Message from Laurie M. Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) – Oct. 8
Dear students,
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I wanted to send a brief update, a few reminders, and wish you a happy, restful long weekend.
Did you realize that October is Student Success Month at UM?! Whether you are a new student or returning, our priority is your success – both academically and personally. Now is the best time to access the supports that will help you build and refine the skills you need to achieve your goals. Throughout the month, all students are invited to participate in free workshops focusing on career prep, stress management, academic writing, research skills, cultural adaptation and identity, and more. Check them out!
Indigenous students can also access a number of services, resources and programming at the Indigenous Student Centre, and meet with student advisors or take part in Indigenous student programming at UM. For cultural learning and other activities, follow the Indigenous events calendar.
UM bursary program
The application window for the 2021/22 UM Bursary Program closed on October 1st. There was a very positive response to the program, and we have seen an increase in applicants over last year! Assessments are now underway, and awards for successful students will be applied directly to winter fees, by December 1st. Please continue to check your Aurora student account for updates.
The health and safety of our campus community
Another UM priority is your health and safety. Earlier this term it was announced that all students, staff and faculty must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of full vaccination by November 14. This deadline applies to you whether you are attending classes in-person or remotely. Please upload your proof of vaccination as soon as possible. This is critical information the university needs to prepare for a full return to in-person learning in the Winter Term. Uploading is quick and easy – it took me less than 5 minutes.
If you are headed to campus, take time to review the Return-to-campus FAQs, which address common questions, and the COVID website, which is the best source for UM safety protocols and the current health and safety measures being taken on our campuses.
Please remember that if you are not vaccinated and are coming to campus, you must undergo rapid testing. If you are attending the Bannatyne campus or the Helen Glass Building on Fort Garry campus, you will receive on-site rapid testing. For all other buildings on Fort Garry campus, visit the Fitzgerald Building, 55 Chancellor’s Circle (rooms 303 and 304) between 7am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Test results will be valid for 72 hours (48 hours for College of Nursing). If you are coming to the Fort Garry campus after hours, you’ll need to visit the testing site during their open hours to pick up a testing kit, and then email UofM [dot] rapidtesting [at] umanitoba [dot] ca.
Regardless of whether you are fully vaccinated, if you are experiencing any symptoms, even mild ones, do not come to campus – get tested for COVID-19. Ensure that your instructor/advisor knows you are ill and follow the guidelines here if you are unable to meet an academic requirement for your courses.
Keep active and have fun
Recreation Services is back in full swing! 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 instructional programs at an additional cost. Visit UM Recreation Services and take advantage of everything available to you.
Claim your free tickets and cheer on the Bisons all month long! Women’s hockey opens their season on Friday, October 15 against the Calgary Dinos. Football returns to IG Field looking for a 3-0 record against the Dinos on October 16, and UBC faces off against men’s hockey on October 22. Visit gobisons.ca for details. I hope to see you at the games! #wearellbisons
Bargaining update You may have seen or heard that the University of Manitoba Faculty Association (UMFA) has recently voted to hold a strike vote later this month. A strike vote is a vote by the employees in a bargaining unit (in this case UMFA). The vote’s outcome determines if the employees in a bargaining unit are authorized to call a strike, though it doesn’t necessarily mean a strike will be called. Regardless of the outcome of this vote, please be assured that we are committed to providing stability for students through the timely conclusion of bargaining with UMFA. For regular updates I encourage you to visit this site.
An update from the UM Bookstore
As of October 12, proof of vaccination plus a government-issued or UM staff/student ID are required to enter the UM Bookstore. Orders can be placed online or by phone for delivery or pick-up at the Customer Service window. Visit umanitoba.ca/bookstore or call 204-474-8321.
Finally, congratulations to Fall graduates! As you celebrate your many accomplishments from October 18-21 and on November 10, members of the UM community will be cheering you on virtually! The digital platform we’re using for the event will offer a safe and immersive celebration. In addition to the ceremonies, you can access a digital photo booth, a live chat, a downloadable digital yearbook, faculty after-parties and a virtual tour through the Gallery of Awards. Find out more about making the most of your convocation experience and how to use the platform.
I hope that this message has been helpful to you. I’ll be in touch again soon with more updates and resources to help you thrive at UM. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Take good care.
My best,
Laurie