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

Status of the University of Manitoba / UMFA collective agreement negotiations
by University of Manitoba 27 Nov '21

27 Nov '21

Early this morning, the mediator advised the University of Manitoba and UMFA of his final recommendation to move all outstanding bargaining issues to binding interest arbitration. The university has agreed to accept the mediator’s recommendation. Read the mediator's recommendation here<https://umanitoba.ca/bargaining/sites/bargaining/files/2021-11/um-umfa-cont…>.

1 0

UPDATE: Return to in-person classes, only fully vaccinated allowed on campus
by Marcia Davies 27 Nov '21

27 Nov '21

[Graphical user interface Description automatically generated with low confidence] Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) Dear students, Thank you to the 26,000+ individuals - 81 per cent of the student population - who have already uploaded your proof of vaccination. We appreciate your commitment to the health and safety of our campus community by uploading your proof of vaccination by the November 14 deadline. I am so pleased that after nearly two years, we will be returning to in-person classes in Winter Term 2022, as so many of us have hoped for. To support this, I will reiterate that everyone must be fully vaccinated and upload their proof of vaccination to be on campus, commencing Winter Term 2022. Rapid testing alternatives will not be available to those who have chosen not to submit their proof of vaccination, unless they have received an approved exemption. To protect the safety of our UM community, all students who have not uploaded their proof of vaccination and who have not received an approved exemption will be identified and de-registered from in-person Winter Term courses. Vaccination appointments<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/vaccine-information> are available at University Health Service or on the province's website. If you are fully vaccinated and have not already done so, visit the vaccination registration site<https://covid-declaration.umanitoba.ca/> right away, to upload your proof of vaccination. If you have already uploaded your proof for the Fall term, you do not need to resubmit your proof of vaccination. For the remainder of Fall Term, anyone who has not uploaded proof of vaccination must participate in UM's rapid testing program<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/vaccine-information#if-you-have-not-been-v…> and have a negative COVID-19 test result before participating in on-campus activities. For more information, visit UM's COVID-19 website.<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus> If you have questions, please direct them to safereturn(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:safereturn@umanitoba.ca>. I recognize that these have been challenging times for you. I want to stress that the measures the university is taking underscore our fundamental commitment to the health and well-being of our campus community and to a safe return to the in-person experience that we all miss. I look forward to seeing you on campus in Winter Term! 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! 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. [UMLogoSignature]

1 0

The University of Manitoba accepts Mediator’s recommendation for binding arbitration, UMFA does not
by University of Manitoba 22 Nov '21

22 Nov '21

This weekend, the mediator advised the parties of his view that there is no likelihood that the parties will reach a settlement of outstanding differences without a protracted strike continuing, and he recommended binding interest arbitration as the best path forward to end the strike and reach a fair collective agreement for UMFA members. The University of Manitoba accepted mediator Arne Peltz’ recommendation to move to binding arbitration to settle outstanding issues and end the strike. UMFA indicated that they are unwilling to accept the Mediator’s recommendation to refer all outstanding differences to arbitration. UMFA advised that they would meet to try to come up with a modified version of the recommendation and get back to the parties as soon as they have something.

1 0

Academic Schedule scenario 3 and 4 changes
by Marcia Davies 20 Nov '21

20 Nov '21

[cid:image002.png@01D7DBC0.F022B850] Dear students, On November 17, Senate Executive on behalf of Senate, the academic governing body of the university, met and approved several motions related to the academic schedule as a result of the strike. As the strike continues, there will be significant changes required to the academic schedule to maintain the integrity of our courses and programs, and to ensure requirements for accreditation are met. The modifications to the academic schedule depend on the length of the strike. In all scenarios, there will be no classes or exams held during the University closure that is scheduled for December 24, 2021, through January 4, 2022. For details on all scenarios, including the previously announced scenarios 1 and 2, visit umanitoba.ca/strike-information<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/>. Academic schedule modifications Senate Executive approved two further potential scenarios. Scenario 3 [Return to teaching between November 24 and November 30]: * The last instructional day of fall term, December 10, 2021 remains unchanged for continuing classes. * Interrupted classes will have instructional days up until the start of the University closure on December 24, 2022. Classes will resume January 5, 2022, and the last instructional day will be January 12, 2022. * The voluntary withdrawal (VW) date will move to December 10, 2021 for all classes, continuing and interrupted. * The original exam period, December 11 to 23, 2021, will continue as is for continuing courses that are not disrupted by the strike. * All courses interrupted by the strike will have their exams rescheduled to occur during an alternate exam period: January 14 to 16, 2022, inclusive. * The final grade appeal deadline will be moved to February 4, 2022, for all classes, continuing and interrupted. * Winter Term 2022 as previously scheduled remains unchanged. Scenario 4 [Return to teaching between December 1 and December 7] The last instructional day of fall term, December 10, 2021 remains unchanged for continuing classes. * Interrupted classes will have instructional days up until the start of the University closure on December 24, 2022. Classes will resume January 5, 2022, and the last instructional day will be January 19, 2022. * The voluntary withdrawal (VW) date will move to December 10, 2021 for continuing classes, and December 21, 2021 for interrupted classes. * The original exam period, December 11 to 23, 2021, will continue as is for continuing courses that are not disrupted by the strike. * All courses interrupted by the strike will have their exams re-scheduled to occur during an alternate exam period: January 21 to 23, 2022, inclusive. * The final grade appeal deadline will be moved to February 11, 2022, for all classes, continuing and interrupted. * The start of Winter Term 2022 will be January 24, 2022, and the last instructional day would be April 20. * The Winter Term break (Reading Week) would be reduced from a four-day break (February 22-25) to a one-day break (February 22). * The winter term exam period (April 21-May 1, 2022) would proceed as scheduled to prevent delays in the start of the Summer Term 2022 and to minimize the impact on graduation and on admission and registration timelines for the Fall Term 2022. Note: To maintain the number of instructional days and instructional contact hours, it is necessary to capture additional days within the calendar. This was accomplished, in part, by reducing the winter term break (Reading Week) to an extended long weekend. This is not ideal, but the alternative of extending the end of the winter term further into May creates significant issues: it would jeopardize students' ability to graduate on time; it would impact students' ability to complete courses on time that are required to meet application deadlines for advanced entry, after degree, or graduate programs, including those at institutions other than UM; and it would impact summer employment commitments for students who rely on summer income to pay for their education. * The VW date would move to February 4, 2022 for fall/winter term spanned courses and to April 1, 2022 for winter term courses. Please note that slight modifications may be required for all scenarios. Full details about the academic schedule changes, including a detailed breakdown of the dates for all possible scenarios, and changes to deadlines for graduate students can be found here<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/faculty-and-staff-faq>. While the Voluntary Withdrawal date changes in both scenarios, it is not the only course of action for students looking to withdraw from a course. Students may also request an Authorized Withdrawal<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/student-advocacy/au…>. Please keep in mind that dates associated with the Scenario 2 version of the academic schedule<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/student-faq> are currently in effect and we are all hopeful that the strike will end as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and adaptability during this time. I encourage you to visit the strike website<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/> for answers to many frequently asked questions. For any other questions you may have related to the strike, please email strikeum(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:strikeum@umanitoba.ca>. 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]

1 0

UM and UMFA meet to discuss cost of proposals and will resume mediation
by University of Manitoba 16 Nov '21

16 Nov '21

This message was sent to all University of Manitoba staff on Sunday, Nov. 14. On Saturday, a small group of University of Manitoba bargaining team members met with UMFA representatives to clarify the numbers and calculations that make up the university’s and UMFA’s monetary offers. UMFA confirmed that the university has calculated the actual cost of the proposals accurately, although there continues to be disagreement on how to report those numbers. The university and UMFA will be back at the bargaining table on Monday, Nov. 15 to continue mediation as they work on a new collective agreement. The university will also be tabling an updated monetary offer. Updates will continue to be provided via the bargaining website as soon as further information is available. Visit the Bargaining Information website<https://umanitoba.ca/bargaining/>.

1 0

Urgent Nov. 14 deadline
by Safe Return 13 Nov '21

13 Nov '21

[cid:image001.png@01D7D7BD.F651B660] MESSAGE FROM THE COVID-19 RECOVERY STEERING COMMITTEE November 14 deadline to upload your proof of vaccination If you are one of the almost 27,000 people who have already uploaded your proof of vaccination, we thank you. If you are fully vaccinated and have not already done so, visit the vaccination registration site<https://covid-declaration.umanitoba.ca/> right away, to upload your proof of vaccination before this Sunday. This includes all staff who are working remotely, and students who are learning remotely. Effective November 15 and for the rest of the Fall Term, UM will be monitoring to ensure that employees and students have either submitted proof of vaccination or are attending UM's rapid testing site. Anyone who has not uploaded proof of vaccination must participate in UM's rapid testing program<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/vaccine-information#if-you-have-not-been-v…> and have a negative COVID-19 test result before participating in on-campus activities. Thank you for your attention to this crucial health and safety matter.

1 0

Academic Schedule changes
by Marcia Davies 11 Nov '21

11 Nov '21

[cid:image002.jpg@01D531AE.174C13F0] Dear students, Earlier today, Senate Executive (on behalf of Senate, the governing body of the university), approved several motions related to potential impacts on the academic schedule as a result of the strike. During any labour disruption, the academic schedule is modified to maintain the integrity of courses and programs, and to ensure that requirements for accreditation are upheld. Modifications are made based on potential scenarios that reflect hypothetical strike durations. In the motions noted below, two scenarios were presented to Senate Executive with hypothetical strike end dates (Scenario 1: on or before November 15; Scenario 2: between November 16 to 23). In both scenarios the fall academic term remains intact and the winter term commences as planned. Academic calendar modifications Scenario 1 [Return to teaching on or before November 15]: * The last instructional day of fall term, December 10, 2021 remains unchanged for continuing classes. * The last instructional day of fall term for interrupted classes will be December 16, 2021. * The voluntary withdrawal date will move from November 23 to November 29, 2021 for all classes, continuing and interrupted. * The December exam period will still occur from December 11 to December 23, 2021; however, given the extension of the fall term for interrupted classes, a new exam schedule must be created. The new exam schedule includes dates on the weekends. This schedule will be complete and available to students by December 1, 2021 and will replace the current exam schedule that was made available to students at the end of October. Scenario 2 [Return to teaching between November 16 and November 23]: * The last instructional day of fall term, December 10, 2021 remains unchanged for continuing classes. * The last instructional day for fall term for interrupted classes will be December 23, 2021. * The voluntary withdrawal date will move from November 23 to December 7, 2021 for all classes, continuing and interrupted. * The original exam period, December 11 to 23, 2021, will continue as is for continuing courses that are not disrupted by the strike. * The dates of the alternate exam period will be January 6 to 9, 2022, inclusive. All courses interrupted by the strike will have their exams re-scheduled to occur during this alternate period. * The final grade appeal deadline will be moved from January 25, 2022, to January 28, 2022, for all classes, continuing and interrupted. *Slight modifications may be required for both scenarios. Full details about the academic calendar changes can be found here<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/student-faq>. What happens when the strike ends? Once an agreement has been reached and the strike has ended, things may move quickly. UM and UMFA will announce that a tentative agreement has been reached, subject to ratification, and that will include the date when courses will resume. Senate Executive also passed two motions intended to reduce any undue anxiety or hardship for students impacted by the strike: * No assignments will be due or exams held in interrupted courses within 72 hours of those courses resuming. This is to give students some time to complete assignments and to study. * Some students will have a combination of courses that continued throughout the strike, and courses with modified schedules because the instructor was on strike. Academic unit heads and academic staff shall ensure that students are not disadvantaged with respect to any missed classes, materials, assignments/tests when there is a scheduling conflict between a class and an exam. Please communicate directly with your instructors if you have a conflict. This uncertainty can be stressful - please know that UM's student support offices<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports> are open and more than happy to help during this time. Do not hesitate to reach out. There are also a variety of other resources being shared on our student Instagram account<https://www.instagram.com/umstudent/> including academic resources and health and wellness supports. If you have questions, visit the strike information website<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/>. If your questions are not answered there, please email strikeum(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:strikeum@umanitoba.ca> and we will help find you an answer. Thank you for your patience during this challenging time. I know we all look forward to putting this chapter behind us. Warmly, 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]

1 0

COVID-19 vaccination enforcement update
by Safe Return 06 Nov '21

06 Nov '21

[cid:image001.png@01D7D253.BFC7CD60] MESSAGE FROM DIANE HIEBERT-MURPHY, PROVOST AND VICE-PRESIDENT (ACADEMIC) AND NAOMI ANDREW, VICE-PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION) COVID-19 vaccination enforcement update UM community members to upload proof of vaccination before Nov. 14 Thank you to the more than 24,000 people who have already uploaded your proof of vaccination. All proof of vaccination submissions have been reviewed and verified and you will be contacted if there are any concerns with your submission. If you are fully vaccinated and have not already done so, visit the vaccination registration site<https://covid-declaration.umanitoba.ca/> right away, regardless of your intention to be on campus. Anyone who has not uploaded proof of vaccination must participate in UM's rapid testing program<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/vaccine-information#if-you-have-not-been-v…> and have a negative COVID-19 test result before participating in on-campus activities. Effective November 15 and for the rest of the Fall Term, UM will be monitoring to ensure that employees and students have either submitted proof of vaccination or are attending the UM's rapid testing site. Vaccine mandate As part of UM's continued commitment to keeping our community safe, a full vaccine mandate will take effect in the new year at which point rapid testing will no longer be an approved alternative to vaccination. Further details will be communicated on this in the weeks ahead. Limited exemptions As previously communicated, UM will follow the province's process for medical exemptions. If you have received a medical exemption, you can upload your QR code on the proof of vaccination tool<https://covid-declaration.umanitoba.ca/>. The University has established a process to review requests for religious accommodation in accordance with provincial legislation. These exemptions will be limited to those prescribed by human rights legislation, and the form and details can be accessed on the COVID website<https://covid-declaration.umanitoba.ca/exemption-request/>. Anyone requesting a religious accommodation must submit the form by November 26, 2021. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to health and safety.

1 0

Crossing Picket Lines
by Marcia Davies 06 Nov '21

06 Nov '21

[cid:image001.jpg@01D7D227.2D4BD160] Dear students, I want to provide you with some clarity around the process for declaring if you have decided not to cross picket lines. Choosing not to cross picket lines is your right. We have asked all instructors who are currently teaching to make reasonable accommodations if this is the case. Please note, if you make this choice, you are responsible for meeting course requirements for the courses that are continuing. If this is your intention, you must email your instructor as soon as you have decided not to cross the picket line, and inform them that you will not be attending your continuing course (whether in-person or virtual) for this reason. Your instructor will provide a confirmatory email back to you - declarations will not be accepted retroactively. Many courses are continuing during this time, and the list of continuing courses<https://umanitoba.ca/registrar/continuing-courses> changes often. Please be sure to monitor the list regularly. For more information on this or other updates related to the strike, please visit the UM's strike information webpage<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/>. Thinking of you and wishing you well, Laurie Laurie M. Schnarr, MA (she/her) Vice-Provost (Students) Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) University of Manitoba 208 Administration Building Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Tel: 204.474.6919 Confidential Assistant - Marci Davies Marci.Davies(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Marcia.Davies@umanitoba.ca>: 204.474.6917 Student Affairs: Creating opportunities for student success! The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. Confidentiality notice: This message and any attachments to it are intended for the addressee only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender if you have received this email by mistake, and please delete it and the attachments (and all copies) in a secure manner. [UMLogoSignature]

1 0

UM Learn content update for all students
by Marcia Davies 04 Nov '21

04 Nov '21

[cid:image002.jpg@01D531AE.174C13F0] Dear students, I am happy to inform you that all courses on UM Learn have been activated. We heard from you that not being able to access all courses in UM Learn was an issue. We addressed this as quickly as possible to reduce any additional stress this caused you. If an instructor is on strike, you are not responsible for any course work, assignments or exams in that course during the strike period. Those classes will resume at the end of the strike. If your instructor returns to work before the end of the strike, you are responsible for any of your courses and relevant work, assignments or exams that are continuing. The list of continuing courses is being updated regularly, so please check the list<https://umanitoba.ca/registrar/continuing-courses> often. If you are being asked to complete work for a course in which the instructor is on strike, please connect with your faculty/school/college/department office<https://umanitoba.ca/academics#our-faculties-colleges-and-schools> or the Virtual Advising Help Centre.<https://umanitoba.ca/virtual-advising-help-centre> This is a challenging time. The Student Counselling Centre continues to operate during the faculty strike, albeit with reduced capacity, because some of their staff are participating in the UMFA strike. Individual counselling appointments continue to be offered by staff who are working and intake appointments are also available. I encourage you to reach out to UM's student support<https://news.umanitoba.ca/student-supports-and-resources-during-the-umfa-st…> offices if you need support. Please know that there are many people at the University who are ready and eager to help. If you have any questions, please visit the strike website<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/student-faq> where an extensive list of FAQs has been posted. If your question isn't there, please send it to strikeum(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:strikeum@umanitoba.ca> and we will get you an answer as quickly as possible. 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]

1 0