The following message is sent on behalf of Dr. Butler, Associate Dean, UGME:
Hello,
I am resending the memo regarding yesterday's UM closure as well as the UGME Deferred Examination Guidelines.
Let me begin by expressing my understanding that yesterday was upsetting for most of you. Your colleagues in the MMSA have expressed these concerns to me directly and I have received several emails. I wish to give you all more context regarding the events and decisions:
UGME was aware of the possibility of inclement weather well in advance and we planned for multiple contingencies. We sent emails advising students to plan for this. I was in communication with the UM Registrar on Wednesday PM regarding UGME exam plans. All indicators were that UM would remain open.
UM Leadership at Central Campus made the decision to close the UM around 710 AM yesterday. The notice I received was by an email to all faculty & Staff. UGME immediately sent out an email to students that your exams were cancelled. We appreciate that many students were already on campus as they planned ahead; thank you for your diligence.
Several directors and administrative staff met at 9 AM to discuss options as students were asking for immediate direction.
Many exam options were discussed: 12/18 - UM closed, 12/19 - insufficient notice to bring in invigilators, 12/20-1/04 - winter break per UM Medicine calendar, 1/05 - remedial exam, 1/12 remedial exam, most of January - insufficient time, March spring break - student travel / rest. Per Deferral Guidelines, the UGME standard is for deferred exams in June (except CV1 & RS1). However, our hope is to pick a time relatively close to the modular courses and we identified time for Med1 on 1/16 and Med2 on 1/23. UGME must consider all students writing exams, including those with known accommodations. We must also adhere to policy and be mindful of union contracts, room bookings, and availability of staff.
UGME recognizes that there are now two exams on 1/16 for Med1 and three (including small PF-EM2) on 1/23 for Med2. Some students may find this too much for one day and you may choose to defer your extra exam to June.
On a one-time basis, UGME will waive section #9 and permit you to defer the NS1 or EM2/PF-EM2 and still write the regularly scheduled exams (MSK1 and GHN2) that day.
Students concerned about their academic progress or whether they should defer exams should speak with Student Affairs, Remediation, and / or Student Services Bannatyne.
Regarding section #2 line 1. UGME considers severe inclement weather / hazardous conditions and road closures as an emergency. This is rationale for deferral. If you require clarification, please discuss with Student Affairs.
Finally, my expectation is that all of you conduct yourselves respectfully with UGME staff members, including email communication. My hope is that you can trust us to act on your behalf with respect to your busy curriculum, UM decisions / policies, and the safety of all involved.
Have a peaceful and restful holiday season / winter break. Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2026.
Sincerely,
Dr. James B. (Jim) Butler BA, MD, CM, FRCPC Associate Dean (Undergraduate Medical Education) Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences University of Manitoba 260 Brodie Centre 727 McDermot Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5
Lisa Arron (Assistant to the Assoc Dean) Lisa.arron@umanitoba.camailto:Lisa.arron@umanitoba.ca Phone: 204.975.7790 Fax: 204.789.3929
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.