[Graphical user interface Description automatically generated with low confidence] Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)
Hello Bisons,
As we wrap up the Winter Term and move into exams, final projects and assignments, I want to recognize the effort you’ve put into your studies, wish you well in the weeks ahead, and share information to support you throughout the exam period and beyond.
Supports during the exam period This preparing for final exams articlehttps://umtoday.ca/stories/preparing-for-finals-apr2026 highlights exam-writing strategies and self-care tips that I encourage you to review. It also features details about several exam outreach activities in various locations hosted by Student Affairs throughout the exam period. If you’re looking for snacks, drinks, and encouragement the Student Affairs team has you covered!
The Academic Learning Centrehttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-learning team is here to support you! Book some time with a tutorhttps://manitoba.mywconline.com/ in person or online: Content Tutors can help you better understand concepts specific to your field of study, Writing Tutors provide feedback on your academic writing, and Study Skills Tutors offer support with time management and effective study strategies. Tip sheetshttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-learning#tip-sheets-for-writing-and-study-skills are also available to support your studying. Check them out!
If you are experiencing anxiety concerning your academic obligations, there are several student supportshttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports available to you. Remember that all UM services remain available during regular hours throughout the exam period. We are here for you.
Unexpected circumstanceshttps://umtoday.ca/stories/exam-deferral-selfdeclaration may arise during the exam period. If you consider requesting a deferred exam by submitting a Self-Declaration for a Brief or Temporary Absencehttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/student-advocacy/self-declaration-policy-students#policy-definition-and-self-declaration-form, please be aware of the following examples of non-valid reasons for submitting a Self-Declaration form:
* attending a personal or family event, * optional travel, * technological difficulties, * competitions or events related to personal interests, or * employment-related commitments.
There are some circumstances where documentation may be required by your faculty. Remember, submitting a self-declaration form either dishonestly or for a non-valid reason is the same as submitting any other false document, which may result in disciplinary action under the UM Student Discipline Bylawhttps://umanitoba.ca/governance/governing-documents-students#student-discipline. Be sure to check with an academic advisorhttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-advising to confirm which reasons are valid and for help navigating the form.
Once again, dedicated 24-hour quiet study spacehttps://umtoday.ca/stories/247-study-space-during-exams is available this exam period in St. John’s College Library on a first come, first served basis. Student ID will be required to enter and exit. The space will be available from Saturday, April 11 8:00 a.m. through to Friday, April 24 at 4:30 p.m. A reminder that the Librarieshttps://umanitoba.ca/libraries/locations-and-facilities also remain open during the exam period.
Safety Download the UM Safe Apphttps://umanitoba.ca/security/#your-safety-on-campus, which gives you direct access to safety tools, services and resources, such as the Work Alone feature while studying on campus.
Participate in UM’s Demographic Census Earlier today, you received an email inviting you to complete the UM Demographic Censushttps://umanitoba.ca/equity-transformation/um-demographics-and-diversity, a short, voluntary questionnaire for all UM community members. It includes 7-12 questions about your personal identities. The information collected will help us better understand the diversity of our community and is essential to identifying and addressing inequities. I encourage you to take a few minutes to complete this questionnaire.
Job search tips If you’re entering the workforce after graduation—or hoping to line up summer employment—UM has tools to help you get started. Take a look at these ten tips for new gradshttps://umtoday.ca/stories/job-search-tips-new-grads and consider registering for a workshop through Career Serviceshttps://www.umanitoba.ca/career-services/. If you’re searching specifically for summer roles, you can also browse the UM job boards on UMConnecthttps://umconnect.umanitoba.ca/home/home.htm, and the general job boardshttps://www.umanitoba.ca/career-services/employment-resources-students/job-boards-and-employer-lists and employer lists.
Spring and summer bursary applications If you’re looking for help covering costs while attending university this spring and summer, check out the Spring and Summer Term General Bursaryhttps://umanitoba.ca/financial-aid-and-awards/bursaries. You can apply through your Aurora account, where you’ll find the full application details. Please submit your application by May 25, 2026.
Graduation Pow Wow Mark your calendars for the 37th Annual UM Graduation Pow Wow https://umanitoba.ca/indigenous/student-experience/annual-traditional-graduation-pow-wow on Saturday, May 2 at The Investors Group Athletic Centre, 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. that celebrates and honours First Nations, Métis and Inuit graduates. All are welcome to attend.
Spring convocation ceremonies In June we are celebrating the accomplishments of all graduates at the following Convocation ceremonies:
* June 1 - 5, 2026 – Fort Garry campus * June 8, 2026 – Université de Saint-Boniface Visit the Convocation webpage https://umanitoba.ca/registrar/graduation-convocation/convocation-dates-times for further details about the date/time/location of individual ceremonies.
On campus involvement opportunities Help new Bisons make a successful transition to UM at one or more summer welcome events by joining the UM Orientation Volunteer program. It’s a practical way to share what you’ve learned, earn official recognitionhttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/get-involved/experience-record for your contributions, and connect with other students. Learn more and sign up for the UM Volunteer programhttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/get-involved/um-volunteer-program.
The Office of Equity Transformationhttps://umanitoba.ca/equity-transformation/office is holding an information session on April 14, 2026 about how to make the University a more equitable place through engagement in the Fellows in Equity, Anti-Oppression and Social Justice programhttps://umanitoba.ca/equity-transformation/office/fellows. I encourage you to register for and attend the program information sessionhttps://forms.office.com/r/1AmtYvNaQG. The call for applications opens April 14 and closes May 8, 2026.
To those who are graduating – congratulations! I look forward to celebrating your achievements with you at the Graduation Pow Wow and Convocation. If you’re returning for the summer term, I hope to see you on campus. And if your plans include work, travel, rest, or time with friends and family, I wish you a safe and enjoyable summer. I’ll look forward to welcoming you back in Fall 2026!
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.camailto:Kimberlee.Potter@umanitoba.ca) - 204-474-6917
Student Affairs – We empower learners to achieve their highest potential
Read our new Strategic Plan: Reimagining the Student Experience at UM (2025-2030)https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/student-affairs/strategic-plan
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.
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