Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)

Happy New Year, Bisons!

Welcome to Winter Term 2026. I hope you enjoyed the holiday break and are ready to hit the books, return to your routines, and make good on some of your New Year resolutions!

Whether you are new to the University of Manitoba or a returning student, I hope you find the highlights and reminders noted in this email helpful as you start the new academic term at UM:

• New International students: Participate in Welcome Events hosted by the International Centre beginning today and throughout January.
• New Graduate students: Register for Winter Graduate Student Orientation on January 13^th.
• Honour the Indigenous Campus Community (HICC):  this year 10 individuals representing the diversity of the Indigenous campus community, whose actions support, inspire, and strengthen our campuses will be honoured. Nominations for the 10th HICC are now open.
• Student supports: Explore the wide range of personal and academic resources available to support your well-being and success.
• Career Fair: Attend the annual UM Career Fair on January 27^th and 28^th at UMSU University Centre, to meet employers and explore future opportunities.
• Get involved: Explore the many ways to get involved on campus. Gain experience and develop employability skills through countless curricular and co-curricular experiential learning opportunities listed in the UMConnect catalogue.
• Fitness: Activate your gym access through Aurora and UM’s state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
• Bison sports: Cheer on the Bisons! Claim your free tickets to Bison home games and check out gobisons.ca for the full schedule.
• Student award: Nominate a student for the new Anne Mahon Award for Community Leadership and Positive Change – the deadline is February 14^th.
• Stay informed: Check your UM student email for the Student Weekly and follow @umstudent on Instagram and TikTok.

Here’s to a successful and fulfilling term ahead, Bisons. I’m looking forward to seeing you on campus!

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

Student Affairs – We empower learners to achieve their highest potential

Read our new Strategic Plan: Reimagining the Student Experience at UM (2025-2030) here

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