October 2021 - all-students - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Update for UM Students: October 27, 2021
by Marcia Davies 27 Oct '21

27 Oct '21

[cid:image002.jpg@01D531AE.174C13F0] Dear students: By now you will have heard that members of the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) have voted for a strike mandate and set a strike date of November 2. This has been featured in news coverage over the weekend and it is understandable that you are wondering what impact this might have on you and your studies. Even with a date set, the vote does not mean a strike is certain. It means that union leaders have approval from their members to choose to strike if they are not satisfied with how negotiations are going. The university bargaining team, who are the people at the table negotiating with the association, is working to reach a new agreement and there is still an opportunity for that to happen. If there is a strike, or any other sort of labour action, the university will remain open. We will continue to keep you updated with emails and with posts on our social media accounts as negotiations continue. For current and past updates, and for general information, please visit our Bargaining Information web page<https://www.umanitoba.ca/bargaining/#bargaining-updates> under "Bargaining Updates." Again, I want to emphasize that your safety, health and well-being remain our top priorities. In this UM Today article<https://news.umanitoba.ca/stress-support/> you will find some detailed information about the supports and resources that are available to help you manage any pressures you may be experiencing, or if you just need a little help along the way. All my best, Laurie Laurie M. Schnarr, MA (she/her) Vice-Provost (Students) Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) University of Manitoba 208 Administration Building Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 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 for Students on UMFA Labour Negotiations: October 20, 2021
by Olga Kuznetsova 20 Oct '21

20 Oct '21

Dear Students, You have likely heard that the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) has voted to give the union a strike mandate. Understandably, you will have questions about what this means for you. Please note, a strike mandate does not mean a strike will happen. Rather, a strike mandate means that the union leaders have the approval from its membership to choose to strike if they are dissatisfied with the progression of negotiations. The university bargaining team remains committed to working hard to reach a new agreement. In the meantime, please be assured that the university is continuing with normal operations – including all COVID-19 protocols – to ensure the health and safety of our students, staff and community. You can continue to join us on campus, as you have been this term, for your required classes, labs and other activities. We will share as much information with you as possible, as soon as it becomes available. Any updates affecting students will be communicated to you directly from me in emails such as this one. For current and past updates, and general information, please visit our Bargaining Information web<https://www.umanitoba.ca/bargaining/#bargaining-updates> page under “Bargaining Updates.” The university remains committed to your education and well-being. If you are experiencing difficulties, supports<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/resources-students#personal-supports-for-s…> are available to you. If you need help with academics<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-advising>, your finances<https://umanitoba.ca/financial-aid-and-awards> or have health and wellness concerns, there are staff committed to providing student advocacy<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/student-advocacy/ca…>, supporting your emotional wellness<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/counselling-resources-emotional-welln…>, offering spiritual care<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/spiritual-services> and more<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports>. As our university president, Michael Benarroch, said in his message<https://news.umanitoba.ca/bargaining-to-continue-following-umfa-strike-mand…> yesterday, your resilience and patience are truly appreciated as the university and UMFA work on a collective agreement to support stability in operations; an outstanding educational experience for you, our students, and in providing fairness to our faculty members. I will write to you with further updates as soon as possible. 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! I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that 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. As a white settler of English and German descent I am committed to walking alongside my Indigenous colleagues, friends and neighbours and doing the work that is necessary to honour the truth, right the wrongs, and contribute to lasting positive change. 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. Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/umanitoba> Twitter<https://twitter.com/umanitoba> Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/accounts/login/>

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Bargaining to continue following UMFA strike mandate
by President's Office 19 Oct '21

19 Oct '21

[cid:image001.png@01D7C4F6.4FA0B4D0] Message from Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor To our university community, We learned today that that University of Manitoba Faculty Association members voted to give their union a strike mandate. I want to assure you that the university will continue to bargain in good faith with UMFA, with the intention of concluding a collective agreement without a labour disruption. At this time, all classes and campus activities will continue as usual. Staff who have been working on campus can continue to do so. Since bargaining began on August 5, we've seen meaningful progress on many articles and proposals. The university is committed to addressing challenges with faculty recruitment and retention and ensuring that each department offers an outstanding teaching and learning experience. We have proposed significant structural changes to enhance pay-scales for year 1 and 2 (please see the full presentation here<https://umanitoba.ca/bargaining/sites/bargaining/files/2021-10/UM-salary-co…>). We recognize the need for market supplements and have made a proposal to continue them in this round of bargaining with UMFA. On October 13, the university offered UMFA a four-year contract with the following increases: 1% in Year 1, 1% in Year 2, and 1.25% in Year 3, and 1.25% in Year 4. The entirety of our proposal recognizes our commitment to make faculty salaries more competitive within the U15 and regional landscape, while providing stability for students and staff. The university fully respects the bargaining process and the union's right to take strike action if it believes that is in the best interest of its members. However, the university believes strongly that we can reach a fair agreement for UMFA members and we will continue to work hard to achieve this. I know the bargaining process can create tension and stress for many in our community; we all feel this. I care deeply about what happens in these negotiations as I know we all do. I am incredibly proud of our community's commitment to provide an outstanding student experience and to ensure UM is the internationally competitive research university that Manitoba deserves. Thank you for your resilience and patience as we work together to conclude a collective agreement that supports stability in operations; an outstanding educational experience for our students; fairness to our faculty members; and sustainability for our institution. Please visit the bargaining website<https://umanitoba.ca/bargaining/> often, as we work to update it following each bargaining session and provide information to our community to the extent permitted by the bargaining process. Sincerely, Michael Michael Benarroch, Ph.D. President and Vice-Chancellor 202 Administration Building, University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Telephone: 204-474-9345 Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca> [cid:image002.png@01D7C4F6.4FA0B4D0]

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Search for a Vice-President (Research and International)
by President's Office 18 Oct '21

18 Oct '21

[cid:image001.png@01D7C431.30F71620] Message from Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor As announced earlier this year<https://news.umanitoba.ca/term-extended-for-vp-research-and-international/>, Dr. Digvir S. Jayas will be concluding his term as Vice-President (Research and International) on June 30, 2022. Dr. Jayas, a highly-acclaimed researcher and leader, has served the University in this role since January 1, 2009. Dr. Jayas' leadership contributions to the University of Manitoba span more than two decades and, after having served two full terms as Vice-President (Research and International), he agreed twice to further extend his term. With the end of his term approaching, the University has launched a search for the next Vice-President (Research and International). I have formed a committee that I have asked to advise me on candidates for the role and on the position more generally. Joining me on the committee are: >From the Board of Governors: * Dr. Nora Murdock >From Administration: * Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) * Dr. Cary Miller, Associate Professor and Department Head, Native Studies, Faculty of Arts and Associate Vice-President (Indigenous) for Research, Scholarship and Curriculum* * Mike Emslie, Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller >From the Deans Council: * Dr. Martin Scanlon, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences * Dr. Brian Mark, Dean of the Faculty of Science >From Faculties: * Dr. Feiyue Wang, Tier 1 CRC in Arctic Environmental Chemistry and Professor, Environment and Geography, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources * Dr. Jude Uzonna, Professor of Immunology, Professor of Medical Microbiology and Associate Dean (Research), Max Rady College of Medicine * Dr. Adele Perry, Distinguished Professor of History, Faculty of Arts and Director, Centre for Human Rights Research * Dr. Leisha Strachan, Professor and Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management >From the Vice-President (Research and International) Portfolio * Dr. Darren Fast, Director, Partnerships and Innovation >From the University of Manitoba Graduate Students' Association * Silvia Sekander, President I have retained Laverne Smith & Associates to assist with this search, which will include a process of consultation including a request for input from our UM community. Your input is being requested by the close of business November 1, 2021. Please click here<https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ManitobaVPRI> to complete a brief questionnaire to be returned directly to Laverne Smith & Associates. Your responses will be held in strict confidence by the consultant and the inclusion of your name is optional. The input to be gathered through this process will be used to inform the position profile that will be used to describe the role and expectations to candidates, as well as candidates to consider. The University of Manitoba is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community and especially welcomes candidates identifying as a member of one or more equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to women, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual and gender identities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Thank you for your contributions to this important leadership appointment. *effective November 1, 2021 Michael Benarroch, Ph.D. President and Vice-Chancellor 202 Administration Building, University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Telephone: 204-474-9345 Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca> [cid:image002.png@01D7C431.30F71620]

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UM Releases Our Shared Future -- Building on Our Strategic Plan: Message from President Michael Benarroch and Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Diane Hiebert-Murphy
by President's Office 15 Oct '21

15 Oct '21

[cid:image001.png@01D7C1A2.AAB26640] Message from Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic) To our UM community, We are excited to share with you Our Shared Future: Building on Our Strategic Plan<https://umanitoba.ca/sites/default/files/2021-10/our-shared-future-building…>, which reflects the work we will do over the next 12 to 18 months to build upon our commitments and priorities. This work will help us prepare for a full planning process, to be launched in 2022, that will result in a new strategic plan for the University of Manitoba. Since spring 2020, when we presented our final report<https://umanitoba.ca/sites/default/files/2020-06/strategic-plan-2015-2020-f…> on Taking Our Place: University of Manitoba Strategic Plan 2015-2020, UM has continued to fulfill all the priorities laid out in the plan. The COVID-19 pandemic presented our community with immense challenges, but also with opportunities to learn and innovate. Indeed, the resilience we've seen across our university as we adapt to new ways of doing things is nothing short of inspiring. In the coming months and years, we will work together to evaluate what we've learned and to build on innovations that can strengthen our institution beyond the pandemic. The tremendous goodwill and confidence expressed by you-our community-is empowering our efforts to chart the university's future during continued uncertainty. In recent months, we heard from close to 2,000 members of the UM community about what matters most to them. Because of your feedback, we will focus on post-COVID planning and further our progress on anti-racism, experiential learning, Indigenous achievement and engagement, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and addressing climate change will inform all our plans and priorities. Undoubtedly, we will need to re-evaluate and finetune these priorities to adapt to changing circumstances, as our university has done for 144 years. In the meantime, we look forward to working collectively to build on our achievements. Thank you for your ongoing contributions to this dynamic community of learning and discovery. If you have any questions or comments, please direct them to strategicplanning(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:strategicplanning@umanitoba.ca>. Thank you for your ongoing contributions to this dynamic community of learning and discovery. [cid:image002.jpg@01D7C1A2.AAB26640] Michael Benarroch, President and Vice Chancellor [cid:image003.png@01D7C1A2.AAB26640] Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic)

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Upload your proof of vaccination now
by Safe Return 13 Oct '21

13 Oct '21

[cid:image001.png@01D7C04A.EE35B8D0] UM SAFE RETURN UPDATE On August 19, President Benarroch announced all faculty, staff, students and campus visitors will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In September<https://news.umanitoba.ca/proof-of-vaccination-process-rolls-out/>, we launched the process for employees and students to provide proof of full vaccination and the initial response rate was very good, with over 16,000 students and employees having uploaded their proof of vaccination. Thank you to those who have already uploaded their proof! A team is now in place to review and verify all submissions. You will only be contacted if further information is required. As we move further into fall and closer to Winter Term, we need to gain a complete picture of the vaccination rate of the UM community to make decisions about what a healthy and safe campus will look like in January. To do this, we need all students and employees to upload their proof of vaccination now, and not wait until the deadline. This includes all students who are learning remotely and are not currently on campus, as well as all employees who are working from home. You can upload your proof of vaccination on UM's secure site<https://covid-declaration.umanitoba.ca/> - it's quick and easy, with people reporting that it took them only two minutes. For those who are not fully vaccinated, we encourage you to get your vaccinations as soon as possible. University Health Service has appointments available<https://news.umanitoba.ca/um-vaccination-clinic-book-your-appointment-now/> for both first and second doses. You can also visit the province's vaccine page<https://protectmb.ca/> for information on making arrangements to be vaccinated. One of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Currently, all students and employees who are not fully vaccinated and coming onto our campuses must undergo COVID-19 asymptomatic rapid testing. The Rady Faculty of Health Sciences has implemented asymptomatic testing protocols for all individuals accessing the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences including all buildings on the Bannatyne campus and the Helen Glass building on the Fort Garry campus. Testing is required every 48 hours to access Rady Faculty of Health Sciences buildings. On Fort Garry campus and other satellite locations, employees and students who are not fully vaccinated are required to undergo COVID-19 asymptomatic rapid testing prior to participating in any activity on campus. These individuals must attend the Fort Garry campus rapid testing site located in the Fitzgerald Building at 55 Chancellor's Circle (rooms 303 and 304)<https://umanitoba.ca/sites/default/files/2021-10/210924-covid-19-rapid-test…>. The hours of operation are 7am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Test results will be valid for 72 hours. Those individuals who are not fully vaccinated and who expect to be on campus after hours must visit the testing site during its hours of operation to either be tested or to pick-up a testing kit for self-testing at home with an obligation to report results to UofM.rapidtesting(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:UofM.rapidtesting@umanitoba.ca> . For those working in satellite locations, please follow the instructions you have received on where to pick up the test kits. More information about UM's mandatory COVID-19 vaccination can be found on the UM vaccine information page<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/vaccine-information>. In summary: * Submit your proof of vaccination now, whether you are working or learning in-person or remotely, or as soon as you have it. * The November 14th submission deadline was selected to allow time for unvaccinated members of our community to become fully vaccinated. * Those who do not submit proof are considered unvaccinated. * Those who are unvaccinated and come onto our campuses are required to undergo rapid testing. * Get vaccinated as soon as possible at University Health Services<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/health-wellness/university-health-ser…> or at one of the provincial sites.<https://protectmb.ca/> * For questions about COVID-19 safety: safereturn(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:safereturn@umanitoba.ca> * For questions about rapid testing: UofM.rapidtesting(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:UofM.rapidtesting@umanitoba.ca> Thank you for your cooperation in creating a healthy and safe campus community and for preparing for a more normal level of activity for the upcoming Winter Term. Sincerely, UM COVID-19 Recovery Steering Committee

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Update to UM Students: October 8, 2021
by Marcia Davies 08 Oct '21

08 Oct '21

[cid:image002.jpg@01D531AE.174C13F0] Dear students, With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I wanted to send a brief update, a few reminders, and wish you a happy, restful long weekend. Did you realize that October is Student Success Month<https://umanitoba.ca/current-students/um-commons/student-success-month> at UM?! Whether you are a new student or returning, our priority is your success - both academically and personally. Now is the best time to access the supports that will help you build and refine the skills you need to achieve your goals. Throughout the month all students are invited to participate in free workshops focussing on career prep, stress management, academic writing, research skills, cultural adaptation and identity, and more. Check them out! Indigenous students can also access a number of services, resources and programming at the Indigenous Student Centre, and meet with student advisors <https://umanitoba.ca/indigenous/our-team#indigenous-student-centre-advisors> or take part in Indigenous student programming at UM<https://umanitoba.ca/indigenous/student-experience>. For cultural learning and other activities, follow the Indigenous events calendar<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/indigenous>. UM bursary program The application window for the 2021/22 UM Bursary Program closed on October 1st. There was a very positive response to the program, and we have seen an increase in applicants over last year! Assessments are now underway, and awards for successful students will be applied directly to winter fees, by December 1st. Please continue to check your Aurora student account for updates. The health and safety of our campus community Another UM priority is your health and safety. Earlier this term it was announced<https://news.umanitoba.ca/hope-and-hesitation-at-the-start-of-fall-term/> that all students, staff and faculty must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of full vaccination by November 14. This deadline applies to you whether you are attending classes in-person or remotely. Please upload your proof of vaccination<https://covid-declaration.umanitoba.ca/> as soon as possible. This is critical information the university needs to prepare for a full return to in-person learning in the Winter Term. Uploading is quick and easy - it took me less than 5 minutes. If you are headed to campus, take time to review the Return-to-campus FAQs<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/safe-return-to-campus>, which address common questions, and the COVID website, which is the best source for UM safety protocols and the current health and safety measures<http://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/latest-updates-and-safety> being taken on our campuses. Please remember that if you are not vaccinated and are coming to campus, you must undergo rapid testing. If you are attending the Bannatyne campus or the Helen Glass Building on Fort Garry campus, you will receive on-site rapid testing. For all other buildings on Fort Garry campus, visit the Fitzgerald Building, 55 Chancellor's Circle (rooms 303 and 304) between 7am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Test results will be valid for 72 hours (48 hours for College of Nursing). If you are coming to the Fort Garry campus after hours, you'll need to visit the testing site during their open hours to pick up a testing kit, and then email UofM.rapidtesting(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:uofm.rapidtesting@umanitoba.ca>. Regardless of whether you are fully vaccinated, if you are experiencing any symptoms, even mild ones, do not come to campus - get tested for COVID-19. Ensure that your instructor/advisor knows you are ill and follow the guidelines here<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/resources-students#academic-support> if you are unable to meet an academic requirement for your courses. Keep active and have fun Recreation Services is back in full swing! Staying active promotes a variety of health benefits, mental well-being and can help relieve stress and anxiety. Through the Sport and Rec fee, UM students<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/members…> have access to sport and recreation facilities, casual rec use <https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/group-f…> and group fitness classes<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/group-f…> at the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. Students also have the option to participate in UM REC Clubs<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/rec-clu…>, Intramural Sports<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/registe…> and instructional programs<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/registe…> at an additional cost. Visit UM Recreation Services <https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services> and take advantage of everything available to you. Claim your free tickets<https://gobisons.ca/sports/2021/8/31/tickets.aspx> and cheer on the Bisons<https://gobisons.ca/index.aspx> all month long! Women's hockey opens their season on Friday, October 15 against the Calgary Dinos. Football returns to IG Field looking for a 3-0 record against the Dinos on October 16, and UBC faces off against men's hockey on October 22. Visit gobisons.ca<https://gobisons.ca/index.aspx> for details. I hope to see you at the games! #wearellbisons Bargaining update You may have seen or heard that the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) has recently voted to hold a strike vote later this month. A strike vote is a vote by the employees in a bargaining unit (in this case UMFA). The vote's outcome determines if the employees in a bargaining unit are authorized to call a strike, though it doesn't necessarily mean a strike will be called. Regardless of the outcome of this vote, please be assured that we are committed to providing stability for students through the timely conclusion of bargaining with UMFA. For regular updates I encourage you to visit this site<https://umanitoba.ca/bargaining/>. An update from the UM Bookstore As of October 12, proof of vaccination plus a government-issued or UM staff/student ID are required to enter the UM Bookstore. Orders can be placed online or by phone for delivery or pick-up at the Customer Service window. Visit umanitoba.ca/bookstore<https://umanitoba.ca/bookstore/> or call 204-474-8321. Finally, congratulations to Fall graduates! As you celebrate your many accomplishments from October 18-21 and on November 10, members of the UM community will be cheering you on virtually! The digital platform we're using for the event will offer a safe and immersive celebration. In addition to the ceremonies, you can access a digital photo booth, a live chat, a downloadable digital yearbook, faculty after-parties and a virtual tour through the Gallery of Awards. Find out more about making the most of your convocation experience<https://news.umanitoba.ca/make-the-most-of-your-fall-convocation-experience/> and how to use the platform.<https://news.umanitoba.ca/how-to-virtual-convocation-platform/> I hope that this message has been helpful to you. I'll be in touch again soon with more updates and resources to help you thrive at UM. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Take good care. My best, Laurie Laurie M. Schnarr, MA (she/her) Vice-Provost (Students) Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) University of Manitoba 208 Administration Building Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 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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