Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)

Welcome back, Bisons!

I hope you had a restful and productive break and are ready to tackle the remainder of the Winter term with your usual commitment and determination.

We are receiving some questions from students about the bargaining process currently underway with UMFA, the University of Manitoba’s Faculty Association, that I would like to address. The university has met with UMFA twenty-nine times since the Summer term and continues to bargain in good faith, with the intention of concluding a collective agreement without a labour disruption. The university remains committed to a fair deal for UMFA and to ensuring an outstanding teaching and learning experience for students. Please be assured that the university remains open, and all classes and activities are continuing as usual.

I encourage you to visit UM’s Labour Relations website, where the university’s new package proposal, including a strengthened monetary offer, is posted. We will continue to provide bargaining updates on that website until a new collective agreement is reached. If there are any developments that specifically affect students, we will connect with you directly.

As you ease back into the term, I also wanted to highlight some activities taking place over the coming week. Be sure to check out the events calendar for more happenings throughout the term:

• Pet Therapy!! – On Tuesday February 25 head to the Student Wellness Centre, 162 Extended Education Complex, between 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for some cuddles with canines!
• On Wednesday, February 26 participate in the Spiritual Care – UM Drum Circles: Winter Wellness Series from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in 521 UMSU University Centre
• Cheer on the Bisons Women’s Volleyball team during their playoffs! Best of three starts on Thursday February 27.
• On Friday, February 28 support the UM Food Bank while enjoying local talent at the “Rocking with a Cause” concert. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the performance starts at 6 p.m.

An International graduate student townhall is scheduled for Friday, February 28, 10 to 11:30 a.m. in 544/543 UMSU University Centre. Dr. Michael Benarroch, President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Kelley Main, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, representatives from the International Centre, the UM Graduate Students Association, and I will be in attendance to discuss topics of relevance to International graduate students, including off campus working hours, the family open work permit, eligibility for the post-graduation work permit, and Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs). In-person registration is now full but participation via Zoom remains available to those interested in attending. Please register in advance for Zoom participation.

Looking ahead to the next month, March 3-7 is Student Success Week, which is designed to help you maintain momentum, stay on course, and finish the Winter term successfully. Drop by info tables in the Fireside Lounge in University Centre and participate in a variety of workshops and events facilitated by the Academic Learning Centre and campus partners. Learn more and see a list of programming online.

An important feature of Student Success Week is Procrastination Awareness Week (PAW), a national campaign that the University of Manitoba co-hosts each year with academic institutions from across Canada. In addition to both live and pre-recorded workshops, PAW includes a virtual study hall, resource library, and opportunities to socialize with students from across all participating institutions. Check out the free online workshops, presentations, and events and register online.

UMSU’s 106^th birthday celebrations are kicking off on Monday, March 10, followed by a fun week of events and activities, concluding with the UMSU Street Party on Friday, March 14. Keep an eye on @myumsu Instagram for details.

As you navigate the rest of the Winter term, remember that there are many resources and student supports available to you. Be sure to check them out.

Take good care.

…Laurie