Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)
Happy New Year and welcome back, Bisons!
I hope you had a restful break and 2025 has greeted you kindly. Whether you are
beginning your studies or continuing on your UM journey, I hope you are ready for the
upcoming term. At the University of Manitoba there are many
personal and academic supports available for all undergraduate and graduate students, and
I encourage you to check them out.
As Winter Term begins,
there are many activities, programs, and events designed to
engage you and to promote wellness and
academic success. Be sure to explore the many
opportunities within
your courses and beyond.
Stay connected with what is happening on campus by regularly checking your UM student e-mail (every Tuesday
there is a new issue of Student Weekly)
and follow @umstudent on Instagram and
TikTok.
For new international students, the
International Centre
is hosting several Welcome Events between
January 8 and January 13 to help new international students make the transition to UM and
to Winnipeg.
Graduate Student Orientation workshops will be held on
Thursday, January 9. These sessions offer an introduction to Graduate Studies, with helpful information provided by the Dean, Security Services,
and the UMGSA and HSGSA teams. Other topics include: understanding your rights as a graduate student, working with your advisor, writing at the graduate level, Libraries orientation, and more. Register today!
Attending to your physical and mental health and well-being is important.
Check out supports
available for you
including dropping by the
Student Wellness Centre
at 162 Extended Education Building, and stay informed with their programming and supports. As a student, you have access to
state-of-the-art fitness facilities
in a welcoming and inclusive environment, conveniently located on campus. To activate your student gym access, simply log in to your Aurora account, fill out the gym waiver, and you’ll be notified when your pass is active.
Indigenous student programming
provides an opportunity to get
involved, with holistic programs, services and supports for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. Follow the Indigenous
events calendar for cultural learning and
updates on events and
activities.
Cheer on the Bisons every weekend! Get a group of friends together and
be a part of the action. It’s a great way to socialize and support the UM Bisons. Claim your
free tickets online. For
full schedule details, visit gobisons.ca.
UM’s
Libraries offer a variety of supports
for students, whether it be helping with assignments
or printing documents.
I encourage all students to make use of the many services
offered by our Libraries throughout the Winter term.
For those
considering career possibilities,
UM’s Annual Career Fair
cohosted by Career Services and the Asper School of Business will take place in UMSU University Centre
on January 22 and January 23. This is an event for students to network and connect, explore career opportunities, and gain insight into out-of-class experiences
that help you develop competencies that are critical to future career or post-graduate success.
Throughout the year,
Career Services offers a range of invaluable resources to help students find jobs and volunteer positions at the UM and in the community. If you want to develop professional skills this term
visit the Career Services site
and consult the weekly
Get Hired newsletter.
If you are thinking about an on-campus experience this summer
Mini U Programs is hiring! Applications
are now being accepted for summer positions, including supervisors, leaders, lifeguards, and coaches. Develop transferrable skills and make important connections
on campus—consider joining the Mini U team now!
Lastly, if you are looking for on-campus accommodations for the Winter term there are still dorm-style rooms available in a few of our residence buildings on campus. Check out the
Student Residences website
for more information about on campus living and where to make your inquiries. I also understand that a few rooms are available in St. John’s residence. Further details can be found here: St
John's Residence | St John’s College | University of Manitoba
Wishing you
all a productive, inspiring, and engaging term. I’m looking forward to seeing you on campus!
My best,
…Laurie
Marcia (Marci) Davies
(she/her)
Assistant to the Vice-Provost (Students),
Laurie Schnarr
Student Affairs
Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
University of Manitoba
208 Administration Building
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
Tel: 204.474.6917
Student Affairs – Leaders in cultivating exceptional student experiences
With humility and appreciation, I acknowledge that the University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininew, Anisininew,
Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. I respect Turtle Island and the Treaties that were made on these territories as a third-generation Mennonite settler. I am committed to contributing to acts of Reconciliation, and
I am grateful to Indigenous communities for their leadership and patience as I continue my path of learning and awareness.
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