Message from Laurie M. Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) – Dec. 12, 2022
Dear students,
Well, here we are – the end of the Fall term has arrived! It has been wonderful to see you on campus again and to feel the energy of a lively campus. I hope your term has been good and you are ready to tackle final exams and assignments. Please know that we are here on the sidelines cheering you on!
As you navigate the exam period, I wanted to share some resources that I hope will be helpful and offer some ideas to make the most of the winter break.
EXAM PREP
This article is packed full of tips to help you prepare for exams – I strongly encourage you to read it.
Don’t forget that Academic Advisors are available to students throughout the exam period, until the university closes on December 23. Find your advising office here.
SELF-CARE
Studying is important, and so is prioritizing self-care. The team in HealthyU has tips on how to do both smartly and effectively. In addition, one of our fourth year, HealthyU volunteers, shares their recipe for success to help mitigate stress. You can read about it here.
During the break be sure to set boundaries and maintain some of your routines. More tips to help you do just that can be found here.
STAY ACTIVE
Staying active promotes a variety of health benefits, mental well-being and can help relieve stress and anxiety. Through the Sport and Rec fee, UM students have access to sport and recreation facilities, casual rec use and group fitness classes at the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. Students also have the option to participate in UM REC Clubs, Intramural Sports and Adult programs at an additional cost. Visit UM Recreation Services to learn more and book a tour of the sport and recreation facilities. Learn about hours of operation through winter break and come in for a visit.
FINANCIAL SUPPORTS
Some students are worried about their finances right now. If you are concerned about making ends meet, you’re not alone. UM has supports for you if you need them. Learn how to access them here.
#WEAREALLBISONS
The Bisons will resume their season and push for playoffs starting on January 6. Get a group of friends together and be a part of the action. It’s a great way to socialize and support the UM Bisons. Students can claim their free tickets online. For full schedule details, visit gobisons.ca. Special event: Bisons men’s hockey team hosts the U25 Ukrainian team on January 9 at Canada Life Centre. All tickets are $15. Get yours today. #weareallbisons
CALLING ALL GRAD STUDENTS
Three Minute Thesis/Ma these en 180 secondes: Applications are open for 3MT and MT180! These competitions are unique opportunities for graduate students to showcase their innovative and significant research to a wider audience, across disciplines within the University, and to the broader public, with the possibility of winning some great cash prizes.
BUILD YOUR INTERCULTURAL SKILLS
Enhance your cultural awareness and develop intercultural skills for a variety of settings, both in and out of the classroom through the Intercultural Leaders program. Open to all UM students, the Intercultural Leaders program enhances students’ public speaking, leadership, cultural awareness and communication skills during eight interactive group sessions and workshops. Apply by January 11, 2023.
COURSE READING LISTS
Beginning in January, many free non-textbook course materials will be available to you in Reading Lists in UM Learn. UM Libraries can help you retrieve anything in Reading Lists or from your Libraries search in an accessible format, should you require it.
I wish you all a successful exam period and a happy, healthy, restful winter break.
See you in 2023!
All my best,
…Laurie