Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)
Dear students,
I hope this message finds you well, whether you are continuing your studies or enjoying a well-deserved summer break.
I’m writing to share an important reminder on UM’s
copyright policy,
specifically regarding the use of course materials.
The Copyright Office regularly receives reports of course materials being shared or posted without the permission of the academic staff member who created them. In response, the
UM Copyright Guidelines were updated last year to help clarify what can be legally copied or shared. This spring, the Senate and Board of
Governors also approved a revision to the Student Non-Academic Misconduct and Concerning Behaviour
procedure to reinforce understanding of the intellectual property rights of academic staff.
As a student, it’s important to understand that course materials created by an instructor or professor – such as PowerPoints, handouts, notes, recorded lectures – are protected by copyright and intended for your
personal study. These materials must not be shared, uploaded, or distributed in any format without permission, including on note-sharing or tutoring websites such as Course Hero or Chegg.
Violating copyright, including unauthorized sharing, or recording, may result in serious consequences, including but not limited to disciplinary actions under the
University’s Student Discipline and Misconduct policies.
If you have questions about your responsibilities regarding copyright, please visit the
UM Copyright Office website or contact
um.copyright@umanitoba.ca.
If you need support in navigating university processes and understanding your rights and obligations as a student at UM, you can also contact
Student Advocacy at
student_advocacy@umanitoba.ca.
We’re here to support you in achieving your academic goals, and I encourage you to make use of the many
resources available. Each member of the UM community has an important role to play in maintaining a respectful
and inclusive learning environment. Thank you for helping uphold these values, and for respecting the intellectual property of others. Your actions contribute to a culture of integrity and academic excellence for all.
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: Kimberlee Potter (Kimberlee.Potter@umanitoba.ca) - 204-474-6917
Student Affairs – We empower learners to achieve their highest potential
I acknowledge, with humility and gratitude, that the University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininewak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit,
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.