University of Prince Edward Island: Offering Exceptional Support and Educational Relevance
February 28, 2015
Students at UPEI
Students at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) have access to excellent programs relevant to the world’s most important subjects while studying on a nurturing, student-focused campus.
“We have just launched our new School of Sustainable Design Engineering,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “It focuses on developing and designing sustainable, efficient systems for the aquaculture, agriculture, wind energy, renewable resource sectors, to name a few, and includes practical work with industry partners.”
UPEI offers engineering students exciting focus areas such as mechatronics, sustainable energy, and bio-resources in addition to conventional courses. Students first complete a two-year foundation program before seamlessly transitioning into a four-year degree in sustainable design engineering.
Other innovative points of pride for the university are the UPEI Climate Lab; a “business of climate change impact” program, linking the business school and sciences; an expansion in the Computer Sciences program to include a gaming focus; and the new interdisciplinary Bachelor of Environmental Studies program.
UPEI’s faculty includes one of only ten Canada Excellence Research Chairs in the country, and also a Nobel Laureate. At UPEI, students receive the opportunity to truly engage with industry and leading researchers in order to advance sustainability initiatives in agriculture, aquaculture, wind energy, and other fields.
“The university’s small size allows us to personalize our relationships with international students,” said International Partnerships Coordinator, Sherilyn Acorn-LeClair. “Last year, I invited the Science without Borders students to my house for a barbecue. These personal connections help students get involved in student groups, volunteering, and working in campus jobs.”
The English language program is tailored to students’ needs. The timetable is integrated with courses in other majors and tutors are available both for English language program and specialist technical writing. Science without Borders students, in particular, take advantage of tutoring for biology and physics as they learn these complex subjects in a second language.
UPEI’s 700 international students make up 16% of the student population, reflecting the President’s mandate to develop international partnerships around the world, including with the Universidad de São Paulo and Santa Catarina.
Beyond peer mentorships and academic opportunities, UPEI takes care of its students. For example, a former UPEI student from Brazil is now working as a student recruiter and advocate. “We are connected to Brazil through personal experiences,” said Director of International Relations, Dr. Barbara Campbell. “We want students to come here because we know we offer a high standard of education in an exceptionally welcoming place.”
