Message from Dr. Kelley Main, Acting Dean (Faculty of Graduate Studies) – Nov. 2
Resources and information for graduate students about the UMFA strike
Dear graduate students:
As you heard from President Michael Benarroch last night, joint efforts of the University of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) to reach an agreement on terms for a new collective bargaining agreement Nov. 1 have been unsuccessful. As a result, UMFA has commenced with strike action beginning today, Tuesday, Nov. 2.
This is not what the university wanted, and we realize it will cause disruption for you. We will take every reasonable measure to support you through this time including maintaining instruction for courses not being taught by UMFA members and providing access to core services and resources.
We will share as much information as possible as soon as it becomes available – via email, a website and university social media accounts.
Answers to many of the questions you may have, including those with specific circumstances, such as international students can be found on the website. As graduate students, there are some specific updates relating to lab access, awards, thesis submission and reaching advisors in the dedicated section for you in the FAQs.
If you are a teaching assistant, please contact your department office to determine what activities will be available and continuing.
From the website, you can also access a list of continuing courses website to see if your classes (in-person or remote delivery) are taking place. Not all courses are taught by UMFA faculty members and not all UMFA members will necessarily strike. As a result, this page will change often with updated information on specifics, please remember to check back regularly.
Please note that if your instructor is a UMFA member and is striking, you will not have access to your courses in UM Learn.
UM respects our faculty members and we know they are highly important to the student experience. We understand this strike is concerning and support is available to you. Please use these resources if you need to, your wellbeing and safety are our top priorities.
We are committed to coming to an agreement promptly to ensure your studies continue with as little disruption as possible.