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UM and UMFA meet to discuss cost of proposals and will resume mediation
by University of Manitoba 15 Nov '21

15 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/>.

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Urgent Nov. 14 deadline
by Safe Return 12 Nov '21

12 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.

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Academic Schedule changes
by Marcia Davies 10 Nov '21

10 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]

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COVID-19 vaccination enforcement update
by Safe Return 05 Nov '21

05 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.

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Crossing Picket Lines
by Marcia Davies 05 Nov '21

05 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]

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UM Learn content update for all students
by Marcia Davies 03 Nov '21

03 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]

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Resources and information for students about the UMFA strike
by Marcia Davies 02 Nov '21

02 Nov '21

[cid:image002.jpg@01D531AE.174C13F0] Dear students: As you heard from President Michael Benarroch last night, joint efforts of the University of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) to reach an agreement by November 1st on terms for a new collective bargaining agreement have been unsuccessful. As a result, UMFA has commenced strike action beginning today, Tuesday, November 2nd. We realize this causes disruption for you. We will take every reasonable measure to support you through this time, including maintaining instruction for courses not being taught by UMFA members, and providing access to core services and resources. We will share as much information with you as possible as it becomes available - via email, website and our social media accounts. Answers to many of your questions, including those of you with specific circumstances, such as international or graduate students and students in your final year of study, can be found on this website<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/>. >From the website, you can also access a list of continuing courses<https://umanitoba.ca/registrar/continuing-courses> to see if your classes (in-person or remote delivery) are taking place. Remember that not all courses are taught by UMFA faculty members and not all UMFA members will necessarily strike. As a result, this page will change often as details are updated so please check back regularly. If a course is taught by an UMFA member who is on strike, your access to that course on UM Learn, and the associated learning materials, will be suspended. UM respects our faculty. They are important members of the campus community and core to the student experience and our academic mission. I understand this strike action is concerning and we want to remind you that supports<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports> are available. Please use these resources if you need to - your safety and well-being are our top priorities. The university is committed to reaching an agreement promptly to ensure your studies continue with as little disruption as possible. I will keep you updated as more information becomes available. 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! 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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UMFA rejects UM's latest offer and moves to strike
by University of Manitoba 01 Nov '21

01 Nov '21

UM presented UMFA with a strong offer that included a two-year monetary proposal with both general salary increases across the board and changes to the salary structure that would increase salaries an average of 9.5% over two years and substantially increase lifetime earnings of members. UMFA has rejected the offer and indicated its intention to strike. UM and UMFA representatives began negotiating a new collective agreement on Aug. 5 – and after 18 meetings, both parties agreed to move to mediation. UMFA set a bargaining deadline and mediation ended today without an agreement. UM is willing to continue with mediation, however UMFA has indicated that it will proceed with a strike on Nov. 2. "We are disappointed that UMFA has rejected our offer and moved to strike," says President and Vice-Chancellor, Michael Benarroch. "We strongly believe it's a fair deal as it would allow us to recruit new faculty with more competitive offers, support faculty retention, and ensure faculty wages remain competitive with their U15 counterparts as they advance in their careers. We hope to be back at the table soon."  Throughout the negotiations, UMFA has continued to seek salary compensation from the university for what UMFA says was lost from 2016 to 2020. As part of a lawsuit against the government, UMFA is seeking damages for lost wages for that period and expenses from the 2016 strike. UM is not part of that litigation. The courts will hear UMFA's claim in November 2021 and decide on damages payable to UMFA by the government. UM does not believe it is appropriate for UMFA to seek this compensation from both the university and the government. "The university has bargained in good faith throughout the last few months and has tabled several offers, all in an attempt to reach an agreement," says Provost and Vice-President Academic, Diane Hiebert-Murphy. "Our latest offer is truly a strong offer that will provide meaningful increases to all UMFA members in the long term, as well as address recruitment and retention issues and provide for stability to the university community." Students and staff can find information pertaining to university operations on the strike website<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/> which will be updated daily throughout the labour disruption.   Read more on UM Today<https://news.umanitoba.ca/umfa-rejects-ums-latest-offer-and-moves-to-strike/>.

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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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