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

SURVEY – Perceptions of Indigenous students’ experiences
by Iloradanon Efimoff 30 Apr '20

30 Apr '20

Hi there, I’m writing to invite you to participate in a survey called perceptions of Indigenous student experiences. Indigenous means First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit. I’m conducting this survey as part of my Ph.D. research. My goal is to develop educational interventions to reduce prejudice toward Indigenous students at the University of Manitoba. Your participation is completely voluntary. All students (regardless of ethnicity) are welcome to participate. Please do the survey in one sitting. The survey will close on May 6th. The survey takes 25-30 minutes to complete, and participants will be entered into a draw to win one of six $50 cash prizes. If you’d like to participate, please click this link: https://umanitobapsych.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bNrARAJIR0zj2kJ. Háw’aa, thank you, Iloradanon Efimoff Ph.D. Candidate, Social and Personality Psychology Social Justice Laboratory, Supervisor: Dr. Katherine Starzyk University of Manitoba, efimoffi(a)myumanitoba.ca

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FW: New Statistics Canada Survey on Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on post-secondary students
by Marcia Davies 28 Apr '20

28 Apr '20

On behalf of Statistics Canada / De la part de Statistique Canada (Le français suit.) Hello, You will find below an invitation from Statistics Canada to participate in a crowdsourcing collection initiative on how COVID-19 is impacting students. We encourage all students to take part. The data you provide will be helpful for making future plans. Invitation from Statistics Canada: Statistics Canada is collecting data on the "Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on postsecondary students." Your participation is important: Your voice matters You can provide your perspective on the current crisis, by letting us know how your studies, financial situation and other aspects of your life have been affected by the pandemic. Please take five minutes to participate in this crowdsourcing data collection, and feel free to forward this email to other postsecondary students-the more people that participate, the better the data! Results from this survey will be used by governments and other organizations to evaluate the need for services and assistance programs to support postsecondary students during and after the pandemic. Participating is easy and secure To find out more and to complete our short questionnaire, visit www.statcan.gc.ca/COVID-students<http://www.statcan.gc.ca/COVID-students>. This survey is conducted under the authority of the Statistics Act, which ensures that the information you provide will be kept confidential, and used only for statistical and research purposes. For general enquiries and technical assistance Contact us Monday to Friday (except holidays), from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Eastern Time): * 1-877-949-9492 (TTY: 1-800-363-7629) * infostats(a)canada.ca<mailto:infostats@canada.ca> Thank you, Jean Labbé Director, Collection Planning and Research Division Statistics Canada ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Bonjour, Vous trouverez ci-dessous une invitation de Statistique Canada à participer à une collecte de données sur les répercussions de la COVID-19 sur les étudiants. Cette collecte de données est réalisée au moyen de l'approche participative (crowdsourcing). Nous encourageons la population étudiante à y prendre part. Les données que vous nous fournirez contribueront à la planification à long terme. Invitation de Statistique Canada : Statistique Canada recueille des données sur les <Répercussions de la pandémie de COVID-19 sur les étudiants du niveau postsecondaire >. Votre participation est importante : votre voix compte Vous pouvez partager votre perspective sur la crise actuelle en nous disant quelles sont les répercussions de la pandémie sur vos études, votre situation financière et d'autres aspects de votre vie. Prenez cinq minutes pour participer à cette collecte de données, et n'hésitez pas à transmettre ce courriel à d'autres étudiants du niveau postsecondaire - plus les gens participeront, meilleures seront les données! Les renseignements tirés de cette enquête seront utilisés par les gouvernements et d'autres organisations pour évaluer les besoins en matière de services et de programmes de soutien aux étudiants du niveau postsecondaire, pendant et après la pandémie. Participer est facile et sûr Pour en savoir davantage et pour remplir notre court questionnaire, visitez le www.statcan.gc.ca/COVID-etudiants<http://www.statcan.gc.ca/COVID-etudiants>. Cette enquête est menée en vertu de la Loi sur la statistique, qui garantit que tous les renseignements que vous fournirez demeureront confidentiels et seront utilisés uniquement à des fins statistiques et de recherche. Pour obtenir plus de renseignements ou de l'aide technique Communiquez avec nous du lundi au vendredi (sauf les jours fériés), de 8 h à 19 h (heure de l'Est) : * 1-877-949-9492 (ATS : 1-800-363-7629) * infostats(a)canada.ca<mailto:infostats@canada.ca> Merci, Jean Labbé Directeur, Division de la planification et de la recherche en matière de collecte Statistique Canada

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Update to UM Students: April 24, 2020
by Marcia Davies 24 Apr '20

24 Apr '20

[cid:image002.jpg@01D531AE.174C13F0] Congratulations on completing Winter Term final exams and assignments. To those of you who have fulfilled your final academic requirements and are poised to graduate, well done!! We know that the transition to remote learning and assessment has had its challenges. Your flexibility and determination in meeting the goals you set for yourselves have been inspiring. Outstanding work Bisons!! I have a few updates and reminders for you today: Summer Term. Please remember that we have two registration periods: a) Summer Term Distance Education courses - registration opened April 20 and courses begin May 4th and b) Summer Term Online and Alternative Delivery (STOAD) courses - registration opens on May 19 at 9:00 a.m. The STOAD schedule, which will include an extensive list of courses, will be available to view starting May 4. Other important dates: May 15 Last day to drop/add Summer Term Distance Education courses May 4-19 Students are able to review the full schedule of Summer Term course options May 19 Summer Term registration opens at 9 am June 1 Summer Term Online and Alternative Delivery (STOAD) courses begin Please see the Registrar's Office website<http://umanitoba.ca/registrar> for all important dates for the Summer Term. Textbooks. Librarians are working with instructors to source electronic versions of textbooks for Summer Term 2020 courses. In those cases where this option isn't possible, textbooks can still be ordered online through the University Bookstore, which has established a materials pick-up procedure that allows for physical distancing, at both the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campus locations (see the Bookstore website<http://www.umanitoba.ca/bookstore/> for details). More concrete information about textbooks will be provided in subsequent updates. Sport and Recreation Fee. The Sport and Recreation Fee will not be applied to tuition for Summer Term. You don't have to take any action. Grade options. Now that you've completed your term (yay!), it is time to learn more about the new grading options. Beginning May 1, you can elect to apply grading options until May 10. To better understand these options and how they apply to each faculty, please visit this website<https://centre.cc.umanitoba.ca/altgrading/> and speak to an academic advisor if you have questions. More details on how to apply the various grading options will be communicated to you next week. Government financial resources. The Government of Canada announced the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), which provides up to $1,250/month over the summer (May to August) to eligible post-secondary students, including part-time students, those who are set to begin their studies in the summer or fall, and recent graduates. Students with dependents or with disabilities will be eligible for an additional $500/month. Students will be able to apply for this benefit in the coming days and weeks. More information on these enhanced resources can be found on our COVID-19 website<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students> under Government Resources, or by visiting the Government of Canada student grants website<https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants-loa…>. Fall Term. No one knows exactly what the world will look like in a few months' time. We are exploring all possibilities for the Fall Term, and planning for every eventuality. Once details become more certain, we will be sure to inform you of how we plan to help you continue your education this fall. Rest assured, the University will be operating and you will be able to continue your studies. New webpage for students We recognize that during this time many students are experiencing additional pressures, including financial, employment, housing, food, or increased caregiving responsibilities. We are continuing to provide supports, programs and services even though we are not physically located on campus. The new umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students<http://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students> is your gateway to the most up-to-date information and resources on and off-campus. This webpage will be updated regularly, as new information emerges, so check back often. Please enjoy this break between terms, stay well, and enjoy the warm weather! All my best. Laurie Schnarr https://news.umanitoba.ca/new-webpage-with-covid-19-information-for-student… 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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SURVEY – CASH PRIZE – Perceptions of Indigenous Students’ Experiences
by Iloradanon Efimoff 22 Apr '20

22 Apr '20

Hi there, I’m writing to invite you to participate in a survey called “Perceptions of Indigenous Student Experiences.” Indigenous means First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit. I’m conducting this survey as part of my Ph.D. research. My goal is to develop educational interventions to reduce prejudice toward Indigenous students at the University of Manitoba. Your participation is completely voluntary. Please do the survey in one sitting. The survey takes 25-30 minutes to complete, and participants will be entered into a draw to win one of six $50 cash prizes. If you’d like to participate, please click this link: https://umanitobapsych.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bNrARAJIR0zj2kJ Háw’aa, thank you, Iloradanon Efimoff B.A. Applied Psychology (Hons) | M.A. Applied Social Psychology Ph.D. Candidate, Social and Personality Psychology Social Justice Laboratory, Supervisor: Dr. Katherine Starzyk University of Manitoba, efimoffi(a)myumanitoba.ca<mailto:efimoffi@myumanitoba.ca>

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Message from David T. Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manitoba
by President's Office 21 Apr '20

21 Apr '20

Dear students, As we reach the mid-point of our Winter Term exam period, I want to take this opportunity to thank you. Thank you for being resilient and persevering to finish your courses at such a difficult time. Thank you for asking for help when you need it, and for offering your help to others when you are able. Thank you for your patience as the University of Manitoba adapts to new ways of providing the services and supports that you rely on. Despite the circumstances, we are as committed as ever to ensuring you have an outstanding student experience by finding new ways of teaching, learning, and coming together as a community. Good luck on your exams, and know that we are here to support you however you need. If you haven't already, I encourage you to visit our COVID-19 webpage where you will find resources to help you through the end of term. 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@01D617C3.4EA0F040]

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Update to UM Students: April 9, 2020
by Marcia Davies 09 Apr '20

09 Apr '20

[cid:image002.jpg@01D531AE.174C13F0] 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<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/final-exam-supports-…> 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<http://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students#grades>. To help you make the right choice for your personal situation, I encourage you to reach out to an academic advisor<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-advising> 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<http://umanitoba.ca/international> 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<http://umanitoba.ca/registrar> 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<http://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students>, and visit often. Follow @umstudent<https://www.instagram.com/umstudent/?hl=en> 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<https://www.youtube.com/user/UofMRecServices> and mentally<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/counselling-resources-emotional-wellne…> 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(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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A message from President David T. Barnard, University of Manitoba
by President's Office 08 Apr '20

08 Apr '20

To the University of Manitoba community, Each one of us is experiencing the impact of COVID-19 in our own way. No two experiences are exactly the same, nor could they be when facing a crisis of this magnitude and complexity. Usually, during personally turbulent times, we find comfort and renewed strength by gathering with loved ones, recognizing the support that is inherent within a community of friends and family. Yet, as we approach important festivals of the Abrahamic traditions-Passover, Easter and Ramadan-which previously those who celebrate would mark together in a shared space, we know this unprecedented pandemic demands we chart a new course, discovering alternate ways to connect and bridge the physical distance. As we stay apart from one another and follow with utmost diligence the directives of health officials, my wish for you during this reflective time is to find the harmony and peace that comes from a shared journey to help save lives in Manitoba. Each one of us holds this vital responsibility. These religious holidays of course offer no reprieve for those working at the frontlines of health care. Among them are 600 students<https://news.umanitoba.ca/rady-students-help-with-covid-19-response/> from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, as well as many of our researchers<https://news.umanitoba.ca/tag/covid-19-outreach-and-research/> and alumni. For your ongoing sacrifice and courage in the battle against COVID-19, I thank you. I also want to thank our faculty who continue to find innovative ways to engage with students, and for the leadership role of our Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning who are ensuring we maintain excellence in our classrooms as they have transformed into virtual learning spaces. I empathize with our students who face even greater challenges now that exam time is approaching. Thank you for continuously adapting to this ever-changing landscape and meeting these challenges head on. Staff members from every part of UM have adjusted to doing their work differently, demonstrating commitment and creativity in the face of circumstances unlike anything most of us have experienced in our careers. This exceptional community gives me hope, and I am eager for us to be together again once distancing restrictions are lifted, when we can learn and create alongside one other in labs, art studios and lecture halls. For now, I find inspiration in myriad traditions from around the world, which remind us to be thankful for our innate ability to persevere, to always seek ways to improve one's self and society, and to find the hope that lives in challenging days. 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@01D60DC6.170704F0]

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Update to UM Students: April 2, 2020
by Marcia Davies 02 Apr '20

02 Apr '20

[cid:image002.jpg@01D531AE.174C13F0] Dear Students, As we enter the month of April, it has been almost two weeks since all buildings closed on campus and you began to self-isolate. As a Manitoban and a proud member of the UM community, I want to thank you for your efforts, and those of your family and friends, to ensure the safety and well-being of others during this really challenging time. None of us thought that we would be ending the academic year in this way. I commend you for your patience, your flexibility and your resilience. Although buildings on campus are closed, please remember that we are still offering services virtually, by telephone, and online to support you in ending the semester successfully. Today, I am sharing several important updates and information regarding resources available to you. The university and its donors are pleased to offer the COVID-19 UM Student Emergency Fund, which will provide emergency financial support to students. These one-time, non-repayable, direct-deposit funds are available to full or part-time students registered in the 2019/20 academic year who meet the criteria. For more information about eligibility and how to apply, click here<http://umanitoba.ca/student/fin_awards/pandemic-relief-fund.html>. The University will be refunding all student parking permit holders for the April portion of their parking permit. You do not need to take any action to receive this refund. If you paid by credit card, the refund will be returned to the card used to purchase the permit. If you paid by cash or debit, the University will issue cheques. Due to the large volume, please be aware that it may take some time to process all the refunds. If you receive a failing grade in Winter term 2020, it will be automatically excluded from all UM GPA calculations. Failing grades will appear on your transcript but will be identified as having been excluded from UM GPA calculations due to the COVID-19 situation. Failing grades will be considered for admission purposes. Students, except for those in the Faculty of Law, can choose whether or not to receive a “pass” grade instead of a letter grade. This option will apply to all Winter term or spanned courses that you complete by April 2020. Students must have achieved a letter grade of D or higher to exercise this option. If you choose this option, the “pass” designation will appear on your transcript, but will be flagged with a notation that you made this decision due to the COVID-19 situation. The “pass” option ensures your grade is excluded from ALL GPA calculations. However, it is important to note that course grades of “pass” will not normally be used to satisfy prerequisites. You should not choose this option if your program specifies a grade of C or higher is required for courses counted towards the degree. Consult your faculty advising office for further information. You will have until May 10, 2020 to choose the “pass” option for final grades of D or higher, or to exercise the previously approved option to exclude a course grade from UM GPA calculations. The process to do so is still being determined, but will be communicated as soon as possible. Once final grades are available on Aurora you will be able to make this choice. For help in understanding these options and how your choice will impact you, contact an academic advisor in your home faculty/college/school. For questions about how excluding a grade(s) or choosing a Pass (P) will affect your eligibility for admission into your target program, please contact an academic advisor from that faculty/college/school or contact the Admissions office. To recap, you can choose either the standard approach to letter grades or two alternative grading approaches for each individual course completed in Winter term 2020, except for students in the Faculty of Law. These are your options: Standard Approach: You can accept the letter grade you received. This is the default grading approach and your letter grade will be used in GPA calculations. Option 1: You can accept the letter grade received, but have it excluded from your UM GPA calculations. Your letter grade will appear on the transcript, with a note that you chose to exclude it from UM GPA calculations. Option 2: You can choose to receive a “pass” grade if you receive a grade of D or higher. No letter grade will be recorded on your transcript and a note will indicate that you chose this approach. The “pass” grade will be excluded from UM GPA calculations, which is the normal way “pass” grades are treated at UM. These pass grades will have no letter grade equivalent. Regardless of the choice that you make with respect to course grading, you must meet all existing admission, prerequisite, progression, degree, and graduation policies and requirements that may apply to you: * within your existing program of study and current Faculty, and * to be eligible for admission to, progression within, and graduation from, any other programs in any faculty in the future. For students using Student Accessibility Services, please note that although in-person visits are no longer happening, staff are still available to offer support. * Accommodation support staff will continue to ensure class content is ready for you. * If you have booked a mid-term test or final exam for the winter term through the SAS scheduler, the SAS Exam Centre staff are contacting your instructors. They will work with you and your instructor to figure out any online test or exam accommodations. If you have any questions, please contact your Accessibility Coordinator directly, or contact the general office at 204-474-7423 or staccess(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:staccess@umanitoba.ca>. The Academic Learning Centre continues to provide academic supports. All Academic Learning Centre supports are available online including individual tutoring (in writing, content study skills), supplemental instruction sessions, and workshops. Click here<https://umanitoba.ca/student/academiclearning/notice.htm> to make an appointment and for more information. Indigenous student supports. All staff are available to help with student inquiries. Please check the website of the office you want to contact for details on how to access their services or contact their staff. Indigenous student advisors are available for phone appointments and/or to answer questions via email. Elders at UM are also available for support via email or phone. To book an appointment with an Elder or advisor, call 204-474-8850 or email isc(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:isc@umanitoba.ca>. International student support. We understand that the current situation is particularly difficult for you. Do not hesitate to ask for information and support through a private and confidential conversation with an International Student Advisor by e-mailing the International Centre Reception Desk at international(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:international@umanitoba.ca> with your name and student number. You will then have the option to have your questions answered by e-mail or a Zoom meeting. International students can also contact these offices for additional support: Student Counselling Centre<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/counselling-resources-students>, Student Advocacy and Case Management<https://umanitoba.ca/student/resource/student_advocacy/>, and Spiritual Care<http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/spiritual-services> by calling or emailing these units directly to determine the best way to access their services. 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 continue to keep yourself and others safe by following Manitoba Health directives about avoiding non-essential trips, maintaining physical distance of two metres even while outdoors, hand washing and coughing/sneezing etiquette. We may not be with you in person but we are with you in spirit every step of the way. You’ve got this, Bisons! I will continue to communicate regularly about new information 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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