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

Update to UM Students: March 26, 2020
by Marcia Davies 26 Mar '20

26 Mar '20

[cid:image002.jpg@01D531AE.174C13F0] Dear Students, As we continue to navigate the many changes in our lives arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to remind you that the University of Manitoba is here to support you. While in-person contact is severely restricted during this time, staff in our counselling office, advising centres, health services, spiritual care, and faculty offices remain available either online, by email, or by both means. Please refer to this page<umanitoba.ca/coronavirus> for details. Remember - we are here for you and want you to succeed. Today, I want to share some new updates and reminders. Summer Term Registration. · Registration for Distance and Online courses and Faculty of Graduate Studies Re-Registration and Thesis courses that begin May 4th will open on April 20th. · We recognize that many students are hoping to make decisions about summer courses soon. We are actively working on this and will share information regarding Summer Term courses (which will be offered online or through means other than face-to-face) beginning June 1 as soon as those details are finalized. · Registration for all courses beginning on or after June 1 will begin May 19th. You can choose to include or exclude grades in your GPA calculation. For any course work completed at the University of Manitoba in Winter Term 2020, you can choose whether or not to include a grade received in your GPA calculation. This option will apply to all Winter Term 2020 courses or spanned courses that you completed over the Fall 2019-Winter 2020 Terms for which a standard letter grade is received (A+ to F). Grades excluded in the calculation of your GPA will not be used in calculating GPA for the purpose of program progression and/or overall graduation GPA requirements. However, course grades will continue to be used to satisfy UM pre-requisite requirements for entry into other courses, or admission to other programs, and to satisfy any other program requirements. Grades will appear on your official transcript, but will be flagged with a notation that the course was excluded from the GPA calculation due to the COVID-19 situation. Parchments will be mailed to spring 2020 graduates. Please check your address in Aurora, and update if needed, as this will be the address we will use to mail your parchment. Take advantage of academic supports. Though our campuses are closed, we are still here for you. Many student services are offering phone, email, and/or video appointments, including: academic advisors<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-advising>, Academic Learning Centre<http://umanitoba.ca/student/academiclearning>, Libraries<http://umanitoba.ca/libraries/> and Student Accessibility Services.<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/accessibility> To book an appointment with an Elder in Residence, email isc(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:isc@umanitoba.ca> or call 204-474-8850. International students, please reach out. We understand that the current situation is particularly difficult for you. Do not hesitate to ask for guidance and support through a private phone or email conversation with an international student advisor at 204-474-8501 or international(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:international@umanitoba.ca%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank>. The Canadian government also has advice and information on their website<https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavi…>, updated regularly. Be mindful, socialize and de-stress. Making time for yourself is important during these uncertain times. Free, daily mindfulness meditation<https://news.umanitoba.ca/mindfulness-moments-during-turbulent-times/> is being offered through the Faculty of Social Work to help us all restore and reconnect. We have also compiled advice from UM experts on how to reduce anxiety and be productive<https://news.umanitoba.ca/stay-mentally-healthy-while-staying-at-home/> during our time away from others. Lastly, although gyms are closed, there are exercise options you can use at home. For example, the UM's Recreation Services is posting workouts on its YouTube channel<http://blogs.cc.umanitoba.ca/postlnotes/?email_id=122&user_id=0&demo=1&urlp…>. I encourage you to take advantage of these helpful resources. You can find more UM news about COVID-19, including FAQs for students, on this page<http://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus>, which is updated as new information becomes available. Please keep yourself and others safe by staying home. Avoid non-essential trips and keep a distance of two meters from others, even while outdoors. These efforts will help us get through these challenging times safely together. 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(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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Update to UM Students - March 20, 2020
by Marcia Davies 21 Mar '20

21 Mar '20

[cid:image002.jpg@01D531AE.174C13F0] Dear Students, As we navigate these uncertain times together, your University is committed to providing you with as much support and direction as we can. Today, I have several updates, resources and a reminder to share with you: Campus buildings will be closed. Effective 11.59 pm, Monday, March 23, 2020 all university buildings will be closed or have limited access to employees deemed as essential until further notice. Spring Convocation ceremonies are cancelled. We are following recommendations from Canadian health officials to cancel all public gatherings of 50 people or more due to COVID-19. Students who have planned to graduate will still be able to do so, as the University has made arrangements to complete the academic term and to verify completion of program requirements. We are exploring creative options to fully celebrate the academic success of our graduands. Those students will receive further details closer to the end of term. Distance Education Courses (DE designated). Recognized distance education (DE designated) courses already scheduled to commence on May 4th will proceed. Information regarding registration deadlines for DE courses will be communicated soon. Re-Entering VWd courses. The VW date for Winter term courses was changed from March 18 to April 13. Students who VWd between March 9 and March 16 (the date the change in the VW deadline was announced) are entitled to re-enter the dropped course if they wish. To do so, students must email (using your umanitoba email address) an academic advisor in your home faculty/college/school<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-advising> by Tuesday, March 24 with the following information: student name, student number, course name and CRN. Students who re-enter courses will be responsible for lecture material missed during their absence. Domestic students in residence must return home. To maximize social distancing and to keep students safe, Canadian residents who can return home must move out of residence by 12 p.m. Wednesday, March 25. International and Canadian students who may have special circumstances that warrant an extended stay must make a request through the residence portal<https://starrez-app.cc.umanitoba.ca/StarRezPortal/Default.aspx?Params=L9ezx…>. More details on moving out, refunds, and dining services can be found here<http://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus>. Ways to succeed at remote learning. Adapting to a new learning environment can be challenging, but it is achievable. We've put together some tips to help you adjust quickly.<https://news.umanitoba.ca/5-tips-to-help-you-finish-your-courses-successful…> Take care of your mental health. It is normal to feel overwhelmed and stressed when faced with so much uncertainty. Making your wellbeing a priority will help you both academically and personally. Here are some lifestyle suggestions and people you can reach out to for help.<https://news.umanitoba.ca/ways-to-enhance-your-wellbeing/> Academic supports are available. Even though you may not be on campus, we are still here to support you in finishing your term successfully. Many student services are offering phone, email, and/or video appointments, including: academic advisors<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-advising>, Academic Learning Centre<http://umanitoba.ca/student/academiclearning/>, Libraries<http://umanitoba.ca/libraries/> and Student Accessibility Services.<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/accessibility> As previously communicated, there will be no in-person exams for courses offered during Winter Term 2020. You can find all UM news about COVID-19, including FAQs for students, on this page<http://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus>, which is updated when new information becomes available. Please stay safe and be sure to continue following Manitoba Health directives concerning social distancing, hand washing, and coughing/sneezing etiquette. By looking after ourselves, and each other, we will get through these challenging times. I will be in touch with new information, advice, and direction as this situation evolves. 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(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 President and Vice-Chancellor David T. Barnard
by President's Office 21 Mar '20

21 Mar '20

These are challenging times. Today, Premier Brian Pallister declared a state of emergency for 30 days. We are all responsible for taking actions to slow and limit the spread of COVID-19. The University of Manitoba is taking that responsibility seriously and taking actions based on information we receive from health authorities. Thank you for taking time to read this important communication and checking in daily for updates and additions to frequently asked questions at umanitoba.ca/coronavirus<http://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus> . Today, I am announcing actions that are based on working together to: * protect the health of our community; * ensure our students can finish their term; * accommodate and support students in residence who are unable to return home; * support the province's health and wellbeing through our COVID-19 research efforts, and * other time-sensitive activity. Effective 11:59 pm, Monday, March 23, 2020, all university buildings will be closed with only limited access to employees deemed as essential to our work for the immediate future. The general public and students who are not in residence will not be able to access buildings on campus and staff and faculty members will need keys/swipe card/identification to enter. All employees - unless told otherwise by their Manager/Department Head/Dean - are to work from home. If you have not already done so, please ensure conversations about how this applies to your work take place today. Anyone seeking access from Security Services will need valid University ID to gain entry if they do not have keys or card access. Please note, construction workers and contractors will still be allowed access to job sites through their respective university project managers. As an essential service, the Pharmacy in UMSU University Centre<http://umanitoba.ca/campus-services/university-centre-pharmacy> will remain open during regular hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. To access, please use the East main doors off of Chancellor's Circle on the lower level of UMSU University Centre. Here's how we are planning to achieve the objectives outlined above: Students We are committed to supporting our students and minimizing any negative impact on their academic progress. As such we have taken the following steps: * At this time, it is anticipated that there will be no in-person classes until September, 2020 at earliest. * All Libraries will be closed, but online resources<https://libguides.lib.umanitoba.ca/c.php?g=715216&p=5099324> will continue to be available. * There will be no in-person exams for courses offered during Winter Term 2020. * The Voluntary Withdrawal Date for Winter Term 2020 has been changed to April 13, 2020. When registering for courses in a future term, Limited Access will not apply to courses students VWed from or completed in Winter 2020. * Registration for summer session has been suspended for now. A date for reopening registration is pending. Summer Term 2020 courses will begin June 1, 2020 with no in-person instruction. Scheduled designated Distance Education (DE) courses beginning in May will continue as planned. * Academic advising<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-advising>, Student Counselling Centre<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/counselling-resources-students>, Student Advocacy and Case Management<http://umanitoba.ca/student/advocacy/>, Student Services at Bannatyne Campus<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/student-services-bannatyne-campus>, Spiritual Care<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/spiritual-services> and other services<http://umanitoba.ca/current-students> continue to be available to students through telephone or email appointments and resources available online. * Students who don't have access to computers or reliable internet in their off-campus locations are encouraged to connect with their instructors. Students in Residence The health and safety of every student living in residence is of paramount importance to the University of Manitoba. We are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of those who cannot return home. In order to do so: * Effective Wednesday, March 25 at noon all students who are able to safely return home and do not have special circumstances that may warrant an exception, are required to move out of residence. * For the students that remain, all residence halls, including the residence dining hall (Fresh Food Company) will remain open with some reduced or modified service levels required to improve safety. Faculty and Staff All employees, unless told otherwise, are to work from home. Managers, department heads and Deans should work with employees to support their health and well-being and to continue university operations to the greatest extent possible. This can include reassigning duties, working remotely or flexible work hours to accommodate child care or family needs. Operations, maintenance and security will be maintained while supporting the health and well-being of staff. Units are encouraged to complete a Business Continuity Plan using this template<https://umanitoba.ca/admin/vp_admin/risk_management/media/ORM_EHS_BCP_Templ…>. Please visit umanitoba.ca/coronavirus<http://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus> for more information on telecommuting work arrangements. Teaching All course instructors are working remotely as they continue to offer their courses in alternate ways to ensure our students can successfully complete the term. Plans are also in place to determine which summer courses can be offered given that no in-person classes will occur. Research Suspension of Most On-Campus/Field Sites Research, Scholarly Works, and Creative Activities effective Monday, March 23, 2020 at 11:59 pm. It is necessary to operationalize the suspension of most on-campus/field sites research, scholarly works, and creative activities during this pandemic that: i) cannot be conducted remotely; ii) cannot ensure health and safety requirements of research personnel; and iii) might introduce coronavirus (COVID-19) into a vulnerable population. The expectation is that researchers will continue as much research as possible remotely, but only limited research will continue in university research facilities, including off-campus research sites. Researchers who feel that they have exceptional circumstances should direct their requests to Dr. Digvir Jayas, Vice-President (Research and International) by completing this form<https://umanitoba.ca/sites/default/files/2020-03/UM%20Continue%20Research%2…>. Sport and Recreation Facilities and programming close The Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management suspended operations of its Sport and Recreation facilities and programming March 13. Mini U Programs cancelled the remainder of winter programs and group bookings, March 13 - April 12. Spring break camps (March 30 - April 3) are also cancelled. As our response to COVID-19 evolves, we continue to assess the operation of Mini U Programs' spring and summer programs. Recreation Services group fitness classes and programs are cancelled. An automatic process of membership holds or extensions will occur during this suspension of operation. Campus Children's Centre is closed as of March 23 Campus Children's Centre will close in line with the school divisions. Managers/Department Heads/Deans should work with employees to support flexible work arrangements to help accommodate child care needs. We value the work of our entire university community. Thank you for the remarkable work you've done particularly in response to these challenging circumstances. Yesterday, in my video message<https://vimeo.com/398882776/02efcf4079/?utm_source=umanitoba.ca&utm_medium=…> to the community, I acknowledged how deeply we are all affected by this level of disruption to our work. I meant that, and I thank you for your understanding. We believe that what we're communicating today will help mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, so that we can all emerge from this crisis as soon as possible. David T. Barnard, O.M., Ph.D., FRSC President and Vice-Chancellor 202 Administration Building, University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca> [cid:image001.png@01D5FED6.BF313FF0]

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Update to UM Students: March 18, 2020
by Marcia Davies 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

[cid:image002.jpg@01D531AE.174C13F0] Dear Students, Thank you for your continued patience and support as we adapt to this rapidly changing environment. As I mentioned in my communication to you yesterday, I will continue to provide updates to you as decisions are made. Today there are four updates and one request I would like to share with you: No in-person exams. There will be no in-person final examinations for any courses offered during the Winter 2020 term. Exams might be scheduled to take place online or other means of assessment may be used. Instructors will share their assessment plans with their students. Registration has been suspended for Summer Term. Summer Term registration is currently suspended except in very specific circumstances (e.g., Graduate students who must register in the Masters or PhD Re-Reg courses; students on clinical placements). We expect that Summer Term courses will begin June 1, 2020 and we will provide you with further updates as they are available. Meanwhile, we can confirm that there will be no in-person instruction at UM until after September 1, 2020. Details concerning Summer Term registration deadlines and course availability will be communicated as soon as that information is available. Medical notes are not required for illnesses. Medical notes are not required if you are feeling ill and are unable to meet a course requirement on time. Please email an Academic Advisor<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-advising> in the Faculty offering the course to self-declare your illness in advance of the requirement, deadline or assessment and they will help address your situation. Limited Access will not be applied if you VW. When registering for courses in a future term, Limited Access will not apply to courses you VWd from in Winter 2020. If you VW from a course, you may register without the Limited Access restriction. IMPORTANT: If you are returning home and don't have internet access or a computer please advise your Instructor as soon as possible. You can find all UM updates about COVID-19, including FAQs for students that we will update as new information becomes available, on umanitoba.ca/coronavirus<http://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus>. Please stay safe and be sure to continue following Manitoba Health directives<https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/> concerning social distancing, hand washing, and coughing/sneezing etiquette. Your health and well-being are important to all of us at the University of Manitoba. 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(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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Webex Service Restoration Notification
by IT Service Desk 18 Mar '20

18 Mar '20

Webex Service Restoration Notification Please be advised that the Cisco Webex connectivity issues have been resolved. We thank you for your patience and understanding. Thank you, Service Desk Information Services & Technology University of Manitoba 123 Fletcher Argue 230 Neil John MacLean Library 204-474-8600 Servicedesk(a)umanitoba.ca ************************************************************************************************************* This communication is intended for the use of the recipient to which it is addressed, and may contain confidential, personal and/or privileged information. Please contact us immediately if you are not the intended recipient of this communication, and do not copy, distribute, or take action relying on it. Any communication received in error, or subsequent reply, should be deleted or destroyed. Please consider the environment before printing this email. {CMI: MCID2336173}

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Unscheduled Webex Service Interruption
by IT Service Desk 18 Mar '20

18 Mar '20

Unscheduled Webex Service Interruption Please be advised that we are currently experiencing intermittent Cisco Webex connectivity issues. We have received similar reports from other virtual meeting hosting solutions, as well. Support staff are aware of this issue and have been in regular contact with our application vendor. Cisco have confirmed that they are experiencing issues that are impacting all customers and are working on a resolution. We appreciate your patience. Please do not hesitate to contact the Service desk if you have any questions. Thank you, Service Desk Information Services & Technology University of Manitoba 123 Fletcher Argue 230 Neil John MacLean Library 204-474-8600 Servicedesk(a)umanitoba.ca ************************************************************************************************************* This communication is intended for the use of the recipient to which it is addressed, and may contain confidential, personal and/or privileged information. Please contact us immediately if you are not the intended recipient of this communication, and do not copy, distribute, or take action relying on it. Any communication received in error, or subsequent reply, should be deleted or destroyed. Please consider the environment before printing this email. {CMI: MCID2335966}

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Message to All University of Manitoba Students
by Marcia Davies 18 Mar '20

18 Mar '20

[cid:image002.jpg@01D531AE.174C13F0] Dear Students, Thank you for your continued patience and understanding during this uncertain time. I want to reiterate to you the UM's commitment to protecting your health and safety, and to minimizing the negative impact on your academic progress. Over the coming days I will be communicating new developments as decisions are made. Today there are four updates I would ask you to note: · The Voluntary Withdrawal date has been changed to April 13. This will allow you to consider whether you want to voluntarily remove yourself from a course after experiencing the changes to the delivery and evaluation methods that will be implemented in your courses starting tomorrow. If you choose to Voluntarily Withdraw from a course, you can do so in Aurora. It is recommended that international students discuss Voluntary Withdrawal options with an International Student Advisor<http://umanitoba.ca/current-students/international#international-student-ad…> at the International Centre prior to making the decision to withdraw from a course. Generally, students are encouraged to discuss your options with an academic advisor - you can find contact information on the website<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-advising>. · Winter term courses. Keep in contact with your instructors to receive information about your courses and any changes to assignments. Details about the final examination period will be available soon. · Summer Term registration will be suspended for now. We plan to resume Summer Term registration as soon as we determine implications for our summer course schedule. · Services for students. Academic advising<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-advising>, student supports<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports>, and other services<http://umanitoba.ca/current-students> continue to be available to students, although the method of delivery may have changed. To support social distancing, many offices are currently providing telephone or email appointments, with additional resources available online. If you plan to come to campus to visit a particular office, please call ahead to determine the best way to access help. Students who are ill<https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/> are asked to not visit offices in-person. You can find all UM updates about COVID-19, including FAQs for students that we will update as new information becomes available, on umanitoba.ca/coronavirus<http://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus>. I will be back in touch soon. Stay safe and please be sure to continue following Manitoba Health directives<https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/> concerning social distancing, hand washing, and coughing/sneezing etiquette. Attention to these individual actions will contribute significantly to the safety and wellbeing of people and communities during this challenging time. 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(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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March 13 Message from President David Barnard regarding COVID-19
by President's Office 14 Mar '20

14 Mar '20

To the University of Manitoba community, Yesterday I communicated our commitment to taking measures to protect the health and safety of our campuses and our wider community. Our top priority is doing our part to help contain the transmission of COVID-19. In that same spirit, today I am announcing that there will be no classes on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17. The University campuses will remain open on those days, but there will no classes. This two-day pause allows the University to prepare to move classes to alternative modes of instruction. To be clear, as of Wednesday, March 18 there will NO IN-PERSON CLASSES, with rare exceptions that will be communicated directly to those affected. All in-person undergraduate and research-stream Master's and Doctoral instruction will end March 13. Instruction will be provided by other means that may include existing online platforms. This will continue through the end of the term on April 7. For now, the voluntary withdrawal date will remain the same (March 17), as will the exam period (April 13-25). We will assess this during the "pause" and communicate further details end of day Tuesday, March 17, or sooner if available. Our staff are working hard to keep as much of the University operational as possible. The University remains open and we are continuing to provide students with as many essential services as possible under the circumstances. Please keep referring to umanitoba.ca<http://umanitoba.ca/> for information and updates. As I referenced in yesterday's communication, all non-essential events involving 50 or more participants have been cancelled or postponed. We continue to actively encourage everyone to maintain the hygiene and social distancing protocols outlined by health authorities<https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/coronavirus/>. As we reflect on all the information coming our way during this challenging period, I ask everyone to demonstrate patience and understanding. The COVID-19 threat is new to all of us; none of us have dealt with precisely this situation before. We are acting out of an abundance of caution and with the best interests in mind of this and the larger community. We are all dealing with this together. We are committed to doing our best and making the best decisions. Thank you for your attention. Please look after yourselves and one another. Sincerely, David David T. Barnard, O.M., Ph.D., FRSC President and Vice-Chancellor 202 Administration Building, University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca> [cid:image003.png@01D5F951.E193BA80]

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Message from President David Barnard regarding COVID-19
by President's Office 12 Mar '20

12 Mar '20

To members of the University of Manitoba community: The University of Manitoba today is taking measures to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 on its campuses and in the wider community, and, ultimately, to support the province's health care system. Our plan today is to keep the University of Manitoba open. The campuses are not closed. However, we are limiting levels of on-campus activity in order to mitigate COVID-19 transmission. I recognize that these actions will cause disruption and inconvenience, but as Manitoba's largest post-secondary institution with a student population of more than 29,000 and more than 10,000 full- and part-time faculty and staff, we have a responsibility to do all we can to lead the effort to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in this province. My colleagues and I have consulted widely with other universities and our own health care experts, and, heeding the advice of public health authorities, we have made the determination that the need to act is now, while there is still a window of opportunity to make a positive impact and to the extent possible, help protect the community. These measures are effective immediately and will stay in place until further notice. These changes will take many forms as they unfold, but most critically they will involve: Classes: * We are not cancelling classes or exams at this time. * Deans have been asked to work with their departments and faculty to make all course materials for the remainder of the term available online and to consider alternate assessment methods that can allow for social distancing practices. * The Registrar's Office is currently working on an alternate final examination schedule that would reduce the number of students in any given exam venue to incorporate best social distancing practices. * With respect to summer term, we will be looking at how we can employ on-line methods. * Co-op and integrated learning program leads are to look at contingency plans for students involved in off-site learning opportunities. Events: * University-sponsored events of 50 people or more will be cancelled or postponed. * Organizers of smaller events will be required to consider alternate ways of doing those events that need to proceed (e.g., not providing food, hosting in large spaces offering sufficient flexibility for social distancing, or hosting online versions of events) Travel: * All university-related travel should be suspended for faculty, staff and students, where possible. Specific guidelines will be developed to assist in this process. International Exchanges: * All students on international placements will be advised to return to Canada. Planning is underway to address the implications for these students of leaving a placement prior to its completion. Social Distancing * Messages regarding physical contact, cough and sneeze etiquette, hand washing, the use of sanitizers and disinfectant wipe are being widely shared and circulated. * All employees who show flu-like symptoms must not report to work and take the advice provided by public health officials. * While keeping the university operational remains a priority, heads of units will assess options for staff to work from home. If feasible, work from home agreements will be initiated and support arrangements for the provision of the necessary tools to do so will be facilitated on a priority basis. Communications: * We continue to urge our community to follow all health and safety protocols. * We will update the www.umanitoba.ca<http://www.umanitoba.ca> webpage with new information as it becomes available. Those are the most important measures for you to note at this time. Please pay close attention to all the announcements and details that will follow, from the institutional sources (UM homepage, UMToday, emails), as well as information from your specific units, managers and instructors. We will continue to keep student residences open, dining operations and other services and supports, where possible. We ask everyone to adhere to the health and safety precautions already outlined in detail in our UMToday story<https://news.umanitoba.ca/university-message-on-the-coronavirus/?utm_source…> and public health websites. Please keep at least two metres away from one another, wash your hands carefully and regularly, stay home if you are feeling ill, and follow all proper protocols. None of these planned actions I have shared today with you are being taken lightly. I assure you that we are making decisions that we feel are the best for our immediate and wider community, and based on sound scientific advice. UM has been a leader for decades in global public health research and community outreach. We have a responsibility now to make every effort possible to play our part in meeting this current challenge. While we take these proactive and preventive measures, members of our UM community continue to play a key role in directly addressing the impacts of COVID-19, medically, socially, economically, and in other relevant spheres. I thank them and express here our deeply felt support for their efforts. Please join me in working together to play our part in keeping ourselves and our community as safe and healthy as possible. I thank you for your understanding. Sincerely, David David T. Barnard, O.M., Ph.D., FRSC President and Vice-Chancellor 202 Administration Building, University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca> [cid:image001.png@01D5F87D.1C9F4CA0]

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This survey belongs to all of us: It’s time to add your voice to the conversation about inclusion, diversity and equity
by President's Office 11 Mar '20

11 Mar '20

Dear UM Community member, A survey has been created to better understand UM community experiences of diversity, inclusion and equity. If you are a student, or faculty or staff member, I urge you to complete this survey<https://cssrp.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_agRyoxtmQKqEEnj> and to lend your voice to this important work. We want to ensure that all members of our UM community feel included and safe, and are able to be authentic and to contribute in meaningful ways to our learning and work environment. The survey is part of the mandate of the President’s Task Force on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)<http://umanitoba.ca/about-um/equity-diversity-inclusion>, which was established in October 2019. The survey will inform the task force’s recommendations on the process and actions required to identify and address obstacles and inequities facing faculty, staff and students at the UM. Please note that these survey questions are different than the focus group questions, and I hope you will consider participating in both initiatives. As you may be aware, focus groups on EDI are also continuing in March and April. A list of dates, times, and locations can be found on the EDI website<http://umanitoba.ca/about-um/equity-diversity-inclusion>. Thanks to everyone who has participated so far. The EDI survey opens today, March 11, and continues until April 30. Now is the time to add your voice to our community conversation about inclusion, diversity and equity at our university. Let’s work together to make the University of Manitoba a place where all students, staff and faculty feel recognized, valued, respected and treated fairly. Sincerely, David David T. Barnard, O.M., Ph.D., FRSC President and Vice-Chancellor 202 Administration Building, University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca> [cid:image001.png@01D5F782.F2A9A170]

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