. She is currently President and CEO of HPSC Health Policy & Strategies Consultants Inc., and Affiliate Assistant Professor with the University of Washington’s School of Nursing.

Jiwani will begin her six-year term as dean on June 1, 2016. Congratulations, Dr. Jiwani!

 

The Centre Health and Biotech Management Research (CHBMR) at UPEI has been awarded more than $600,000 from The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) through its eHealth Innovation Partnership Program (eHIPP). The CHBMR is piloting and monitoring an award-winning, cognitive behavioural therapy developed by Dr. Kathleen Carroll and researchers at the Yale School of Medicine. CBT4CBT allows 24-hour-a-day online access to cognitive behavioural therapy for addictions to complement traditional treatment, including counselling.

“We are excited to be awarded this funding from CIHR, as it allows us to bring another tool to battle addiction to Canada,” said Dr. Juergen Krause, director of the CHBMR. “Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is known for its great success for helping individuals suffering from alcohol and substance abuse.  CBT4CBT is the first program to offer cognitive behavioural therapy online and can be offered alongside traditional treatment options such as counselling. The funds obtained will provide us the unique opportunity to be the entry portal for this new addictions treatment approach to Canada and to develop it in collaboration with our partners in PEI and New Brunswick.”

Cognitive behavioural therapy allows patients to recognize triggers, improve coping mechanisms, and alter the behaviour that leads to substance abuse. CBT4CBT’s efficacy, durability, and cost-savings have been proven in clinical trials, and it has been praised by patients and therapy personnel alike. Through web-based delivery, CBT4CBT can reach people even in rural areas 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“The CIHR-funded project is a joint effort by Drs. Krause and Carroll and enables the implementation of an innovative and proven approach to the treatment of substance abuse that promises to benefit individuals in rural communities,” said Dr. Robert Gilmour, UPEI’s Vice-President of Research and Graduate Studies. “As such, UPEI is proud to be a part of the project and we look forward to further development of this approach as it gains traction on PEI and in rural communities across Canada.”

The development of this treatment program for Canada was initiated in Prince Edward Island. The Centre for Health and Biotech Management seeks to further establish CBT4CBT in Canada by first validating it in relevant rural communities before expanding it to more Canadian provinces and territories.

“Canada has no shortage of innovative health care thinkers, top-notch health researchers or vibrant entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Alain Beaudet, president of CIHR. “Through eHIPP, these great minds are coming together to deliver creative eHealth solutions for some of our country’s most pressing health care needs. I am particularly proud of the ways in which these projects put patients first, often by empowering them to be partners in their own care.”

CIHR announced yesterday more than $13 million in eHIPP funding for 22 research projects across the country, including this project at UPEI. This program was designed to test eHealth solutions in real-world contexts, and the breadth of funded projects highlights Canadian creativity and tech savviness. From the development of an app to enhance Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for youth being treated for anxiety and depression to programs that allow doctors and nurses to monitor the health of seniors in the comfort of their homes, these projects will help to empower patients to be partners in their health care, enable better health care, and accelerate innovation in Canada’s health system and growing health information technology (IT) industry.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada’s health research investment agency. CIHR’s mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened health care system for Canadians. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 13,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

UPEI MENTAL HEALTH WEEK SCHEDULE

UPEI Men's Soccer coach Lewis Page brought the audience to their feet in a standing ovation after sharing his journey with depression at yesterday's kick off to the 2016 UPEI Mental Health Week. Encouraged by the overwhelming positive support after sharing his story during the Bell Let’s Talk campaign in January, Page focused his talk yesterday on the relationships that have mattered most in his life. 

Sarah Thompson, a mathematics and computer science double major, was also announced as the recipient of this year's "My Abilities" award, granted to a full-time student registered with Accessibility Services at UPEI who has demonstrated involvement in community and/or campus life. 

President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz welcomed the audience and encouraged "all members of the University community to participate in the week, but to take the opportunity to also learn more to support fellow students, colleagues and friends year-round." UPEI Student Union president Dana Kenny also provided an update on the UPEI Mental Health Initiatives Fund, a fund that was established by the Student Union and University to support student-led initiatives in an effort to support the mental health of students.

One benefactor of the fund is the Zen Zone that has been created in The Credit Union Day Lounge at the W.A. Murphy Student Centre for the duration of Mental Health Week. This space will serve as an area for relaxation, reflection, and mindfulness. Members of the campus community are invited to come into the Zen Zone and participate in quiet activities such as colouring, journaling, reading, or reflective thought or take part in any of our planned events.

Find the full schedule for Mental Health Week events online, and be sure to join in the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at the hash tag #upeimentalhealth.

A new book by UPEI’s Dr. Gregory Irvine examines the life and legacy of legendary tuba player and teacher Arnold Jacob (1915-1998). The book is published by Scholar Publications of Chicago.

Arnold Jacobs was an orchestral tuba player, and a long-time principal tubist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. As Dr. Irvine writes in the introduction of his book, Jacobs was also a highly sought after teacher. “Brass players, both experienced and inexperienced, flocked to his studio because they had heard of his unique teaching and the success others before them had achieved under his guidance.”

Dr. Irvine’s book explores Jacobs’ unique pedagogical approach, which contrasted sharply from conventional teaching styles at the time, and explains his teaching principles through Irvine’s own experiences, and those of others as his students.

Chuck Daellenbach, the tuba player with the Canadian Brass Quintet and a former student of Jacobs, writes in the book’s forward: “For those not lucky enough, or old enough to be part of that tradition, Irvine has given vibrant insights into the mystique that was Jacob’s studio. This will be a book we will all keep close for those moments we wish to revisit the legacy of our once-in-a-millennium teacher, coach, mentor, and champion.”

Arnold Jacobs’s Legacy can be purchased online at CanadianBrassStore.com.

Would you know what to do if a cut on your dog’s leg was bleeding badly or if your pet was having a seizure? Do you know what common household items and foods are toxic for your pet?

Hosted by AVC Community Practice veterinarian, Dr. Kathy Ling, this session will provide basic information on how to recognize and care for emergencies and injuries in dogs and cats. Topics will include primary assessment, handling an injured pet, bleeding, shock, common toxins, and recognizing signs of pain and distress.

"Basic First Aid for Your Pet" will take place on Tuesday, March 29, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. in Lecture Theatre A at the Atlantic Veterinary College. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome! For information, call (902) 566-0589, or visit upei.ca/avc.

The University of Prince Edward Island will welcome prospective students during Open Class Day 2016 on Friday, March 11, from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm. The day starts at 8:15 am with a welcome session for prospective students in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall.

Participants can attend a selection of first-year classes in the faculties of Arts, Business and Science, and they can participate in hands-on labs, campus tours and information sessions about new student orientation, scholarships and awards, and other relevant topics. They will receive assistance with on-site admission and registration to prepare for the start of classes in September 2016, and enjoy free lunch at the Wanda Wyatt Dining Hall.

Prospective students are coming to Open Class Day from across PEI, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. To register, go to upei.ca/openclassday. For more information, contact Morgan Byng at mbyng@upei.ca.

 

The University of Prince Edward Island extends its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Reverend Brady Smith who passed away on March 6, 2016 at the age of 90. He received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University in 2001.

“Father Brady made an outstanding contribution to his community as a pastor, counselor, lobbyist, and advocate, all for the betterment of others,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “Our province has lost a great man who overcame great odds to help people with addictions.”

Born in rural Prince Edward Island, Father Brady Smith left school after grade six to earn a living. He fell prey himself to alcoholism that later he would help others overcome. After coming close to dying as a result of his addiction, Father Brady studied social work at Centennial College, worked on skid row in Toronto, and returned to PEI as a counselor. At the age of 56, he entered Holy Apostles Seminary and was ordained in Charlottetown in 1984.

Over his lifetime, Smith worked with more than 5,000 Islanders, helping individuals and families cope with alcohol addiction, drug and gambling addiction, marital problems, spiritual issues, grief and depression. In 1990, he established Serenity House, a refuge for people coping with addictions and other problems and tirelessly visited hospitals, halfway houses, prisons, high schools, 12-step meetings and homes. He also garnered tremendous public support on issues such as eliminating video gambling in corner stores, establishing halfway houses for inmates released from prison, and creating the addictions treatment centre in Mount Herbert.

John DeGrace, UPEI’s registrar at the time Smith received his honorary degree, read the citation and said, “Father Brady Smith is a man who has indeed walked through the valley of the shadow of death and who has emerged to walk in the clear light of the love of God…Father Brady is known to the people of Prince Edward Island as a respected priest, a man of compassion, and a beacon of hope.”

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hennessey Cutcliffe Charlottetown Funeral Home.

The UPEI Wind Symphony will perform a recital of “Contemporary Works for Wind Band” this Saturday, March 12 at 3:30 pm at the Paul O'Regan Hall at the Halifax Central Library.

Under the direction of Dr. Karem J. Simon, the fifty-member UPEI Wind Symphony has been applauded for its performance standard and progressive approach to programming. 

The recital will feature several emerging masterworks of the genre. Among the centerpieces is Magnolia Star, a programmatic work by American Steve Danyew. This piece, written using a blues scale, captures the sounds typically associated with train travel. Another work, Jug Blues & Fat Pickin’, by Don Freund, conveys music styles of Tennessee, inspired by the Memphis Jug Band (Beale Street, late 1920's) and bluegrass banjo playing. The program will begin with Fanfarria, a powerful and heroic fanfare by Spanish composer Javier Perez Garrido, and reminiscent of Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man. Additional works by Percy Grainger and Luke Ellard will be performed.

The UPEI Wind Symphony received the 2014 Music PEI award for Achievement in Classical Music. With performances throughout the Maritimes, partnerships with PEI school music programs, and utilizing unique performance spaces, the UPEI Wind Symphony is known as one of the region’s most respected large ensembles and features outstanding student and professional soloists.

Members of the public are invited to attend this free performance.

The UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week for the week of February 29-March 6 are Kiera Rigby, Women’s Basketball, and Milorad Sedlarevic, Men’s Basketball. On a weekly basis, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes these talented student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. UPEI Athletes of the Week are then nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who:  Kiera Rigby, Women’s Basketball, and Milorad Sedlarevic, Men’s Basketball

What: UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week

When: Week of February 29-March 6, 2016

Where: University of Prince Edward Island

Why: Rigby, a third-year Bachelor of Science student from Charlottetown, PEI, competed very well during the Panthers’ 76-65 AUS Women’s Basketball Championship quarterfinal loss to the University of New Brunswick. The 5’11” forward recorded 13 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks, and was 7 for 8 from the foul line.

Sedlarevic, a second-year Bachelor of Arts student from Jesenice, Slovenia, enjoyed a strong weekend for the Panthers at the AUS Basketball Championship. In the Panthers’ two games, an 87-66 semifinal win over Acadia and a dramatic 87-85 championship loss to Dalhousie, Sedlarevic recorded 21 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and shot 4 for 10 from the three-point range.

About UPEI Athletics and Recreation
• Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
• Proud member of the AUS and CIS
• Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place and UPEI Turf
• Home of Panther Sports Medicine
• Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas

UPEI is participating in a mental health initiative with universities across Atlantic Canada called the MoodCheck Challenge. From March 14-25, students are encouraged to use the MoodCheck phone application to track their moods. Twice a day, at random times, their phone will prompt them to check in and enter their mood, the activity they are taking part in, where they are, and who they are with. The goal is to motivate students to be mindful about how the things they do affect the way they feel. This increased awareness is known to be a strong predictor of improved mental health and well-being.

Students gain points each time they check-in, and gain bonus points the more often they check-in. At the end of the challenge, the university with the highest points will receive a cash donation to be used toward a campus mental wellness initiative. Prizes will also include MoodCheck “swag.”

“I encourage students to try this app for the two week period,” said Treena Smith, manager of Student Affairs at UPEI. “The wonderful thing about this challenge that students get to try this app to see if it works for them. It's about offering choices and different modes to decrease stress and increase happiness—if this app does not work for one student, it may work for another and how great is that.”

The MoodCheck app is part of a larger program called WellTrack, which was developed by Darren Piercey, a psychology professor at the University of New Brunswick. The program provides students with a number of online tools and resources aimed at helping them manage stress, anxiety, depression and specific phobias, such as fear of public speaking.

The challenge results will be announced on Tuesday, March 29.

UPEI will host a “Checkup” event to launch the MoodCheck Challenge on Tuesday, March 15 at noon. Similar to a “tweetup,” whereby people gather in one place to tweet about a particular topic, students will meet at the Wave to collectively check-in on their MoodCheck app and tweet about the experience with the hashtag #moodcheckchallenge.

UPEI students, what are you waiting for? Download the app at the App Store (for Apple users) or Google Play (for Android). Sign in as a new user with your UPEI email address and the access code MCC. Check in daily! It only takes five seconds.

Take the MoodCheck Challenge, and see how keeping track of your moods and activities can improve your mental health!