Dear Students,

As we approach the long weekend, I want to thank you for your efforts thus far in adhering to social distancing directives. Current case numbers in Manitoba do not mean that we are out of the woods though. On a holiday weekend when you would normally spend quality time with close friends and family outside your household, I urge you to remain true to our ultimate goal – flattening the curve – by avoiding gatherings and maintaining social distancing measures. I know you’ve got this!

Although I am providing more updates in this communication to you, I am encouraging you to maintain your focus on preparing for exams, and to take advantage of the many resources that have been developed to help you. We have extended the deadline for making decisions on final grades to give you the time and space you need to make your decisions thoughtfully when the time comes to do so.

I continue to be immensely proud of how you have adapted and persevered over the past few weeks. I know the resilience you have shown will continue to serve you well throughout the exam period and beyond. Well done.

Final exam supports for students. As you prepare for the upcoming exam period, there are several resources, supports and tips to help you navigate online exams. Please visit our new webpage for invaluable information and details on how to report any issues you might have.

New Voluntary Withdrawal date. Students enrolled in Winter Term courses and those spanning the Fall and Winter Term, now have until May 10, 2020 to voluntarily withdraw. The previous deadline was April 13.

Extra time to consider your grading options. Last week, I announced that all students (except those in the Faculty of Law) can choose to receive a “pass” grade instead of a letter grade for all Winter Term and spanned courses completed by April 2020. You now have until May 10, 2020 to make this decision. More information can be found here. To help you make the right choice for your personal situation, I encourage you to reach out to an academic advisor in your home faculty/college/school.

Support for students with visas and study permits. In our new academic reality, it may be a challenge for some students to maintain the credit hours required for their visas and study permits. The University is in close contact with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to find a solution. In the meantime, the Registrar’s Office will issue letters to the IRCC indicating that we consider these students fully enrolled, and actively pursuing their studies. UM continues to work with IRCC and we will update you as soon as we have further information. Please reach out to the International Centre to connect with an International Student Advisor if you want to discuss your individual situation.

Summer Term registration. Registration for Summer Term Distance Education courses and Masters/PhD Re-Reg thesis courses starts on April 20, 2020 at 12 noon. Students wishing to register for Summer Term courses that begin on or after June 1 can do so starting May 19, 2020. A schedule of courses that will be offered in the revised Summer Term will be available on May 4, 2020. Check the Registrar’s Office website for academic schedule dates and financial payment deadlines.

Quick answers to your questions. We have reorganized our Student FAQ webpage to make it easier for you to find the information you need about deadlines, grades, student supports and more. Please bookmark this page, and visit often.

Follow @umstudent on Instagram. From Q & As with academic advisors to takeovers on yoga and meditation, this account is a key resource for students to stay connected and up-to-date on all the latest university news and resources.

Please continue to take care of yourself physically and mentally during this final stretch of the Winter Term. I am sending you all good wishes for a restful holiday weekend and a successful exam period ahead. 

All my best,

Laurie Schnarr

Laurie M. Schnarr, MA

Vice-Provost (Students)

Student Affairs 

Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)

208 Administration Building

Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2

Tel: 204.474.6919

Confidential Assistant - Marci Davies Marci.Davies@umanitoba.ca: 204.474.6917

Student Affairs: Creating opportunities for student success!

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.

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.