University of Prince Edward Island:
Established: 1969 (The University of Prince Edward Island was the result of a merger between Prince of Wales College and St. Dunstan's University). Number of Students
Over 3,500 Programs
The University of Prince Edward Island offers undergraduate programs from 29 departments across the Faculties of Arts, Business, Education, Nursing, Science, and Veterinary Medicine. Seven graduate programs are available in Biology, Chemistry, Education, Island Studies, and Veterinary Medicine of which only the latter has a doctorate level degree option. For first year post-secondary students, the University provides the choice of taking “University 100,” a 6-credit course designed as an introduction to university-level studies and as an opportunity to sharpen students’ analytical, research, and writing skills. Students may take a condensed version of “University 100” called “University 103” which is worth 3 semester credit hours. However, students can only take 1 of the aforementioned introductory courses for credit. Additionally, established in 2002, the Centre for Life-Long Learning provides a wide array of courses, including online courses, programs, including certificate options, summer institutes and courses, and workshops to individuals to meet their academic, personal, and/or professional learning ambitions. Notable offerings from the Centre include a 'Transition Program,' whose goal it is to chart an academic and career path for students entering university as well as develop their respective research and writing skills, and courses and programs specifically for seniors aged 50 and over. Interesting Facts
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) is considered to be one of the best post-secondary institutions in the Maritimes. According to a survey of Atlantic Canadian students who graduated in 1996 conducted by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission, the UPEI tops all centres of higher education in Atlantic Canada when it comes to the satisfaction of graduates with their overall educational experience. UPEI is home to the Atlantic Veterinary College, which opened in 1986, the only institution which offers veterinary medicine degrees in Atlantic Canada. The University’s library, The Robertson Library, constructed in 1975 and named after classical scholar, educator, and former principal of Prince of Wales College, Samuel Napier Robertson, is a major centre of research for the province of Prince Edward Island. The library currently has in excess of 282,329 books, 188,098 government publications, 126,557 audio and visual and microfilm sources, access to 1,634 online sources, and a subscription to over 1173 periodicals. |
