February 2026 - all-students - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Potential measles exposure at the University of Manitoba
by VP Students 05 Mar '26

05 Mar '26

[cid:image001.jpg@01DC7E39.A8C942B0] Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) Dear Students, Manitoba Public Health has advised the University of Manitoba of a potential measles exposure involving a person who was on the Fort Garry campus during their infectious period. Exposure locations and dates: * Helen Glass Centre – February 12 * Max Bell Centre – February 12 and 13 * Active Living Centre – February 12 Health officials have indicated this is an exposure event, not an outbreak. If you were in these locations on the listed dates, please follow the guidance provided by Manitoba Public Health<https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles-exposures.html#e…>. Individuals who develop symptoms are advised to isolate at home and contact their health-care provider. If you become ill or need to isolate and will be absent from the university, please speak with your instructor. For additional information about this notification, what to do if you believe you were exposed, and general information about measles, vaccination, and risk, visit the Province of Manitoba’s measles information page<https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/measles-exposures.html#e…>. If you have concerns around your vaccine status or other health-related questions, you are advised to contact your healthcare provider or Health Links.<https://misericordia.mb.ca/programs/phcc/health-links-info-sante/> Thank you.

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Message to UM students: Monday February 23, 2026
by VP Students 23 Feb '26

23 Feb '26

[Graphical user interface Description automatically generated with low confidence] Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) Welcome Back Bisons!! I hope Reading Week was a restful and productive break for you. Here are a few activities taking place this week as you ease back into your studies and finish the Winter term strong. Be sure to check out the events calendar<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/studentaffairs/> for more happenings throughout the term: * Pause for Paws – Drop by the Student Wellness Centre February 25 to unwind and relax with some furry friends<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/studentaffairs/event/pause-for-paw…>! * Drop-In Study Session with Writing Tutors & Librarians – Get assistance<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/libraries/event/drop-in-study-sess…> with your research and writing assignments on February 25, no appointment necessary. * Destigmatizing Non-Academic Career Pathways – Join the Grad student Conversation Circle February 25 to explore non-academic career paths<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/studentaffairs/event/grad-conversa…>, challenge unspoken expectations, and talk openly about uncertainty, curiosity and “what else is out there”. * Interview Preparation Workshop – Attend this interactive virtual workshop<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/studentaffairs/event/interview-pre…> on February 26 to become better prepared and to practice interview skills. * Pause and Play – Join the Student Wellness Centre February 26 for a board and card game hour to unwind, connect and refresh your mind<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/studentaffairs/event/pause-and-pla…>. Whether you join to compete or just connect, there is a seat at the table for you. * Pathways for Institutional Change at UM – Register<https://forms.office.com/r/wL8aQspbEN> for this teach-in with Vice-Provost (Equity) Tina Chen and Vice-Provost (Students) Laurie Schnarr. To make change at the university, you need to know how it works! Learn about the UM governance structure, hear stories of successful student-led campaigns, and join the Q&A on Friday, February 27th from 1-2:30pm. Looking beyond the first week back, March 2 to 6 is Student Success Week<https://umanitoba.ca/current-students/um-commons/student-success-week>, organized to highlight workshops, supports, and resources that can help you maintain your momentum and finish the Winter term successfully. To help you find those support offices, participate in a Scavenger Hunt on March 4 and 5. Be sure to register ahead of time and explore the Student Success Week website to learn how to connect and find support. On a final note, this is an important time for students interested in running for election – at the faculty level<https://umanitoba.ca/current-students/first-year/um-commons/student-governm…> and at UMSU<https://umsu.ca/elections/>. I congratulate all students who decide to actively engage in student governance and throw their hat in the ring. I encourage you to take some time to read up on those running in the elections and be sure to participate with your vote during the coming weeks. Your voice matters – your vote matters. I wish you all the best during these last weeks of the Winter term. You’ve got this, Bisons! 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 Tel: 204.474.6919 Student Affairs – We empower learners to achieve their highest potential Read our new Strategic Plan: Reimagining the Student Experience at UM (2025-2030) here<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/student-affairs/strategic-plan> I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that the University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininewak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, 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. [image.png] [image.png]

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Correction: Message to UM Students: Reading Week
by VP Students 13 Feb '26

13 Feb '26

We are resending today’s email to all students with the following correction: the UM Black Alliance is not hosting an online talk featuring Dr. Barrington Walker: We signed the Scarborough Charter – Now what? [cid:image001.jpg@01DC9D01.962864B0] Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) Dear Students, As we head into the Winter Term Break from February 16th-20th, I wanted to share a few reminders and highlight some events and activities that may be of interest to you. During the coming week I hope you take the time you need to relax, recharge, enjoy some winter fun and, of course, catch up on your reading and academic work. Commuter Appreciation Week<https://umanitoba.ca/student-affairs/commuter-appreciation-week> – still time to enter the contests! We’ve had so much fun connecting with you this week at the various events designed to celebrate commuter students<https://umanitoba.ca/student-affairs/commuter-appreciation-week#capture-you…> at UM. Today is the last day to enter Capture your Commute<https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=C92AT4wzTE6KFJBEaWL3uIj…>. Submit your entry in one of seven categories and you could win a fantastic prize – two Festival du Voyageur tickets, one of two $1,500 tuition credits for Fall term, and much more! Commuters – we appreciate you! Shape the future of student communications at UM Tell us how we can make digital communications at UM better for students. Your feedback will help us build a digital strategy that makes it easier to find resources, stay in the loop, and feel part of the UM community! Take the survey<https://umtoday.ca/stories/shape-future-student-communications-um> (open until end of day Sunday, February 15th), join a discovery session, win a $500 UM Bookstore gift card and other prizes. Undergraduate Research Awards (URAs) Did you know that UM was the first Canadian university to offer an Undergraduate Research Award to undergraduate students in all fields and ranges of research, scholarly works or creative activities? Up to 205 URAs are available across all disciplines, and two awards are available for community-based projects (supported by SSHRC). Check out the Undergraduate Research Awards website<https://umanitoba.ca/research/opportunities-support/undergraduate-research-…> for further details and to apply – the deadline is February 16th. Louis Riel Day On Monday we honour Louis Riel<https://umtoday.ca/stories/celebrating-louis-riel>, the Founding Father of Manitoba. If you are unable to join the Louis Riel Day Celebration<https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/louis-riel-day-celebration-tickets-197773563151…> on campus today from 11am-2pm, I encourage you to check out the annual celebration of Métis culture at the Forks<https://www.mmf.mb.ca/louis-riel-day-2026/louis-riel-day-at-the-forks> on February 16th from 11am-5pm. Of course, you can continue to celebrate from February 13th to 22nd at the Festival du Voyageur<https://heho.ca/en/> with more than 150 live performances, snow sculptures, outstanding food, and joie de vivre! Hé ho! Black History Month February is Black History Month<https://www.bhmwinnipeg.com/upcoming-events> and there is a range of important programming and events<https://www.bhmwinnipeg.com/upcoming-events> occurring on campus and throughout the province. The Afro-Caribbean Mentorship Program (ACMP) is co-hosting its annual program, Black History month Celebration: Empowering Voices Amplifying Black Narratives in Leadership,<https://weareacmp.com/black-history-month-feb-27-2026/> with UM, Red River College Polytechnic and the University of Winnipeg. This program will take place on Friday, February 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave<https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=515%20Portage%20Ave%2C%20Wi…>. His Excellency, The Honorable Gline Clark, High Commissioner to Canada from Barbados is the keynote speaker this year. We are here for you during the Break! The Winter Term Break is an excellent time to connect with student services on campus. We’re here, working hard to help you succeed at UM. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, or would like to connect with someone to talk about challenges you are facing academically or personally, there are many student supports<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports> available for you. 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! To help you stay active and relieve stress throughout the week, check out group fitness and casual rec use time through Recreation Services<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services>. Navigating Artificial Intelligence The winter break is a good time to take a non-credit course to gain essential knowledge and practical skills on how to use artificial intelligence (AI)<https://umtoday.ca/stories/navigating-ai-your-studies-and-career> responsibly in your studies and career. This self-paced course should take 4 hours and, upon completion, you will receive a certificate and a shareable digital badge. Register on UM Learn<https://universityofmanitoba.desire2learn.com/d2l/login>. Stay informed: Check your UM student email for the Student Weekly and follow @umstudent on Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/umstudent/> and TikTok<https://www.tiktok.com/@umstudent>. Enjoy your break and I’ll connect with you again when you return in one week. Stay safe and be 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: Kimberlee Potter (Kimberlee.Potter(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Kimberlee.Potter@umanitoba.ca>) - 204-474-6917 Student Affairs – We empower learners to achieve their highest potential Read our new Strategic Plan: Reimagining the Student Experience at UM (2025-2030)<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/student-affairs/strategic-plan> I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that the University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininewak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, 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. [cid:image002.png@01DC9D01.962864B0] [cid:image003.png@01DC9D01.962864B0]

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Message to UM Students: Winter Term Break
by VP Students 13 Feb '26

13 Feb '26

[cid:image001.jpg@01DC7E39.A8C942B0] Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) Dear Students, As we head into the Winter Term Break from February 16th-20th, I wanted to share a few reminders and highlight some events and activities that may be of interest to you. During the coming week I hope you take the time you need to relax, recharge, enjoy some winter fun and, of course, catch up on your reading and academic work. Commuter Appreciation Week<https://umanitoba.ca/student-affairs/commuter-appreciation-week> – still time to enter the contests! We’ve had so much fun connecting with you this week at the various events designed to celebrate commuter students<https://umanitoba.ca/student-affairs/commuter-appreciation-week#capture-you…> at UM. Today is the last day to enter Capture your Commute<https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=C92AT4wzTE6KFJBEaWL3uIj…>. Submit your entry in one of seven categories and you could win a fantastic prize – two Festival du Voyageur tickets, one of two $1,500 tuition credits for Fall term, and much more! Commuters – we appreciate you! Shape the future of student communications at UM Tell us how we can make digital communications at UM better for students. Your feedback will help us build a digital strategy that makes it easier to find resources, stay in the loop, and feel part of the UM community! Take the survey<https://umtoday.ca/stories/shape-future-student-communications-um> (open until end of day Sunday, February 15th), join a discovery session, win a $500 UM Bookstore gift card and other prizes. Undergraduate Research Awards (URAs) Did you know that UM was the first Canadian university to offer an Undergraduate Research Award to undergraduate students in all fields and ranges of research, scholarly works or creative activities? Up to 205 URAs are available across all disciplines, and two awards are available for community-based projects (supported by SSHRC). Check out the Undergraduate Research Awards website<https://umanitoba.ca/research/opportunities-support/undergraduate-research-…> for further details and to apply – the deadline is February 16th. Louis Riel Day On Monday we honour Louis Riel<https://umtoday.ca/stories/celebrating-louis-riel>, the Founding Father of Manitoba. If you are unable to join the Louis Riel Day Celebration<https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/louis-riel-day-celebration-tickets-197773563151…> on campus today from 11am-2pm, I encourage you to check out the annual celebration of Métis culture at the Forks<https://www.mmf.mb.ca/louis-riel-day-2026/louis-riel-day-at-the-forks> on February 16th from 11am-5pm. Of course, you can continue to celebrate from February 13th to 22nd at the Festival du Voyageur<https://heho.ca/en/> with more than 150 live performances, snow sculptures, outstanding food, and joie de vivre! Hé ho! Black History Month February is Black History Month<https://www.bhmwinnipeg.com/upcoming-events> and there is a range of important programming and events<https://www.bhmwinnipeg.com/upcoming-events> occurring on campus and throughout the province. For example, on February 15th, the UM Black Alliance<https://umanitoba.ca/um-black-alliance> is hosting an online talk<https://umanitoba.ca/um-black-alliance> featuring Dr. Barrington Walker: We signed the Scarborough Charter – Now what? from 7-9pm. The Afro-Caribbean Mentorship Program (ACMP) is co-hosting its annual program, Black History month Celebration: Empowering Voices Amplifying Black Narratives in Leadership,<https://weareacmp.com/black-history-month-feb-27-2026/> with UM, Red River College Polytechnic and the University of Winnipeg. This program will take place on Friday, February 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave<https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=515%20Portage%20Ave%2C%20Wi…>. His Excellency, The Honorable Gline Clark, High Commissioner to Canada from Barbados is the keynote speaker this year. We are here for you during the Break! The Winter Term Break is an excellent time to connect with student services on campus. We’re here, working hard to help you succeed at UM. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, or would like to connect with someone to talk about challenges you are facing academically or personally, there are many student supports<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports> available for you. 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! To help you stay active and relieve stress throughout the week, check out group fitness and casual rec use time through Recreation Services<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services>. Navigating Artificial Intelligence The winter break is a good time to take a non-credit course to gain essential knowledge and practical skills on how to use artificial intelligence (AI)<https://umtoday.ca/stories/navigating-ai-your-studies-and-career> responsibly in your studies and career. This self-paced course should take 4 hours and, upon completion, you will receive a certificate and a shareable digital badge. Register on UM Learn<https://universityofmanitoba.desire2learn.com/d2l/login>. Stay informed: Check your UM student email for the Student Weekly and follow @umstudent on Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/umstudent/> and TikTok<https://www.tiktok.com/@umstudent>. Enjoy your break and I’ll connect with you again when you return in one week. Stay safe and be 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: Kimberlee Potter (Kimberlee.Potter(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Kimberlee.Potter@umanitoba.ca>) - 204-474-6917 Student Affairs – We empower learners to achieve their highest potential Read our new Strategic Plan: Reimagining the Student Experience at UM (2025-2030)<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/student-affairs/strategic-plan> I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that the University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininewak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, 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. [cid:image002.png@01DC91E2.AAE568F0] [cid:image003.png@01DC91E2.AAE568F0]

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Prize draws, activities, fun: UM Commuter Appreciation Week Feb 9-13
by VP Students 06 Feb '26

06 Feb '26

[cid:image001.jpg@01DC7E39.A8C942B0] Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) Dear Bisons, At the University of Manitoba, most students commute—and we know that getting to our campuses takes time, energy, and commitment, especially in winter. Bisons Commute! - Commuter Appreciation Week, from February 9-13, is a week of warm welcomes, fun between classes, and opportunities to connect. Whether you’re here for one class or the whole day, we hope you’ll stop by for a warm beverage, a noon hour pick-me-up, games, music, and moments of connection designed with commuters in mind. Check out the schedule of activities and the many prize draws available during the week<https://umanitoba.ca/student-affairs/commuter-appreciation-week>. Enter as often as you can!! You don’t have to live on campus to belong here. We’re glad you’re part of the UM community. 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: Kimberlee Potter (Kimberlee.Potter(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Kimberlee.Potter@umanitoba.ca>) - 204-474-6917 Student Affairs – We empower learners to achieve their highest potential Read our new Strategic Plan: Reimagining the Student Experience at UM (2025-2030)<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/student-affairs/strategic-plan> I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that the University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininewak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, 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. [cid:image002.png@01DC91E2.AAE568F0] [cid:image003.png@01DC91E2.AAE568F0]

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Your input needed: Help improve communications at UM for students
by VP Students 02 Feb '26

02 Feb '26

[Graphical user interface Description automatically generated with low confidence] Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) Dear Bisons, We want to hear from YOU about how we can make digital communications at UM better for students. As tech continues to evolve, we are exploring a range of options to streamline communications, give you what you need at your fingertips, and provide a seamless experience. Tell us how you like to connect, where you get your info online and what would make things easier for you. How can you get involved? * Take a quick confidential survey! It’s open from February 2, 2026, until February 15, 2026. * Go to umanitoba.ca/student-survey<https://umanitoba.ca/student-survey> * Everyone who completes the survey will have the option to enter a prize draw to win: * One $500 UM BookStore gift card * One of five $100 UM Dining Services gift cards plus a “We Are All Bisons” t-shirt. * Join a discovery session. Connect with other students to share your ideas and help shape what’s next. Participants will receive an honorarium. * Fill out the discovery session sign-up form<https://forms.office.com/r/d7zdK05aQp> Your input matters! It will help us build a digital strategy that makes it easier to find resources, stay in the loop, and feel part of the UM community! I appreciate you considering how you can be involved. Thank you! …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: Kimberlee Potter (Kimberlee.Potter(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Kimberlee.Potter@umanitoba.ca>) - 204-474-6917 Student Affairs – We empower learners to achieve their highest potential Read our new Strategic Plan: Reimagining the Student Experience at UM (2025-2030)<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/student-affairs/strategic-plan> I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that the University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininewak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, 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. [image.png] [image.png]

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