- all-students - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Message from Dr. David T. Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manitoba
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 15 Sep '17

15 Sep '17

[LH masthead.jpg] Last year, the University of Manitoba community launched a revised set of behavioural policies, including a new stand-alone sexual assault policy. Like other universities across Canada, the University of Manitoba recognized the continued importance of addressing behavioural issues. Our ongoing goal is to build a culture of consent, respect, trust, and inclusivity and, most importantly, to ensure the safety of our community. The revised policies, available online at http://umanitoba.ca/human_rights/rwle/index.html, are clear and direct, resulting from broad and extensive consultation with all groups on campus, including students, staff and faculty. They also are responsive to the needs of our community. The policies have been tested, and they work. That doesn't mean they shouldn't be reviewed. They can, and will be. Feedback from individuals involved directly in incidents, especially feedback from complainants, is always valued and will inform revisions, which will be undertaken every three years. As has occurred recently, the effectiveness of our policies will attract scrutiny. Although I cannot speak to any individual case, I do want to take this opportunity to emphasize the university's unwavering commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful environment. That means that we deeply respect the concerns of any members of our community who show the courage to come forward with a complaint. Their thoughts and feelings are important to us. We will support them, we will follow through on their concerns, and we will do what we can to ensure their safety. These matters are complex, and they require navigating many sensitive and challenging issues, often within a competing framework of rights and interests and legislative requirements. In order for the policies to work effectively, they have to respect the confidentiality and privacy of the complainant, but also of the respondent. That can be difficult to accept when one is directly involved, but it is essential in order to maintain the integrity of the process. I am confident the policies work, that they help keep our campuses safe, inclusive and respectful. The policies are critical to building the university we want to be, and we are committed to refining them as required. This is an iterative process. We listen, we learn, and we improve. Perhaps it is fitting that, as we mark Homecoming Week, celebrating our achievements and successes, friendships and relationships, we also remind ourselves of our pledge to build a community together where we learn and work with one another assured of our safety, inclusion and respect. David T. Barnard, Ph.D., President and Vice-Chancellor 110 Administration Building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Office: +1-204-474-9345<tel:%2B1-204-474-9345> FAX: +1-204-261-1318<tel:%2B1-204-261-1318> Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca> news.umanitoba.ca/140 [MCO-00-153-UofM140thAnniversary-signature-F (002)]

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U of M and UMFA reach tentative four-year agreement
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 31 Aug '17

31 Aug '17

The University of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) have successfully reached a tentative, four-year collective agreement. More information will be shared on UM Today<http://news.umanitoba.ca/> once it becomes available.

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signUM deployed successfully
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 26 Jun '17

26 Jun '17

SignUM Deployed Successfully signUM, our new Identity and Access Management service, went live this weekend. You can now use signUM for: 1. Claiming UMNetID 2. Changing Password 3. Updating Security Questions 4. Checking Account Status 5. Requesting access to optional resources Read the signUM FAQs <<http://umanitoba.ca/computing/ist/accounts/signumfaqs.html>> for more information. Please do not hesitate to contact the Service desk if you have any questions. Thank you, Service Desk Information Services & Technology University of Manitoba 123 Fletcher Argue 230 Neil John MacLean Library 204-474-8600 Servicedesk(a)umanitoba.ca ************************************************************************************************************* This communication is intended for the use of the recipient to which it is addressed, and may contain confidential, personal and/or privileged information. Please contact us immediately if you are not the intended recipient of this communication, and do not copy, distribute, or take action relying on it. Any communication received in error, or subsequent reply, should be deleted or destroyed. Please consider the environment before printing this email. {CMI: MCID1202477}

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signUM Implementation Starts Today at 4:30 p.m.
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 23 Jun '17

23 Jun '17

signUM Implementation Starts Today at 4:30 p.m. IST will begin implementing signUM, our new identity and access management service, today. Please be advised that as part of this initiative, Iridium will be unavailable from June 23rd at 4:30 p.m. to June 25th at 8:00 p.m. During this time, users will not be able to: * Claim UMnetIDs * Change/Reset Passwords * Update Security Questions * Check Account Status * Request additional access to optional resources signUM is expected to go live Sunday June 25th at 8:00 p.m. At that time, all systems will start operating as usual. Please contact the Service Desk if you have any questions or need further support. Thank you, Service Desk Information Services & Technology University of Manitoba 123 Fletcher Argue 230 Neil John MacLean Library 204-474-8600 Servicedesk(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Servicedesk@umanitoba.ca> ************************************************************************************************************* This communication is intended for the use of the recipient to which it is addressed, and may contain confidential, personal and/or privileged information. Please contact us immediately if you are not the intended recipient of this communication, and do not copy, distribute, or take action relying on it. Any communication received in error, or subsequent reply, should be deleted or destroyed. Please consider the environment before printing this email. {CMI: MCID1201137}

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Message from David T. Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manitoba
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 19 Jun '17

19 Jun '17

To the University of Manitoba community, Next month our Fort Garry Campus will play host to the 2017 Canada Summer Games, serving as the Athletes' Village, the main venue for volleyball and track and field, and the location of the closing ceremonies. It's a year of anniversaries: the Canada Summer Games 50th; Canada's 150th; and the University of Manitoba's 140th. Our campus, and our city and province, will come alive with the presence of thousands of athletes and their coaches and the visitors who will arrive to enjoy the spectacle of Canada's finest youngest athletes competing against one another for the opportunity to represent their nation in future international events. I hope as many of you as possible will find a way to engage with the games. Whether as friends or family, athletes, volunteers, spectators, or simply hosts welcoming our visitors, I am confident each of us who will be on campus during the 2017 Canada Summer Games will represent this institution well as it takes the national stage for two weeks, from July 28 to August 13. During that time the University of Manitoba will host 4,000 athletes, ranging in age from 13 to 21. Many of these young athletes are still deciding what shape their futures might take; we have an opportunity to show them that the University of Manitoba - indeed, post-secondary education in any form - can help them achieve their dreams and goals. Along with the athletes, the Athletes' Village will host each team's coaching and mission staff: their medical staff, media liaisons and others. These athletes and teams, representing each of Canada's provinces and territories, will be located in more than 30 University of Manitoba buildings and using many of the exceptional facilities we have to offer, including housing, food services and the Active Living Centre. At the same time, the Fort Garry Campus will be bustling with its usual summer activities, not the least of which will be Mini-University. I can't imagine a time when we'll have more people on campus representing a wider age span what a wonderful way to mark our 140th birthday! Of course, any undertaking of this magnitude requires organization, cooperation and some level of accommodation. Some of us we will be relocated to make room for our visitors; traffic flows may be rerouted, bus stops moved. The UMToday team will strive to provide as much information in as timely a fashion as possible to keep all of you updated on traffic, parking and other developments, including the wide array of athletic and entertainment opportunities offered. http://news.umanitoba.ca/president-barnard-welcomes-2017-canada-summer-game… Have fun -- and let's make sure our visitors do too! Sincerely, David David T. Barnard, Ph.D., President and Vice-Chancellor 202 Administration Building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Office: +1-204-474-9345<tel:%2B1-204-474-9345> FAX: +1-204-261-1318<tel:%2B1-204-261-1318> Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca> news.umanitoba.ca/140 [MCO-00-153-UofM140thAnniversary-signature-F (002)]

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signUM implementation starts today at 4:30 p.m.
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 09 Jun '17

09 Jun '17

signUM implementation starts today at 4:30 p.m. IST will begin implementing signUM, our new identity and access management service, today. Please be advised that as part of this initiative, Iridium will be unavailable from June 9th at 4:30 p.m. to June 11th at 6:00 p.m. During this time, users will not be able to: * Claim UMnetIDs * Change/Reset Passwords * Update Security Questions * Check Account Status * Request additional access to optional resources signUM is expected to go live Sunday June 11th at 6:00 p.m. At this time, all systems will start operating as usual. Please contact the Service Desk if you have any questions or need further support. Thank you, Service Desk Information Services & Technology University of Manitoba 123 Fletcher Argue 230 Neil John MacLean Library 204-474-8600 Servicedesk(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Servicedesk@umanitoba.ca> ************************************************************************************************************* This communication is intended for the use of the recipient to which it is addressed, and may contain confidential, personal and/or privileged information. Please contact us immediately if you are not the intended recipient of this communication, and do not copy, distribute, or take action relying on it. Any communication received in error, or subsequent reply, should be deleted or destroyed. Please consider the environment before printing this email. {CMI: MCID1189638}

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Important Information about global ransomware attack
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 15 May '17

15 May '17

As many of you may have heard, on Friday, May 12, a major ransomware attack affected thousands of systems around the world. Cybersecurity firms have reported over 75,000 attacks in 99 countries. The majority of the attacks have occurred in Europe and Asia. The attack spreads by multiple methods, including phishing emails. Once the malware has infected a system on a network, it can spread rapidly due to a vulnerability in all Windows operating systems that was discovered and subsequently patched in March of this year. Due to the scale of the attack, Microsoft has taken the unusual step of releasing updates for older operating systems such as Windows XP, Server 2003 and early versions of Windows 8. These patches can be downloaded from Microsoft. The University of Manitoba has taken the following precautions to protect against this malware: * all core servers were patched for this vulnerability in March * managed desktops have been patched * un-managed desktops will have automatic updates applied. It is important that end users accept and apply these updates. All employees and students should ensure their personally owned systems have operating system and application patches applied on a monthly basis or when they are made available. Email Safety Don't click on links in an unsolicited email. Report the email to spam(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:spam@umanitoba.ca> and delete the message. Don't open unexpected attachments. Malware in MS Office documents, PDF's and ZIP files is very common. If you have any questions, or need assistance with patching, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:servicedesk@umanitoba.ca> or 204-474-8600 Thank you, Service Desk Information Services & Technology University of Manitoba 123 Fletcher Argue 230 Neil John MacLean Library 204-474-8600 Servicedesk(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Servicedesk@umanitoba.ca> ************************************************************************************************************* This communication is intended for the use of the recipient to which it is addressed, and may contain confidential, personal and/or privileged information. Please contact us immediately if you are not the intended recipient of this communication, and do not copy, distribute, or take action relying on it. Any communication received in error, or subsequent reply, should be deleted or destroyed. Please consider the environment before printing this email. {CMI: MCID1166010}

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Exam Period Conflicts
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 04 Apr '17

04 Apr '17

[Title: U of M Header - Description: Message from Susan M. Gottheil, Vice-Provost (Students)] Dear students, As you know, the 2016/17 academic schedule was adjusted in November 2016. In order to minimize the impact on our students by completing the academic year as close to the original date as possible, the Winter Term examination period was condensed, and an additional day was added to accommodate scheduling conflicts, resulting in the final exam period of April 22-30, 2017. While we have made every effort to reduce the number of scheduling conflicts, there are some instances where students may have three exams in four consecutive exam periods. If you are in this situation, you may seek alternative exam writing times at the discretion of the faculty. It is also recognized that some students may have booked travel prior to the adjustment of the academic schedule and extension of the revised Winter Term examination period. If this is the case for you, you may seek an alternative exam writing time at the faculty's discretion and with appropriate documentation. We expect that instructors and faculty administration will be sympathetic in both instances and that alternative arrangements can be made, with appropriate documentation. Thank you for your continued understanding. Sincerely, Susan Gottheil Vice-Provost (Students)

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Join us tomorrow for our 140th birthday celebration
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 27 Feb '17

27 Feb '17

[cid:image001.jpg@01D290E1.9661AA30] David T. Barnard, Ph.D., President and Vice-Chancellor 202 Administration Building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Office: +1-204-474-9345<tel:%2B1-204-474-9345> FAX: +1-204-261-1318<tel:%2B1-204-261-1318> Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca> news.umanitoba.ca/140 [MCO-00-153-UofM140thAnniversary-signature-F (002)]

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Campus safety and support for students
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 14 Feb '17

14 Feb '17

[cid:image001.png@01D286D0.ED494FD0] Dear students, As the entire university community extends condolences to the family of Mr. Irvine Fraser and his Winnipeg Transit colleagues, we understand you may have concerns about your safety on campus. Please be assured that our campus is a safe place - the Winnipeg Police Service has reassured us that with the arrest made there is no ongoing security concern and the suspect has no evident association with the University of Manitoba. Nevertheless, we understand that events such as this morning's may affect your sense of safety, especially for those of you who may be on campus working or studying in the evening or in isolated locations. Whether you are studying, heading to class, or socializing on campus, your safety is our utmost concern. Numerous proactive initiatives have been put into place to ensure your safety, including 24/7 security officers on regular patrol, an increased number of security cameras in some buildings, the Safewalk Program<http://umanitoba.ca/campus/security/programs/safewalk.html>, and Code Blue<http://umanitoba.ca/campus/security/safety/codeblue.html> and Emergency Red Phones<http://umanitoba.ca/campus/security/safety/codeblue.html>. Please visit the Security Services<http://umanitoba.ca/campus/security/safety/securityinitiatives.html> website for more information<http://umanitoba.ca/campus/security/safety/safety.html> on safety initiatives on all our campuses. Even with these measures in place, as always, we encourage you to be aware of your surroundings, try to minimize time alone on campus, let others know where you are through periodic check-ins, make sure you have access to a phone, and be aware of locations of the Code Blue stations and Emergency Red Phones. It is normal to feel some unease as you process this tragic incident. If you are experiencing a sense of unease that is interfering with your ability to carry out normal activities, you can access our Student Counselling Centre<http://umanitoba.ca/student/counselling/> for support on both Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. If you are in need of immediate support, you can access in-person urgent triage services at 474 UMSU University Centre. Sincerely, Dr. Donald Stewart Executive Director, Student Support Marcia Davies Assistant to the Vice-Provost (Students), Susan Gottheil Student Affairs Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) 208 Administration Building University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2 (p) 204.474.6917 Student Affairs: Creating opportunities for student success!

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Message from David T. Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manitoba
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 14 Feb '17

14 Feb '17

[LH masthead.jpg] On behalf of the entire University of Manitoba community, I wish to convey our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Irvine Fraser, the transit driver killed Tuesday morning on the Fort Garry Campus. All of us wish them strength in this difficult time. I also extend condolences to the deceased's colleagues at Winnipeg Transit, and thank them for the invaluable service they provide to our community every day. Our wishes are for their continued safety. Thank you also to the Winnipeg Police Service. WPS has the suspect in custody and has confirmed that there is no ongoing security concern; the suspect has no evident association with the University of Manitoba. Our community is reassured by the arrest that has been made. At the same time, our hearts and minds remain with the family and loved ones of Mr. Fraser. Tragic events like this morning's reaffirm our collective commitment to building a stronger, safer shared community. Sincerely, David David T. Barnard, Ph.D., President and Vice-Chancellor 202 Administration Building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Office: +1-204-474-9345<tel:%2B1-204-474-9345> FAX: +1-204-261-1318<tel:%2B1-204-261-1318> Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca> news.umanitoba.ca/140 [MCO-00-153-UofM140thAnniversary-signature-F (002)]

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Invitation to community discussion on U.S. travel restrictions
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 01 Feb '17

01 Feb '17

Good afternoon, Yesterday members of the University of Manitoba community gathered on the Fort Garry campus to discuss recent events<http://news.umanitoba.ca/university-community-comes-together/> in an open and safe environment. A similar event will take place on the Bannatyne campus on Thursday, February 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Frederic Gaspard Theatre. The event will be hosted by President David Barnard and include remarks from a number of student and University of Manitoba community leaders. Everyone attending is encouraged to participate in any way they feel comfortable, through speaking, sharing or listening. All students, staff and faculty are invited to attend. Students, faculty and staff who have questions should contact the International Office<http://umanitoba.ca/international/contact.html> to speak with an international advisor (phone 204-474-8501<tel:%20204-474-8501> or email international(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:international@umanitoba.ca> to set up an appointment). Further support is available for students from the Student Counselling Centre<http://umanitoba.ca/student/counselling/index.html> and Financial Aid and Awards<http://umanitoba.ca/student/fin_awards/>. Sincerely, David David T. Barnard, Ph.D., President and Vice-Chancellor 202 Administration Building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Office: +1-204-474-9345<tel:%2B1-204-474-9345> FAX: +1-204-261-1318<tel:%2B1-204-261-1318> Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca>

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Tuesday community discussion, plus services and supports in the wake of U.S. travel restrictions
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 30 Jan '17

30 Jan '17

[cid:image001.jpg@01CEC4DE.C0FA5C60] Students and colleagues, I know that many of you have questions about last week's U.S. executive order to restrict access to those citizens from seven countries, including Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. With nearly 200 students from these countries studying here at the University of Manitoba, I want to assure you that we support those in our community who are affected by the recently imposed travel restrictions and that we are committed to providing you with up-to-date information and support services. Students, faculty and staff who believe that they may be affected by the U.S. travel restrictions or who have questions should contact the International Office to speak with an international advisor (phone 204-474-8501 or email international @umanitoba.ca<mailto:international.office@umanitoba.ca>) to set up an appointment). Please note that a community discussion has been organized for tomorrow morning, where we can share thoughts, feelings and support one another. The event will take place on the Fort Garry campus in the Manitoba Room, second floor, University Centre. Running from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will be hosted by President David Barnard and feature remarks from Zeeshan Zamir, the president of the U of M Muslim Students Association; Don Stewart, the executive director of Student Support; and others. I hope to see you all then. Sincerely, Susan Gottheil, Vice-Provost (Students)

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Invitation to community discussion on recent U.S. travel restrictions
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 30 Jan '17

30 Jan '17

All members of the University community are invited to gather to discuss recent events in an open and safe environment, on Tuesday, January 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.<http://events.umanitoba.ca/EventList.aspx?fromdate=1/31/2017&todate=1/31/20…> in the Manitoba Room, on the second floor of University Centre. The event will be hosted by President David Barnard and include remarks from a number of student and University of Manitoba community leaders. Everyone attending is encouraged to participate in any way they feel comfortable, through speaking, sharing or listening. A similar event will be held on the Bannatyne campus later in the week. All students, staff and faculty are invited to attend. Students, faculty and staff who have questions should contact the International Office to speak with an international advisor<http://umanitoba.ca/international/contact.html> (phone 204-474-8501<tel:%20204-474-8501> or email international(at)umanitoba.ca<javascript:DeCryptX('0i0n1u0e0r3q1b2v1j1p0n0a3o3C2w3p0a2p0i3w1p0b1b0.1d2c')>) to set up an appointment). Further support is available for students from the Student Counselling Centre<http://umanitoba.ca/student/counselling/index.html> and Financial Aid and Awards<http://umanitoba.ca/student/fin_awards/>. David T. Barnard, Ph.D., President and Vice-Chancellor 202 Administration Building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Office: +1-204-474-9345<tel:%2B1-204-474-9345> FAX: +1-204-261-1318<tel:%2B1-204-261-1318> Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca>

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Please check your Winter Term classrooms
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 17 Jan '17

17 Jan '17

[cid:image001.png@01D270C9.485D57E0] To all students registered in Fort Garry Campus courses: Please note that in the past week several changes to Winter Term classroom assignments have been made. Please re-check your assigned classrooms on Aurora prior to the start of classes tomorrow. Also note the assignment of laboratory rooms continues and will be completed prior to the start of labs. Good luck in your studies this term! Student Affairs...Creating Opportunities for Student Success Please be aware that the University of Manitoba will only use a student's university email account for official communications, including messages from instructors, department or faculty, academic advisors, and other administrative offices. http://umanitoba.ca/registrar/email_policy/

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Happy Holidays
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 20 Dec '16

20 Dec '16

[cid:image001.jpg@01D25AB2.3A7D89B0] Samuel Taylor Coleridge begins his poem "Frost at Midnight" with "The Frost performs its secret ministry / Unhelped by any wind." In this holiday season the "secret ministry" surrounds us with beauty, as do other phenomena of winter weather. I wish for you all the beauty and good - relationships, activities, physical things - that you hope for at this time of year, and that you will enjoy rest and renewal. On behalf of the entire University of Manitoba community, I wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season, and a healthy and prosperous new year. Sincerely, David T. Barnard, Ph.D. President and Vice-Chancellor

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Update on Withdrawing from Strike-Affected Courses and January Exam Schedule
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 05 Dec '16

05 Dec '16

[cid:image001.jpg@01CEC4DE.C0FA5C60] Dear Students, Your success in the Fall and Winter Terms remains our first priority. The university community is working to ensure that students have an easy transition to the adjusted academic calendar. That said, we understand that some students' individual circumstances will not allow for completion of a course within the modified timeframe, and you may wish to withdraw from that course and seek a refund. We hope that before making such an important decision, you will first consult with the instructor and academic advisor in the faculty, college or school offering the course to discuss making alternate arrangements. If alternate arrangements cannot be made and you choose to voluntarily withdraw from a strike-affected course, you may appeal for a credit of the tuition fees associated with the affected course. Please be aware that this appeal is distinct from the general fee appeal procedure, and requires that you have appropriate documentation and faculty, college or school approval. You can learn more about the Fee Appeal Due to Faculty Strike procedure at (http://umanitoba.ca/student/records/fees/830.html) or by contacting the Registrar's Office<http://umanitoba.ca/student/records/contact/index.html>. The January exam schedule for strike-affected courses is also now posted on the Registrar's Office website. (http://umanitoba.ca/student/examination_schedules.html). Please note that January exams will not appear on your MyExams schedule until early January after December exams are completed. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing strikeinfo(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:strikeinfo@umanitoba.ca>. Yours, Susan Gottheil, Vice-Provost (Students)

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Information on the Updated Academic Schedule
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 28 Nov '16

28 Nov '16

[cid:image001.jpg@01CEC4DE.C0FA5C60] Dear Students, As you start your second week of studies following the strike, we understand that many of you still have questions and concerns about changes made to the academic schedule and how they impact you. Please be aware that: * The Registrar's Office will send out an email this afternoon regarding the new Voluntary Withdrawal dates as well as other important information about date and deadline changes. * The University will be closed December 23 - January 2 as originally scheduled. There will be no classes or exams held during this time. * All students enrolled in classes that were affected by the strike will return to class on January 3 to make up for missed time and to complete final exams. Where travel was booked before the strike, we expect that instructors will be sympathetic and that alternative arrangements can be made for course work and exams (with appropriate documentation). * An updated exam schedule for classes interrupted by the strike is expected in early December. We will post that schedule as soon as it is available. * The exam period for classes not impacted by the strike will be held December 12 - 22. Some exams have been rescheduled from the original date. You can find the updated exam schedule in Aurora through MyExams. * Because classes affected by the strike will run concurrently with the exam period for continuing classes, timetabling conflicts may arise. In the event of a conflict, please consult with your instructors, faculty, college or school office to make alternative arrangements. * The start of the winter term for all students will be pushed back to January 18. However, the winter midterm break (Feb 21 - 24) and convocation (June 5 - 9) will continue as originally scheduled. We recognize these changes present challenges for many of you. Please know that we continue to listen to your concerns and are committed to providing you with all the information you need to successfully complete this term and next. The FAQs posted on www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo<http://www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo> have and will be updated regularly. For information on supports and resources available to help you cope with the extra challenges you face, please visit the strike support for students<http://www.umanitoba.ca/student/strike-supports-students.html> web page. And if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us by emailing strikeinfo(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:strikeinfo@umanitoba.ca>. Yours, Susan Gottheil. Vice-Provost (Students)

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Classes resume Tuesday, Nov. 22
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 21 Nov '16

21 Nov '16

The University of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) have reached an agreement<http://news.umanitoba.ca/u-of-m-and-umfa-reach-tentative-agreement-classes-…>. Classes will resume on November 22 at their usual days and times. Students should continue to check umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo<http://umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo/> for the latest updates to class and exam schedules, as well as answers to common questions.

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Message to students
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 21 Nov '16

21 Nov '16

Dear students, This has been a stressful and trying time for our community, in particular for you, our students. We recognize that there is now a great deal of work ahead in setting the academic year back on course. Today, UMFA membership will vote on a new collective agreement recommended for ratification by its executive. We respect that process. Should the outcome be positive, I commit to ensuring that the February Reading Week will remain entirely intact, so that students can use the week as they choose. We know how important Reading Week is to you and your academic success under normal circumstances, and especially this year. As well, as indicated in previous communications, the December 23 - January 2 holiday break also remains intact. Vice-Provost (Students) Susan Gottheil and her team are working hard to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for students. Please take the time to read her message<http://news.umanitoba.ca/message-to-students-from-vice-provost-students-sus…> about class changes, exam schedules and available student services. An updated academic schedule is also available here<http://umanitoba.ca/admin/strike_info/academic-schedule-changes.html>. The entire University community is committed to providing a rapid transition back to class so that you can successfully complete the academic year. We look forward to welcoming back all professors and students tomorrow. Sincerely, David David T. Barnard, Ph.D., President and Vice-Chancellor 202 Administration Building, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Office: +1-204-474-9345<tel:%2B1-204-474-9345> FAX: +1-204-261-1318<tel:%2B1-204-261-1318> Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca>

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U of M and UMFA reach tentative agreement; Classes to resume Tuesday, November 22
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 20 Nov '16

20 Nov '16

The University of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) today reached a tentative agreement. UMFA Executive is recommending acceptance of the agreement to its members, who will vote Monday. Classes are expected to resume Tuesday, November 22. Over the weekend, negotiating teams made progress on key issues related to teaching workload, performance metrics, and job protection, resulting in a tentative agreement that the UMFA Executive is recommending their members ratify. "The last few weeks have been challenging, and at times divisive, but it is my hope that our community will reunite in support of our commitment to our shared mission of teaching, discovery and engagement," said David Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor. "To our students, I want to say that I understand and appreciate the extent to which the events of the past few weeks have disrupted your academic programs and shaken your perceptions of this institution. Please know that we are committed to providing a rapid transition back to class so that you can successfully complete the academic year." The University negotiating team expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the conciliation officer appointed by the Province of Manitoba, who was instrumental in bringing the parties together. The University will not discuss details of the tentative agreement until the UMFA Executive has briefed its members. Students should continue checking umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo<http://umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo/> for updates. All students can expect to receive an email tomorrow with detailed information about class and exam schedules, as well as available student support services.

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University of Manitoba asks UMFA to allow vote on latest offer; weekend conciliation unsuccessful
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 13 Nov '16

13 Nov '16

Conciliation between the University of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) came to an unsuccessful end Sunday afternoon. The University immediately called on the UMFA negotiating team to take the University of Manitoba offer to UMFA members for a ratification vote before November 16, in an effort to minimize any further disruption to students' academic schedules. The University will continue calling for a vote in order to precipitate an end to the strike, which is about to enter its third week. "It is our belief that the UMFA negotiating team will not accept anything the University offers," explained John Kearsey, Vice-President (External) at the University of Manitoba. "They rejected our March offer, intended to allow them to settle before a possible change in government. They rejected our September 13 offer, which provided salary increases of seven per cent over four years. They rejected offers we made during mediation, with a mediator they chose. They rejected offers we made during conciliation. It has been disheartening, to say the least. We are bargaining with ourselves. Given the circumstances, we feel compelled to ask the UMFA negotiating team to present the University's offer to UMFA members for a vote. We want this strike to end. Our students want this strike to end." The conciliator's report is expected early this week. "UMFA negotiators have told us that two issues remain to be resolved, both of which the University indicated during conciliation that it would be willing - in the interest of ending the strike - to have sent to arbitration. This, too, was rejected by UMFA negotiators. It's extremely frustrating, particularly as we watch the distress this is causing our students." The University is advocating for the UMFA negotiating team to take the University offer to its members for a ratification vote before November 16, at which time further impacts on the academic schedule are triggered. Students are advised to continue checking umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo<http://umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo/> for updates on the strike, changes to the academic schedule, a list of continuing classes and answers to common questions.

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Changes to the Academic Schedule
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 10 Nov '16

10 Nov '16

[cid:image001.jpg@01CEC4DE.C0FA5C60] Dear students, Today, Senate, the governing body of the University, approved changes to the academic schedule resulting from the ongoing UMFA strike. Because the length of the strike will determine the extent of changes required, four scenarios with detailed plans were presented and approved. All approved plans can be found at http://umanitoba.ca/admin/strike_info/academic-schedule-changes.html, and include potential adjustments to the Voluntary Withdrawal date, exam period, the end of Fall Term and start of Winter Term. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the revised schedules at this time. As you will see, we are now at a point where the strike will impact this academic year, and the longer the strike continues, the greater that impact will be. We understand this is a challenging situation for many of you. Please know we continue to listen to your concerns, and that across the campus, members of our community are working diligently to ensure you have every opportunity to complete a successful academic year. As always, we encourage you to continue checking www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo<http://www.umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo> for important updates to the FAQs, the official list of continuing classes, and other important information. If you have any questions not answered there, you can always contact us through the site or by emailing strikeinfo(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:strikeinfo@umanitoba.ca>. Thank you again for your patience and understanding. Susan Gottheil Vice-Provost (Students)

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Important Strike Information
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 09 Nov '16

09 Nov '16

[cid:5d5c073f-844d-40c0-8443-ff08227275f3]<https://youtu.be/1rsqTV_6c9w> https://youtu.be/1rsqTV_6c9w Forging a collaborative path forward Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Janice Ristock shares message with community on UMFA strike Two issues are at the heart of the strike by the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) - workload and research metrics. In an interview this week, the University of Manitoba's Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Janice Ristock addressed these concerns, and her hopes to find common ground and a positive path forward for students, staff and faculty. On the issue of workload, Ristock noted that UMFA's current proposal would create a lengthy, cumbersome process - and one that is not viable as it would take away the Deans' role to determine workloads. Under the UMFA proposal a Dean would decide on a teaching policy and bring that forward to faculty members, who would vote on it by secret ballot. If faculty voted against the teaching policy, the Dean would have to revise it and present a second version for another secret ballot vote. If that version was also rejected, it would then go to the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and the executive director of UMFA for resolution. "If we're unable to come to an agreement, then it would go to an external arbitrator who is not a member of our community and who is not an academic," said Ristock. "To me, it's not a viable process. It's a process that is very time--consuming and if it gets to the stage of an arbitrator, it's also very costly." In contrast to UMFA's proposal, Ristock drew attention to the importance of the roles of Deans, and their broad consideration of students and faculty. "Deans have the responsibility to consider the academic programs in a unit, to consider the needs of students, the timetable," she said, "and they also have a responsibility to consider the other aspects of an individual professor's workload - research and service commitments." These considerations have to be made on an individual basis, she added. Ristock notes the University has proposed a fund, worth $1.5 million, to help with teaching workloads by providing opportunities to hire a range of support for faculty, including teaching assistants, graders/markers and sessional instructors. In its compromise offer, the University has also proposed creating a joint committee with faculty to examine faculty members' concerns over workload increases due to administrative duties. "We have been listening to the concerns expressed about administrative workloads and have offered a solution to begin to address those issues," said Ristock. "It's a point where we can begin discussions." An additional fund of $500,000 would support implementing recommendations by the joint committee for real improvements to administrative burdens. On the issue of research metrics, Ristock noted that UMFA appears concerned the University may in the future impose research metrics on performance evaluations and decisions around tenure and promotion. "I think it's important to clarify that currently there are no provisions in the collective agreement that speak to the use of research metrics, nor do any of the faculties' tenure and promotion criteria impose the use of research metrics in making assessments," she said. The University has reasserted that research metrics will not be used as a substitute for comprehensive assessment. "The University's position is that it has to be a decision amongst colleagues to decide whether or not it's appropriate to use research metrics as one indicator of the quality of research - and that's very discipline-specific," said Ristock. "There's not one research metric that can be used to assess all research. And we think it's also very important to say that research metrics alone can never be a substitute for a thorough assessment based on the quality and the quantity of research output." Ristock urged faculty members and members of the community to read the University of Manitoba's latest proposal<http://umanitoba.ca/admin/human_resources/staff_relations/media/UM_Proposal…>.

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Strike Information Update for Students
by UM Student E-Mail Accounts 09 Nov '16

09 Nov '16

[cid:image001.jpg@01CEC4DE.C0FA5C60] Dear students, As the University and UMFA move through the second week of labour negotiations, we recognize and share your concerns about the impact the ongoing labour disruption will have on your studies. We expect there will be adjustments to the Voluntary Withdrawal date, exam period and the end of Fall Term, and there could possibly be a change to the start of Winter Term, depending on the length of the strike. Senate is responsible for approving any of these changes and will meet tomorrow. We will share Senate's decisions as soon as they are made. The longer the strike continues, the greater the impact on the academic year. We are listening to you, and working together with our colleagues across campus to find solutions, answer your questions and provide information to address the challenges you face. In the meantime, please continue to consult umanitoba.ca/strikeinfo<file:///C:\Users\foggt\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary%20Internet%20Files\Content.Outlook\KH4M9USD\umanitoba.ca\strikeinfo> for updates to the FAQs, the official list of continuing classes, and other important information. If you have any questions not answered there, please contact us through the site or by emailing strikeinfo(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:strikeinfo@umanitoba.ca>. Thank you for your ongoing patience during this difficult time. The response from students has been intelligent and respectful. I feel honoured to serve this community, and I know I'm not alone. Susan Gottheil, Vice-Provost (Students)

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