The University of Prince Edward Island marked another step forward on its journey of reconciliation at an event held on March 4, 2026, to announce a new undergraduate major in Indigenous Studies.

Starting in the Fall 2026 semester, the major in Indigenous Studies will be offered by the Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies (IKERAS). Those who complete the program will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Indigenous Studies.

The University of Prince Edward Island held its 2025 Recognition of Founders ceremony on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall.

The award acknowledges those who have contributed to the University in a significant way and honour the many contributions, commitments, and sacrifices that have brought higher education in PEI to where it is today.

The following message was also emailed to members of the UPEI community on March 5, 2026.

Dear UPEI Community,

I am pleased to share the news that, after a national search, Sula Levesque has been appointed to the position of Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI), and Human Rights. Currently serving as Human Rights Resolution Specialist with UPEI’s Department of EDI and Human Rights, Sula will begin her new role on March 30, 2026.

The University of Prince Edward Island extends condolences to the family and friends of Catherine Hennessey (UPEI LLD ’87), well-known PEI heritage activist, who passed away on March 3, 2026, at the age of 92.

Born and raised in Charlottetown, Hennessey was a passionate trailblazer in the preservation of heritage and history on PEI. In 1970, she founded the PEI Heritage Foundation, now the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, and served as executive director until 1980. Subsequently, she served on Charlottetown’s heritage review committee and its City Council.

Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues continues to be a meaningful way for our community to celebrate one another. To date, 179 submissions have highlighted the exceptional work, dedication, and kindness of our colleagues. 

Thanks to the ongoing interest and participation, submissions will continue to be featured in upcoming issues of Campus Connector. You can read this month’s submissions (organized in alphabetical order) below. 

As we move into March, I am pleased to share exciting academic and research progress over the past month. We have secured new research funding opportunities for Island Studies and vaccine research, among others. The AI Advisory Group has awarded funding for projects that strengthen the University's capacity in thoughtful and evidence-based curriculum redesign that incorporates artificial intelligence. This month's newsletter provides a brief update on other teaching, learning, and research initiatives across campus. 

Curriculum Coherence

UPEI Curling student-athletes Jack MacFadyen and Ella Lenentine earned the PEI Mixed Doubles title at the Summerside Curling Club on February 22, 2026. They will proudly represent PEI at the Curling Canada national championships in Surrey, British Columbia from March 21–27, 2026.

MacFadyen, who is from Charlottetown, PEI, is nearing the completion of his business degree, and Lenentine, from New Dominion, PEI, is in her first year of studies in science.