[Graphical user interface Description automatically generated with low confidence]
Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)
Greetings Bisons!
The Winter Term break, February 18 to 21, is almost here. I hope you can take advantage of this opportunity to catch up on your studies, recharge, and enjoy some of the fun outdoor activities Manitoba has to offer.
Below are some highlights of upcoming events, supports, and resources that may be useful to you.
Monday, February 17 is Louis Riel Day, an important day when the province recognizes and honours Louis Riel, the Founding Father of Manitoba. Today, Friday, February 14, UM will honour Louis Riel and Métis culture and history in Manitoba and at UMhttps://news.umanitoba.ca/celebrating-louis-riel-honouring-metis-heritage/. The celebration will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Marshall McLuhan Hall, 204 UMSU University Centre. This free event will include music celebrations and a lunch. Staff and students are invited and are encouraged to register to attendhttps://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=C92AT4wzTE6KFJBEaWL3uGBjZhR16ZFHu5wadmAC58lURDFTUVlSMzRXUFczWTVJM1NXN1cxNkpLTC4u&route=shorturl.
If our on-campus celebrations have you craving more, there's lots happening in Manitoba throughout the break! Festival du Voyageurhttps://heho.ca/en/ is taking place from February 14 to 23. Head to St. Boniface to enjoy one of our city's most iconic cultural events, and enjoy some live music, hot food, snow sculptures, and heritage activities. Hé ho!
The Tourism Winnipeghttps://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/things-to-do/top-tens/winter website also has an extensive list of winter activities, including the Nestaweya River Trail at the Forks, the world's largest snow maze in St. Adolphe, and cross-country skiing at Windsor Park. Enjoy!
Just because classes are on pause, it does not mean that campuses are closed. The Winter Term Break is an excellent time to connecthttps://umanitoba.ca/current-students/SEAD/connection-desk with on campus services, use the Libraryhttps://umanitoba.ca/libraries/locations-and-facilities spaces, and work out at the Active Living Centre. UM Recreation Serviceshttps://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services remains open with ongoing programming for students from the fitness centre to classes in a range of fitness areas.
If you're feeling stressed or would like to talk with someone about challenges you are facing academically or personally, there are many student supportshttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports available. Be sure to drop by the Student Wellness Centrehttps://www.healthyuofm.com/swc (SWC), 162 Extended Education Bldg, whether to just check out the lounge space or get a drop-in consultation. And mark your calendars! Pet Therapyhttps://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/studentaffairs/event/pet-therapy-at-swc/ is taking place in the SWC on Tuesday, February 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.!
The break is a perfect time to gear up for the rest of the term, so start looking ahead! A range of academic supportshttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports, including academic advising, are also available online and on campus during the break-check them out!
This year's Three Minute Thesis (3MT)/Ma thèse en 180 secondeshttps://umanitoba.ca/graduate-studies/student-experience/three-minute-thesis-3mt, UM's annual research communication competition, is fast approaching. The first heats start on March 4, so mark your calendars! Whether you are an aspiring graduate student or fully immersed in your current graduate program all are welcome to attend!
When you return to campus, Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity) and I would love to connect with you. We are hosting drop-in hours on February 26 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Degrees, on the 3rd floor of UMSU University Centre. If you have any questions or concerns about the student experience at UM, or if you have any ideas you would like to share, please stop by!
Don't forget to keep up to date with the UM Bisons! Basketball, hockey, volleyball, track and field... there is lots happening when you return from the break and, remember, you are entitled to free tickets! Keep your eyes on the Bisons webpagehttps://gobisons.ca/ for details on upcoming sporting events. Go Bisons!
Stay connected to what's happening across our campuses: · Check your inbox every Tuesday for UM's student e-newsletter Student Weeklyhttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/get-involved/student-weekly-newsletter. · Follow @umstudent on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/umstudent/ and TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@umstudent?lang=en. · UM Todayhttps://news.umanitoba.ca/ is the UM news site with daily stories to keep you up to date.
I wish you all a restful week. Be safe, keep well, and come back refreshed and ready to tackle the remainder of the Winter Term! I look forward to reconnecting with you then.
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
Confidential Assistant - Marci Davies Marci.Davies@umanitoba.camailto:Marcia.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.
[UMLogoSignature]
[signature_4028178315]
