Message from Laurie M. Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) – Feb. 16, 2023
This has been a very difficult period for students with family, friends and loved ones in Turkey and Syria. I want to extend my deepest condolences and best wishes to those who have been affected by the devastating earthquakes in these countries. We are here for you, and we support you during this time.
As we head into the Winter Break period, I hope all students have many opportunities to relax, recharge, and enjoy some of the winter fun happening around town. Here are some events and activities you might want to check out, along with a few reminders of the resources and supports available to you throughout the break.
Louis Riel Day
On Monday we honour Louis Riel, the Founding Father of Manitoba, with events and activities across the province. At the Fort Garry campus, a celebration of Métis culture and community will take place on Friday, February 17 at 11 a.m. at Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge.
From February 17-26 the Festival du Voyageur is back in person once again, with over 200 live performances. I hope to see you there. Hé ho!
Upcoming:
On March 8 and 9, UM welcomes Eternity Martis, award-winning author of “They Said This Would Be Fun: Race, Campus Life, and Growing Up”. Eternity is a journalist and an assistant professor in the School of Journalism at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her lecture is titled, “What does it mean to be an equity-seeking student on a Canadian campus today?”
Free books will be available at the following locations from Tuesday, February 21 on a first-come, first-served basis:
- UMSU and UMGSA offices
- Elizabeth Dafoe Library
- 8 books will be available in the Reserve Lockers for 5-day borrowing
- Jim Peebles Science and Technology Library (Faculty of Science)
- K. Williams Law Library
- Father Harold Drake Library (St. Paul’s College)
- Architecture/Fine Arts Library
- The Eckhardt Gramatté Music Library (Music Library)
- Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library (Bannatyne campus)
- William Norrie Centre (campus for Faculty of Social Work)
All students, staff, faculty, alumni, and members of the community are welcome to attend Eternity’s lecture at the Fort Garry Campus on March 9 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Investors Group Athletic Centre. The lecture will be followed by a book signing.
Register to attend the March 9 event
Learners on the Bannatyne campus can hear Eternity’s lecture on March 8 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Frederic Gaspard Theatre, Basic Medical Sciences Building.
We are here for you!
Reading Week is an excellent time to connect with Student Services.
If you are feeling stress or anxiety, or would like to connect with someone to talk about challenges you are facing academically or personally, there are many student supports available for you and self-care tips to add to your toolkit. Regardless of your level of need there is support available.
A range of academic supports, including academic advising, are available online and on campus during the break – check them out!
Get involved
UM has announced the launch of the Grow your Community Fund to support students in planning and hosting events or activities for students who self-identify as minoritized, marginalized or as members of under-represented groups. Applications are now being accepted for initiatives in Fall Term 2023 that are intended to help students build a strong sense of connection, belonging and inclusion at the University of Manitoba. Please visit the website for further information and application details.
The 2023 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition is back in person. This year, 18 departments and 36 students will be competing in heats for the 3MT competition. This competition gives graduate students the opportunity to present their research in plain language (in three minutes) using a single slide to illustrate their ideas. They will be assessed by judges at the heats, where three challengers from each heat will advance to the final competition taking place on March 30. Check out the schedule and join in the fun!
Stay active
Recreation Services offers in-person and virtual options to help you stay active and relieve stress throughout the break week. And remember, the skating rink in the Duckworth Quad will remain open while weather permits!
We are all Bisons!
Support the Herd on February 18 at 7 p.m. as your UM Bisons men’s basketball team competes in the quarter finals at Investors Group Athletic Centre. Tickets are available free for UM students on the Bisons website. Use the promo code UMSTUDENT23 to claim your free ticket. #weareallbisons
I wish you a restful week. Be safe, keep well, and I look forward to reconnecting when you return.
My best…Laurie