Dear students,

I wanted to take a moment to congratulate you on completing the Fall Term and to wish you all the best during the holiday break. As a reminder, the University will be closed from 6 p.m. on December 22 until January 3, 2024, with classes beginning again on January 8. Everything you need to know about the holiday closure, including what’s open and what’s not, can be found on the Operations and Maintenance web page.

A few reminders as you head into your much-deserved break:

Financial supports

Financial Supports for UM students are available to those experiencing financial distress. Students can access financial support in times of need, from the UM Food Bank to UM Emergency loans and other community resources. If you are struggling to make ends meet, know that there is help available for eligible students.

Self-care

Remember to take time for yourself, whether that is spending time with family and friends, reading your favourite book, walking the trails, or binge watching a series you had no time for during the term. I know that many of you are working during the break – I hope you find time to rest and recharge too. Check out the top 50 things to do in the winter in Winnipeg. And, here are some links for support if you need help over the break.

In January, the team at the new Student Wellness Centre  (162 Extended Education Complex) will be welcoming students back to campus with peer support, a calm space and a wellness resource library. Be sure to stop by during your first week back to check out the resources available to you. 

Learn a new language, study, and work in a new country

The University of Manitoba is pleased to partner with the McCall MacBain Foundation to offer you an opportunity to spend a year abroad divided into three terms: language, academic, and work/internship. The McCall MacBain International Fellowship provides up to $30,000 in funding to qualified UM undergraduate students, departing in the summer of 2024. The deadline for applications is January 12, 2024. If interested, you are strongly encouraged to register for the January 5 information session.

Stay active

Staying active promotes a variety of health benefits, supports mental well-being, and can help relieve stress and anxiety. Through the Sport and Rec fee, UM students have access to sport and recreation facilities, casual rec use and group fitness classes at the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. Students also have the option to participate in UM REC Clubs, Intramural Sports and Adult Programs at an additional cost. Visit UM Recreation Services to learn more, book a tour of the sport and recreation facilities, and check out their hours of operation  during the break.

Calling all graduate students

Big issues. New ideas. Three minutes. It’s time once again for the annual 3MT competition. If you want to present your research in plain language in 3 minutes, using just one slide, then this is the challenge you have been looking for. This competition is an excellent opportunity to showcase your work, compete for cash prizes, and have fun at the same time. For all the information you need to plan and apply, please visit the 3MT webpage.

I wish you all the best for a safe and restful holiday break and a very happy new year! I look forward to seeing you in 2024.

…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@umanitoba.ca: 204.474.6917

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, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, 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 to lasting positive change.

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