Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)
Monday, January 6, 2025
Happy New Year and welcome back, Bisons!
I hope you had a restful break and 2025 has greeted you kindly. Whether you are beginning your studies or continuing on your UM journey, I hope you are ready for the upcoming term. At the University of Manitoba there are many personal and academic supports available for all undergraduate and graduate students, and I encourage you to check them out.
As Winter Term begins, there are many activities, programs, and events designed to engage you and to promote wellness and academic success. Be sure to explore the many opportunities within your courses and beyond.
Stay connected with what is happening on campus by regularly checking your UM student e-mail (every Tuesday there is a new issue of Student Weekly) and follow @umstudent on Instagram and TikTok.
For new international students, the International Centre is hosting several Welcome Events between January 8 and January 13 to help new international students make the transition to UM and to Winnipeg.
Graduate Student Orientation workshops will be held on Thursday, January 9. These sessions offer an introduction to Graduate Studies, with helpful information provided by the Dean, Security Services, and the UMGSA and HSGSA teams. Other topics include: understanding your rights as a graduate student, working with your advisor, writing at the graduate level, Libraries orientation, and more. Register today!
Attending to your physical and mental health and well-being is important. Check out supports available for you including dropping by the Student Wellness Centre at 162 Extended Education Building, and stay informed with their programming and supports. As a student, you have access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities in a welcoming and inclusive environment, conveniently located on campus. To activate your student gym access, simply log in to your Aurora account, fill out the gym waiver, and you’ll be notified when your pass is active.
Indigenous student programming provides an opportunity to get involved, with holistic programs, services and supports for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. Follow the Indigenous events calendar for cultural learning and updates on events and activities.
Cheer on the Bisons every weekend! 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. Claim your free tickets online. For full schedule details, visit gobisons.ca.
UM’s Libraries offer a variety of supports for students, whether it be helping with assignments or printing documents. I encourage all students to make use of the many services offered by our Libraries throughout the Winter term.
For those considering career possibilities, UM’s Annual Career Fair cohosted by Career Services and the Asper School of Business will take place in UMSU University Centre on January 22 and January 23. This is an event for students to network and connect, explore career opportunities, and gain insight into out-of-class experiences that help you develop competencies that are critical to future career or post-graduate success.
Throughout the year, Career Services offers a range of invaluable resources to help students find jobs and volunteer positions at the UM and in the community. If you want to develop professional skills this term visit the Career Services site and consult the weekly Get Hired newsletter.
If you are thinking about an on-campus experience this summer Mini U Programs is hiring! Applications are now being accepted for summer positions, including supervisors, leaders, lifeguards, and coaches. Develop transferrable skills and make important connections on campus—consider joining the Mini U team now!
Lastly, if you are looking for on-campus accommodations for the Winter term there are still dorm-style rooms available in a few of our residence buildings on campus. Check out the Student Residences website for more information about on campus living and where to make your inquiries. I also understand that a few rooms are available in St. John’s residence. Further details can be found here: St John’s Residence | St John’s College | University of Manitoba
Wishing you all a productive, inspiring, and engaging term. I’m looking forward to seeing you on campus!
My best,
…Laurie