Happy New Year, Bisons and welcome to Winter Term 2023! I hope you had a restful break and are ready for an exciting term ahead.

Lots of programs, events, and activities have been planned outside of formal classes. One of the highlights that I am really excited to share with you, is the return of the rink on the Quad at the Fort Garry campus! Beginning January 13^th, grab your friends and your skates, and head over to the Quad for some wintertime skating fun between classes!

UMSU is also hosting Frost Fest between January 9^th-20^th. From the 9^th-13^th there’s free breakfast at 9:30am on the 1^st floor UC and a snow sculpting competition taking place on the Buller Lawn every day. They have lots more planned – visit @studentsofumsu on Instagram for more details.

As always, there are many personal and academic supports available for all undergraduate and graduate students throughout the term.

• If you are a new student, check out UM Commons, a site filled with resources and helpful tips to support you in making a successful transition to the University of Manitoba.

• If you are a new international student, the International Centre is holding a number of welcome sessions for new international students from January 9^th – 19^th, including a late orientation session for those who were not able to attend on January 5^th.

UM Libraries is now offering many non-textbook course materials via Reading Lists in UM Learn at no cost to students. If you have a perceptual disability, screen-reader friendly and alternate format are also available through Student Accessibility Services.

Need to print? UM Libraries provides access to printing from a library computer or from your personal device.

UM’s Annual Career Fair co-hosted by Career Services and the Asper School of Business returns to an in-person format January 17^th-18^th. Connect with employers, explore potential career opportunities, network with the business community, and learn how your formal education and out-of-class experiences help you to prepare for future employment.

Are you interested in an intercultural experience on campus? Applications for the Intercultural Leaders program close on January 11^th and the Language Exchange program closes on January 18^th.

Did you know that UM has international exchange partnerships with 50 institutions in over 20 destinations? International exchanges are outstanding opportunities for you to fulfill your course requirements while gaining important intercultural competencies, deepening your understanding of issues that transcend borders, and gaining new insights and perspectives in your field of study. Consider applying to participate in an international exchange - the application deadline is January 31^st!

Calling all grad students! Three Minute Thesis/Ma these en 180 secondes applications are now open ! These competitions are unique opportunities for graduate students to showcase your research to a wider audience across disciplines within the University, and to the broader public, with the possibility of winning some great cash prizes.

Let’s protect the herd. As our healthcare system continues to be strained, UM has extended its mask mandate for the Winter Term. Protect yourself and those around you and always wear a mask when indoors on all UM campuses. Free masks will be available to all students during the first week of classes. Stop by one of the tables set up in the Frank Kennedy tunnel, UMSU University Centre, Fletcher Argue hallway, and Engineering atrium. You can also find free masks at the Libraries.

Make sure to focus on your wellness. Whether you want to add some tools to your self-care toolkit or need immediate help, there is support for you throughout your studies, regardless of your level of need.

Boost your physical and mental health with Recreation Services. As a student, you have access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities in a welcoming and inclusive environment, conveniently located on campus. To activate your student gym access, simply log in to your Aurora account, fill out the gym waiver, and you’ll be notified when your pass is active. It's that easy!

Affordable dental care is available at the Bannatyne campus! The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry’s general clinic offers exceptional dental and oral health care at a lower cost. Under the supervision of practicing dentists and dental hygienists, UM dental and dental hygiene students provide services that cost up to 50 percent less than private practices. The clinic is just one bus away from the Fort Garry campus (Winnipeg Transit’s 36 Northwest Super Express). For more information, visit: https://www.umanitoba.ca/dentistry/general-clinic. 

Get involved this Term!

Cheer on the Bisons every weekend! Get a group of friends together and be a part of the action. It's a great way to socialize and support the UM Bisons. Claim your free tickets online. For full schedule details, visit gobisons.ca.

Indigenous student programming gives you the opportunity to get involved, with holistic programs, services and supports for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. Follow the Indigenous events calendar for cultural learning and other activities.

Stay connected to what’s happening across our campuses:

• Check your inbox every Tuesday for UM’s student e-newsletter Student Weekly.

• Follow @umstudent on Instagram and TikTok.

Mini U Programs is hiring! Applications are now being accepted for summer positions, including supervisors, leaders, and coaches. Develop transferrable skills, get official UM recognition, and make important connections on campus – consider joining the Mini U team today!

I want to hear from you! Over the coming months I will be hosting drop-ins at various locations on our campuses. I want to connect with you, learn more about your experiences at UM, and hear your ideas. Stay tuned for more details in the coming days.

Wishing you a productive, inspiring term. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

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@umanitoba.ca: 204.474.6917

Student Affairs: Leaders in cultivating exceptional student experiences

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.

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