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Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)

Dear Bisons,

As we approach Fall Term break from November 11 to 15, I want to extend my sincere wishes for a safe and relaxing week. Though this break is often a time to catch up on coursework I hope you carve out some time to care for yourself and do what brings you joy.

This is often a stressful time for students, as you navigate midterms and contemplate the end of term. Know that you are not alone and that you don’t have to manage on your own. The UM community is built on a foundation of mutual support and is committed to fostering student success and well-being. Numerous resources are available to help you thrive, which I am featuring in today’s message.

Whether you are writing papers, preparing for tests or exams, or would just like to study more effectively, there are a variety of supports available to help you succeed in your studies. The Academic Learning Centrehttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-learning/academic-success-workshops offers one-to-one tutoringhttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-learning/tutoring-group-study#individual-tutoring, workshopshttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-learning/academic-success-workshops, Supplemental Instructionhttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-learning/tutoring-group-study#group-study-sessions-for-select-courses and other resources to help you hone your studying and writing skills. The UM Librarieshttps://umanitoba.ca/libraries/help-and-services/get-help also offers one-to-one appointmentshttps://umanitoba.ca/libraries/help-and-services/get-help with librarians across a wide variety of subject areas, a live chat feature, and a multitude of online resources to guide you in everything from effective research strategies to learning how to properly integrate and cite source material. You can also reach out to an academic advisorhttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/academic-advising to discuss course choices, degree planning and many other aspects of your academic life.

Though academics are important, we also want to help you take care of yourself, even at the busiest times. Mental and physical well-being are key to managing many other aspects of our lives. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or would just like to talk with someone, connect with the various well-being centred services at UM, like the Student Counselling Centrehttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/student-health-and-wellness/student-counselling-centre-scc and the Student Wellness Centrehttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/student-wellness. If you are finding it difficult to meet your basic needs, contact the UM Food Bankhttps://umanitoba.ca/financial-aid-and-awards/u-m-food-bank.

November is Career Month at UM, making it the perfect time to start or strengthen your plan for the future. Throughout the month, the Career, Community, and Experiential Learning Centrehttps://umanitoba.ca/current-students/career-community-experiential-learning is hosting events aimed at helping you navigate your career choices from Day One and confirm you're on the path to achieving your goals. You can find more information about these events at the Career Month websitehttps://www.umanitoba.ca/career-services/career-planning/career-month.

You can help strengthen the UM community and, in turn, strengthen your own skills by getting involved. Whether you are interested in volunteering, joining a student group, exploring student government, or would like to know more about UM beyond academics, you can visit the new Connection Desk in the University Centre or contact the Student Experience and Development Officehttps://umanitoba.ca/current-students/SEAD, where a peer involvement advisor can help you find opportunities suited to your schedule and interests.

Getting active is also a great way to support your mental and physical well-being. The Sport and Recreation fee gives all UM students access to casual rec use https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/group-fitness-and-casual-rec-use#casual-rec-useand group fitness classeshttps://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/group-fitness-and-casual-rec-use on both campuses, and there are also UM Rec Clubshttps://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/rec-clubs-intramurals/rec-clubs, Intramural Sportshttps://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/registered-programs and Adult Programs https://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/registered-programsat an additional cost. Check out all of the options available through UM Recreation Serviceshttps://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/rec-clubs-intramurals. Or, if you would prefer to be a spectator and support your UM community, go cheer on your Bisons at one of their home gameshttps://gobisons.ca/calendar!

Though UM strives to find the most effective ways to support students, we know this work is never done. If you want to have a say in how to make UM the best it can be, Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity) and I are available for bi-weekly drop-in hours at Degrees throughout the remainder of the Fall Term. We would love to connect with you in person about any ideas, feedback or concerns you might have. Come connect with us!

Where: Degrees, 3rd floor, UMSU University Centre

When: Tuesday, November 19, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 5, 1-2 p.m.

To ensure that the voices of students are heard regarding the UM Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy, the task force’s Community Consultation Committee has been engaging with various groups across the University. In addition to in-person consultations, we are also gathering feedback through an anonymous online formhttps://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=C92AT4wzTE6KFJBEaWL3uAX-ONGBq49ImFfmtZPZHnNUMFBORUFUMjA2NERITFBUNVo2MFJYTE04My4u&origin=Invitation&channel=0. We invite all students to share your thoughts and experiences regarding mental health and well-being at UM. The form includes seven questions and will be open for feedback through to the end of the Fall term.

University Health Service (UHS) is offering flu and COVID immunization clinics on Thursday mornings from October through December for all community members. Book your appointment today by calling 204-474-8411. Additionally, UMSU will be hosting a flu clinic on campus on November 19 from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Fireside Lounge (1st floor UMSU University Centre).

Starting November 21, 2024, Registration will have a fresh look with new functions designed to make the process easier. Our updated resources are here to guide you through every step—whether you’re preparing to register, adding or dropping classes, or viewing your schedule. With video tutorials, FAQs, and clear, step-by-step instructions, you’ll have all the support you need for a smooth registration experience. Bookmark the Registrationhttps://www.umanitoba.ca/registrar/registration site today.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the serious and difficult situations involving crime on campus in recent weeks. UM has taken significant steps to protect our campus community by increasing and complementing existing security measures on-campus including:

· Increased security presence in the lobby of each residence building on a 24-hour basis, complementing our regular nightly security schedule.

· Additional security personnel at residence lobby entrances.

· Routine checks of all residence entrances and exits.

· A review and enhancement of specific door security as needed.

While our campus community has more security measures in place than in any other Winnipeg neighborhood, it is clear we are not immune to the broader issues affecting our city, including crime. I urge each of you to stay vigilant and take care of one another. Please don’t hesitate to use the safety resourceshttps://umanitoba.ca/security/ available on campus, from SafeWalk and SafeRide services to our emergency alerts, app and on-campus security. If you or anyone else needs support, please know there are people on campus ready to listen and help you through this difficult time.https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/safety-and-security

The Sexual Violence Resource Centrehttps://umanitoba.ca/sexual-violence provides confidential support to students affected by sexual violence and can assist with academic or workplace accommodations, food security and housing, safety planning and reporting, and therapeutic services. You can contact the SVRC at 204-474-6562, or at svrc@umanitoba.camailto:svrc@umanitoba.ca, or at 537 UMSU University Centre.

However you choose to spend the break week, we hope you will stay connected with the UM community and keep up with the events and happenings 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 and check out UM Todayhttps://news.umanitoba.ca/, the UM’s news site, to see what’s happening.

Take care over the break and I look forward to reconnecting when we return!

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.

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