February 2025 - all-students - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Review Committee Seeking Input re: High-Quality Teaching at UM
by SCIE Project 27 Feb '25

27 Feb '25

The following message is sent on behalf of Dr. Mark G. Torchia, Vice-Provost (Learning, Analytics, and Academic Infrastructure) and Chair, Senate Committee on Instruction and Evaluation. ________________________________ Teaching and course evaluations at the University of Manitoba are currently provided by a singular end of term student reflections on instructors and courses (SRI) instrument. Literature relating to the assessment of high-quality teaching and courses design continues to expand, including adopting assessment approaches that support contextually relevant models of teaching assessment. Reflections by the Senate Committee on Instruction and Evaluation about SRI in the overall context of the UM Evaluation of Teaching Policy have provided an opportunity for a holistic review of current practices and needs regarding how high-quality teaching is defined and assessed at UM. The Review Committee is now seeking broad input from the University of Manitoba community to generate feedback about qualities of high-quality teaching and identify possible methods of teaching assessment. Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to participate by registering<https://www.cognitoforms.com/UniversityOfManitoba55/TeachingEvaluationRevie…> in a virtual focus group being held in March. Participants will receive a $25 Amazon gift card.

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Bison Playoffs!
by Marcia Davies 27 Feb '25

27 Feb '25

The following message is sent on behalf of Gene Muller, Director, Athletics & Recreation. Bisons! It's playoff time, and our nationally-ranked Bisons women's volleyball<https://gobisons.ca/sports/womens-volleyball> and men's basketball<https://gobisons.ca/sports/mens-basketball> teams are ready to compete in the Canada West postseason. This is your chance to witness high-stakes action, intense matchups, and championship-level performances-for free. Women's Volleyball Quarterfinals (Best of 3 series vs Mount Royal) Location: Investors Group Athletic Centre * Game 1: Thurs., Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. * Game 2: Fri., Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. * Game 3 (if necessary): Sat., Mar. 1 at 4 p.m. Claim your free volleyball tickets now<https://www.showpass.com/womens-volleyball-playoffs-20242025/> Men's Basketball Semi-Final (Single-game elimination vs UBC) Location: Investors Group Athletic Centre * Sat., Mar.1 at 7 p.m. Claim your free basketball tickets now<https://www.showpass.com/mens-basketball-playoffs-20242025/> Your support makes all the difference. Pack the stands, bring your friends, bring the energy, and show our teams the power of Bison pride. See you there. Go Bisons! [signature_4028178315] Marcia (Marci) Davies (she/her) Assistant to the Vice-Provost (Students), Laurie Schnarr Student Affairs Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) University of Manitoba 208 Administration Building Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Tel: 204.474.6917 marci.davies(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:marci.davies@umanitoba.ca> www.umanitoba.ca/student<http://www.umanitoba.ca/student> Student Affairs - Leaders in cultivating exceptional student experiences With humility and appreciation, I acknowledge that the University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininew, Anisininew, Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. I respect Turtle Island and the Treaties that were made on these territories as a third-generation Mennonite settler. I am committed to contributing to acts of Reconciliation, and I am grateful to Indigenous communities for their leadership and patience as I continue my path of learning and awareness. 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 to UM Students: February 24, 2025
by Marcia Davies 24 Feb '25

24 Feb '25

[Graphical user interface Description automatically generated with low confidence] Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) Welcome back, Bisons! I hope you had a restful and productive break and are ready to tackle the remainder of the Winter term with your usual commitment and determination. We are receiving some questions from students about the bargaining process currently underway with UMFA, the University of Manitoba’s Faculty Association, that I would like to address. The university has met with UMFA twenty-nine times since the Summer term and continues to bargain in good faith, with the intention of concluding a collective agreement without a labour disruption. The university remains committed to a fair deal for UMFA and to ensuring an outstanding teaching and learning experience for students. Please be assured that the university remains open, and all classes and activities are continuing as usual. I encourage you to visit UM’s Labour Relations website<https://umanitoba.ca/labour-relations>, where the university’s new package proposal, including a strengthened monetary offer, is posted. We will continue to provide bargaining updates on that website until a new collective agreement is reached. If there are any developments that specifically affect students, we will connect with you directly.  As you ease back into the term, I also wanted to highlight some activities taking place over the coming week. Be sure to check out the events calendar<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/> for more happenings throughout the term: * Pet Therapy<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/studentaffairs/event/pet-therapy-a…>!! – On Tuesday February 25 head to the Student Wellness Centre, 162 Extended Education Complex, between 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for some cuddles with canines! * On Wednesday, February 26 participate in the Spiritual Care – UM Drum Circles: Winter Wellness Series<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/studentaffairs/event/um-drum-circl…> from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in 521 UMSU University Centre * Cheer on the Bisons Women’s Volleyball<https://www.showpass.com/womens-volleyball-playoffs-20242025/> team during their playoffs! Best of three starts on Thursday February 27. * On Friday, February 28 support the UM Food Bank<https://umanitoba.ca/financial-aid-and-awards/u-m-food-bank> while enjoying local talent at the “Rocking with a Cause”<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/studentaffairs/event/um-food-bank-…> concert. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the performance starts at 6 p.m. An International graduate student townhall is scheduled for Friday, February 28, 10 to 11:30 a.m. in 544/543 UMSU University Centre. Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, representatives from the International Centre, the UM Graduate Students Association, and I will be in attendance to discuss topics of relevance to International graduate students, including off campus working hours, the family open work permit, eligibility for the post-graduation work permit, and Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs). In-person registration is now full but participation via Zoom remains available to those interested in attending. Please register here<https://applygrad.umanitoba.ca/register/?id=0b6b6be8-7171-46ae-a12d-10181e8…>. Looking ahead to the next month, March 3-7 is Student Success Week, which is designed to help you maintain momentum, stay on course, and finish the Winter term successfully. Drop by info tables in the Fireside Lounge in University Centre and participate in a variety of workshops and events facilitated by the Academic Learning Centre and campus partners. Learn more and see a list of programming online.<https://news.umanitoba.ca/student-success-week-is-march-3-7-2025/> An important feature of Student Success Week is Procrastination Awareness Week (PAW),<https://news.umanitoba.ca/procrastination-awareness-week-2025/> a national campaign that the University of Manitoba co-hosts each year with academic institutions from across Canada. In addition to both live and pre-recorded workshops, PAW includes a virtual study hall, resource library, and opportunities to socialize with students from across all participating institutions. Check out the free online workshops, presentations, and events and register online<https://events.zoom.us/ev/AnMF3MZ122-qLmy7Z7E1HU6cHKfFcA2B0gILurnI46LkHjDNk…>. UMSU’s 106th birthday celebrations are kicking off on Monday, March 10, followed by a fun week of events and activities, concluding with the UMSU Street Party on Friday, March 14. Keep an eye on instagram.com/myumsu<https://www.instagram.com/myumsu/> for details. As you navigate the rest of the Winter term, remember that there are many resources and student supports<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports> available to you. Be sure to check them out. Take good care. …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 Confidential Assistant - Marci Davies Marci.Davies(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Marcia.Davies@umanitoba.ca>: Student Affairs – Leaders in cultivating exceptional student experiences I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that the University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininew, Anisininew, Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. As a white settler of English and German descent I am committed to walking alongside Indigenous students, colleagues, friends, and neighbours and doing the work that is necessary to honour the truth, and contribute through meaningful action 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] [signature_4028178315]

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Message to UM Students: February 14, 2025
by Marcia Davies 14 Feb '25

14 Feb '25

[Graphical user interface Description automatically generated with low confidence] Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) Greetings Bisons! The Winter Term break, February 18 to 21, is almost here. I hope you can take advantage of this opportunity to catch up on your studies, recharge, and enjoy some of the fun outdoor activities Manitoba has to offer. Below are some highlights of upcoming events, supports, and resources that may be useful to you. Monday, February 17 is Louis Riel Day, an important day when the province recognizes and honours Louis Riel, the Founding Father of Manitoba. Today, Friday, February 14, UM will honour Louis Riel and Métis culture and history in Manitoba and at UM<https://news.umanitoba.ca/celebrating-louis-riel-honouring-metis-heritage/>. The celebration will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Marshall McLuhan Hall, 204 UMSU University Centre. This free event will include music celebrations and a lunch. Staff and students are invited and are encouraged to register to attend<https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=C92AT4wzTE6KFJBEaWL3uGB…>. If our on-campus celebrations have you craving more, there's lots happening in Manitoba throughout the break! Festival du Voyageur<https://heho.ca/en/> is taking place from February 14 to 23. Head to St. Boniface to enjoy one of our city's most iconic cultural events, and enjoy some live music, hot food, snow sculptures, and heritage activities. Hé ho! The Tourism Winnipeg<https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/things-to-do/top-tens/winter> website also has an extensive list of winter activities, including the Nestaweya River Trail at the Forks, the world's largest snow maze in St. Adolphe, and cross-country skiing at Windsor Park. Enjoy! Just because classes are on pause, it does not mean that campuses are closed. The Winter Term Break is an excellent time to connect<https://umanitoba.ca/current-students/SEAD/connection-desk> with on campus services, use the Library<https://umanitoba.ca/libraries/locations-and-facilities> spaces, and work out at the Active Living Centre. UM Recreation Services<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services> remains open with ongoing programming for students from the fitness centre to classes in a range of fitness areas. If you're feeling stressed or would like to talk with someone about challenges you are facing academically or personally, there are many student supports<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports> available. Be sure to drop by the Student Wellness Centre<https://www.healthyuofm.com/swc> (SWC), 162 Extended Education Bldg, whether to just check out the lounge space or get a drop-in consultation. And mark your calendars! Pet Therapy<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/studentaffairs/event/pet-therapy-a…> is taking place in the SWC on Tuesday, February 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.! The break is a perfect time to gear up for the rest of the term, so start looking ahead! A range of academic supports<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports>, including academic advising, are also available online and on campus during the break-check them out! This year's Three Minute Thesis (3MT)/Ma thèse en 180 secondes<https://umanitoba.ca/graduate-studies/student-experience/three-minute-thesi…>, UM's annual research communication competition, is fast approaching. The first heats start on March 4, so mark your calendars! Whether you are an aspiring graduate student or fully immersed in your current graduate program all are welcome to attend! When you return to campus, Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity) and I would love to connect with you. We are hosting drop-in hours on February 26 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Degrees, on the 3rd floor of UMSU University Centre. If you have any questions or concerns about the student experience at UM, or if you have any ideas you would like to share, please stop by! Don't forget to keep up to date with the UM Bisons! Basketball, hockey, volleyball, track and field... there is lots happening when you return from the break and, remember, you are entitled to free tickets! Keep your eyes on the Bisons webpage<https://gobisons.ca/> for details on upcoming sporting events. Go Bisons! Stay connected to what's happening across our campuses: · Check your inbox every Tuesday for UM's student e-newsletter Student Weekly<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/get-involved/student-weekly-newsletter>. · Follow @umstudent on Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/umstudent/> and TikTok<https://www.tiktok.com/@umstudent?lang=en>. · UM Today<https://news.umanitoba.ca/> is the UM news site with daily stories to keep you up to date. I wish you all a restful week. Be safe, keep well, and come back refreshed and ready to tackle the remainder of the Winter Term! I look forward to reconnecting with you then. 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 Confidential Assistant - Marci Davies Marci.Davies(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Marcia.Davies@umanitoba.ca>: Student Affairs - Leaders in cultivating exceptional student experiences I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that the University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininew, Anisininew, Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. As a white settler of English and German descent I am committed to walking alongside Indigenous students, colleagues, friends, and neighbours and doing the work that is necessary to honour the truth, and contribute through meaningful action to lasting positive change. [UMLogoSignature] [signature_4028178315]

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Join us at the launch of UM's Truth and Reconciliation Framework: Time for Action
by VP Indigenous 06 Feb '25

06 Feb '25

[Blue graphic with text reading: "Time for action."] Dear UM Community, We are excited to invite you to the launch event of the University of Manitoba's Truth and Reconciliation Framework: Time for Action. This significant event will take place on March 3, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the MPR, 2nd Floor UMSU University Centre, Fort Garry Campus. We will begin with opening remarks and a panel discussion where you can learn from students, faculty and staff already on their Reconciliation journey. You will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn about how to apply the Framework personally and professionally. Following this, please stay for a feast to honour this important milestone. The Framework launch complements UM's Strategic Plan<https://umanitoba.ca/strategic-plan>, promoting action of systemic change. Your presence and participation will be greatly valued as we come together to embrace and support this vital Framework. Date: Monday, March 3, 2025 Time: 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m., doors open at 11:15 a.m. Location: MPR, 2nd Floor UMSU University Centre, Fort Garry Campus To help us plan for your participation, RSVP for the in-person event<https://forms.office.com/r/EznxJNBzxM> by Tuesday, February 25. Please email rsvp(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:rsvp@umanitoba.ca> with any questions about the event. We appreciate the engagement, support and willingness to share your ideas and aspirations to help build this Framework. We look forward to seeing you there. Miigwech. Thank you. Angie Bruce, Vice-President (Indigenous) Chair and Co-sponsor, Reconciliation Advisory Committee Jeff Leclerc, University Secretary Co-sponsor, Reconciliation Advisory Committee

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Join me at this year’s Distinguished Knight Lecture featuring Christine Sinclair
by President's Office 03 Feb '25

03 Feb '25

[Image of Christine Sinclair holding a soccer ball on blue background featuring graphic elements from the UM logo representing the sky and northern lights.] Dear UM community, As part of UM’s International Women’s Day celebrations, I am thrilled to invite you to join me in listening to Christine Sinclair deliver this year’s Distinguished Knight Lecture on March 11<https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2025-knight-lecture-with-christine-sinclair-tic…>. The event and Q&A session following the lecture will be emceed by Dayna Spiring [BA/98; LLB/01]. She is the recipient of UM’s 2023 IGNITE award, the first woman to have her name engraved on the CFL’s Grey Cup, and the driving force behind many sporting events, including Winnipeg’s successful bid to host the 2025 Grey Cup. Sinclair is the former captain of Canada’s women’s soccer team and an iconic athlete who has led teams through five Olympics (winning gold and two bronze medals) and five World Cups. With an astonishing 190 goals in 300 international matches, she holds the record as the all-time leading scorer in international soccer history. The five-time Olympian is also an Officer of the Order of Canada, an ambassador for the MS Society of Canada, and an advocate for gender equality. In her lecture she will share her inspiring journey—detailing the teamwork, passion, and resilience that propelled her to the top of her sport. She’ll also talk about the barriers female athletes face and how we can collectively work to dismantle them to build a more inclusive future. Join me for a thought-provoking lecture in celebration of International Women's Day. Register now and find more details on the event webpage<https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2025-knight-lecture-with-christine-sinclair-tic…>. Sincerely, Michael Benarroch, PhD President and Vice-Chancellor [University of Manitoba logo, featuring design of a bison walking on a path under the northern lights with a prairie landscape and the flame representing Reconciliation below.]

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