Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)

Hello Bisons!

The end of Winter term is here, and I wanted to touch base to wish you well and to share some information that I hope is helpful during the exam period and beyond.

See this article for strategies to help you prepare for exams, self-care tips, and to find dates and locations for exam outreach events where snacks, drinks, and well wishes will be shared!

The Academic Learning Centre team is here to support you during the exam period. Book some time with a tutor in person and online for content studying, writing support, and study skills help. Depending on your needs, you can book an appointment with a content tutor who can help you understand concepts specific to your area of study, a Writing tutor who can provide feedback on your academic writing, or a Study Skills tutor who can help with time management. The Academic Learning Centre also has tip sheets available.

Unexpected circumstances may arise during the exam period. If you consider requesting a deferred exam by submitting a Self-Declaration Form for a Brief or Temporary Absence, please be aware of the following examples of non-valid reasons for submitting a Self-Declaration form: attending a personal or family event, optional travel, technological difficulties, competitions or events related to personal interests, or employment-related commitments. There are some circumstances in which documentation may be required by your faculty. Remember, submitting a self-declaration form either dishonestly or for a non-valid reason is the same as submitting any other false document, which may result in disciplinary action under the UM Student Discipline Bylaw. Be sure to check with an advisor to confirm which reasons are valid and for help navigating the form.

Dedicated 24-hour quiet study space is available this exam period in St. John’s College Library on a first come, first served basis. Student ID will be required to enter and exit. The space will be available from Friday, April 11 at 8:00 a.m. through Friday, April 25 at 4:30 p.m. A reminder that the Libraries remain open during the exam period.

If you are experiencing anxiety concerning your academic obligations, please use the student supports available to you. All UM services remain available during regular hours throughout the exam period. We are here for you.

For those looking for employment, whether just for the summer or as a recent graduate, UM Career Services has resources! Attend one of their many workshops, check out the UM Job Boards on UMConnect or visit the general job boards.

If you’re looking for help covering costs while attending university this spring and summer, check out the Spring and Summer Term General Bursary application. Log into your Aurora account and access all the information you need to apply. Applications must be submitted by June 1, 2025.

The Office of Equity Transformation is holding an information session on April 23 at 12:30 about how to make the University a more equitable place through engagement in the Fellows in Equity, Anti-Oppression and Social Justice program. I encourage you to attend. Applications are due May 2.

UM is looking for friendly, enthusiastic students to provide campus tours for future students and their families at this year’s Preparing for University orientation event on Sunday, May 4. Sign up to add hours to your Experience Record, and if you haven’t volunteered before, this is a great opportunity to contribute to the UM community and get your foot in the door for other on-campus opportunities.

Over the next two months, we are celebrating the accomplishments of all UM graduates. Please visit  spring Convocation for ceremony details.

Mark your calendars for the 36th Annual UM Graduation Pow Wow on Saturday, May 3 at Investors Group Athletic Centre, 9:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. All Indigenous graduates (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) are invited to participate. We look forward to honouring you as you mark the successful completion of your programs. The deadline to register is April 20.

To those who are graduating – congratulations, and I can’t wait to join you in celebrating your achievements at Convocation. To those who are returning in the Summer term, I’ll look forward to seeing you on campus. And to those who are working, travelling and playing this summer, I’ll see you when you return in September!

My best for a successful end to Winter term.

Be well.

…Laurie

Laurie M. Schnarr, MA (she/her)

Vice-Provost (Students)

Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)

University of Manitoba

208 Administration Building

Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2

Confidential Assistant - Marci Davies Marci.Davies@umanitoba.ca: 

Student Affairs – Leaders in cultivating exceptional student experiences

I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that the University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininew, Anisininew, Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. As a white settler of English and German descent I am committed to walking alongside Indigenous students, colleagues, friends, and neighbours and doing the work that is necessary to honour the truth, and contribute through meaningful action to lasting positive change.

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