Dear Students,

As we head into the Winter Term Break from February 19 to 23, I want to wish you all well. I hope you take the time to relax, recharge, enjoy some winter fun happening around town, and check out the Canada West Men’s Basketball Championship at IGAC!

Here are a few reminders of upcoming UM events and the resources and supports available to you throughout the break period.

Louis Riel Day 

On Monday we honour Louis Riel, the Founding Father of Manitoba. A celebration of Métis culture and history will take place on Friday, February 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marshall McLuhan Hall, 204 – UMSU University Centre. This free event will include short remarks, music (a fiddle jam session!) and lunch. Everyone is welcome– please register in advance.

You can continue to celebrate from February 16 to 25 at the Festival du Voyageur with more than 200 live performances and great programming. I hope to see you there. Hé ho!

We want to hear from you!

Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity), and I would love to connect with you in person. We’re hosting informal drop-in hours where you can share your ideas, raise concerns, and ask your questions about anything pertaining to your UM experience.

Where: Degrees, 3^rd floor, UMSU University Centre

• Monday, February 26 from 1 to 2 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 13 from 10 to 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, March 27 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Thursday, April 11 from 3 to 4 p.m.

New Fellowship Opportunity

The Office of Equity Transformation invites you to apply for a Fellowship in Equity, Social Justice and Anti-Oppression that aims to ensure student voices, vision and experiences are considered in UM social justice, equity, accessibility and anti-oppression initiatives. Five paid fellowships of 6-9 months of experiential learning in areas including, anti-ableism, anti-racism, social justice, 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, age-inclusivity, as well as equity, diversity and inclusion are available.  Applications are open to undergraduate and graduate students. The deadline to apply is February 23, 2024. Apply now!

Upcoming

Celebrate International Women's Day with the Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould 
Thursday, March 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. at MPR, UMSU University Centre

Limited seats left, don't delay: Register now to attend

The Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould is not just a leader. She’s a revolutionary and a champion for those who want to make a difference. As the first Indigenous person to serve as Canada's Attorney General and Minister of Justice and the first woman to be elected as an Independent Member of Parliament, she has navigated complex challenges with strength, determination, and an unwavering commitment to justice. In this powerful presentation, she will delve into the principles that have guided her journey: the courage to think, act and be different. umanitoba.ca/knightlecture

Come out and meet your Institutional Safety Officers

Security Services is holding an open house ahead of the launch of the Institutional Safety Officer (Peace Officer) program at UM. Meet officers, ask questions, and learn more about the changes to campus safety. Refreshments and giveaways will be offered. Join us on March 25 from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Marshall McLuhan Hall, 2^nd floor, UMSU University Centre.

We are here for you!

The Winter Term Break is an excellent time to connect with student services on campus. We’re here, working hard to help you succeed at UM. If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, or would like to connect with someone to talk about challenges you are facing academically or personally, there are many student supports available for you. Be sure to drop by the Student Wellness Centre (162 Extended Education Bldg), and check out these five things you can do.

A range of academic supports, including academic advising, are also available online and on campus during the break – check them out!

Get involved

The 2024 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition heats begin March 7 with the final competition on April 10 at 7 p.m. This competition gives graduate students the opportunity to present their research in plain language (in three minutes) using a single slide to illustrate their ideas. The presentations will be judged at the heats, where three challengers from each heat will advance to the final competition taking place on April 10. Find the schedule here and join in the fun!

We are all Bisons!

Support the Herd as UM hosts the Canada West Basketball Championship February 21 to 25 at Investors Group Athletic Centre. Cheer on your UM Bisons Men’s Basketball as they take on the best teams in Canada to advance to the nationals. Visit gobisons.ca for more information and get your tickets or tournament pass. Use the promo code ‘UMWINTER’ to redeem one free ticket. #weareallbisons

Get winter active

Winter isn’t over just yet. This February, UM community members can participate in a winter wonderland of activities on campus from February 20 to 23 during UM Winter Active — all free to UM students, faculty, and staff. Read the UM Today story for a full list of activities, from fat-biking to ice-skating to winter walks.

Additionally, Recreation Services offers in-person and virtual options to help you stay active and relieve stress throughout the break week.

Stay connected to what’s happening across our campuses:

·         Check your inbox every Tuesday for UM’s student e-newsletter Student Weekly.

·         Follow @umstudent on Instagram and TikTok.

·         UM Today is the UM news site with daily stories to keep you up to date.

I wish you a restful week. Be safe, keep well, and I look forward to reconnecting when you return.

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@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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