This message is delivered by President David Barnard, University
of Manitoba to alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the University
of Manitoba community.
I am taking this opportunity to speak directly about a matter
involving a University of Manitoba doctoral student that is garnering a great
deal of public attention. I know many of you have been following
developments regarding this case in the media and likely have many questions.
I first want to state my unequivocal support for the student
involved in this matter. It is my understanding that this student is an
exceptional student who has achieved outstanding success and is fully deserving
of the PhD conferred by the University of Manitoba.
Unfortunately, a lot of misinformation about this case has been
widely broadcast, most notably in the mass media, and it has all too easily and
readily been accepted by some as fact. This rush to rash conclusions and
finger-pointing can do serious harm to the reputation of all those involved in
the case.
It is incumbent upon all of us to wait for the case to work its
way through the process before drawing conclusions; to presume innocence, not
guilt; to understand that there are at least two sides to a story, and that if
we have heard only one, we have nowhere near enough information to condemn our
colleagues or fellow alumni.
Having received permission from the student involved in this
matter to release limited information, the Dean of Graduate Studies and the
Dean of Science have prepared a statement. I encourage you also to read their
message found at www.umanitoba.ca.
I also want to take this opportunity to emphasize that the
University of Manitoba encourages informed debate on issues related to academic
policy, such as those in the case before us. Where it is possible for the
university to improve its policies, and where it is possible for the university
to improve its transparency with respect to these policies, so that decisions
and actions can be clearly accounted for, we will do so. To this end, the
administration and Senate have already commenced discussions relating to the
accommodation of students with disabilities, including a review of:
- how to balance the University's legal obligation to offer
reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities while protecting
academic standards;
- what types of accommodations may be offered, without
compromising academic standards;
- who should decide on whether accommodations should be offered,
and if so, what type;
- what types of evidence of disability should the decision maker
require;
- with whom is the decision-maker expected to consult;
- how to ensure timely decisions on accommodation are made, so
that a student's academic progress is not compromised; and,
- how to protect the privacy of students while assessing a case
and implementing accommodations.
Discussion of these matters will involve
students, faculty, staff and experts in these fields and will take place
through the university Senate, our academic governing body, in the spirit of
our institutional commitment to continuous improvement. The University of
Manitoba will learn from this experience, and it is our intention to do so as a
responsible, responsive academic community.
I will provide you with an update when it is possible to do so.
However, for now, I plan not to comment further and allow the legal processes
to unfold.
Your comments and perspectives are welcome. I have created the
following email address and invite you to comment: umfeedback@umanitoba.ca.
Thank you for your continued commitment to and support of the
University of Manitoba.
David T. Barnard, Ph.D.,
President and Vice-Chancellor
202 Administration Building,
University of Manitoba, Winnipeg MB R3T 2N2 Canada
Office: +1-204-474-9345
FAX: +1-204-275-7925 Cell: +1-204-509-0026
Email: president@umanitoba.ca
