Message from Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students)

Hello Bisons! Welcome to Summer Term at the University of Manitoba. This is a great time to be on campus. Whether you are new to UM or continuing your studies, below are a few quick links and reminders that I hope you find helpful.

• Important dates & deadlines: Add/drop and VW dates, exam periods, and holiday closures for summer term.
• Student supports: Find help early - academic supports (tutoring, writing and study skills), health & wellness services, accessibility supports, financial aid and awards, and services for Indigenous and international students.
• Summer jobs: Explore UM Career Services, UMConnect job postings, and resumé support.
• International Centre: Join events and workshops throughout the term (including conversation groups, community-building activities, and info sessions). Browse what’s coming up on the International Centre events listing.
• Volunteer on campus: There are so many ways to find community while helping others. If you’re a returning student, consider signing up to help the Orientation program this year through the University of Manitoba Volunteer program. Or be a Language Partner Volunteer where you’ll be matched with an international student in the Intensive Academic English program.
• Campus Beautification Day: Get outside, meet new people, and help make our campuses shine with gardening activities, music, and a barbecue lunch. Join us at Bannatyne on May 26 or Fort Garry on May 28. Full details and how to participate are on the Campus Beautification Day webpage.
• Get active: Take a study break and move your body—drop into Sport & Recreation for fitness facilities, group classes, and programs you can join throughout the term. Students not taking courses this term can request a student term-rate membership.
• Standing Together: Moose Hide Campaign Day (at UM): Join the campus community on May 14th in learning and action against gender-based violence — event details.
• UM Community Experiences Survey Town Hall: See how student feedback on belonging, campus life, and academics is shaping action at UM. Join the hybrid Town Hall on May 25 at 11 a.m. to learn what we heard and what’s next—register now.
• Student Wellness Centre Summer hours: Unwind and relax, find community and participate in some fun health and wellness events and programming. The Student Wellness Centre (162 Extended Education building) will be open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and opportunities to meet with a peer to discuss health and wellness concerns will be available too. Check the SWC website for upcoming events and follow IG @healthyuofm.
• UM Indigenous birding club: Every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. join our weekly walks to build community while discovering the many birds that call our campus home. The UM Indigenous Birding Club is an Indigenous-led, welcoming space for BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+ people, people of all abilities, and allies who share our belief that birding is for everyone. Open to students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community members. No experience is needed. Binoculars are available to borrow if you don’t have your own. We meet at Migizii Agamik - The Bald Eagle Lodge.
• Convocation: Celebrate our UM grads at Spring Convocation June 1 – 5 at the Fort Garry Campus and June 8 at Université de Saint-Boniface. For a comprehensive list of ceremony dates and times be sure to visit the convocation webpage. Congratulations to all UM graduates!
• On-campus community: Looking for ways to connect this summer? Check the campus events calendar for workshops, activities, and other opportunities to get involved.
• Stay in the loop: Watch for the Student Weekly e-newsletter in your UM email, and follow @umstudent on Instagram and TikTok.

I’ll touch base with you again as the term progresses.  In the meantime, I hope you have a productive and rewarding term!

All my best,
…Laurie