Welcome to Fall Term, a message from the President
Image: Michael Benarroch
Welcome home Bisons herd!
I’m coming into this term rejuvenated after my recent trip to Churchill where I saw another palpable example of our university’s impact. I was there, surrounded by partners from across Manitoba and Nunavut and all orders of government, to open the Churchill Marine Observatory. And during the ceremony, the roof of this unique lab retracted and we saw beluga whales swimming in the harbour. Then the next day, just before leaving, I saw a polar bear plodding along the shore. It was a short trip filled with extraordinary experiences (I didn’t even mention the northern lights) and I left grateful and proud. UM is working in true partnership with Inuit and First Nations communities, governments, and organizations from across the Arctic so that together we can better understand and protect our place in the world.
This university is special, and I want all our new students, staff, and faculty members to know that whether you do research or not, you are a part of a community that is driving change. Let’s be proud of that—and let’s be open to new adventures this term.
Students, this is the place to discover passions and chase big ideas. So, be curious. Take courses that challenge you, get involved by joining clubs or playing intramurals, do undergrad research, and cheer on the Bisons.
This is going to be an exciting year. It’s the first full academic year that we’re implementing our latest strategic plan, MOMENTUM: Leading Change Together, which is guiding us in increasing our impact as a community and strengthening opportunities for everyone to participate and contribute fully to campus life. We’re also about to launch our new strategic research plan and the Truth and Reconciliation framework.
Over the summer, we’ve been working with our community to draft a Freedom of Expression framework to support us in protecting debate in ways that advance knowledge while balancing the rights of the broader community.
Big ideas are key to our success and mission and I am excited by all the new programs we are offering, including the Ignite Research Awards. This is a powerful new way to build cross-collaborative research teams, and I encourage all faculty members to consider how it could benefit your research programs.
For my part, this year my team and I continue discussions with governments about the value of research, investing in post-secondary education, and respecting institutional autonomy.
If you are new to this community, welcome. It is, as you will soon find, a very special place. And to everyone else, welcome back!
I look forward to seeing you at a Bisons Game (I go to a lot), Homecoming—which kicks off with the football game on Sept. 14, concerts in our new Desautels Concert Hall, inspiring public lectures, and my annual budget Town Hall on Oct. 16.
Let’s go Bisons!
Michael Benarroch, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor