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 break for the summer months.

I’m writing to share an important update on UM’s copyright policy, specifically regarding the use of course materials.

The Copyright Office has received numerous reports that course materials created by faculty have been posted or shared without the permission of the faculty member who owns that content. In response to this issue, the Copyright Office has updated the UM copyright guidelines to help students, staff and faculty determine what may be legally copied or shared .

As a student, it’s important to understand that course materials created by an instructor or professor are copyrighted content. This includes PowerPoints, handouts, or notes made available for private study and research. These materials must not be shared or distributed in any format without authorization (this includes course note sharing or tutoring websites such as Course Hero, Chegg, etc.). Violating copyright, or engaging in unauthorized file sharing or recording, can result in serious consequences for students at UM, including but not limited to disciplinary actions under the University’s Student Discipline Bylaw, Student Academic Misconduct Procedure, and Student Non-Academic Misconduct and Concerning Behaviour Procedure.

If you have questions about your responsibilities regarding copyright, please visit the University’s Copyright Office website or contact um.copyright@umanitoba.ca. 

If you need assistance in navigating university processes, and understanding your rights and obligations as a student at UM, see the University’s Student Advocacy website or contact 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 learning environment that is rooted in respect, inclusivity, and understanding. Thank you for upholding these values—and for respecting the intellectual property of others by adhering to the University’s copyright guidelines. Your commitment helps foster 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

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, 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.

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.