January 2022 - all-students - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Dr. Tina Chen named as the inaugural Executive Lead (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) at UM: A Message from President Michael Benarroch
by President's Office 26 Jan '22

26 Jan '22

[cid:image005.png@01D8120B.D23C5860] Message from Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor I am extremely pleased to announce that at its meeting on Jan. 25, 2022, the Board of Governors approved the appointment of Distinguished Professor Tina Chen to the newly created position of Executive Lead (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) at the University of Manitoba. When her inaugural two-year term begins on Feb. 1, 2022, Dr. Chen will report directly to me and will work with our community to implement the seven recommendations provided in the Final Report of the President's Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion<https://umanitoba.ca/sites/default/files/2021-06/presidents_task_force_on_e…>, including recommended structure and resourcing. She will provide overall leadership of the university's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, and analyze the issues raised by the Task Force Report, ensuring we continually question our systems and processes in an effort to eradicate all systemic inequities and biases. Dr. Chen joined UM in 1999 as an Assistant Professor of history and has since led a research program focused on Asian experiences and alternatives to colonialism, militarism, and systems of oppression, as well as feminism and cultural politics in China. Within the department of history, Dr. Chen has served as Honours Chair (2004-2006) and Associate Head (2006-2012), and was the first racialized person to be named Head of the history department in 2013, a role she held through 2020. Under Dr. Chen's leadership, the history department integrated equity, diversity, access and inclusion into its strategic planning, initiatives, program review and everyday administrative processes. Dr. Chen has also provided leadership to Faculty and University EDI initiatives, including serving on the Joint Committee on Sex Based Salary Differentials, aiding the UM in developing equitable COVID-19 policies, and as a long-serving elected member of Senate Executive and Senate who has spoken to our internal community on topics such as administrative activism and equity-based decision making. She has also lent her leadership to bodies outside UM, most recently through her involvement in two National Forums on Anti-Asian Racism, participation in the Community Advisory Board on Covid-19 Race, Ethnicity, and Indigeneity data, and as a national leader for anti-racism and EDI in figure skating. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Chen has been lauded with numerous honours, including the rank of Distinguished Professor, the Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Campbell Outreach Award, the Rh Award for Outstanding Contributions to Scholarship and Research, the City of Winnipeg's Community Service Award, the YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Award, Canada Race Relations Foundation Community Champion Award, and being named as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women's Executive Network. She also recently received a teaching award to co-create and co-teach the first course at UM on, "Histories of Race and Anti-Racism in the Modern World." Dr. Chen received her bachelor's degree with distinction from the University of Toronto, and earned her master's and PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a highly regarded historian and champion of human rights and inclusion, Dr. Chen will fulfill her duties with great insight, integrity and passion. I am thankful she has taken on this new role and I look forward to working closely with her on these important matters. Sincerely, [cid:image003.png@01D8120B.661804E0] Michael Benarroch, Ph.D. President and Vice-Chancellor 202 Administration Building, University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Telephone: 204-474-9345 Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca> [cid:image004.png@01D8120B.661804E0]

1 0

Call for Project Participation
by Tannaz Zargarian 24 Jan '22

24 Jan '22

Hello, Dr. Tannaz Zargarian (Post-Doctoral Fellow) and Dr. Robert Mizzi in the faculty of education are conducting a research project on the experience of belonging/otherness amongst Muslim university students. Please find below the details if you are interested and please share with anyone who might be interested. Please do not hesitate to contact us @ tannaz.zargarian(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:tannaz.zargarian@umanitoba.ca> Best, Tannaz Zargarian, PhD. (she/her) Post-Doctoral Fellow Faculty of Education University of Manitoba Tannaz.zargarian(a)umanitoba.ca [cid:image003.png@01D80C86.1E2546A0]

1 0

Welcome to Winter Term 2022!
by VP Students 24 Jan '22

24 Jan '22

[Graphical user interface Description automatically generated with low confidence] Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) Dear students: Welcome to Winter Term 2022! I hope this email finds you ready to start an exciting new chapter in your academic career. Many of us had hoped to begin this term with the return to in-person classes so I know some of you are disappointed to continue attending classes remotely. After nearly two years since our pivot to remote working and learning it disappoints me, too, but please know that these decisions are not made lightly. In planning our way forward, the university considers all potential impacts, and will always be guided by science and our public health experts. As we continue to navigate this ever-evolving situation, I will provide you with regular email updates so please be sure to monitor your official UM inbox throughout the term. I encourage you to also follow @umstudent on Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/umstudent/?hl=en> and check UM's COVID-19 website<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students> for updates. Though we remain off-campus for now, there are still many opportunities to have fun, meet people, and enhance your studies, some of which I have listed below. If you're having difficulties - academically or personally - please take advantage of the many supports<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports> we have in place for students. Your UM community is here for you. Continue your studies remotely. From now until the end of the Winter Term break on February 26, all non-essential activity will continue remotely. In select cases where you may be required to be on campus, the University will provide you with medical grade masks (where physical distancing is possible) or KN95 masks and disposable eye protection (where physical distancing is not possible). These items will be available at your specific classroom locations. Masks are also available at the Elizabeth Dafoe Library on Fort Garry Campus. Study spaces are available for students who need to manoeuvre between in-person academic activities and remote learning. These spaces<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students#resources-for-students> will be maintained in accordance with the university's heightened cleaning protocols. Elizabeth Dafoe and Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Libraries are open for UM students, faculty, and staff. Visit our COVID-19 updates<https://umanitoba.ca/libraries/covid-updates> for current library hours and service details. Need help? Just Ask Us<https://apps.lib.umanitoba.ca/chat/pop_up/uml.html> or make an appointment with a librarian<https://umanitoba.ca/libraries/help-and-services/get-help>. Access the collections and other library services online<https://umanitoba.ca/libraries/access-materials>. Boost your physical and mental health with Recreation Services<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/members…>. Intramurals is back for Winter Term, so be sure to register your team by January 26. You can also book a trial-week in any adult instructional program during the week of January 24 or drop into a REC club for free and see what interests you. Not ready for in-person workouts? Visit the Virtual health and fitness page<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/virtual…> for workouts you can try at home. Find all the details in the Recreation Services monthly update.<https://mailchi.mp/umanitoba/how-to-get-active> Make sure to focus on your wellness - especially now. Whether you are looking to add some tools to your self-care toolkit or need immediate help, there is support for you throughout your studies<https://news.umanitoba.ca/stress-support/>, regardless of your level of need. Get involved with Indigenous student programming<https://umanitoba.ca/indigenous/student-experience> including holistic programs, services and supports for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. Follow the Indigenous events calendar<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/indigenous> for cultural learning and other activities like the weekly virtual Sharing Circles with Elders-in-Residence<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/indigenous/event/sharing-circles-w…>. New this year are Two-Spirit (2S) Sharing Circles<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/indigenous/event/sharing-circles-w…> - the next one takes place on January 28, with more to be confirmed soon. If you are a first year student at UM, be sure to check out UM Commons<https://umanitoba.ca/current-students/um-commons>, your gateway to academic resources, student communities, programs, and activities designed especially with the needs of new students in mind. For those of you who are international students, there is also a wide variety of programming, resources and individualized supports available to you. For specific details, and information on the many ways to get involved, like the Culture and Connection series, visit the International Centre website<https://umanitoba.ca/current-students/international>. Don't forget that Student Accessibility Services is here to provide supports for students with disabilities. If you need help and support as a student, be sure to register<https://umanitoba.ca/sites/default/files/2021-10/um-disability-assessment-f…> or review the accessibility resources on their website<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/accessibility>. I wish you a successful Winter Term, and look forward to checking in with you throughout the coming weeks. All my best, Laurie Laurie M. Schnarr, MA (she/her) Vice-Provost (Students) Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) University of Manitoba 208 Administration Building Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Confidential Assistant - Marci Davies Marci.Davies(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Marcia.Davies@umanitoba.ca>: Student Affairs: Creating opportunities for student success! I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that the University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. As a white settler of English and German descent I am committed to walking alongside my Indigenous colleagues, friends and neighbours and doing the work that is necessary to honour the truth, right the wrongs, and contribute to lasting positive change. Confidentiality notice: This message and any attachments to it are intended for the addressee only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender if you have received this email by mistake, and please delete it and the attachments (and all copies) in a secure manner. [UMLogoSignature]

1 0

Survey invitation: Advancing Open Access at the University of Manitoba
by Janet Rothney 19 Jan '22

19 Jan '22

Dear member of the UM community, We invite you to respond to our survey, Advancing Open Access at the University of Manitoba. The UM Senate has identified the advancement of open access as a priority. UM faculty, students (undergraduate and graduate) as well as administrative staff are more frequently working with open access publishers, open access repositories, and open access resources. At the same time, grant agencies are also requiring that the research they fund be made available online without charge to the public. The purpose of the survey is to get a baseline understanding of how the UM community currently understands and engages with Open Access publishing. The Advancing Open Access Subcommittee is affiliated with the Senate Committee on Libraries, and was formed by Senate approval in June, 2020. Members include faculty representatives, research administrators, library staff and student representatives. We invite members of the UM research community from all areas to participate; faculty with research responsibilities, administrators who support research, students who practice research, and the many others who are involved in various capacities. Your voice is important and valued. This survey is expected to take approximately 15 minutes to complete. The survey is hosted on the SurveyMonkey platform. Information will be held in confidence and handled in a confidential manner. Access the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/openaccess2022 Survey will close on Friday, February 4th at 11:59 PM. We plan to send one email reminder, two days before the survey closes. Thank you, Advancing Open Access Subcommittee, Senate Committee on Libraries

1 0

COVID-19 health and safety update
by Safe Return 17 Jan '22

17 Jan '22

[cid:image001.png@01D80BB8.896FE790] MESSAGE FROM DIANE HIEBERT-MURPHY, PROVOST AND VICE-PRESIDENT (ACADEMIC) AND NAOMI ANDREW, VICE-PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION) COVID-19 health and safety update The well-being of the UM community remains our top priority in these times of growing concern. As we continue to monitor the Omicron variant, we are enhancing health and safety measures under the guidance of medical experts. All non-essential activity will continue remotely As communicated in President Benarroch's message on December 20<https://news.umanitoba.ca/um-moving-the-start-of-winter-term-to-remote/?utm…>, from now until the end of the Winter Term break on February 26, 2022, all non-essential activity will continue remotely. Only those staff members deemed essential are to be on campus during this period. All other staff are to work remotely. Course activity has been moved to remote delivery wherever possible. For further information, students can connect with their faculties, and staff can reach out to their supervisors. Higher grade masks provided for those on campus Where possible, two metres of physical distancing is to be maintained. Medical grade masks will be provided for employees and students who need to be on campus, and are able to physically distance. Employees and students who are required to be on campus and are engaged in activities for which distancing cannot be maintained will be provided with KN95 masks and eye goggles or shields. Please ensure your mask is fitted properly<https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-condi…> to maintain maximum effectiveness. These masks and enhanced PPE items such as reusable eye protection, are available through central procurement and units are responsible for acquiring and distributing them. For students required to be on campus, these items will be available at the specific classroom locations, as supplied by units. Masks are also available at Elizabeth Dafoe Library<https://umanitoba.ca/libraries/covid-updates#hours-and-spaces> on Fort Garry Campus, open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Continued evaluation We are continuing to evaluate UM plans based on the latest public health information in order to make a determination on our activity after the end of Winter Term break (February 26). Updates will be communicated as soon as they are available. For information on health and safety measures to keep our campus community safe, please visit UM's COVID website<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus>. Thank you for your ongoing resilience and commitment as we work together to enhance the health and safety of our UM community.

1 0