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Message from Laurie M. Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) – Apr. 11, 2023

April 11, 2023 — 

Dear students,

As the end of Winter Term approaches, I wanted to commend you on your efforts and wish you the best during the exam period. For ease of access, we have curated a list of UM resources and supports available to you and I encourage you to take advantage of them.

Looking forward and looking back…

April 22 is Earth Day – an important opportunity for all of us to reflect on our individual and collective responsibility to support sustainability efforts and to take action. Last month, a UM delegation attended the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York, where water experts from around the world gathered with the common goal of building strong partnerships to address water challenges and achieve global sustainability targets. Our inter-disciplinary delegation of UM researchers was joined by two citizens from Carcross/Tagish First Nation and played a vital role in setting the agenda for global water governance and sustainability.

At the end of March, I was also thrilled to read about the important work being undertaken by a  group of UM Engineering students whose UM Cube Satellite was selected by the Canadian Space Agency to travel to the International Space Station in June. The satellite will reach the space station later this summer and collect important information about how space conditions affect the composition of asteroids and the Moon. Well done!

This season the UM Bisons excelled on the field, court, track, ice, and in the water – wherever the competition took them. Teams, athletes and coaches were celebrated at the annual Brown and Gold Awards on April 1, and many were also recognized with conference and national-level awards. Congratulations to all – we are proud to be Bisons and look forward to cheering you on again in 23-24!

On March 30, twelve graduate students shared highlights of their innovative research through the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, covering topics from sustainable farming methods to using virtual reality and artificial intelligence to treat dementia. The winner, Keshav Alagarsamy, whose research focuses on Using personalized stem cell technology for heart regeneration, will move on to the Western Regional Competition on May 25. Good luck Keshav!

 

Upcoming:

Job search tips

Whether you are graduating and need advice to help with job searches or you’re looking for work over the summer, we have resources for you! Check out these ten tips for new grads or attend one of the many workshops offered through Career Services.  If you’re looking for summer employment check out the UM Job boards in UMConnect or the general job boards and employer lists.

 

Spring and summer bursary applications

If you are looking for help covering costs while attending university this spring and summer, check out the Spring and Summer Term General Bursary application. Log into your Aurora account and access all the information you need to apply for this financial aid. Applications must be submitted by June 1, 2023.

 

Graduation Pow Wow

Mark your calendars for the annual UM Graduation Pow Wow on Saturday, May 6 at Investors Group Athletic Centre, 9:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. All Canadian Indigenous graduates (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) are invited to participate. We look forward to honouring you as you mark the successful completion of your programs.

 

International Students

If you are attending classes in the summer term, check in with the International Centre and take advantage of the programs and activities available throughout the summer months. New international students are encouraged to attend the International Welcome sessions designed specifically for you.  International Student Welcome begins on May 2 in-person and registration is required. Register before April 26, 2023.

The very successful Summer Buddy Program has been proven to help international students adjust to the university environment. The program matches you with experienced UM students who share their strategies for navigating campus and community life, offer insights regarding academic resources and supports, and provide helpful tips for making the most of your time here. Deadline to apply: April 24, 2023.

 

Volunteer opportunities:

The Graduation Pow Wow organizing committee is looking for volunteers. UM students will receive co-curricular record recognition for your time, provided you meet the minimum requirement of 10 hours (including a mandatory 1 hour training session). Sign up before April 14.

Help out at Science Rendez-Vous, Saturday, May 13. This science and engineering festival welcomes thousands of visitors to campus, where they watch live shows and participate in dozens of hands-on science activities. We’re excited to host this event in person once again and we need your help to make it a success. 

Wishing you all the best during the next few weeks. Much luck as you complete your final assignments and tackle your exams. You’ve got this.

To those who are convocating in June – congratulations and I’ll see you there! To those who are returning in the summer term, I’ll look forward to seeing you on campus. And to those who are working, travelling and playing this summer, I’ll see you when you return in September!

 

All my best,

…Laurie

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