Campus Notices

乐发IV faculty members may now submit an expression of interest for faculty-led international experiences for 2026!

In the past, these experiences have been conducted in May and we call them "Maymesters". Visit the Maymester page for examples of these experiences.

Expression of interest application deadline is March 31, 2025, for the 2026 programs.

Your expression of interest application will be reviewed by the selection committee, and you will be notified when to proceed with a formal proposal.

Submit your expression of interest

The Asian Studies and the new Centre for Korean Studies are pleased to invite everyone to this special academic event, Asian Studies International Seminar: Korean Studies Speaker Series 2025.

Speaker: Dr. Jin Y. Park, Chair and Professor, Department of Philosophy and Religion, American University, Washington D.C.

Title: "The Contemporary Buddhism: A Guide To Good Life鈥

Date and location: Thursday, April 3, 2:15-鈥4:00 pm, Faculty Lounge, Room 201, SDU Main Building.

Reception and healthy refreshments from 2:15-鈥2:30 pm.

Welcome address by Dr. Greg Naterer, 乐发IV Vice-President Academic and Research

Thank you and farewell address by Dr. Sharon Myers, Dean of Arts

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn and discuss the contemporary Buddhist way of 鈥済ood life,鈥 together with Prof. Park鈥檚 international and comparative insights.

Bio: Dr. Jin Y. Park (BA, Yonsei University, Korea; MA, NY University; PhD, SUNY-Stony Brook, New York) is Professor and Chair of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at American University, Washington DC. An internationally renowned scholar in Korean (East Asian) Buddhism, Buddhist and intercultural philosophy, and modern Korean social and political philosophy, she examines issues of gender, violence, and the politics of discrimination. Marginality has been a consistent theme in her scholarship, as her works reveal power structures within thought traditions and amplify marginalized voices. She is the author, (co-)editor, or translator of over 10 books (including "Women and Buddhist Philosophy" and "Buddhism and Postmodernity"), published 60 articles, and presented about 200 keynote speeches, invited lectures, and conference papers in her expertise areas. She has also recently served as President of the American Academy of Religion, the North American Korean Philosophy Association, and the Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy. Everyone is welcome to attend.  See you there!  

For the event poster, e-mail to jbbandara@upei.ca or chung@upei.ca.

Special acknowledgement: This Korean Studies International Speaker Series is funded by Dr. Edward Chung鈥檚 Korean Studies Seed Program grant (AKS-2022-INC-2230004) at 乐发IV, thanks to Korean Studies Promotion Service (KSPS), the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS), Ministry of Education, Government of South Korea.

Contact: Jay K. Bandarage, jbbandara@upei.ca, 566-0331 (AST admin Assistant); Dr. Edward Chung (AST Director), 566-0324.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to scramble your way through a presentation you have no control over? It鈥檚 more fun than you think, and you can experience it yourself (or just come to watch!) on Tuesday, April 1, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship in 201 Robertson Library! No pre-registration required!

Note: If you would like to participate, please bring a phone or computer that can access wi-fi or cellular data.

Join 乐发IV President Wendy Rodgers for casual "coffee chats" at Tim Horton's in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre on Tuesday, April 1 from 8:00-8:45 am.

These coffee chats offer a relaxed setting where any member of the 乐发IV community can drop by, grab a drink, and chat with Wendy about anything on your mind. Whether you want to share ideas, ask questions or simply say hello, these chats are a great way to connect with the president in a comfortable and informal environment.

Dr. Hilding Neilson, assistant professor, Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Memorial University, will give a public lecture titled 鈥淪pace is Part of the Land: Moving from Colonialism and Space Exploitation to Indigenous Models of Operating in Space,鈥 on Wednesday, April 2, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, Kelley Memorial Building 237, 乐发IV.

The lecture is presented by the 乐发IV Department of Physics, in collaboration with the Chairs of Inclusion in Science and Engineering (CISE) as part of CISE鈥檚 Spark Lecture Series.

鈥淭he colonization of outer space arguably began with the writings of Von Braun in the 1950s and his manual for sending people to Mars as a new land to conquer,鈥 said Dr. Neilsen. 鈥淭hat colonialism was not novel but follows the same history of European powers colonizing the Americans and other parts of the world, and the same recent history of nations and consortiums developing telescopes on Indigenous lands. In the future, as private actors develop a new space industry, we will see the export of this colonialism to space, to the moon, and one day even to Mars. We are already seeing this today with the development of satellite constellations, some of which are visible by the unaided eye and with the multinational Artemis Accords for lunar exploration.鈥 

In his talk, Dr. Neilson will review the relationship between astronomy, outer space, and colonization in the past, present, and future, and discuss different ways to relate to outer space and space exploration through the lens of Indigenous methods and knowledge.

All are welcome to attend.

The Faculty of Science Graduate Studies Committee invites the campus community to a presentation by Dr. Trevor Bringloe, Fisheries and Oceans Canada entitled "Ushering in an era of high-resolution genetics: lessons from evolutionary phycology and applications in conservation science鈥. The presentation is part of the regular ESC/HB Seminar Series and will be held in the Duffy Science Centre, Room 204, on March 28, 12:30 pm.

Everyone is invited

This Tea(ching) Break comes from a special issue of the journal Teaching in Higher Education - Critical Perspectives, focusing on the theme 'Reconsidering the role of authenticity in assessment in higher education'. This link takes you to the editorial that introduces this special issue.

A gentle reminder that the deadline to submit a proposal for the 2025 Teaching Community Conference Teaching at the Intersections: Inclusion, Accessibility, and Courage in Education is Friday March 28, 2025.  

Master of Applied Health Services Research, thesis defence presented by Madeline Kuiper on March 27, 9:00 am, AVC, Room 286C.

Title of the Thesis: "Inconveniencing the Institution鈥: An Interpretive Exploration of Pregnancy Experiences of Royal Canadian Navy Service Members"

Abstract: Pregnancy is a significant life event that impacts an individual鈥檚 physical, emotional, and social well-being. While common, pregnancy presents unique challenges for those in professions like the military. The experience of pregnancy in the military context remains underexplored.

This study aimed to explore the experiences of Royal Canadian Navy members who were pregnant while serving. Semi structured interviews were conducted with ten participants, allowing them to reflect on their pregnancies and interactions with the Canadian Forces Health Services Group, chain of command, and institutional structures. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and de-identified.

The data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a qualitative methodology emphasizing personal meaning-making. IPA鈥檚 phenomenological, hermeneutic, and idiographic approach enabled a deep exploration of how participants navigated pregnancy within the RCN鈥檚 cultural and operational framework.

This study identified three key group experiential themes: 1) shaping an internal locus of control, 2) exposure to external locus of control, and 3) identifying as an imposition to the institution. Participants described balancing professional duties with personal well-being, systemic policy challenges, and interpersonal dynamics in their chain of command. Many also shared strategies for asserting agency within a male-dominated organization.

Findings highlight the need for improved institutional policies and cultural shifts to support pregnant service members, fostering inclusivity and equity in operational environments. This research contributes to military health services literature by offering practical recommendations for creating supportive workplaces for pregnant personnel. 

Everyone is welcome. 

The Canadian Postsecondary Alcohol and Drug Use Survey (CPADS) is live until March 31.  If you are a student attending 乐发IV consider participating in this very quick survey for the chance to win a $50 gift certificate to the 乐发IV Bookstore. Go to:. For any student who completes the survey, there is now an option at the end of the survey to leave your email and a draw will be made on April 1 for the two gift certificates.  Thank you to those who choose to participate. The results of this survey can help us understand alcohol and drug use on campus, build awareness of potential harms and develop interventions for individuals who may feel they have developed unhealthy use of alcohol and/or drugs.  

The Robertson Library invites the campus community to a candidate presentation for the library鈥檚 permanent-track position of Clinical Librarian

Candidate: Mr. John Bayhi

Title: evidence-based medicine for undergraduate medical learners

When: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Where: Robertson Library, Room 264

Mr. John Bayhi will visit the Library on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 for an interview for the Clinical Librarian position.

At 1:00 pm, Mr. Bayhi will give a 45-minute demonstration, on evidence-based medicine for undergraduate medical learners, with 15 minutes for questions and answers.

John holds an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Studies degree from the University of Oklahoma. He is currently a Librarian and Director for Research Services at the University of Texas at Arlington.  

Library appointments committee: Kim Mears, (Chair), Rosie Le Faive, Lisa Chilton (History),  Sarah Peddle (Medicine), Tammie Muise (Medicine), Joe Gordon (AVC/Medicine)

The Robertson Library invites the campus community to a candidate presentation for the library鈥檚 permanent-track position of Clinical Librarian

Candidate: Mr. Jarrod Irwin

Title: evidence-based medicine for undergraduate medical learners

When: Friday, March 28, 2025

Where: Robertson Library, Room 264

At 10:30, Mr. Irwin will give a 45-minute demonstration, on evidence-based medicine for undergraduate medical learners, with 15 minutes for questions and answers.

Jarrod holds an ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Studies degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is currently the Behavioral and Health Sciences Librarian at Eastern Michigan University.

Library Appointments Committee: Kim Mears, (Chair), Rosie Le Faive, Lisa Chilton (History),  Sarah Peddle (Medicine), Tammie Muise (Medicine), Joe Gordon (AVC/Medicine)

Calling all Students!

First annual Student Engagement Mixer

Join Dr. Wendy Rodgers, 乐发IV President and Vice-Chancellor, and members of the 乐发IV Board of Governors and 乐发IV Student Union for the first annual Student Engagement Mixer!

Thursday, March 27, 2025
5:00鈥7:00 pm
McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre

Enjoy some food and conversation at this fun opportunity to engage and share your experiences at the University with 乐发IV鈥檚 Board of Governors and senior leadership team! There will be opportunities to win some great prizes, including a tuition credit!

Title: Land Use Land Cover Classification Analysis Using Remote Sensing Technology and Machine Learning

Thursday, March 27 at 1:00 pm. 

Location - Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering building, Room 223. Online option to join is also available. Contact Lisa Sanderson - lmsanderson@upei.ca for link

Everyone is welcome to attend.

On March 27, the 乐发IV Wind Symphony, under the direction of Dale Sorensen, will present a concert of music on the theme of exploration-of nature, space, sound, and self. The program will include an arrangement of Bedrich Smetana鈥檚 Vltava (The Moldau), alongside evocative works by Julie Giroux (Mystery on Mena Mountain), Judith Zaimont (City Rain), and Canadian composer Nova Pon (Tilting Sunward). Of special note will be the performance of Rescue by PEI-born composer E.K.R. (Evan) Hammell, a former student at 乐发IV. Rounding out the program will be works by Andrew Boysen, Jr. (I Am), Giovanni Gabrieli (Canzon in Double Echo for three antiphonal brass choirs), Yukiko Nishimura (Star Ship), and Dana Wilson (Sang!).

Tickets are available in advance at  or by cash at the door. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for students.

Accessible parking is available, and the recital hall has an accessible entrance via elevator.

The Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship is hosting an in-person workshop on pitching fundamentals on Wednesday, March 26, from 4:00-6:00 pm with world-renowned pitch coach Permjot Valia! Participants will learn tools, tips, and tricks around executing a business pitch effectively, efficiently, and engagingly! 

This event is part of the Harry W. MacLauchlan Entrepreneurship Program, but anyone from the public is welcome to attend!

The session will take place in the Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship, 201 Robertson Library. Register to attend the in-person workshop.

Permjot Valia (he/him) is co-founder at Nava Develop Inc., a business development firm serving innovation focused corporates, startup organizations and academic institutions. A globally recognized mentor, facilitator and business coach, he has led strategic planning successes for organizations throughout Canada鈥檚 innovation ecosystem. He founded MentorCamp and was Lead Mentor of Cape Breton鈥檚 Navigate Startup House. He is an expert pitch coach with companies he has coached winning over $10m in prize money. Permjot serves on Boards of several startups, works with Dal Innovates, and lectures globally on business modelling, strategy and leadership. He is passionate about contributing to Canada鈥檚 economic development and cultural success. 

Join the Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship for an engaging session on risk mitigation delivered by Permjot Valia! This in-person workshop will provide insight on what types of risk exist, how startups and organizations can categorize and prioritize risks, how risks can be perceived as opportunities, and what tools can be used to demonstrate risk to external stakeholders. 

This event is part of the Harry W. MacLauchlan Entrepreneurship Program, but anyone from the public is welcome to attend!

The workshop is taking place in Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship, 201 Robertson Library on Wednesday, March 26 from 1:00-3:00 pm. You can register to attend the in-person workshop !

Permjot Valia (he/him) is a globally recognized mentor, facilitator and business coach. He founded MentorCamp and was Lead Mentor of Cape Breton鈥檚 Navigate Startup House. He served as a Mentor-in-Residence at the University of Arkansas Sam Walton School of Business and has helped multiple researchers commercialise their research. This work continues through the 3 day Lab2Market program he delivers across Canada to researchers. He is an expert pitch coach, with companies he has coached winning over $10m in prize money. Permjot serves on Boards of several startups, works with Dal Innovates, and lectures globally on business modelling, strategy and leadership. 

The 乐发IV Faculty of Education invites all to attend the public presentation of Paulina Huayamave Hernandez's PhD dissertation defense, "Transformative Teacher Education in Search of the Sumak Kawsay (the Good Living): A Mixed-Methods Study on Critical Global Citizenship Education in Ecuador" on March 27 at 11:30 am. 

Please join us in person in Memorial Hall, Room 417 or via Zoom at
 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to scramble your way through a presentation you have no control over? It鈥檚 more fun than you think, and you can experience it yourself (or just come to watch!) on Tuesday, April 1, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship in 201 Robertson Library! No pre-registration required!

Note: If you would like to participate, please bring a phone or computer that can access wi-fi or cellular data.

A gentle reminder that the deadline to submit a proposal for the 2025 Teaching Community Conference Teaching at the Intersections: Inclusion, Accessibility, and Courage in Education is Friday March 28, 2025.