[Graphical user interface Description automatically generated with low confidence]

Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)

Dear students:

Welcome to Winter Term 2022! I hope this email finds you ready to start an exciting new chapter in your academic career.

Many of us had hoped to begin this term with the return to in-person classes so I know some of you are disappointed to continue attending classes remotely. After nearly two years since our pivot to remote working and learning it disappoints me, too, but please know that these decisions are not made lightly. In planning our way forward, the university considers all potential impacts, and will always be guided by science and our public health experts.

As we continue to navigate this ever-evolving situation, I will provide you with regular email updates so please be sure to monitor your official UM inbox throughout the term. I encourage you to also follow @umstudent on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/umstudent/?hl=en and check UM's COVID-19 websitehttps://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students for updates.

Though we remain off-campus for now, there are still many opportunities to have fun, meet people, and enhance your studies, some of which I have listed below. If you're having difficulties - academically or personally - please take advantage of the many supportshttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports we have in place for students. Your UM community is here for you.

Continue your studies remotely. From now until the end of the Winter Term break on February 26, all non-essential activity will continue remotely. In select cases where you may be required to be on campus, the University will provide you with medical grade masks (where physical distancing is possible) or KN95 masks and disposable eye protection (where physical distancing is not possible). These items will be available at your specific classroom locations. Masks are also available at the Elizabeth Dafoe Library on Fort Garry Campus.

Study spaces are available for students who need to manoeuvre between in-person academic activities and remote learning. These spaceshttps://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students#resources-for-students will be maintained in accordance with the university's heightened cleaning protocols.

Elizabeth Dafoe and Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Libraries are open for UM students, faculty, and staff. Visit our COVID-19 updateshttps://umanitoba.ca/libraries/covid-updates for current library hours and service details. Need help? Just Ask Ushttps://apps.lib.umanitoba.ca/chat/pop_up/uml.html or make an appointment with a librarianhttps://umanitoba.ca/libraries/help-and-services/get-help. Access the collections and other library services onlinehttps://umanitoba.ca/libraries/access-materials.

Boost your physical and mental health with Recreation Serviceshttps://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/membership-rates#um-students. Intramurals is back for Winter Term, so be sure to register your team by January 26. You can also book a trial-week in any adult instructional program during the week of January 24 or drop into a REC club for free and see what interests you. Not ready for in-person workouts? Visit the Virtual health and fitness pagehttps://umanitoba.ca/community/sport-recreation/recreation-services/virtual-health-and-fitness for workouts you can try at home. Find all the details in the Recreation Services monthly update.https://mailchi.mp/umanitoba/how-to-get-active

Make sure to focus on your wellness - especially now. Whether you are looking to add some tools to your self-care toolkit or need immediate help, there is support for you throughout your studieshttps://news.umanitoba.ca/stress-support/, regardless of your level of need.

Get involved with Indigenous student programminghttps://umanitoba.ca/indigenous/student-experience including holistic programs, services and supports for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. Follow the Indigenous events calendarhttps://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/indigenous for cultural learning and other activities like the weekly virtual Sharing Circles with Elders-in-Residencehttps://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/indigenous/event/sharing-circles-with-isc-elders-in-residence-6/. New this year are Two-Spirit (2S) Sharing Circleshttps://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/indigenous/event/sharing-circles-with-two-spirit-2s-elders/ ­- the next one takes place on January 28, with more to be confirmed soon.

If you are a first year student at UM, be sure to check out UM Commonshttps://umanitoba.ca/current-students/um-commons, your gateway to academic resources, student communities, programs, and activities designed especially with the needs of new students in mind.

For those of you who are international students, there is also a wide variety of programming, resources and individualized supports available to you. For specific details, and information on the many ways to get involved, like the Culture and Connection series, visit the International Centre websitehttps://umanitoba.ca/current-students/international.

Don't forget that Student Accessibility Services is here to provide supports for students with disabilities. If you need help and support as a student, be sure to registerhttps://umanitoba.ca/sites/default/files/2021-10/um-disability-assessment-form.pdf or review the accessibility resources on their websitehttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/accessibility.

I wish you a successful Winter Term, and look forward to checking in with you throughout the coming weeks.

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.camailto:Marcia.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.

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.

[UMLogoSignature]