Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)

Dear students,

I want to extend my congratulations to each of you on completing the Fall Term and my wishes for a restorative holiday break. I hope you have many opportunities to connect with the people and places that give you joy, and to engage in activities that calm your mind and fill you with inspiration.

As you head into this well-deserved break, here are a few things to keep in mind:

The university will be closed at 4:30 p.m. on December 20 and reopen on January 2, with Winter Term classes beginning on January 6, 2025. Information about the holiday closure, including what is open and what is not, can be found on the facilities web page.

Though I know that many of you have work and other responsibilities that continue during the break, I hope that you will take some time for self-care. Whether catching up on reading or streaming; enjoying time with family and friends; hiking, skating, skiing or snowboarding; or baking a favourite treat – whatever it is that fills you up, I hope you will take the time to do it! If you are sticking around Winnipeg and looking for some fun things to do, check out this article on winter activities and tips to embrace the cold.

The holiday break is a great time to be active and support your mental and physical well-being. The Sport and Rec fee gives all UM students access to sport and recreation facilities, casual rec use spaces, and group fitness classes on both the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. You can also check on the UM REC Clubs, Intramural Sports, and Adult programs for an additional cost. Check out UM Recreation Services to learn more and find hours of operation during the break.

Graduate students, do you want to hone your public speaking skills and present your research in plain language, using one slide, in just 3 minutes? Then consider signing up for the 2025 3-Minute Thesis competition. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your work, win cash prizes, and have fun. Visit the 3MT webpage for more information.

I wish you a relaxing, safe and enjoyable break and a happy new year! I look forward to seeing all of you back on our campuses in 2025.

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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