Message from Dr. Kelley Main, Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
To: Graduate Support Staff and Graduate Chairs
For your awareness and reference, this email was sent to Iranian students by the International Centre to outline supports.
From: International Centre Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 10:28 AM To: International Centre <international@umanitoba.camailto:international@umanitoba.ca> Subject: Support and Resources for Students Affected by Events in Iran
Dear students,
We are aware of the escalating tensions in Iran. We recognize that these events may be deeply distressing, particularly for students who are from the region, have family or loved ones there, or are feeling emotionally impacted by the uncertainty and violence.
If you are currently in the region, or if these events are affecting your safety, access to services, or ability to continue your studies, we encourage you to contact your faculty or the UM International Centre as soon as possible at international@umanitoba.camailto:international@umanitoba.ca. Our team can work with you to explore academic flexibility, remote learning options, or deferrals where appropriate. We also encourage you to stay informed by following travel advisories and safety information issued by the Government of Canada at https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/iran. If you require emergency consular assistance, you may contact the Global Affairs Canada Emergency Watch and Response Centre (available 24/7): +1-613-996-8885 (call collect where available) or sos@international.gc.camailto:sos@international.gc.ca.
At the University of Manitoba, we care about you and are committed to ensuring that all members of our diverse community feel supported, heard, and safe. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply need someone to talk to, support is available. While some supports may be limited by institutional policies and available resources, we are actively exploring avenues to assist students in distress. Depending on individual needs, supports may include referrals to:
* Financial Aid and Awardshttps://umanitoba.ca/financial-aid-and-awards (including emergency funding and advising) * Cashier's Office / Student Accounts (payment planning and account-related inquiries): StudentPayment@umanitoba.camailto:StudentPayment@umanitoba.ca * Student Counselling Centre (SCC)https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/counselling-resources-students (mental health and wellness support) * Student Services at Bannatyne Campushttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/student-services-bannatyne-campus (SSBC) * Student Advocacy and Case Managementhttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/academic-supports/student-advocacy * Spiritual Carehttps://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/spiritual-services and Multi-Faith Centre * Academic advising and faculty-based supports * Immigration advising through the International Centre, including guidance related to enrolment status * Employment-related resources, including guidance on campus and off-campus work eligibility, and referrals to centralized job postings and career tools such as UM Connect, faculty-based job boards, and other University employment listings.
We also encourage members of our university community to approach one another with compassion, empathy, and care during times like these.
Please feel free to share this information with others who may benefit. Sincerely, UM International Centre University of Manitoba