UPEI’s Dr. Shannon Murray was part of a delegation to the British House of Lords for the official launch of the International Federation of National Teaching Fellows (IFNTF). The fellowship brings together professors who have been recognized for excellence in teaching to share best practices and to develop evidence-based pedagogy.

“The national teaching fellows are leaders devoted to innovation and good practice in higher education in their own countries,” said Dr. Murray, professor of English at UPEI, coordinator of the 3M National Teaching Fellows’ program for Canada, and a 3M National Teaching Fellow herself. “This new federation is an exciting opportunity to make that national focus a global one. It was a thrill to be there and an honour to meet so many extraordinary teachers.”

The IFNTF seeks to unite teaching fellows in countries where a national program similar to Canada’s exists, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“UPEI is delighted that professor Murray is representing our 3M National Teaching Fellows at this prestigious event,” said Dr. Robert Gilmour, vice-president academic and research at UPEI. “Inclusion of UPEI faculty in the IFNTF will increase interactions between outstanding teachers around the globe and further enhance the impact of UPEI professors on our students.”

The volunteers behind the IFNTF look to hold a yearly summit on teaching and learning—the first being held in February, 2017 in Birmingham, U.K. They also hope to bring together international student fellows, establish a journal, and create a new “Teacher of the World” award to recognize outstanding educators from around the world.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The Panther men’s and women’s soccer teams play their “second” home-openers of the season this Saturday against Dalhousie. Both Panther teams are looking for their first wins of the season as they play their first-ever games on UPEI’s new artificial turf field. The women’s game begins at 1:00 pm. The men’s starts at 3:15 pm.

“Everyone is looking forward to this game,” said Graeme McDonald, coach of the UPEI Women’s Soccer team. “We will need to put in a solid defensive performance and be more creative in our attack. There is also an extra edge to the occasion with it being our first game on the new turf. The players are focused and ready for it.”

“UPEI Men's Soccer is excited to host Dalhousie this weekend,” said Lewis Page, coach of the men’s team. “There is a history of some great games between our two teams over the years, and I expect another classic this Saturday.”

Chris Huggan, Director of Athletics and Recreation at UPEI, said he’s looking forward to big a crowd for Saturday’s games on the new artificial turf. “We are very excited that our women's and men's soccer teams will have their true ‘home openers’ on the new turf field,” said Huggan. “We hope everyone will come out to support the teams and to celebrate the completion of the project. A big thanks to the funding partners ACOA, the Province of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, and the UPEI Inspire! campaign for sharing in the vision.”

Both ice hockey teams will see exhibition action on the Island this weekend. The women play host to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) Saturday at 4:30 pm in Cody Banks Arena.

“We are looking forward to playing an out-of-conference team,” said Bruce Donaldson, coach of the UPEI Women’s Hockey team. “We played them a few years ago, and I know the program has developed nicely since then. Both teams are looking to gain preseason experience, so this should be a great contest.”

The UPEI Men’s Hockey team hosts Université de Moncton on Saturday for an exhibition game in Montague at the Montague Wellness Centre. The puck drops at 7:00 pm. The game is a fundraiser for minor hockey, ringette, and the Skills and Drills Program.

“We are looking forward to getting to Montague for our only home game this exhibition season,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “We have a lot of work to do, and this game is the next step in our progress.”

The game is sponsored by Fair Isle Ford. UPEI Men’s Hockey season tickets will be available for purchase or renewal. Season ticket holders will be admitted to the exhibition game for free.

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men’s Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

Dr. Michael van den Heuvel, an environmental scientist based at the University of Prince Edward Island, is playing a lead role within the internationally acclaimed Canadian Rivers Institute (CRI), which, in the lead up to World Rivers Day on September 25, is releasing a report highlighting its first 15 years of achievements.

The CRI, founded at the University of New Brunswick, has grown into a network of 22 science directors and their multi-disciplinary research teams housed at 14 universities and institutions across Canada and abroad. Dr. van den Heuvel is the first institute director from outside of New Brunswick. The institute is a Canadian success story, having evolved in a short time span into a world leader in applied aquatic science that is addressing many challenges facing the world’s rivers and estuaries, and in training the next generation of aquatic scientists.

The CRI is breaking new ground in applied science across disciplines to find answers to the important questions being asked today about the world’s rivers. “Whether it is a government seeking to develop regulations, or an industry looking to develop better management processes, every one of our projects is finding a solution to a vital question that affects people and wildlife,” said Dr. van den Heuvel, a professor of biology and the former Canada Research Chair in Watershed Ecological Integrity at UPEI.

PEI research teams are working on developing techniques to examine the cumulative effects of human activities such as land-based nutrients, sediments, and contaminants along the estuaries of the Northumberland Strait to develop a monitoring framework for the region.

Student training and professional development is at the centre of the CRI’s work. It has mentored more than 450 students in disciplines that include biology, chemical engineering, civil engineering, environmental management, geology, and policy. Twenty per cent of these students have come from around the world.  Forty-three students have been based at UPEI.

To further student support, CRI science directors have secured a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) grant that provides more than $1 million to students for unique training and professional development courses on water science and management. Six of the students taking advantage of this program are based at UPEI.

“With the changes occurring around the world and particularly the stress being put on our rivers and estuaries, it’s important now more than ever to have the multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach to problem solving by the CRI,” said Dr. van den Heuvel. “I’m excited to lead this ambitious and growing group of scientists into our next 15 years.”

Among the CRI’s plans for the next 15 years:

• Addressing the pressing issue of dam renewals by transferring expertise and knowledge to systems around the globe;
• Ensuring the protection and conservation of wild Atlantic salmon;
• Continued global leadership in biodiversity research and monitoring in the circumpolar Arctic;
• State-of-the-art training of at least 1,500 more aquatic science experts to meet growing global demands for water professionals;
• Developing further cutting-edge biomonitoring tools and incorporating them into assessments of river health.

View full report on the CRI’s first 15 years at: http://canadianriversinstitute.com/cri/15-years-of-impact

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

UPEI Student Affairs and the International Relations Office are hosting a public panel discussion to help address the issue of drink tampering and what to do if you suspect your or your friends’ drinks have been drugged. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 4 from 6–8 pm at McMillan Hall in the W. A. Murphy Student Centre.

Victims are not responsible for their drinks being drugged nor are they responsible to prevent the situations that can arise from this illegal behaviour. The discussion—featuring panelists from the medical, legal, and law enforcement communities—is aimed at equipping the audience with the know-how on how to avoid a dangerous situation and to stay as safe as possible.

Lawyer Gary Demeulenaere from Stewart McKelvey, Constable Tim Keizer with Charlottetown Police Services, QEH emergency room physician Joanne McGinn, and PEI Victim Services Manager Susan Maynard will also help guide participants about what to do if they suspect their or their friends’ drinks have been tampered with. They will explain the reporting process and describe the services available for victims on PEI.

All are welcome.

The welfare of sheep is the focus of the Atlantic Veterinary College’s 2016 Animal Welfare in Practice conference from September 30 to October 1.

Keynote speaker Dr. Paula Menzies, a professor of small ruminant health management at the Ontario Veterinary College, will give a free public lecture on Friday, September 30, about using the National Farm Animal Care Council’s (NFACC) 2013 Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep to improve the welfare of sheep. The NFACC’s codes of practice provide owners with guidelines to ensure that animals of different species are cared for properly. Menzies’ lecture will take place at 7 p.m. in AVC Lecture Theatre A.

On Saturday, October 1, Dr. Michael Cockram, Chair in Animal Welfare at AVC, and Andrew Hebda, president, Purebred Sheep Breeders Association of Nova Scotia, will join Menzies to speak on a variety of topics relating to sheep welfare. All three speakers were involved in the development of the NFACC’s 2013 code of practice for sheep. Menzies will also give a talk on goat diseases and management.

Registration is required to attend the presentations on Saturday. All presentations take place in AVC Lecture Theatre A. The complete program and registration information are available at awc.upei.ca.

The conference is co-hosted by the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at AVC, and the AVC Animal Welfare and Small Ruminant Clubs, with assistance from the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada.

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About Dr. Paula Menzies:

Dr. Paula Menzies is a professor of small ruminant health management in the Department of Population Medicine, and a member of the Ruminant Health Management Group at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She is a diplomate in the European College of Small Ruminant Health Management and is the current vice-president of the International Sheep Veterinary Association. She was recently elected to the board of the International Goat Association. She has been awarded the Carl Block Award for contributions to Canadian agriculture, Don E. Bailey Small Ruminant Practitioner of the Year (AASRP), and Zoetis Research Award in Animal Health. She has developed health management programs for sheep and goats including the Ontario Maedi Visna flock status program and the Ontario sheep health program, and was involved in the development of the Handbook for the Control of Internal Parasites of Sheep and Goats. Most recently, she wrote guides for udder health of dairy sheep and dairy goats. She has been on numerous national and international committees for the health and welfare of small ruminants.

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AVC's 2016 Open House on Saturday, September 24, was a great success, attracting about 2,800 people of all ages.

There was no shortage of things to do and see! The Children’s Activity Centre was a busy spot! Children brought their beloved stuffed toys to receive tender, loving care from veterinary students, and they dressed up like surgeons, had their faces painted, and got balloon animals. Our students handed out about 1,000 balloon animals! The parade of dog breeds was a big hit, with over 25 dogs—from a tiny rat terrier to a greyhound. People toured the building, saw all kinds of animals—from horses, goats, sheep, and poultry to rabbits, parrotlets, snakes, and bearded dragons. They also attended presentations about falconry, pet first aid, clicker training, and nail trimming. 

“We were thrilled to see so many people come out and enjoy the Atlantic Veterinary College,” says Ellen Boyd, third-year veterinary student and the lead organizer for the event. “We had many families from Prince Edward Island, as well as some from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick take part and have a great time.”

Dean Greg Keefe thanked the student organizers and the many volunteers for a great job of making Open House a wonderful success.

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Mark Ashlee (men’s soccer) and Kelly Green (women’s soccer), the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the week for September 19-25!

Mark Ashlee, a fifth-year BA student, helped the UPEI Men’s Soccer team rebound from a 0-4 record to pull a draw with Dalhousie. The team picked up a win the next day against Saint Mary’s University. Ashlee, a fullback from Victoria, BC, was a key ingredient for the Panthers in both games. “Mark played two strong games to help get the men's Panthers going in the league standings,” said UPEI Men’s Soccer head coach Lewis Page. “During Saturday's 0-0 draw with Dalhousie, Mark was selected the player of the game, and then in Sunday's 1-0 win over Saint Mary’s scored the winning goal.”

Kelly Green had a stellar weekend. She helped the UPEI Women’s Soccer team pick up two wins. In the first, the women’s team christened the UPEI’s new artificial turf with a 1-0 victory over Dalhousie. The second was a 5-0 decision, beating Saint Mary’s University on their own field. Green is a second-year centre-back, and a BSc student from Charlottetown. “Kelly was inspirational, showing great pride in the Panther jersey while leading the back line with a professional and solid defensive performance,” said Graeme MacDonald, head coach of the women’s squad. “Kelly's tough tackling and composure in attack played an integral part in the team winning both games this weekend.”

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except men’s hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

A juvenile eagle was released in Grand River, PEI, on Wednesday, September 28, after a year-long journey back to health. Participating in the release were Nathan DesRoches, who found the bird a year ago near his home in Grand River, and Shane Waite, Jake Gallant, and Evan Blood, clients of Community Connections, a day service in Summerside for people with disabilities. The clients knew about the rescue or were there when the bird was rescued and have been following its progress back to health.

The eagle was found a year ago; it was emaciated, weak and had difficulty flying. It was very timid and kept its head. Because of this behaviour, it was tested for lead poisoning, but the test was negative. It was taken to the Atlantic Veterinary College where it received treatment for several weeks before being sent to Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Nova Scotia to gain flight muscle strength.

Also at the release were Dr. Helen von Doninck and Brenda Boates, Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre; Chuck Gallison, Fish and Wildlife PEI; and Fiep de Bie, wildlife technician, AVC. Read CBC PEI's story about the release here.

The UPEI Women’s Rugby team is looking to pick up its second win of the season this season. The Panthers are currently 1-2, and play at home Saturday, October 1, at 2 pm against Saint Mary’s University.

The Panthers beat the Huskies once already this season with a decisive 54-7 win. Despite the lopsided score, UPEI Women’s Rugby Coach John LaBoyne warns he’s not taking the Huskies for granted.

“Saint Mary's, under new coach Amber Davison, have a new focus and playing style,” said LaBoyne. “Their new press defence puts teams on the back foot in attack. They took us aback in our first game where we were under pressure for much of the first half. Our ability to capitalize on turnovers was the difference in the game last time. Both teams have had time to work on their games, and Saturday's encounter should be a very good.”

The UPEI Women’s Hockey team plays a pair of exhibition games this weekend. The Panthers play Dalhousie University Friday at 7 pm and Saint Thomas University on Sunday at 3 pm.

Tickets for all home games can be purchased at gopanthersgo.ca.

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men’s Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

News release issued by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada:

The Government of Canada values the role of post-secondary institutions as they help equip young Canadians with the education and training they need for future careers that will help them join a strong, healthy middle class. Today’s combined federal and provincial investment of $20.84 million for research infrastructure in Prince Edward Island will do just that by fostering the training needed for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

The funding was announced by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and by the Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island.

The Government of Canada’s Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation—one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment exemplifies that vision in action and will help create the well-paying middle-class jobs of tomorrow.

The funding includes an investment to renovate the University of Prince Edward Island’s (UPEI) century-old Dalton Hall, with the goal of transforming it into an eHUB and Student Success Centre. The renovations to Dalton Hall will align student services and programs to support work-integrated learning, career readiness, and diversified opportunities for learning and working on the Island. The creation of an eHUB will allow the university to develop students to their full potential through experiential learning. This aligns well with provincial strategies for low-cost entrepreneurship spaces in post-secondary facilities and a focus on recruiting and retaining young people to grow the province’s population.

The Government of Canada and Province of Prince Edward Island are each providing $2.875 million for the project. The university will contribute an additional $409,900.

In total, the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors are investing $23.27 million in universities and colleges throughout Prince Edward Island. Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country’s best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for—and create—the high-value, middle-class jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.

On July 4, 2016, the Government of Canada and the governments of the four Atlantic provinces launched the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada’s economy, including supporting key infrastructure projects that contribute to long-term growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Today’s announcement builds on this commitment.

Quotes:

“This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government’s vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes. Investments like this also support our Atlantic Growth Strategy, designed to stimulate the region’s economy and address its challenges while building on Atlantic Canada’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, growing innovation ecosystem and skilled workforce.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Investments like these in Atlantic Canada will support our world-class researchers and position Canada as a global leader in research excellence and innovation. Through the Strategic Investment Fund, we are providing Canada’s students with the education and training they need to join a strong, healthy middle class.”
– The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"We are pleased to support collaboration and excellence between our post-secondary institutions and to equip students with the tools they need to launch successful, enterprising careers here on Prince Edward Island. These investments will contribute to the recruitment and retention of future students while providing them with enhanced support to further their academic and professional success.”
– The Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier, Prince Edward Island

“With the creation of the new UPEI eHUB and Student Success Centre, we will significantly enhance our students’ access to the support services and programs they need to succeed in the classroom and in the workforce. Placing the UPEI eHUB and Student Success Centre in Dalton Hall, one of the oldest buildings on our campus, meets the evolving needs of today’s students while acknowledging our university’s history. On behalf of the university community, I thank the federal and provincial governments for their support and investment in UPEI.”
– Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Prince Edward Island

Quick facts:

• The Government of Canada is providing $10.42 million for research infrastructure at institutions in Prince Edward Island. The University of Prince Edward Island has been awarded $2.875 million in federal funding for its project.
• The Government of Canada’s Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure Canada is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success.
• The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada’s universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.
• The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.
• On July 4, 2016, the Government of Canada and the governments of the four Atlantic provinces unveiled the Atlantic Growth Strategy, a homegrown, prosperity-focused and evidence-based strategy to stimulate the region’s economy and address both long-standing and emerging regional challenges.
• The Atlantic Growth Strategy is aimed at stimulating economic growth in the region by focusing joint federal-provincial efforts and resources on the following five areas of action: skilled workforce and immigration, innovation, clean growth and climate change, trade and investment, and infrastructure.
• As part of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, both levels of government will work together on key infrastructure projects.