Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)

Dear students,

Members of the Student Affairs team and I have heard from many of you during the past month and understand how challenging this time is. I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of the many programs, services and supports that are currently available to support your mental health and well-being, and your academic success.

Examples of remote group and workshop programming offered by the Student Counselling Centre (SCC) include:

• Stress and Distress workshop
• Mid-day Mindfulness Meditation
• Communication and Conflict Resolution
• Depression and Anxiety Management

For further information, and to register, visit the Counselling Workshops and Groups page.

The SCC also offers individual counselling and will work with you to determine the best approach for you.

Staying healthy and well means developing and maintaining a set of healthy habits that contribute toward your physical, social and mental well-being. Just a few small changes in your daily routine can have long-term effects on your overall health. UM’s Health and Wellness Office can support you on your journey and has some great tips and resources for self-directed improvement. I encourage you to check them out.

All services offered at the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) continue to be available virtually. ISC Elders, student advisors and staff are here for you. Weekly Sharing Circles are held for students on Thursdays and Student Counselling is also available by appointment on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and Friday all day. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment with an Elder, student advisor or counsellor, please contact isc@umanitoba.ca or 204.474.8850.  

All UM student supports are open to international students, and you can reach out for information and support specific to your personal situation through a private, confidential conversation with an International Student Advisor (ISA) at the International Centre. Make an appointment for a Zoom meeting by emailing international@umanitoba.ca with your name and student number.

Check out the full range of student support offerings, all of which are currently available until the December break.

Financial supports – The UM Strike Relief Fund

If you are experiencing unexpected financial hardship due to changes in the academic schedule resulting from the current labour disruption, consider applying to The UM Strike Relief Fund. These funds are limited and available for students who have unexpected expenses as a direct result of the strike, such as:

· Additional housing costs due to the extension of the fall term

· Additional housing costs due to a roommate leaving, resulting in a student having to pay extra rent

· Loss of wages

· Additional food costs over the holiday break due to the extension of the fall term

· Unexpected childcare expenses due to the extension of the fall term

· Unexpected flight arrangements/changes

The program is available to undergraduate and graduate students, valued at $1,000 for full-time studies and $500 for part-time studies. Students must submit an online application form, which will be reviewed to determine whether applicants meet the eligibility criteria for the funds.

Application forms will be available on Friday, December 3 in the Aurora Student Portal, and will close once funds are depleted. (More information will be updated on the Financial Aid and Awards site on December 3.)

Academic supports

For your continuing courses, the Fall Term exam period is December 11-23. Reach out to the Academic Learning Centre to strengthen your study skills, get tips on time management, procrastination, or academic writing.  Talk to an Academic Advisor for help with your degree progression. Not sure which support you need? Contact the Virtual Advising Help Centre and our student navigators will point you in the right direction.

Exam deferrals

We know this is a concern for many of you right now. If you have questions, please reach out to the academic advising office in your faculty, department or school. This page has more information on deferral options.

Stay active this winter

We live in a beautiful city and province, and there is lots to do outdoors this winter. As a relatively new Manitoban, I visit the Travel Manitoba site often to get new ideas about things to do and places to go. I particularly like the hiking and trails page, and the blog, which features 10 things to do every week. Check out this week’s list.

You can also get involved in Rec Services programs and clubs to maintain your fitness, improve your mental health and meet new people. UM students have access to sport and recreation facilities, casual rec services and group fitness classes on both the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. You can also participate in UM REC Clubs, Intramural Sports and instructional programs at an additional cost. Visit UM Recreation Services for more info.

I hope that the resources and supports I have featured in this update are helpful to you. Particularly during these challenging times, please remember that your university cares about you and is here to support you. As indicated in our recent update to the campus community, the University accepted the mediator’s recommendation of binding arbitration and is working hard to get everyone back to their classes.

I am thinking of all of you and sending you my best wishes.

Warmly,

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: Creating opportunities for student success!

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.

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