Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)

Hello Bisons!

We are so excited to welcome all new and returning students to UM for another great year. Across each of our campuses we have been preparing programs and events to engage you, and the academic and personal supports you need to thrive at the University of Manitoba. I encourage you to get involved, explore UMConnect for experiential learning opportunities, and cheer on our Bisons teams at their home games! There are many avenues for meeting people, participating in campus life, and applying your learning in fun, real-world contexts. Take advantage of all that UM has to offer!

I will be sending you emails periodically throughout the year to check in, provide updates, and share information relevant to students. Today’s update is intended to support you in navigating the early days of the Fall Term successfully.

Things to know

UM Commons is a webpage designed with the needs of new undergraduate students in mind. It features information and resources to help you whether your questions are related to academics, campus life, or personal matters. I encourage you to bookmark UM Commons and refer to it often. Follow the First Year Centre on social: @umfirstyearcentre

The UM General Bursary application closes on October 1. All eligible students are encouraged to apply!

Avoid line-ups! Download the WaitWell app and enter to win Airpods! WaitWell is your personal UM appointment assistant that allows you to join virtual lines at many UM offices and get a notification to head to your appointment location at just the right time.

Libraries are key to student success and at UM we have seven on the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses!  Our Libraries are open and staff are looking forward to welcoming you with study spaces, resources, workshops, and services.

Bookmark the important dates and deadlines webpage to stay on track this term.

Things to do

A big welcome to all International students! Visit the International Centre, your home away from home, on level 5 UMSU University Centre. And don’t miss these events in September:

• A special lecture by Dr. Cary Miller, Associate V-P (Indigenous) Scholarship, Research and Curriculum, How Does Reconciliation Relate to Me? on September 6, 2:30 p.m. (215 Tier Bldg); and
• Meet the IC Coffee and Tea event on Wednesday, September 27, where you can meet with Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MISHP) administrators to ask any questions you may have about your health coverage. Information is also available on the international student health coverage webpage.

New graduate students who were not able to attend one of the orientation sessions organized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies last week, it’s not too late! All presentations are available on the graduate student orientation webpage.

The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) welcomes all students back to campus! On Wednesday, September 13 attend Indigenous Orientation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Duckworth Quad and Migizii Agamik - Bald Eagle Lodge. To learn more about services offered through ISC visit the Indigenous student experience webpage. Follow on social: @umindigenous

Make a difference – get involved

The UM Sustainability Committee has created an advisory sub-committee, UM Sustainability in Academics, which is seeking three student members. The first meeting will be held in October. If you are interested, please contact: Dr. Mark G. Torchia, Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning), Co-Chair UM Sustainability Committee (mark.torchia@umanitoba.ca).

The Indigenous Circle of Empowerment (ICE) is looking for potential leaders to join for the 2023-24 academic year. If you enjoy building community, discovering personal strengths, improving your skills, and giving back to the community - ICE is looking for YOU! Applications are being accepted until September 16.

Be well

Staying active promotes a variety of health benefits and mental well-being and can help relieve stress and anxiety. Through the Sport and Rec fee, UM students can access sport and recreation facilities and attend group fitness classes at the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. Students can also participate in UM REC Clubs, Intramural Sports and Adult Programs at an additional cost. Visit UM Recreation Services and take advantage of everything available to you. Follow on social @uofmrecservices.

The Sport and Rec fee also gives students full access to cheer on the Bisons at all regular season home games. Enjoy football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, hockey, and track all year long. Follow @umbisons #weareallbisons, and @umherd to learn more about showing your Bison pride.

The new Student Wellness Centre is opening in 62 Extended Education Complex on September 6. The SWC operates on a drop-in basis and is an inclusive space for students to learn skills to actively engage in and maintain your well-being. Visit the lounge area to rest, recharge, connect with peers, and check out the resources. Drop in September 6 and 7 from 10:30 to 12:30 for snacks, music, and wellness activities! For more information, visit UM’s Health and Wellness website  and follow @healthyuofm.

Campus information

Ongoing construction by the City of Winnipeg continues to affect traffic in September. University Cres. will have one lane closed southbound during repairs in September. Dysart Road is closed at Sidney Smith Street for a steam line replacement, with completion anticipated this month.

To avoid potential construction-related delays, we strongly advise that if you are driving to the Fort Garry campus, leave 15 to 20 minutes earlier than usual for your classes. An alternate route is available via Chancellor Matheson Road (accessible from Pembina Highway) if you want to avoid University Crescent.

As we start the Fall Term, each one of us has a right to feel safe, and a responsibility to do our part to ensure a safe campus for all.

• Understand expectations about respectful behaviour
• Be in the know about online safety
• Be aware of the safety resources available to you
• Download the UM Safe app
• Learn about the Safer Social Event Team

A welcoming and respectful campus environment helps our community thrive – be part of it!

Together We are Stronger

The Sexual Violence Resource Centre reminds all students that you deserve safety and support on our campuses and off, AND you play an important role in contributing to a campus-wide culture of consent. Please ask before touching and ask before texting.

If you or someone you know needs resources or support, UM’s Sexual Violence Resource Centre (SVRC) is available to help. The SVRC uses a trauma-informed approach to offer information, resources, and supports for people who have experienced sexual violence, and for those supporting survivors. Any information you disclose is confidential and you are in control of how you want to move forward. 

How to reach the Sexual Violence Resource Centre:

Location: 537 UMSU University Centre

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Email: svrc@umanitoba.ca

Phone: 204-474-6562

Stay Connected

Every week, you will receive UM's student e-newsletter Student Weekly directly in your myumanitoba.ca inbox. If you are looking for information on deadlines, events, scholarships, employment opportunities, student support, and university announcements, this newsletter provides the most convenient way to access it all. You can also stay updated by following us on social media @umstudent.

Have a wonderful start to the Fall Term. Until next time!

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.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, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. As a white settler of English and German descent I am committed to walking alongside my Indigenous colleagues, friends and neighbours and doing the work that is necessary to honour the truth, right the wrongs, and contribute to lasting positive change.

Confidentiality notice: This message and any attachments to it are intended for the addressee only and may contain legally privileged or confidential information. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender if you have received this email by mistake, and please delete it and the attachments (and all copies) in a secure manner.