October 2020 - all-students - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Update to UM Students: October 30, 2020
by Marcia Davies 30 Oct '20

30 Oct '20

[cid:image002.jpg@01D531AE.174C13F0] Good afternoon students, As you will have likely read in President Benarroch’s message<https://news.umanitoba.ca/um-update-on-umfa-negotiations/>, UM is currently in the process of collective bargaining with the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA). This weekend UMFA is putting a vote to its members regarding a potential strike. This does not mean that a strike will in fact occur. Bargaining between the two parties is continuing and we hope to reach a resolution. Some of you have reached out with questions about what this might mean for you, and expressed concern for your professors. I want to reiterate the message that President Benarroch conveyed to you – that we are all hopeful that the collective bargaining process will result in a positive outcome for everyone. Our faculty members and their contributions to the University are deeply valued. They are key to your learning experience and to your success. To give you some background, collective bargaining is a process of negotiating the terms and conditions of employment that occurs between employers and unions at universities across Canada. This particular set of negotiations is called a “wage re-opener” because only wages are open for discussion. All provisions of the current collective agreement expire on March 31, 2021 and the entire collective agreement will be open for discussion at that time. UM is committed to avoiding further disruptions during an academic year that has been challenging unlike any other. We know how much you have invested in your post-secondary education and the continuation of your studies remains our priority. We know these are stressful times. Remember that there are many services and supports<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports> available to you. Please carry on as usual – attend your classes, whether virtual or in-person, keep up with your coursework and continue your studies. We are all committed to your success. As information becomes available we will share it with you by email and on our social media channels. Keep well. 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 Tel: 204.474.6919 Confidential Assistant - Marci Davies Marci.Davies(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Marcia.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. [UMLogoSignature]

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Message from the President and Vice-Presidents on UMFA bargaining
by University of Manitoba 30 Oct '20

30 Oct '20

As today’s news of code red status for Winnipeg and code orange for the rest of Manitoba reminds us, we are living through extraordinarily challenging times. First, we thank our entire community for pulling together and working in new ways to help our students succeed. As the administrators appointed to lead the University of Manitoba and sustain its long-term operations, we understand and appreciate the remarkable flexibility and accommodation shown by the entire university community in response to the global pandemic, in particular by the students and the faculty and staff, as we have moved to primarily remote academic program delivery. We thank you, and we reiterate our commitment to supporting student success. Members of our university community are understandably concerned this week about the collective bargaining negotiations between the University of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) that have not yet reached a positive outcome. We cannot speak about the specifics of the bargaining because we are committed to a fair bargaining process, but we want to assure you that our focus remains on reaching an agreement, at the bargaining table. Our priority is doing what we can to prevent any further disruption to students’ lives. We have met with UMFA eight times since August 20 and are ready to return to the table at any time. August 20 was the date both parties agreed to begin these discussions. These discussions are what is termed a “salary re-opener,” with the main matter to be resolved being UMFA salaries for one year, as the University and UMFA agreed to do four years ago. The collective bargaining agreement with UMFA expires on March 31, 2021, at which time we will need to begin bargaining for a new agreement. We continue to believe the best course of action is to continue our discussions with UMFA. The impacts of the global pandemic and other factors have altered our current reality and imposed unique constrictions this year. The University remains committed ultimately to bringing UMFA salaries more in line with salaries at peer universities. At this time, with so many external pressures on all of us, most especially students, their health and well-being remain are utmost concern. We remind everyone to adhere to the guidelines shared with us by public health officials. Stay healthy. Laurie Schnarr, vice-provost, students, will be communicating with students later today with further information related to student supports during this time. President and Vice-Chancellor, Michael Benarroch Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Janice Ristock Vice-President (External), John Kearsey Vice-President (Indigenous), Catherine Cook Vice-President (Research and International), Digvir Jayas Acting Vice-President (Administration), Naomi Andrews

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Update to UM Students: October 22, 2020
by Marcia Davies 22 Oct '20

22 Oct '20

[cid:image002.jpg@01D531AE.174C13F0] 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 Month<http://umanitoba.ca/current-students/first-year/um-commons/student-success-…>. 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 here<http://umanitoba.ca/current-students/first-year/um-commons/student-success-…>. 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 article<https://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 Centre<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-learning>. You will also find information on how to navigate online exams<http://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 website<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students#classes-scheduling-convocation-an…>. 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 story<https://news.umanitoba.ca/mobile-safety-app-launched/>. Once again, the Sport and Rec Fee<http://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/um-sport-and-recreation-faci…> 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 programming<http://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/membersh…> (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 apply<https://umsu.formstack.com/forms/transit_subsidy_form>. It is also important to note that UMSU's<https://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 channel<https://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 app<https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-diseas…> 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 website<https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-diseas…>. 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 website<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students#what-to-know-before-you-come-to-c…> and these FAQs<https://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 website<http://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 Health<https://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 support<http://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(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Marcia.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. [UMLogoSignature]

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Invitation to Participate in a Research Study: Cross-Canada Release of the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI)
by Jake Rose 13 Oct '20

13 Oct '20

Hello, My name is Jake Rose and I am the Research Assistant working on the project titled "Cross-Canada Release of the Post-Secondary Student Stressors Index (PSSI)". We have received confirmation from the REB regarding our study materials, and have been instructed that the next step is to send the materials to the all-students email. Please find attached the letter of information (LOI), the recruitment email document, and the survey that will be delivered to the UM students. The recruitment email document has both the subject line, and body of the email to be sent out to students. The LOI is to be attached to the recruitment email sent out to students. Please note that we will be delivering the survey at three time points throughout the school year. Before each time point, we will be sending you an updated recruitment email, as the survey links will be different. The three dates for survey delivery are: * October 13th, 2020 * January 11th, 2021 * March 15th, 2021 Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions at all, or require any more information. Have a great rest of your weekend! Kind regards, Jake Rose

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International Students Experiences
by Jonathan Worae 01 Oct '20

01 Oct '20

SURVEY REMINDER: Are you an international student studying at the University of Manitoba? My name is Jonathan Worae and I am a Graduate student at the department of Sociology and Criminology. My advisor is Dr. Jason Edgerton. I am conducting an MA thesis on the topic: A Descriptive Survey Study of International Students’ Experiences Studying at the University of Manitoba: Motivations, Challenges, Coping Strategies and Supports. If you have already completed this survey then thank you for your time, you can ignore this reminder. If you haven’t yet taken the survey please consider taking the time to fill it out —all answers are anonymous and it is hoped that the data collected will help improve international students’ university experiences in future. In this study, international students are invited to participate in an online survey that seeks to find out about their experiences studying at the University of Manitoba. Only international students studying at the University of Manitoba who are currently residing in Winnipeg, or have resided in Winnipeg at some point during their studies at U of M, are asked to participate. The link to this survey if you choose to participate, can be found here; https://cssrp.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_efcD1KxT3b12Pu5 The survey is estimated to take 10-15 minutes to complete. It can be done on a laptop, tablet or smart phone. The survey is designed in such a way that your name will not be asked. Your responses will be anonymous and used only for study purposes, aggregated data will be used in my Master’s thesis and possibly in academic journal articles. Also, an executive summary of the study will be prepared for the vice-provost office. Your participation is voluntary and you can choose to withdraw at any time or skip any question you do not want to answer. As the data will be anonymous (your responses cannot be linked to your name) we will not be able to withdraw your data after it has been submitted. Other information is available on the online survey. The study has been approved by PSREB (Psychology and Sociology Research Ethics Board) at the University of Manitoba. If you have any concerns or complaints about this project you may contact the Human Ethics Coordinator (HEC) at 204-474-7122 or at humanethics(a)umanitoba.ca. If you have questions about this study, kindly contact Jonathan Worae (principal investigator) on 204-333-6728 or email at woraej(a)myumanitoba.ca . Should you choose to participate and would like to see a summary of the preliminary results of the study, you can also email me at the above address. I will email send out the summary report to those who requested it by the beginning of December, 2020. Sincerely, Jonathan Worae, MA candidate. Department of Sociology and Criminology. University of Manitoba.

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