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Greetings students,
It's October, the snow is beginning to fall, and by now you have settled into your new academic routine. I wanted to take this opportunity to check in with you, to share some reminders of the resources that are available to support you academically and personally, and to provide you with some updates on the Winter Term, fees and student loans.
October is also Student Success Monthhttp://umanitoba.ca/current-students/first-year/um-commons/student-success-month. Throughout the month we are offering a range of events focusing on stress management, academic writing, research skills, cultural adaptation and identity, and career preparation. I encourage you to attend the sessions that would be most helpful to you. The schedule and details on how to register can be found herehttp://umanitoba.ca/current-students/first-year/um-commons/student-success-month.
Mid-term exams are also upon us, and there are some important things you need to know. If you have been made aware that your exam will require installation and set-up of Repondus LockDown Browser or Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor, a resource is available for you. It is designed to help you complete a quick review of the fundamentals of academic integrity before learning how to download, install, and run Respondus LockDown Browser. You can also complete a practice exam (as many times as you wish) to become familiar with the setup of an exam with this e-proctoring software enabled. This UM Today articlehttps://news.umanitoba.ca/tips-for-online-mid-term-exams/ has information on how to download the software, and features some invaluable study tips, self-care strategies, and information on the resources available to you through the Academic Learning Centrehttp://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-learning. You will also find information on how to navigate online examshttp://umanitoba.ca/registrar/final-exams/final-exam-supports-students and troubleshoot if problems arise. Please take advantage of these resources if you need help.
As previously announced, Winter Term will be delivered remotely, with the exception of a very small number of courses that require in-person delivery - similar to the Fall Term experience. The first day of classes is January 18th, 2021. For the full Winter Term schedule visit this websitehttps://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students#classes-scheduling-convocation-and-other-academic-matters. Please note that the Winter course schedule and the registration system Aurora won't be available from November 2-17. During this time, updates will be made to the winter schedule and the preliminary summer term schedule will be uploaded.
If you are required to come to campus, Security Services has launched a mobile campus safety app called UM Safe. UM Safe sends safety alerts and provides instant access to campus safety resources. It includes "Work Alone" and "FriendWalk" features, and a Mobile BlueLight safety feature similar to the stationary blue lights on our campuses. For more information about UM Safe, and how to download the app, please read the UM Today storyhttps://news.umanitoba.ca/mobile-safety-app-launched/.
Once again, the Sport and Rec Feehttp://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/um-sport-and-recreation-facilities-and-covid-19#um-students-update will be applied to all UM students' tuition at a reduced rate for the Winter Term. The rate will be reduced to 70 per cent of the standard Sport and Rec Fee and assessed at $62.92 for full-time students and $47.18 for part-time students. Full-time students are generally those with 60 per cent of a full course load, which equates to three courses. The partial assessment of the Sport and Rec Fee enables UM sport and recreation facilities and services to operate and safely support students through access to facilities and programminghttp://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/membership-rates#um-students (on-site and online) that contribute to physical health, mental wellbeing and student success.
After extensive consultation with students, UMSU has decided that there will not be a U-Pass program in the Winter 2021 term. It is currently expected to return in Fall 2021. However, if you are required to come to campus for in-person academic commitments, are experiencing financial hardship, and rely on Winnipeg Transit, you may qualify for UMSU's Transit Subsidy. This subsidy will cover the additional $78 charge for a post-secondary semester e-pass. Visit the UMSU website to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to applyhttps://umsu.formstack.com/forms/transit_subsidy_form. It is also important to note that UMSU'shttps://umsu.ca/ Hardship Fund offers small grants and loans for students facing extenuating circumstances.
The National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC) recently made changes to the student loans program to help students and grads manage during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, if you were in repayment status during summer 2020, NSLSC ensured all payments stopped until September 30th. Repayments begin again this month - but if you are having trouble with your monthly payments, there are options for you to consider. Visit the NSLSC's YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/NationalStudentLoansServiceCentre for more information.
As you may have heard, the federal government has also released a free app, which I encourage you to download. The COVID Alert apphttps://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html alerts you to possible COVID-19 exposures before symptoms appear, so that you can take care of yourself and protect your community. For more information about the app and how to download it, visit this websitehttps://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html.
If you need to visit the campus for academic reasons, I would like to remind you that wearing a mask is mandatory on all UM campuses. This applies at all times when indoors, even when physical distancing is possible. The only exception is for very brief periods of time while you are eating or drinking and still physically distanced from others or if you are alone in an office and physical distanced from others. Students living in residence are asked to wear a face mask in all common areas. If you are exercising in the Active Living Centre or the Joe Doupe Recreation Centre, you may remove your mask as long as you maintain physical distancing from others. However, you must still wear a mask when entering and exiting the facilities and as you move from the locker room to the exercise floors and between stations. For more information on what you need to know before coming to campus, please review this websitehttps://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students#what-to-know-before-you-come-to-campus-protocols and these FAQshttps://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students#frequently-asked-questions.
Remember, please stay home when you are feeling ill, if you are waiting for a COVID-19 test result or have tested positive for COVID-19, and let your professor or instructors know. If you test positive for COVID-19, please follow Manitoba Health directives and review this websitehttp://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students#personal-support. We are all part of the fight against COVID-19 and must work together to limit its spread. Wearing a mask correctly, proper hand hygiene, cough etiquette, maintaining physical distancing, and keeping your social bubble small are all things we can do to help prevent the spread of this virus. For more information, please review the guidelines outlined by Manitoba Healthhttps://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/index.html.
I hope you have found this update helpful. Please continue to take advantage of the many resources and avenues of supporthttp://umanitoba.ca/student-supports that are available to you during this remote learning period. Your success is our priority.
Be well. Stay safe. You've got this Bisons!
All my best, Laurie Schnarr
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 Tel: 204.474.6919
Confidential Assistant - Marci Davies Marci.Davies@umanitoba.camailto:Marcia.Davies@umanitoba.ca: 204.474.6917
Student Affairs: Creating opportunities for student success!
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