17吃瓜

The first meeting of the 17吃瓜 Senate will take place on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm in Room 102 at Alumni Hall (618 University Avenue). To view the 2025-2026 calendar of Senate meetings or documents for the upcoming meeting, click here. (Posted one week before the meeting)

All鈥痬eetings鈥痑re open to members of鈥痶he University community, although certain in-camera鈥痠tems (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 17吃瓜 community who wish to attend the open session of a 17吃瓜 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. 

Unleash Your Entrepreneurial Potential with Collide Discover!

Are you ready to dive into the world of entrepreneurship and innovation? Whether you have a business idea in mind or are simply curious about where to begin, Collide Discover offers the perfect starting point.

This engaging extracurricular program is designed for students across all faculties who are eager to explore the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. You'll build the confidence and knowledge needed to bring ideas to life while learning how to spot opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and communicate the value of your ideas effectively.

Interested in joining the program? !

Fall 2025 Program dates:

Wednesdays from 11:30 am鈥�1:00 pm
September 24 to November 5, 2025

Every day, our colleagues go above and beyond to make our university a vibrant, supportive, and inspiring place to work and learn. 鈥淩ecognizing Remarkable Colleagues鈥� is your space to give a shout-out to those who embody our mission and values鈥攚hether they鈥檙e championing a new initiative, supporting student success, lending a hand to a teammate, or bringing positivity to the workplace. You can also use this program to congratulate a colleague on a new role or wish them well in retirement.

Let鈥檚 celebrate the big and small wins that make our campus shine! Submit your note of recognition, and let鈥檚 cheer on our amazing colleagues together.

How to submit:

Complete this short form:  

You鈥檒l be asked to share:

• Who are you recognizing? (Name and department/faculty)
• Why are you recognizing them? (Briefly describe what they did or the impact they made)
• Your name 

Submit your form(s) by the last Friday of each month. Human Resources will collect the submissions and work with Communications to feature them in the Campus Connector. Please note, we now have a dedicated page for this program on the Human Resources SharePoint: .

Not a current subscriber to Campus Connector? Click  for information on how to subscribe.

The deadline for our next issue is Friday, September 26, 2025

Please contact Human Resources at hrengage@upei.ca should you have any questions. 

The 17吃瓜 Alumni Association invites students, staff, faculty, and alumni to join us as we celebrate and recognize the following 2025 Alumni Award recipients:

Distinguished Alumni

• Dr. Janice Keefe, BA 1984
• Dr. Lesley Steele, DVM 1997

Inspiring Young Alumni

• Dr. Derek Schipper, BSc 2006
• Katie Arsenault, BBA 2007
• Alexia Riche, BA 2020

Please before September 17, 2025.

Visit the Alumni Awards and Recognition page to learn more or to submit a nomination for 2026. 

The new online Employee Tuition Waiver fillable form can be found on the HR Portal of the my17吃瓜 site, under Training and Development.

Please note, the Employee must be registered in the course prior to applying for the tuition waiver.

Human Resources thanks you for your patience during the development of this new form.

If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at: (902) 566-0514  or HRgeneral@upei.ca.

All faculty and staff welcome, no experience required. 

Join us in the Teaching and Learning Centre from 11:30 am-1:00 pm on October 2, for a zine making and reflection activity with a focus on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. A creative session where you can come late and leave early. Spend time looking at zines, making a zine, and reflecting on your role in truth and reconciliation. 

Kristy McKinney, an instructional Multimedia Specialist in the TLC, will explain how to fold an 8-page zine and discuss the relevance of zines in and out of the classroom. Angie Petty, an Instructional Designer in the TLC, will speak on zines and reflection practices within Higher Education. Neil Forbes, an IKERAS Faculty member, will provide reflection prompts to help each of us engage with reconciliation through zine-making.  

Supplies will be provided but feel free to bring your own. 

Thesis defense presented by Saad Cheema

Title of the Thesis: "Supplemental Irrigation through Decision Support System in the Face of Climate Change:  A sustainable Approach"

Precise supplemental irrigation has become essential because of climate-driven variability. This thesis proposes a decision support system (DSS) that integrates soil, crops, and climate data for real-time scheduling. Soil Water Characteristic Curves (SWCC) were developed for PEI soils for determining field capacity, wilting point, and available water. Stage-specific potato crop coefficients (K_c) were measured utilizing a lysimeter. The seasonal and daily crop water requirements (ET_c) were around 280 mm under PEI growing conditions. On-farm reference evapotranspiration (ET_o) measurements enhanced precision relative to regional meteorological stations. A soil-water balance model combined all inputs to trigger irrigation in real time. The research was converted into a real-time DSS web application for end users. This methodology provides a sustainable, climate-resilient foundation for precise water management.

Date/Time /Location

September 22, 2025, 1:00 pm, AVC 286C

Everyone is welcome

The Bachelor of Education Program (B.Ed) is now open for applications! Our booth is at the W.A. Murphy Student Center from 11:30 to 1:30 on September 23 and from 9:30 to 11:30 on September 24. Please drop by and find out more about our program if you are interested in becoming a teacher!

B.Ed is a 12-month post-degree program beginning in May consisting of 60 credit hours in education courses. This program is designed to provide the variety of courses and extended field experiences through which students can develop the knowledge and skills needed to teach in the modern classroom. It is the opportunity for students to direct their studies in Primary/Elementary (K鈥�6) or Intermediate/Senior (7鈥�12) and also pursue optional additional study through a focus in International, Indigenous, or Adult Education.

Name that Building! 17吃瓜 wants your help in choosing a name for our new building.

The 17吃瓜 is excited to be approaching completion of the new 140,000 square-foot building, which supports the 17吃瓜 Faculty of Medicine and medical learners in the regional campus of Memorial University鈥檚 Faculty of Medicine, as well as 17吃瓜 students in nursing, psychology, nutrition and dietetics, kinesiology, paramedicine, and other programs. It will also have a Patient Medical Home, the provincial Adult ADHD Clinic (both operated by Health PEI), and allow for collaborations with others at 17吃瓜鈥攍ike the Atlantic Veterinary College鈥攁nd in the broader community.

The Vice-President Academic and Research and Vice-President Administration and Finance would like to engage the creativity of the University community to consider some of the latest proposed names and offer feedback in support or against those submitted鈥攐r suggest potentially a new name altogether.  

Help us choose the name! The finalist options include the

1. Health Education Facility
2. Interprofessional Health Education Facility
3. Faculty of Medicine and Health Education Centre
4. Medical and Interprofessional Health Centre.

What is your opinion?鈥疎mail your thoughts about one or more of the above鈥攐r an even better name鈥攖o鈥�vpaf@upei.ca.  A steering committee will review this feedback as part of its selection process. Please send all feedback by 11:59 pm on September 29, 2025. 

To learn more on what makes a great name click here and for the full news story.

The excitement for this Saturday's Gold Rush draw is growing as big as the pot! With no winners in the last TEN draws, the total pot has grown to more than $35,725, with half going to the winner of the draw.

Gold Rush is a virtual fundraising initiative that raises funds for 17吃瓜鈥檚 athletic and recreation programs. You can now select a specific team, club, or program to direct your proceeds from each of your tickets. 

Play today and every week for a chance to win! Download the 17吃瓜 Panther Recreation app from the App Store or on Google Play, or . The weekly draw is held at 8:00 pm every Saturday.

Feedback on University Librarian candidate presentations due September 19, 2025

The search committee for the University Librarian has arranged the recorded presentations of the finalists.

Svetlana Kochkina's presentation can be viewed at the following link:

Melissa Fraser-Arnott's presentation can be viewed at the following link:

Ignacio Albarracin's presentation can be viewed at the following link:

The search committee welcomes your feedback on the candidates. Please send feedback by email to vpar@upei.ca by 4:00 pm on Friday, September 19, 2025.

Thank you for your valued input into this search process. All feedback remains confidential.

The Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship invites you to join our Business Model Canvas workshop. 

Learn how to design a sustainable business model using Steve Blank's Business Model Canvas. This tool is used to help build the skills needed to create a strong business plan, but has more flexibility than a traditional one.

The workshop will take place at Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship in Robertson Library on 17吃瓜 campus. Sign up !

Note to Professors and Course/Lab Instructors: 

Please add the testing information (date, test length, test format, aids allowed, etc.) for any in-person quizzes, tests, and midterms for the Fall 2025 semester to Accommodate, as soon as possible.   

Students who are registered with Accessibility Services and want in-person testing accommodations must submit a booking request at least 7 days in advance. They cannot schedule their test until you have entered the testing information in Accommodate. 

You do not need to add the test file until a few days before the test date. If needed, changes can be made to test dates after testing information has been added. 

Below are some Faculty how-to resources: 

How to schedule a test in Accommodate:  

How to view student accommodations:   

If you have any questions about adding a test in Accommodate or testing with Accessibility Services, please contact astesting@upei.ca. 

Unleash Your Entrepreneurial Potential with Collide Discover!

Are you ready to dive into the world of entrepreneurship and innovation? Whether you have a business idea in mind or are simply curious about where to begin, Collide Discover offers the perfect starting point.

This engaging extracurricular program is designed for students across all faculties who are eager to explore the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. You'll build the confidence and knowledge needed to bring ideas to life while learning how to spot opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and communicate the value of your ideas effectively.

Interested in joining the program? !

Fall 2025 Program dates:

Wednesdays from 11:30 am鈥�1:00 pm
September 24 to November 5, 2025

Show us your 17吃瓜 Pride and support your 17吃瓜 Panther athletes by wearing green and white or any 17吃瓜 gear, no matter where you are in the world!

On September 26, take a photo of yourself wearing any 17吃瓜 gear and post it to social media with the hashtag #17吃瓜HOCO for a chance to win a new Pride the Panther mini mascot!

The which includes 17吃瓜 alumni Todd MacLean (BA, 2001) and Deryl Gallant (BMus, 2002) will bring their unique live band karaoke to campus. Alumni and students can hit the stage and belt out their favourite hits with an incredible backing band.

Thesis defense presented by Saad Cheema

Title of the Thesis: "Supplemental Irrigation through Decision Support System in the Face of Climate Change:  A sustainable Approach"

Precise supplemental irrigation has become essential because of climate-driven variability. This thesis proposes a decision support system (DSS) that integrates soil, crops, and climate data for real-time scheduling. Soil Water Characteristic Curves (SWCC) were developed for PEI soils for determining field capacity, wilting point, and available water. Stage-specific potato crop coefficients (K_c) were measured utilizing a lysimeter. The seasonal and daily crop water requirements (ET_c) were around 280 mm under PEI growing conditions. On-farm reference evapotranspiration (ET_o) measurements enhanced precision relative to regional meteorological stations. A soil-water balance model combined all inputs to trigger irrigation in real time. The research was converted into a real-time DSS web application for end users. This methodology provides a sustainable, climate-resilient foundation for precise water management.

Date/Time /Location

September 22, 2025, 1:00 pm, AVC 286C

Everyone is welcome

Women鈥檚 Network PEI and 17吃瓜鈥檚 Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) partnered to offer a creative, community-based space for survivors of gender-based violence and individuals navigating life after trauma. Participants were guided through a process of reflection, story-telling, and visual expression, culminating in this photography exhibit. 

Each photo is a window into a personal journey. Some speak to recovery, others to silence, safety, freedom, or inner growth. Together, they remind us that healing takes many forms and every voice matters. 

The art will be on display in Concourse of the Student Union Building (W.A. Murphy Student Centre) on September 18 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and in the Robertson Library lobby from September 22 to September 26.

On September 16, students came together with Campus Life, the Student Union, and the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) to paint stones with messages of respect, consent, compassion, and care. The stones are now scattered across campus along walkways and in flower beds so that all 17吃瓜 community members can see the art and receive the messages of care.

Scatter Stones is part of PEI鈥檚 Sexual Assault Awareness Week, a dedicated time to raise awareness about sexual violence in our community; to educate on sexual violence prevention; and to show compassion and offer support to survivors of sexual violence in our community. 

Why Stones? Stones can be used to build boundaries. Similar to a fence around a home, boundaries are an important part of protecting ourselves. What behaviours or interactions are acceptable and comfortable for you? You have the right to decide your own limits and to have them respected. Stones can also be used to build foundations. What sort of campus culture do we want? What principles matter to us? It is up to each of us to contribute to the foundations of our community. 

Keep your eye out for these beautiful pieces of art as you travel through your day and let鈥檚 work together to continue building an inclusive, respectful, safe community at 17吃瓜! 

If you experience sexual or gender-based violence, you are not alone. The 17吃瓜 Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office is here to help: 902-620-5090 or sv-pro@upei.ca. You can also visit us in Room 115-118 Kelley Memorial Building from 8:30 am鈥�4:00 pm, Monday 鈥� Friday.

The Bachelor of Education Program (B.Ed) is now open for applications! Our booth is at the W.A. Murphy Student Center from 11:30 to 1:30 on September 23 and from 9:30 to 11:30 on September 24. Please drop by and find out more about our program if you are interested in becoming a teacher!

B.Ed is a 12-month post-degree program beginning in May consisting of 60 credit hours in education courses. This program is designed to provide the variety of courses and extended field experiences through which students can develop the knowledge and skills needed to teach in the modern classroom. It is the opportunity for students to direct their studies in Primary/Elementary (K鈥�6) or Intermediate/Senior (7鈥�12) and also pursue optional additional study through a focus in International, Indigenous, or Adult Education.