- all-students - University of Manitoba Mailing Lists

Our shared commitment and the path forward
by President's Office 07 Dec '21

07 Dec '21

[cid:image001.png@01D7EB4F.3A556E20] Message from Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor As classes and interrupted research resume, we are reminded of our university community's remarkable impact. The work of our faculty matters. It improves health outcomes and quality of life for people around the world. It drives the economic, social and cultural success of our province. And most importantly, it supports the educations and futures of each of our students. Our community is aligned in our commitment to the university's mission and vision, and now is our time to advance that important work together. This has been a very challenging time for our entire community. I regret the impact of the labour disruption on our students and recognize there is a great deal of work ahead in setting the academic year back on course. We now have an opportunity to learn from this experience and recommit to the exceptional work and learning environment to which we all aspire. Thank you to the many faculty, staff and students who have reached out to me. I, our Board of Governors, and everyone on our executive team have heard your voices and greatly value your opinions and diverse perspectives. The path ahead will not be easy. As we move forward, we must commit to communicate openly, listen to one other, and engage in respectful dialogue to better address the challenges before us. I think it is important to reflect on our negotiation process and ensure that our approach to bargaining is meeting our shared needs. Right now, our priority is welcoming everyone back and ensuring our community is well-supported through this transition. We thrive in community; we support one another, and we learn from each other. We still have much more to accomplish, and I am grateful we will be coming back together to continue our institution's life-changing work. Sincerely, Michael Michael Benarroch, Ph.D. President and Vice-Chancellor 202 Administration Building, University of Manitoba Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada Telephone: 204-474-9345 Email: president(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:president@umanitoba.ca> [cid:image002.png@01D7EB4F.9C136720]

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Important academic schedule dates for undergraduate and graduate students
by VP Students 06 Dec '21

06 Dec '21

[Graphical user interface Description automatically generated with low confidence] Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) Dear students, As announced earlier this morning, the University of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) have reached a tentative agreement. UMFA members will vote on this agreement tonight, Monday, December 6 and, if ratified, the strike will end and all classes will resume tomorrow, Tuesday, December 7. I want to remind everyone of the motion passed at Senate: * no assignments will be due or tests held for the first 72 hours after the first class held for each course. Please be aware that a revised academic schedule will be established based on the official date that all classes resume. Please visit the strike information website<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/> for details as they are confirmed in the coming days, along with up-to-date FAQs. Key dates to be aware of include: Revised Fall Term exam schedule available December 9 Winter break university closure for all courses December 24-January 4 (unchanged) Winter Term start date January 24 Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) date for continuing courses December 10 Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) date for interrupted courses December 21 For more information, go to umanitoba.ca/strike-information<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/> For those students who had continuing classes, we know the overlapping schedules aren't ideal, but this is the best approach to ensure all courses are completed in a timely manner, and the Winter Term commences as soon as possible in January. If there is a scheduling conflict between a class and an exam, all academic staff and academic unit heads are responsible to ensure that students are not disadvantaged with respect to any missed or delayed classes, exams, or assignments. Students can direct concerns about conflicts to their instructor or academic advisor. I know the past several weeks have been very challenging for our entire university community, but especially for you. Your success in your studies remains our highest priority and we will continue to support you as we work through the modified term. I echo what President Benarroch said<https://news.umanitoba.ca/classes-resume-tuesday-um-and-umfa-reach-tentativ…> earlier today, that we all remain committed to the mission and vision of Manitoba's research university and to returning to the exceptional work and learning environment that each of us plays a role in fostering and maintaining. If you have questions about the conclusion of the strike, please direct them to strikeum(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:strikeum@umanitoba.ca> and our dedicated team of staff will be happy to answer them. Many thanks to all of you for your resilience throughout this period of disruption. My best, Laurie Laurie M. Schnarr, MA (she/her) Vice-Provost (Students) Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) University of Manitoba 208 Administration Building Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Confidential Assistant - Marci Davies Marci.Davies(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Marcia.Davies@umanitoba.ca>: Student Affairs: Creating opportunities for student success! I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that the University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. As a white settler of English and German descent I am committed to walking alongside my Indigenous colleagues, friends and neighbours and doing the work that is necessary to honour the truth, right the wrongs, and contribute to lasting positive change. Confidentiality notice: This message and any attachments to it are intended for the addressee only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender if you have received this email by mistake, and please delete it and the attachments (and all copies) in a secure manner. [UMLogoSignature]

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Classes resume Tuesday; UM and UMFA reach tentative agreement
by University of Manitoba 06 Dec '21

06 Dec '21

Over the weekend, the University of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) reached a tentative agreement to enter into binding arbitration. UMFA Executive will be recommending acceptance of the agreement to its members, who will vote today. Classes are expected to resume Tuesday, December 7 if the agreement is ratified. Negotiating teams made progress on key issues, resulting in a tentative agreement that the UMFA Executive is recommending their members ratify in order to begin arbitration. “This has been a very challenging period for our entire community and it is time to move forward. We are aligned in our commitment to the mission and vision of Manitoba's research university and to creating an exceptional work and learning environment. To our students, this has been especially hard on you. As we resume classes and interrupted research, we are committed to providing you with the support you need during this transition,” said Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor. “I know this strike has impacted you personally and affected your perceptions of our institution. We are committed to providing a rapid transition back to class so that you can successfully complete the academic year.” The University Bargaining Team expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the mediator, Arne Peltz, and to UMFA for working together to find a solution to the disagreements. Students should continue checking umanitoba.ca/strike-information<http://umanitoba.ca/strike-information> for updates. All students can expect to receive an email today with detailed information about class and exam schedules, as well as available student support services.

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Update for UM Students: December 1, 2021
by Marcia Davies 01 Dec '21

01 Dec '21

[Graphical user interface Description automatically generated with low confidence] Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) Dear students, Members of the Student Affairs team and I have heard from many of you during the past month and understand how challenging this time is. I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of the many programs, services and supports that are currently available to support your mental health and well-being, and your academic success. Examples of remote group and workshop programming offered by the Student Counselling Centre<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/counselling-resources-students> (SCC) include: * Stress and Distress workshop * Mid-day Mindfulness Meditation * Communication and Conflict Resolution * Depression and Anxiety Management For further information, and to register, visit the Counselling Workshops and Groups<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/counselling-resources-students/worksh…> page. The SCC also offers individual counselling and will work with you to determine the best approach for you. Staying healthy and well means developing and maintaining a set of healthy habits that contribute toward your physical, social and mental well-being. Just a few small changes in your daily routine can have long-term effects on your overall health. UM's Health and Wellness Office can support you on your journey and has some great tips<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/health-wellness/building-healthy-habi…> and resources for self-directed improvement. I encourage you to check them out. All services offered at the Indigenous Student Centre<https://umanitoba.ca/indigenous/student-experience> (ISC) continue to be available virtually. ISC Elders, student advisors and staff are here for you. Weekly Sharing Circles<https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/indigenous/event/sharing-circles-w…> are held for students on Thursdays and Student Counselling is also available by appointment on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and Friday all day. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment with an Elder, student advisor or counsellor, please contact isc(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:isc@umanitoba.ca> or 204.474.8850. All UM student supports are open to international students, and you can reach out for information and support specific to your personal situation through a private, confidential conversation with an International Student Advisor (ISA) at the International Centre. Make an appointment for a Zoom meeting by emailing international(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:international@umanitoba.ca> with your name and student number. Check out the full range of student support<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports#health-and-wellness> offerings, all of which are currently available until the December break. Financial supports - The UM Strike Relief Fund If you are experiencing unexpected financial hardship due to changes in the academic schedule resulting from the current labour disruption, consider applying to The UM Strike Relief Fund. These funds are limited and available for students who have unexpected expenses as a direct result of the strike, such as: · Additional housing costs due to the extension of the fall term · Additional housing costs due to a roommate leaving, resulting in a student having to pay extra rent · Loss of wages · Additional food costs over the holiday break due to the extension of the fall term · Unexpected childcare expenses due to the extension of the fall term · Unexpected flight arrangements/changes The program is available to undergraduate and graduate students, valued at $1,000 for full-time studies and $500 for part-time studies. Students must submit an online application form, which will be reviewed to determine whether applicants meet the eligibility criteria for the funds. Application forms will be available on Friday, December 3 in the Aurora Student Portal, and will close once funds are depleted. (More information will be updated on the Financial Aid and Awards site on December 3.) Academic supports For your continuing courses, the Fall Term exam period is December 11-23. Reach out to the Academic Learning Centre<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-learning> to strengthen your study skills, get tips on time management, procrastination, or academic writing. Talk to an Academic Advisor<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-advising> for help with your degree progression. Not sure which support you need? Contact the Virtual Advising Help Centre<https://umanitoba.ca/virtual-advising-help-centre> and our student navigators will point you in the right direction. Exam deferrals We know this is a concern for many of you right now. If you have questions, please reach out to the academic advising office<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-advising> in your faculty, department or school. This page<https://umanitoba.ca/registrar/final-exams/conflicts-deferral> has more information on deferral options. Stay active this winter We live in a beautiful city and province, and there is lots to do outdoors this winter. As a relatively new Manitoban, I visit the Travel Manitoba<https://www.travelmanitoba.com/> site often to get new ideas about things to do and places to go. I particularly like the hiking and trails page<https://www.travelmanitoba.com/things-to-do/outdoor/hiking-trails/>, and the blog, which features 10 things to do every week. Check out this week's list<https://www.travelmanitoba.com/blog/10-things-to-do-in-manitoba-this-week-n…>. You can also get involved in Rec Services programs and clubs to maintain your fitness, improve your mental health and meet new people. UM students<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/members…> have access to sport and recreation facilities, casual rec services <https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/group-f…> and group fitness classes<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/group-f…> on both the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. You can also participate in UM REC Clubs<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/rec-clu…>, Intramural Sports<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/registe…> and instructional programs<https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/registe…> at an additional cost. Visit UM Recreation Services <https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services> for more info. I hope that the resources and supports I have featured in this update are helpful to you. Particularly during these challenging times, please remember that your university cares about you and is here to support you. As indicated in our recent update to the campus community, the University accepted the mediator's recommendation of binding arbitration and is working hard to get everyone back to their classes. I am thinking of all of you and sending you my best wishes. 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 Confidential Assistant - Marci Davies Marci.Davies(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Marcia.Davies@umanitoba.ca>: Student Affairs: Creating opportunities for student success! I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that the University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. As a white settler of English and German descent I am committed to walking alongside my Indigenous colleagues, friends and neighbours and doing the work that is necessary to honour the truth, right the wrongs, and contribute to lasting positive change. Confidentiality notice: This message and any attachments to it are intended for the addressee only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender if you have received this email by mistake, and please delete it and the attachments (and all copies) in a secure manner. [UMLogoSignature]

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Status of the University of Manitoba / UMFA collective agreement negotiations
by University of Manitoba 26 Nov '21

26 Nov '21

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

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UPDATE: Return to in-person classes, only fully vaccinated allowed on campus
by Marcia Davies 26 Nov '21

26 Nov '21

[Graphical user interface Description automatically generated with low confidence] Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) Dear students, Thank you to the 26,000+ individuals - 81 per cent of the student population - who have already uploaded your proof of vaccination. We appreciate your commitment to the health and safety of our campus community by uploading your proof of vaccination by the November 14 deadline. I am so pleased that after nearly two years, we will be returning to in-person classes in Winter Term 2022, as so many of us have hoped for. To support this, I will reiterate that everyone must be fully vaccinated and upload their proof of vaccination to be on campus, commencing Winter Term 2022. Rapid testing alternatives will not be available to those who have chosen not to submit their proof of vaccination, unless they have received an approved exemption. To protect the safety of our UM community, all students who have not uploaded their proof of vaccination and who have not received an approved exemption will be identified and de-registered from in-person Winter Term courses. Vaccination appointments<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/vaccine-information> are available at University Health Service or on the province's website. If you are fully vaccinated and have not already done so, visit the vaccination registration site<https://covid-declaration.umanitoba.ca/> right away, to upload your proof of vaccination. If you have already uploaded your proof for the Fall term, you do not need to resubmit your proof of vaccination. For the remainder of Fall Term, anyone who has not uploaded proof of vaccination must participate in UM's rapid testing program<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/vaccine-information#if-you-have-not-been-v…> and have a negative COVID-19 test result before participating in on-campus activities. For more information, visit UM's COVID-19 website.<https://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus> If you have questions, please direct them to safereturn(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:safereturn@umanitoba.ca>. I recognize that these have been challenging times for you. I want to stress that the measures the university is taking underscore our fundamental commitment to the health and well-being of our campus community and to a safe return to the in-person experience that we all miss. I look forward to seeing you on campus in Winter Term! All my best, Laurie Laurie M. Schnarr, MA (she/her) Vice-Provost (Students) Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) University of Manitoba 208 Administration Building Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Tel: 204.474.6919 Confidential Assistant - Marci Davies Marci.Davies(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Marcia.Davies@umanitoba.ca>: 204.474.6917 Student Affairs: Creating opportunities for student success! I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that the University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. As a white settler of English and German descent I am committed to walking alongside my Indigenous colleagues, friends and neighbours and doing the work that is necessary to honour the truth, right the wrongs, and contribute to lasting positive change. Confidentiality notice: This message and any attachments to it are intended for the addressee only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender if you have received this email by mistake, and please delete it and the attachments (and all copies) in a secure manner. [UMLogoSignature]

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

21 Nov '21

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

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Academic Schedule scenario 3 and 4 changes
by Marcia Davies 19 Nov '21

19 Nov '21

[cid:image002.png@01D7DBC0.F022B850] Dear students, On November 17, Senate Executive on behalf of Senate, the academic governing body of the university, met and approved several motions related to the academic schedule as a result of the strike. As the strike continues, there will be significant changes required to the academic schedule to maintain the integrity of our courses and programs, and to ensure requirements for accreditation are met. The modifications to the academic schedule depend on the length of the strike. In all scenarios, there will be no classes or exams held during the University closure that is scheduled for December 24, 2021, through January 4, 2022. For details on all scenarios, including the previously announced scenarios 1 and 2, visit umanitoba.ca/strike-information<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/>. Academic schedule modifications Senate Executive approved two further potential scenarios. Scenario 3 [Return to teaching between November 24 and November 30]: * The last instructional day of fall term, December 10, 2021 remains unchanged for continuing classes. * Interrupted classes will have instructional days up until the start of the University closure on December 24, 2022. Classes will resume January 5, 2022, and the last instructional day will be January 12, 2022. * The voluntary withdrawal (VW) date will move to December 10, 2021 for all classes, continuing and interrupted. * The original exam period, December 11 to 23, 2021, will continue as is for continuing courses that are not disrupted by the strike. * All courses interrupted by the strike will have their exams rescheduled to occur during an alternate exam period: January 14 to 16, 2022, inclusive. * The final grade appeal deadline will be moved to February 4, 2022, for all classes, continuing and interrupted. * Winter Term 2022 as previously scheduled remains unchanged. Scenario 4 [Return to teaching between December 1 and December 7] The last instructional day of fall term, December 10, 2021 remains unchanged for continuing classes. * Interrupted classes will have instructional days up until the start of the University closure on December 24, 2022. Classes will resume January 5, 2022, and the last instructional day will be January 19, 2022. * The voluntary withdrawal (VW) date will move to December 10, 2021 for continuing classes, and December 21, 2021 for interrupted classes. * The original exam period, December 11 to 23, 2021, will continue as is for continuing courses that are not disrupted by the strike. * All courses interrupted by the strike will have their exams re-scheduled to occur during an alternate exam period: January 21 to 23, 2022, inclusive. * The final grade appeal deadline will be moved to February 11, 2022, for all classes, continuing and interrupted. * The start of Winter Term 2022 will be January 24, 2022, and the last instructional day would be April 20. * The Winter Term break (Reading Week) would be reduced from a four-day break (February 22-25) to a one-day break (February 22). * The winter term exam period (April 21-May 1, 2022) would proceed as scheduled to prevent delays in the start of the Summer Term 2022 and to minimize the impact on graduation and on admission and registration timelines for the Fall Term 2022. Note: To maintain the number of instructional days and instructional contact hours, it is necessary to capture additional days within the calendar. This was accomplished, in part, by reducing the winter term break (Reading Week) to an extended long weekend. This is not ideal, but the alternative of extending the end of the winter term further into May creates significant issues: it would jeopardize students' ability to graduate on time; it would impact students' ability to complete courses on time that are required to meet application deadlines for advanced entry, after degree, or graduate programs, including those at institutions other than UM; and it would impact summer employment commitments for students who rely on summer income to pay for their education. * The VW date would move to February 4, 2022 for fall/winter term spanned courses and to April 1, 2022 for winter term courses. Please note that slight modifications may be required for all scenarios. Full details about the academic schedule changes, including a detailed breakdown of the dates for all possible scenarios, and changes to deadlines for graduate students can be found here<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/faculty-and-staff-faq>. While the Voluntary Withdrawal date changes in both scenarios, it is not the only course of action for students looking to withdraw from a course. Students may also request an Authorized Withdrawal<https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/student-advocacy/au…>. Please keep in mind that dates associated with the Scenario 2 version of the academic schedule<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/student-faq> are currently in effect and we are all hopeful that the strike will end as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience and adaptability during this time. I encourage you to visit the strike website<https://umanitoba.ca/strike-information/> for answers to many frequently asked questions. For any other questions you may have related to the strike, please email strikeum(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:strikeum@umanitoba.ca>. My best, Laurie Laurie M. Schnarr, MA (she/her) Vice-Provost (Students) Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) University of Manitoba 208 Administration Building Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Tel: 204.474.6919 Confidential Assistant - Marci Davies Marci.Davies(a)umanitoba.ca<mailto:Marcia.Davies@umanitoba.ca>: 204.474.6917 Student Affairs: Creating opportunities for student success! The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. Confidentiality notice: This message and any attachments to it are intended for the addressee only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender if you have received this email by mistake, and please delete it and the attachments (and all copies) in a secure manner. [UMLogoSignature]

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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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