��vlog��ý - Big Futures Start Here!

��vlog��ý Message: Board of Governors approves balanced 2026–2027 Operating Budget

nphillips — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:21:47 +0000

��vlog��ý Message: Board of Governors approves balanced 2026–2027 Operating Budget nphillips Thu, 04/09/2026 - 15:21

Dear ��vlog��ý Community,

On March 31, 2026, the ��vlog��ý Board of Governors approved the 2026–2027 Operating Budget, fee schedule, and capital budget. The planning process started in October 2025 and included consultation with University leaders (i.e., Deans and Directors) and account authorities across campus.

��vlog��ý has a long record of balanced budgets, and the 2026–2027 Operating Budget is no exception. However, while the budget is balanced, it reflects the second of at least four years of continued recalibration caused by lower international student enrolment and our collective efforts to address the significant, but normal, inflationary cost pressures that all post-secondary institutions in Canada face.

We have managed to achieve a balanced budget by managing costs as well as reflecting increased revenue from our government partners; tuition and fees; and ancillary revenues. In this context, the University continues to explore and budget incremental revenues and cost recoveries. We also continue to challenge traditional service models hoping to enhance the student and employee experience and reduce costs wherever possible.

The main operating budget remains aligned with University values, supporting Making Our World a Better Place: ��vlog��ý Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and our ��vlog��ý Action Plan. While clearly focused on constraint and restraint, the 2026–2027 Operating Budget also includes targeted investments in several key strategic priorities. These include strategic enrolment management, expanded investment in the Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development, and support for faculties seeking to develop or expand ��vlog��ý’s online course offerings.

��vlog��ý’s 2026–2027 Operating Budget totals $231.5 million across three budget packages, which are treated independently and for which each has its own special funding model:

Atlantic Veterinary College at $59.6M
Faculty of Medicine at $26.6M
Main operating budget at $145.3M

As of October 1, 2025, the official enrolment was 5,503 students, including 1,630 international students. This represented a 2.9% decrease compared to the 2024 count. With federal policy decisions related to international students still impacting ��vlog��ý (as with all post-secondary institutions across Canada), the 2026–2027 Operating Budget reflects an overall enrolment decrease of 4.8% from enrolment in fall 2025.

��vlog��ý will increase tuition by 6.5% and international fees by 7.5%. The equivalent of 1.0% of the increase in international fees will be deployed toward increased emergency bursaries for international students. The Atlantic Veterinary College will increase tuition and unsubsidized fees by 4.0%. Medical learners studying at the Faculty of Medicine Regional Campus at ��vlog��ý are subject to tuition rates set by Memorial University of Newfoundland. Those tuition rates are not yet known for 2026–27.

Despite the increases, ��vlog��ý’s undergraduate annual tuition for domestic students remains one of the lowest in the Maritime Provinces. Island students also benefit from the George Coles Student Bursary, which significantly offsets the tuition costs experienced by students attending ��vlog��ý in the amount of $3,500 annually to a maximum of $14,000 over four years.

This budget is not without risk. As in previous years, ��vlog��ý must await final enrolment figures for 2026–27—particularly as they relate to international student enrolment—and assess how our strategic enrolment management efforts are affecting ��vlog��ý’s student attraction and retention rates before we can confirm our current assumptions.

In addition, the 2026–2027 Operating Budget has been approved prior to the Government of Prince Edward Island’s announcement of annual operating and restricted grant funding for the 2026–27 fiscal year and beyond. ��vlog��ý will adjust, as required, to the resulting financial realities as those details become known.

Of course, our facilities are aging. We begin to see signs that some of our infrastructure is reaching a critical point. Investment will need to be made to sustain our campus as a healthy, safe environment worthy of the student experience toward which we strive.

��vlog��ý remains confident that it can, and will, navigate this risk. We will, as the provincial university, address the challenges presented in 2026–2027 and ready ourselves for more adjustments so that we can stabilize—and then strategically grow—to support our students, employees, and communities.

We thank the University leadership, and our broader community and partners for ongoing support in our efforts to enhance our student experience, our campus culture, and our academic and financial sustainability.

Sincerely,

Wendy Rodgers, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor

Tim J. Walker
Vice-President Administration and Finance

2026–27 OPERATING BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

Operating budget – $231.5M, reflecting an increase of 3.8% ($8.5M) compared to 2025–2026 Operating Budget (restated)
Budgeted salary and benefits – $154.9M, reflecting an increase of 5.2% ($7.5M) compared to the 2025–2026 Operating Budget (restated)
Unrestricted operating grant (Main budget) provided by Government of PEI – $49.9M, reflecting an increase of 3.5% ($1.7M) compared to 2025–2026 Operating Budget (restated)
Faculty of Medicine Operating Grant – $26.0M, reflecting an increase of 15.6% ($3.4M) compared to the 2025–2026 Operating Budget (restated)
Annual Undergraduate Domestic Tuition – $8,130, among the lowest undergraduate tuition rates in the Maritimes

��vlog��ý celebrates outstanding student-athletes at Awards Gala

nphillips — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:00:34 +0000

��vlog��ý celebrates outstanding student-athletes at Awards Gala nphillips Mon, 03/30/2026 - 11:00

Outstanding student-athletes were recognized by the ��vlog��ý Department of Athletics and Recreation at its Panther Celebration–Athletics Awards Gala on Friday, March 27, for their excellence in sport, in the classroom, and in the community during the 2025–26 season. The annual event, held at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, included student-athletes, coaches, and team staff from both varsity and club sport programs.

��vlog��ý’s varsity program includes Women’s Field Hockey, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Rugby, Men’s Hockey, Women’s Hockey, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Men’s Cross Country, Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Track and Field, Women’s Track and Field, Men’s Curling, and Women’s Curling. ��vlog��ý club sport teams include Men’s Rugby, Men’s Lacrosse, Ringette, Ultimate, Equestrian, Men’s Baseball, Flag Football, and Cheer.

“Dedication, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership are all qualities embodied by our student-athlete award winners,” said Jane Vessey, ��vlog��ý’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “From standout performances to the quiet contributions behind the scenes, I am so proud of their achievements in their respective sports, and for their success in academics and in the community. Thank you, student-athletes, coaches, and team and department staff, for a fantastic year of ‘Panther Sport.’ Let’s continue to support each other and make next season even better. Congratulations!”

The ��vlog��ý Alumni Association’s Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year award went to Kayla Batchilder, ��vlog��ý Women’s Field Hockey. The Male Athlete of the Year winner was Kyree Thompson, ��vlog��ý Men’s Basketball.

The W.A. Ledwell Award is presented annually to a student who has demonstrated outstanding athletic ability in the intercollegiate program, academic excellence, and the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and citizenship. This year’s recipient was Grace Lancaster, ��vlog��ý Women’s Basketball.

The Gordon and Muriel Bennett Award is presented to a male or female student athlete who, over four years, has best combined athletic achievement and academic excellence. This year’s winner was Devon Lawlor, ��vlog��ý Women’s Basketball.

The Lone Oak Unsung Hero Award, a new award this year to recognize a student-athlete whose impact goes far beyond the scoresheet and who embodies toughness, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to their team, was presented to Sam Chisholm, ��vlog��ý Men’s Basketball.

Varsity and competitive club team awards were also presented. These included the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Rookie of the Year, J.T. “Mickey” Place, and Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award.

The J.T. “Mickey” Place Awards are presented by the ��vlog��ý Student Union to varsity team student-athletes who contributed to student leadership on their team and on campus. Each coach presents the Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award to the student-athlete on their team, who best exemplifies purpose, preparation, respect for people, positivity, professionalism, presence, passion, and perseverance.

Team Award Winners for 2025–2026

Varsity

Women’s Field Hockey: Kayla Batchilder and Livi Lawlor (MVP), Bria Matthews (Rookie of the Year), Kali Smith (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Charlotte Thompson (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Men’s Soccer: Jahmal Boursiquot (MVP), Isaac Sommerville (Rookie of the Year), Kyle St. Jean (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Will Campbell (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Women’s Soccer: Olivia James (MVP), Sophie Gallant (Rookie of the Year), Kate Campbell (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Lydia Hamill (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Women’s Rugby: Emma MacLean (MVP), Robyn Moffat (Rookie of the Year), Sarah Bain (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Jasmine Mohtadi (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Men’s Hockey: Jakob Robillard (MVP), Donovan Arsenault and Colby Huggan (Rookie of the Year), Joe Ranger (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Josh Smith (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Women’s Hockey: Kierra St. Peter (MVP), Kali MacDonald (Rookie of the Year), Erin Cabaday (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Sarah Fraser (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Men’s Basketball: Kyree Thompson (MVP), Matthew Carmichael (Rookie of the Year), Owen Smith (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Sam Chisholm (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Women’s Basketball: Grace Lancaster (MVP), Ingrid Khuong (Rookie of the Year), Lily Vrugteman (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Sydney Lawlor (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Cross Country (men): Joel Gallant (MVP), Luc Doucette (Rookie of the Year), and Jack Roberts (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Cross Country (women): Stefania Angona (MVP and J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Sarah Irwin (Rookie of the Year)

Track and Field (men): Scott Davis (MVP) and Colin Blanchard (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Track and Field (women): Lilly MacVicar (MVP and Rookie of the Year), Bianca Boutilier (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award)

Men’s Curling: Jack MacFadyen (MVP)

Women’s Curling: Rachel MacLean (MVP), Ella Lenentine (Rookie)

��vlog��ý Student Union Vice-President Finance and Administration Kushi Damry, far right, presented J.T. "Mickey" Place Awards to ��vlog��ý club team members Kelton Trainor (Men's Lacrosse), Forest McPhee (Ultimate), Alex Hache (Men’s Baseball), Meghan Fox (Equestrian)

Club

Men’s Rugby: Yinghao Long (MVP), Charles Ross (Rookie of the Year), Devan Gormley (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Camden Hutchison (Warhorse Award)

Men’s Lacrosse: Ethan Reeves (MVP), Quintin Beck (Rookie of the Year), Kelton Trainor (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), Reece Packman (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award), and Logan Boyce (James Thomson Memorial Award)

Ultimate: Sinéad Riordon and Benjamin Galloway (MVPs); Owen Gillespie, Shunta Kojima, and Abbi Holmes (Rookies of the Year); Forest McPhee (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award); and Naomi Haig and Jack Kouwenberg (Spirit of the Game Players)

Equestrian: Jordan Luddington (MVP), Lorena Burrell (Rookie of the Year), Meghan Fox (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Regan Matchem (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Ringette: Jamie MacAulay (MVP), Addi Chaisson (Rookie of the Year), and Tori Chapman (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Men’s Baseball: Duncan Picketts (MVP), Brandon Murray (Rookie of the Year), Alex Hache (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Sam Worth (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

About the ��vlog��ý Athletes of the Year

Kayla Batchilder

Kayla Batchilder’s dominant season with ��vlog��ý Field Hockey earned her ��vlog��ý’s Female Athlete of the Year honours. In her third year, the dynamic forward led the Atlantic University Field Hockey (AUFH) league with 20 goals, showcasing her elite finishing ability and consistency as one of the most dangerous attackers in the conference.

An AUFH MVP, all-star, and U SPORTS All-Canadian, Batchilder was the driving force behind ��vlog��ý’s continued success. She powered the Panthers to a fourth consecutive AUFH championship and delivered a historic performance on the national stage—scoring all of ��vlog��ý’s goals at the Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Invitational Championship to help secure a bronze medal on home turf.

Kyree Thompson

Kyree Thompson’s standout fourth season with ��vlog��ý Men’s Basketball earned him ��vlog��ý’s Male Athlete of the Year honours. The dynamic guard put together a career-best campaign, averaging 16.7 points per game, along with 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.8 steals, establishing himself as one of the conference’s most complete two-way players.

An AUS first team all-star, Thompson was instrumental in leading the Panthers back to the AUS final. He delivered in the biggest moments, helping power ��vlog��ý to a statement semifinal upset over the St. Francis Xavier X-Men to punch their ticket to the championship game. For his efforts, he was named an AUS tournament all-star.

Go Panthers Go!

��vlog��ý Faculty of Graduate Studies hosts 3 Minute Thesis competition on March 20

amacdonald — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:55:35 +0000

��vlog��ý Faculty of Graduate Studies hosts 3 Minute Thesis competition on March 20 amacdonald Tue, 03/17/2026 - 10:55

The ��vlog��ý Faculty of Graduate Studies will host the annual ��vlog��ý 3MT™ (3 Minute Thesis) competition on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 pm at the Fox & Crow, W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

The 3MT™ competition challenges thesis-based master’s and doctoral students to explain their research project to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes. This year’s competition features competitors from a wide range of disciplines including Education, Nursing, Science, Sustainable Design Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine.

Topics will include simulating an emergency department, mapping wildlife risk and exposure in British Columbia, fighting crop disease without synthetic pesticides, the hidden costs of a solar future, and more.

Members of the public are welcome to attend to learn more about the impactful research ��vlog��ý graduate students are doing. The top three competitors will win cash prizes, and the first-place winner will represent ��vlog��ý at the regional competition, which will be held at Saint Mary’s University on June 5.

Abby Chapman receives prestigious international award for research in Biomedical Engineering

melanderson — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:34:14 +0000

Abby Chapman receives prestigious international award for research in Biomedical Engineering melanderson Fri, 03/06/2026 - 13:34

Abby Chapman, a fourth-year ��vlog��ý Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE) student, recently received an Optica Women Scholar 2026 award. This international award is given to 20 women students, based on merit, to empower the next generation of women leaders in optics and photonics. In addition to grant funding, scholars gain access to a global network of mentors and supporting companies.

Chapman is the only Canadian in this year’s cohort to receive this prestigious award—an exceptional achievement at her stage of study, particularly as she was competing against undergraduate and master’s students on an international level. Over the past year, she conducted research in Biomedical Engineering under the supervision of Dr. Sundeep Singh, assistant professor of engineering, and Dr. Bill Whelan, professor of physics. Her dedication, professionalism, and perseverance have been instrumental in earning this distinguished recognition.

“Abby is one of the brightest minds in our undergraduate engineering program at ��vlog��ý,” said Singh. “As her research supervisor and instructor, I have had the privilege of working closely with her and have consistently been impressed by her intellectual curiosity, exceptional motivation, and deep passion for translating engineering research into transformative advances in human health. I am immensely proud to see her recognized with this prestigious international honour. It is a testament to her academic excellence, research rigour, and emerging leadership in optics and photonics. I am confident that she will use this opportunity to further advance her research, spark innovation, and make a lasting impact in the field.”

Prior to attending ��vlog��ý, Chapman, who grew up in Stratford, Prince Edward Island, graduated from Pearson College, a United World College on Vancouver Island, with an International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma. As a research assistant, she employs experimental and computational modelling techniques to study thermal therapies for cancer treatment. In her work, she has characterized the photothermal properties of polydopamine nanoparticles for enhanced photothermal therapy, including a case study of their use in treating squamous cell carcinoma.

Chapman is currently studying the effect of breast density and power delivery protocol on microwave ablation procedures for breast cancer treatment. Through the development of a patient-specific model derived from the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a breast cancer patient, she aims to advance personalized and precise cancer care. She hopes to pursue graduate studies in the field of biomedical optics after graduation. In her spare time, Abby is the co-president of ��vlog��ý’s Ultimate (frisbee) team and rows with the PEI Rowing Club.

“I am incredibly grateful to be named one of the 2026 Optica Women Scholars, and I feel inspired to be joining such a wonderful community of women in optics and photonics,” said Chapman. “My research into improved thermal therapies for cancer treatment is incredibly fulfilling, and I hope to carry this passion forward once I graduate. I am especially thankful for my supervisors, Dr. Sundeep Singh and Dr. Bill Whelan, for their invaluable mentorship and for supporting my research endeavours. I am excited to continue my research and make meaningful contributions to the field of biomedical optics.”

Dr. Whelan congratulates Chapman on her recognition from Optica, the leading global society for optics and photonics research, and for her research contributions and overall success as a ��vlog��ý engineering student.

Optics is the branch of physics that studies how light travels, interacts with materials, and is manipulated by instruments. Photonics is a branch of engineering that focuses on the creation, manipulation, and detection of light at the particle level, specifically through the use of light particles called photons.

��vlog��ý creates new undergraduate program in Indigenous Studies

amacdonald — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:47:42 +0000

��vlog��ý creates new undergraduate program in Indigenous Studies amacdonald Tue, 03/03/2026 - 10:47

The ��vlog��ý has taken another step forward on its journey of reconciliation by creating a new undergraduate major in Indigenous Studies.

The major in Indigenous Studies, which will be offered by the Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies (IKERAS), will be launched at a public event on Wednesday, March 4, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall, ��vlog��ý. The celebration will feature traditional ceremonies led by emcees Bethany Paulisyn and Grace McQuaid, including an Honour Song performed by Elder Dr. Judy Clark, ��vlog��ý’s Elder in Residence; Elder Thirly Levi; IKERAS senior lecturer Doris Googoo; and IKERAS administrative assistant Alicia Muttart, as well as the Seven Sacred Teachings in Mi’kmaq shared by Googoo.

The major, which will begin in the Fall 2026 semester, will focus on land-based education and traditional in-person learning. Students will gain new knowledge and proficiency in addressing Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation. Those who complete the program will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Indigenous Studies.

“The new major will respond to the need for learners to understand the diverse cultures and societies of Indigenous peoples, their histories, languages, and cultures,” said Dr. Greg Naterer, Vice-President, Academic and Research. “We are proud to expand our academic offerings in Indigenous education, which further support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #63: ‘Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.’”

This new undergraduate program is the University’s latest initiative to provide a supportive environment to Indigenous students and to others who are interested in Indigenous Studies. Currently, students in the University’s arts, business, and science faculties are able to take a minor in Indigenous Studies.

“I am very proud that we are now offering an Indigenous Studies major as well as the minor program already in place,” said Dr. Angelina Weenie, Dean of the Faculty of IKERAS. “The new major offers students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of Indigenous people on Turtle Island. It is a significant advancement in Indigenous education at ��vlog��ý—and for the still young Faculty of IKERAS.”

Some of the other ongoing reconciliation initiatives at ��vlog��ý include the presentation of keepsake stoles to Indigenous graduates at Convocation; placement of a traditional tipi on the campus grounds; provision of academic support to Indigenous students through Accessibility Services; inclusion of land acknowledgments on ��vlog��ý’s web pages; and placement of Indigenous posters and artwork throughout campus buildings.

The Hewitt Foundation donates $1 million to support ��vlog��ý’s Faculty of Medicine

apmunro — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:51:05 +0000

The Hewitt Foundation donates $1 million to support ��vlog��ý’s Faculty of Medicine apmunro Tue, 02/10/2026 - 08:51

The ��vlog��ý (��vlog��ý) is proud to announce a major gift of $1 million from the Hewitt Foundation in support of the University’s Faculty of Medicine.

This gift will help advance key priorities within ��vlog��ý’s Faculty of Medicine, including enhancing learner experiences, supporting innovative teaching and simulation-based education, and strengthening community-based medical training opportunities on Prince Edward Island.

“We are deeply grateful to the Hewitt Foundation for this transformative investment,” said Dr. Wendy Rodgers, ��vlog��ý President and Vice-Chancellor. “It strengthens our ability to educate all the various health learners here at ��vlog��ý and helps to advance our shared goal of addressing the province’s long-term health-care needs.”

“This contribution of funds from the Hewitt Foundation is more than a financial commitment,” said Dr. Preston Smith, Dean of the ��vlog��ý Faculty of Medicine. “It represents a belief in the future physicians who plan to serve Prince Edward Island and a commitment to helping them succeed in their training and beyond.”

The Hewitt Foundation is a private Canadian foundation rooted in a long-standing family legacy of giving back to the communities that helped make Hewitt Equipment Limited successful for over 65 years. Established after the sale of the operating company by Jim Hewitt, Chairman—who was recently named to the Order of Canada for his leadership in business and philanthropy, the Foundation has supported initiatives in health and education across Eastern Canada since 2017.

“The Hewitt Foundation is proud to make a $1 million investment in ��vlog��ý’s Faculty of Medicine,” said Kim Anderson, CEO of the Hewitt Foundation. “This gift reflects our belief that strong, community-focused medical education is essential to improving health outcomes for Islanders and strengthening the health-care system across Canada. By supporting the education of future physicians, we are investing in a healthier, more resilient future.”

��vlog��ý’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre officially opened in the fall of 2025, welcoming its inaugural class of 20 learners, all from Prince Edward Island, as part of the regional campus of Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine. At the same time, ��vlog��ý and Memorial University are pursuing accreditation for a joint Doctor of Medicine degree, which will be the first partnership of its kind in Canada.

��vlog��ý Action Plan and Reconciliation Update

nphillips — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:15:58 +0000

��vlog��ý Action Plan and Reconciliation Update nphillips Mon, 01/05/2026 - 16:15

The following message and response was also emailed to faculty, staff, and students on January 5, 2026.

Message from Chair of the ��vlog��ý Board of Governors: ��vlog��ý Action Plan and Reconciliation Update

As we begin the new year, I’m writing to share an update and a brief reflection about our reconciliation work with Dr. Wendy Carroll and Ms. Erin Casey, while also looking ahead to the year before us.

In July 2023, we began a reconciliation process with Erin and Wendy, the women who brought forward allegations against the former president in 2012. The University released Erin and Wendy from their Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in June 2023. However, the agreement was tri-partite, and they remained bound by an NDA with the former president. We came to understand the importance of obtaining a full release—both for Erin and Wendy’s healing and for the process of reconciliation—after they read victim impact statements to the Board of Governors in November 2023. We then became committed to helping them to achieve full release and regain their voices.

We would like to share with the campus community that, after a taxing and emotional two-year process through which we remained committed to our goal, Erin and Wendy are fully released from their NDA as of December 29, 2025. This is a significant accomplishment and represents a successful reconciliation process, with considerable dialogue, solution-oriented approaches, and collaboration. This process required trust, courage, and transparency from us all. And we are—rightly—proud that the process resulted in this outcome.

Our reconciliation with Erin and Wendy has been one of many steps to help remediate wrongs of the past. And, with their full release, the University no longer holds any NDA contracts, fulfilling our commitment to past survivors.

We apologize to Erin and Wendy for the wrongs done to them in 2012 and 2013, as well as subsequent wrongs that resulted from inappropriate comments, wrongful information, or exclusionary behaviour, and the limits imposed on them by the NDA that prevented them from telling their own truth. Welcoming them back to our community and having their support on many of our current initiatives has been of great benefit and value to the University. I thank them wholeheartedly for their patience with me and their learnings shared with me over the past two and a half years.

Among the many areas in which Erin and Wendy have contributed time and support to the Board during this reconciliation process has been advising on the needed revisions to the Fair Treatment Policy and its replacement with a contemporary Discrimination and Harassment Policy—along with revisions to the Sexual Violence Policy.

We have acknowledged through the sharing of their experiences, and the experiences of others who have been survivors of abuse, that the Fair Treatment Policy is lacking. We have been directed by this policy for over 20 years, despite countless efforts to have it revised. For the sake of our community’s safety, I do sincerely aspire to have 2026 be the year that the University community comes together and finally makes an important step towards safety, together, by repealing this policy and instating the two much stronger replacement policies. This remains a top priority of the Board of Governors.

Happy New Year to all,
Shannon

Shannon MacDonald, FCA, CPA, ICD.D (she/her)
Chair, ��vlog��ý Board of Governors

Response to ��vlog��ý Board Chair’s Message

As of the 29th of December 2025, we are no longer bound by the tripartite NDA that has silenced us for 12 long years. We are grateful to Ms. Shannon MacDonald, ��vlog��ý Board Chair; Dr. Wendy Rodgers, ��vlog��ý President and Vice-Chancellor; and the ��vlog��ý Board of Governors for their work as part of our reconciliation process. We are now released not only by the University, but by the former president of ��vlog��ý. This has been an exhausting, frustrating, and incredibly intense couple of years. We thank our supporters in PEI and elsewhere in the country who provided expertise and guidance. We cannot thank you enough.

This NDA and the events that led to it dramatically and negatively impacted our personal and professional lives, and we plan to use our voices and our experience to help reshape the public discourse around NDAs.

Our goal has always been to build understanding of the harms of NDAs, to dispel the myth that they benefit victims of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct, and to focus attention on the burden carried by other survivors who remain locked in historical NDAs. We can now pursue this goal freely.

We've heard over and over that being released from our NDA was impossible. Yet we persisted, and we've shown it can be done.

We wish the ��vlog��ý community well as you continue to address the pain and injustice of the past and build a new future.

Erin & Wendy

Dr. Wendy Carroll and Ms. Erin Casey

Relevant Links

Response to Independent Review

��vlog��ý Action Plan

Message from the President: Season's Greetings!

nphillips — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:41:04 +0000

Message from the President: Season's Greetings! nphillips Tue, 12/16/2025 - 11:41

The following message and video was also distributed to faculty, staff, and students on December 16, 2025.

Dear ��vlog��ý Community,

We are coming to the end of 2025—filled with as much excitement and hope as when we entered it!

Best wishes to all who are preparing, studying for, writing, and grading exams! It’s a culmination of all your collective hard work throughout the term. Learning, knowledge seeking, and understanding are always collective activities—we must all participate and play our roles. Teachers must challenge students—and students must challenge teachers! Complex and vexing problems must challenge scholars and researchers, and scholars and researchers must challenge existing and traditional knowledge and understanding. We engage in this cycle so that, together, we can be better and do better.

This year we launched our new strategic plan: Making our world a better place. If we make ��vlog��ý a better place, we make the world a better place. Our recent economic impact study showed that the University is an economic driver and a sound investment—both as an employer and through the purchasing power of our employees. Our graduates go on to accomplish great things in their employment and their communities. There is no question that ��vlog��ý is essential to the prosperity of PEI and to the many other industries that comprise the provincial economy and knowledge sector.

As the year winds down and we welcome 2026, let’s reflect on the kind of world we want and the kind of ��vlog��ý we aspire to create. In our Strategic Plan, we reaffirmed our core values: academic freedom; accountability and integrity; pursuit of excellence; equity, diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging; and reconciliation. As we undertake our annual planning, let’s keep these principles at the forefront. A key question we have posed to our community is, ‘what can we expect from ourselves and others to uphold our values?’ For all these core values, we identified behaviours such as kindness, respect, listening, courage, follow-through, making space for others, integrity, and taking responsibility. If each of us chooses to embody one way to live each value, we can begin shaping the culture we desire.

The holidays always offer opportunities to demonstrate kindness, compassion, giving, and receiving; qualities and behaviours we all strive to carry throughout the year. They also pose certain challenges and stresses. As we head toward the holiday break, we work so hard during the exam period (studying and marking and entering grades and supporting those doing the studying and marking). There is a lot of evidence that the holidays come with some added stresses and can exacerbate existing stresses. It’s a time to look out for each other and to check in with ourselves, making sure we are ok, coping, and engaging in healthy ways. Our recent feedback shows our community wants to be helpful, wants to listen, and wants everyone to reach their potential. It’s ok to ask and it’s ok to reach out. There are several resources available for those looking for more information or a bit of help. Visit the ��vlog��ý Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights website to learn more about available supports and services.

Another exciting year awaits us! Let’s carry our momentum forward, foster it, and all work towards the future we want to be part of.

With very best wishes for a successful and constructive end to 2025 and an optimistic and prosperous 2026. (View the video message)

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)
President and Vice-Chancellor

Relevant Links

Office of the President

Making our world a better place

��vlog��ý officially opens the new Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre

nphillips — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 23:40:32 +0000

��vlog��ý officially opens the new Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre nphillips Fri, 11/28/2025 - 19:40

The ��vlog��ý (��vlog��ý) marked the official opening today of its new Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre, a leading-edge facility designed to support interprofessional education and collaboration across multiple health disciplines.

The 138,000-square-foot, $103-million facility—including $30 million in advanced IT infrastructure—represents the largest capital project in ��vlog��ý’s history. Construction began in December 2022, and the first cohort of PEI-based medical learners of Memorial University’s regional campus moved in on August 22, 2025. A phased transition plan continues to bring additional tenants and systems online through winter 2026.

The official opening was attended by government partners, donors, stakeholders, and faculty, staff, and student representatives while the broader community was invited to watch the event via livestream.

Tim Walker, ��vlog��ý Vice-President Administration and Finance, who served as master of ceremonies, formally unveiled the new name of the facility. The official name—Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre—was selected following a consultative process with campus and community stakeholders.

Dr. Wendy Rodgers, President and Vice-Chancellor, delivered opening remarks, sharing reflections on the significance of the new centre and the shared vision that brought the project to life. She emphasized the transformative impact the facility will have on health education, research, and collaboration at ��vlog��ý.

“Today’s opening ceremony is very exciting. It is also our commitment to bring better health care to PEI through teaching, learning, and research across many allied and One Health disciplines. This facility will serve our students in many areas, including nursing, kinesiology, paramedicine, psychology, as well as other first responders and aligns with ��vlog��ý’s vision to prepare graduates for a rapidly changing world, and our role in making our world a better place. On behalf of the University, I thank all those involved from day one, including our government partners, for their dedication in making today a reality.”

The Honourable Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, recognized the government’s continued commitment to strengthening the province’s health-care system and training future health professionals close to home.

“This facility opens new doors for Island students and strengthens the path toward a stable and skilled health workforce. It brings education, innovation, and patient care under one roof and creates an environment where future health professionals can grow and succeed. Our province is proud to support this work because it will improve care for Islanders and contribute to a healthier, more resilient future for our communities.”

The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Member of Parliament for Malpeque represented the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada.

“Ensuring Islanders, and Canadians, have access to high quality, public, and timely health care is of the utmost priority for our government. Having the ability to train doctors right here, in a state-of-the-art facility will be significant for Prince Edward Island’s healthcare system. This includes strengthening access to care in all corners of the Island. This year, as the school welcomes the first cohort of students, we look forward to our continued partnership with the Government of Prince Edward Island and the ��vlog��ý to deliver innovative healthcare and increase the capacity of our healthcare system.”

Today’s event recognized the inaugural class of medical learners attending Memorial University’s regional campus at ��vlog��ý, as well as students from other health disciplines who will learn together in this interprofessional environment. Speakers also acknowledged the collaboration between units under the Office of the President, Office of the Vice-President Administration and Finance, IT Systems and Services, Faculty of Medicine, and the many partners and donors who contributed to the success of this historic capital project which was completed on time and within budget.

The program also included a blessing from Elder Barb Jadis, from Abegweit First Nation, who earlier had smudged a prayer flag that will hang outside the building to bless and protect those who study, teach, work, and seek services within it.

The event concluded with a symbolic moment, the Shared Ribbon of Disciplines, which included students from Nursing, Biology, Sustainable Design Engineering, Climate Change and Adaptation, Paramedicine, Kinesiology, Dietetics/Nutrition, Veterinary Medicine, Psychology, and Medicine. The ribbon ceremony highlighted the interconnectedness of health professions and the collaborative nature of the new Centre.

A public grand opening and open house will take place in Spring 2026, once the Centre is fully operational, providing the broader community an opportunity to explore the facility and celebrate the next chapter of health education on Prince Edward Island.

The new ��vlog��ý Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre is one of the most technologically advanced facilities in the country, featuring the following:

a provincial collaborative care centre with a capacity for 10,000 patients,
the provincial adult ADHD clinic,
an expansion of ��vlog��ý’s Doctor of Psychology program,
dedicated learning spaces for ��vlog��ý’s nursing, dietetics and nutrition, paramedicine, psychology, kinesiology programs, and more,
a world-class Clinical Learning and Simulation Centre that serves learners and clinicians across PEI and beyond.

Relevant Links

Faculty of Medicine News

113 ��vlog��ý student-athletes achieve U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status

melanderson — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:40:08 +0000

113 ��vlog��ý student-athletes achieve U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status melanderson Thu, 11/20/2025 - 14:40

The ��vlog��ý congratulates the 113 student-athletes who earned U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian (AAC) status for the 2024–2025 season. This number represents 51.4 per cent of ��vlog��ý’s 220 varsity student-athletes.

��vlog��ý student-athletes strive for excellence in sport, academics, and the greater community. This level of academic achievement speaks volumes about their work ethic and the quality of the coaches, faculty, staff, volunteers, and others who support them throughout the year.

“We’re incredibly proud of our ��vlog��ý student-athletes for their commitment to achieving excellence both in the classroom and in competition,” said Jane Vessey, director of ��vlog��ý Athletics and Recreation. “This national recognition reflects their dedication and effort, and we’re thrilled to honour their accomplishments as they continue to reach new heights.”

To receive this national recognition, student-athletes must achieve academic standing of 80 per cent or higher during the 2024–2025 academic year.

Congratulations to ��vlog��ý’s U SPORTS Academic All-Canadians!

MEN’S CURLING: Luke Butler, Liam Kelly, Chase MacMillan

WOMEN’S RUGBY: Charlotte Branchflower, Rowan Gallagher, Sara Hanlon, Ria Johnston, Alanna Mabey, Emily-Anne MacQuarrie, Emily McKenna, Lauren Misener, Jasmine Mohtadi, Abbey Morice, Carla Stewart, MacKenzie Stewart, Deirdre Studer

WOMEN’S SOCCER: Juliette Bader, Kate Campbell, Emma-Grace Carrier, Tessa Dodds, Alice Dorsey, Samantha Garvey, Olivia James, Roselyn Kushko, Abby Locke, Hannah Loeb, Claudia Mazzei, Grace McQuaid, Emma Parker, Heather Williams

MEN’S SOCCER: Will Campbell, Rio Crystal, Lachlan MacEachern, Jeremiah Osorio, Jacob Tweel, Max VanWiechen

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY: Anna Harris, Ella Jenkins, Grace Richard, Katie Richard

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY: Jacob Dalton, Ryan MacDonald, Jack Roberts, Baleyon Wolfe

WOMEN’S TRACK and FIELD: Bianca Boutilier, Clare Bowie, Sophie Crabbe, Ella Jenkins, Grace Richard, Katie Richard

MEN’S TRACK and FIELD: Colin Blanchard, Jacob Dalton, Scott Davis, Sidiki Diakite, Divine Ekwealo, Matthew Koughan, Ryan MacDonald, Jeremy Norman, Daniel Onunwor, Jack Roberts, Baleyon Wolfe

WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY: Elizabeth Beiersdorfer, Sadie Brown, Sophie Bujold, Erin Cabaday, Julia Cey, Renée Chapman, Anya Epp, Chiara Esposito, Sarah Forsythe, Sarah Fraser, Brooke Henderson, Jazbey Hrynyk, Hayden Lilly, Ruby Loughton, Orianna MacNeil, Chloe McCabe, Ashley McCutcheon, Jessica Mercer, McKinley Nelson, Avery Penner, Rachel Richards, Anjali Simms, Kierra St. Peter, Carly Thompson

MEN’S ICE HOCKEY: Logan Kelly-Murphy, Cole Larkin, Cameron Morton, Joe Ranger, Noah Sedore

WOMEN’S FIELD HOCKEY: Carly Acorn, Sophie Crabbe, Julie Hall, Ella Hennessey, Ashlyn Kelly, Livi Lawlor, Ella Macdougall, Melia Mason, Maria McLane, Maggie McNeil, Sarah Peters, Jenaya Ross, Charlotte Thompson

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Deborah Aboagye, Sydney Cummins, Mya Hines, Grace Lancaster, Devon Lawlor, Sydney Lawlor, Abby Miller, Elise Plaschka, Lauren Rainford, Lily Vrugteman, Samantha Zoffranieri

MEN’S BASKETBALL: Sam Chisholm, Daniel Gonzalez Longarela, Nicolás Gonzalez Longarela, Grant Schell, Kamari Scott, Owen Smith, Nathan Whitnell

Stay up to date with our ��vlog��ý Panthers at gopanthersgo.ca.

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����vlog��ý officially opens the new Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre

113 ����vlog��ý student-athletes achieve U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status

��vlog��ý - Big Futures Start Here!

��vlog��ý Message: Board of Governors approves balanced 2026–2027 Operating Budget

��vlog��ý celebrates outstanding student-athletes at Awards Gala

About the ��vlog��ý Athletes of the Year

��vlog��ý Faculty of Graduate Studies hosts 3 Minute Thesis competition on March 20

��vlog��ý creates new undergraduate program in Indigenous Studies

The Hewitt Foundation donates $1 million to support ��vlog��ý’s Faculty of Medicine

��vlog��ý Action Plan and Reconciliation Update

Message from Chair of the ��vlog��ý Board of Governors: ��vlog��ý Action Plan and Reconciliation Update

Response to ��vlog��ý Board Chair’s Message

��vlog��ý officially opens the new Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre

113 ��vlog��ý student-athletes achieve U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status