This appointment means UM will help guide strategy, outreach, and educational efforts across the continent, working closely with the Global Network Secretariat to shape global initiatives.

The designation aligns directly with MOMENTUM, UM’s strategic plan and our commitment to fostering a vibrant community rooted in equity, diversity, human dignity, inclusivity, respect, well-being, and care for one another. Becoming the North American lead reinforces UM’s dedication to lifelong learning, intergenerational engagement, and research that addresses the needs of an aging society.

Decades of leadership in aging research and advocacy

UM has been at the forefront of aging-related work for decades as demonstrated by establishing Canada’s first research centre on aging in 1982. The Centre on Aging has earned a national and international reputation for excellence in research.

UM was the first Canadian university – and among the first globally – to endorse the age-friendly university principles launched by Dublin City University and joined the official AFU Global Network in 2016.

Through the Centre on Aging, UM has demonstrated leadership in interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and age-friendly programming. Early research with citizen scientists shaped thinking around how universities can enable older individuals to engage fully in academic life. UM has actively encouraged other universities to join the AFU network, providing tools and guidance to support their efforts.

“The University of Manitoba is an ideal candidate for this leadership role, building on UM’s long-standing excellence in research and related activities that promote global age-friendly cities and environments,” says Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity). “We are also committed to embedding an age-inclusivity lens across all priority areas to foster a truly supportive environment for students, staff, and faculty of every age.”

Meet the new regional co-leads

Michelle Porter
Director of the Centre on Aging and Professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management.
Porter has been a driving force behind UM’s age-friendly initiatives since 2015. Her research spans physical activity and aging, ageism, and mobility, and she has held leadership roles in national organizations like Active Aging Canada. She was instrumental in UM becoming Canada’s first AFU and brings decades of expertise in aging research and advocacy.

Angie Conrad
Anti-Ableism and Age-Inclusivity Specialist in the Office of Equity Transformation.
Conrad joined UM in 2025, bringing extensive experience in accessibility policy and program development from roles at Canada Post and the Manitoba government. Her work focuses on dismantling systemic barriers and fostering inclusive frameworks, making her a strong advocate for age-inclusive practices within the university.

Current Age-Friendly Programming at UM

“For years, UM has provided a great range of opportunities for people of all ages through employment, research participation, lifelong learning, recreational and wellness programs, cultural or sporting events, and intergenerational engagement,” says Michelle Porter. “Our commitment to age-friendly principles is helping to break down barriers and welcome a growing community of older learners – and that is very encouraging to see.”

Here are some initiatives aligned with the Ten AFU Principles:

• Age-Friendly University Hub: An online resource showcasing UM’s commitment to age-inclusivity and providing tools for learners and educators.
  

  Sofia Clunie, Extended Education, talks with an attendee of the Age-Friendly University Showcase 2025.

• Micro-certificate in Facilitating Older Adult Learning: Launched in 2022, this program trains teachers and professional care workers to better serve older adults.
• Adult Companionship Services Directory: The directory connects older adults and their caregivers within the UM community with students offering support through companionship services.
• ESSENCE project: Informed by consultations with Senior Scholars and Professors Emeriti, a number of new programs and benefits were rolled out in Fall 2025 to increase engagement of UM’s Emeriti and Senior Scholars.
• Retirement Readiness resources: The Road to Retirement self-directed course on UM Learn helps staff and faculty navigate the non-financial aspects of retirement and a peer network allows for social connection and conversation about the impact of this significant life transition.
  

  Jasmine Brar, Rady Family Centre, at Age-Friendly University Showcase

• Age-Friendly University Showcase: Hosted by the Centre on Aging in conjunction with their annual spring research symposium, the AFU Showcase features programs, resources and opportunities for the UM community and the general public.
• Other time-limited projects: Initiatives such as technology training, an inter-generational art project, and campus wayfinding. 

Looking Ahead: Expanding Age-Friendly Practices Across North America

“There is more potential for UM to grow as a leader in this space, helping advance the adoption of age-inclusive practices beyond individual AFU universities to broader engagement across the region,” says Angie Conrad.

UM’s leadership role will amplify its influence in shaping inclusive education and research, ensuring that learners of all ages feel welcomed and supported.

The Digital Governance Council brings together leaders from public, private, academic, and not-for-profit sectors to collaborate on solutions to Canada’s most urgent digital priorities, such as protecting data sovereignty and fostering homegrown innovation and talent development.

“UM is committed to being a Canadian leader in digital and providing an outstanding teaching, learning, and research environment,” says Mark Torchia, Vice-Provost, Learning, Analytics, and Academic Infrastructure. “The digital landscape is moving quickly and we know if we provide key tools and information to faculty, staff, and students, we can meet this moment in an innovative and responsible way.”

UM’s approach to responsible digital innovation aligns with priorities in MomentUM: Leading change together, UM’s 2024–2029 strategic plan. Through the Digital Governance Council, we strengthen the digital systems that support ethical innovation and knowledge sharing across communities.

This year’s celebration honoured 10 exemplary individuals, including a Chancellor Emeritus and a Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

Congratulations to all the 2025 honourees.

Chancellor Emeritus

Chancellor Dave Angus and President Michael Benarroch present Anne Mahon with certificate for Chancellor Emeritus.

Ms. Anne Mahon served with distinction as the University’s 14th Chancellor from 2019 to 2025, where she brought compassion, wisdom, and a deep commitment to community to her role. A bridge-builder and philanthropist, Ms. Mahon is known for connecting people and inspiring positive change. Her work at the intersection of storytelling, community-building, and education has amplified the voices of those marginalized and often unheard.

Ms. Mahon has dedicated herself to volunteerism and advocacy, including working closely with United Way Winnipeg, founding and facilitating the Bookmates Book Club at the Women’s Correctional Centre, and volunteering with the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba, Humankind International, and Palliative Manitoba. Her leadership and compassion have left an enduring mark on the University of Manitoba, thereby earning the title of Chancellor Emeritus.

Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Chancellor Dave Angus and President Michael Benarroch present Leslie Roos with certificate for Distinguished Professor Emeritus.

The University of Manitoba was honoured to confer upon Dr. Leslie Roos the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus. An influential scholar and innovative leader in population health and health policy research, Dr. Roos joined the University of Manitoba in 1973. Over the course of his distinguished career in the Faculties of Administrative Studies (now the Asper School of Business) and Medicine, he helped establish the university as an international centre of excellence in health services research and data-informed policy.

As a founder of the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Dr. Roos led the creation of its internationally respected population health database, enabling groundbreaking studies on the health and well-being of Manitobans. He has played a central role in training and inspiring a generation of researchers whose work continues to shape Canadian health systems and stands among the most influential contributors to health policy research globally.

Professor Emeriti:

• Dr. Harold Aukema
• Dr. Ying Chen
• Dr. Kevin Coombs
• Prof. Herbert Enns
• Dr. Elissavet Kardami
• Dr. Eberhard Renner
• Dr. Wayne Simpson
• Dr. Qiang Zhang

To learn more about the 2025 honourees, please visit the Emeritus/Emerita Titles webpage to read their individual citations.

Emeriti titles are one of several awards given annually by the university in celebrating and recognizing the success of colleagues and other distinguished individuals. Learn about the university awards nomination process.

These long-serving members of the university bring a wealth of experience and expertise, continuing to contribute to academic life even after stepping back from full-time, tenured positions.

To enhance this engagement, the ESSENCE project – Emeriti and Senior Scholars Engaged in Navigating Continued Excellence – has been launched. Led by the Office of the Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs) and funded by the 2025–2026 Strategic Initiatives Support Fund, the ESSENCE project offers new ways to connect, collaborate and celebrate the ongoing contributions of Emeriti and Senior Scholars. It also supports UM’s commitment to age inclusivity and strengthens our designation as an Age-Friendly University.

“The ESSENCE Project seeks to celebrate and strengthen the engagement of our Emeriti and Senior Scholars, individuals whose wisdom and contributions continue to shape the University of Manitoba,” says Tracey Peter, Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs). “Through connection, mentorship and collaboration, we aim to honour their legacy while creating new opportunities for shared growth and discovery.”

Emeriti and senior scholars, along with invited guests, listen to presentations at the ESSENCE project launch event on September 29, 2025.

Several initiatives were introduced at a kick-off networking event held on September 29, designed to support the continuation of academic work, foster knowledge transfer to the next generation of academics, and strengthen a sense of community.

New programs and benefits

Intergenerational Research Planning Grant

This funding opportunity, offering up to $5,000, supports collaboration between emeriti/senior scholars and early career researchers (within five years of beginning their careers). The goal is to foster mentorship, knowledge exchange, and joint planning for future research. (The current application period has now closed.)

Complimentary resources

Emeriti and Senior Scholars can apply for an M365 A3 license and enjoy complimentary parking when visiting campus for academic purposes.

Emeriti and Senior Scholars Newsletter

The inaugural issue of this new publication was distributed in August 2025, with the goal to keep community members informed about news and events and offer a place for reflection, reconnection and recognition. Members are invited to join the editorial team or contribute content ideas.

Peter Zadraka and Robert Shiu, professors emeriti, reconnect at the ESSENCE project launch event.

Events

Regularly programming is being offered for Emeriti and Senior Scholars at the UMGSA Lounge in UMSU University Centre. Visit the UM events calendar (category Academics: Emeriti and Senior Scholars) for information on upcoming events.

MomentUM Mentorship Program – coming soon!

Stay tuned for details on this new program designed to connect Emeriti and Senior Scholars with early career faculty for career planning, institutional navigation and community building. Mentorship will be offered flexible formats, either one-on-one or in small groups. Those interested in signing up as a mentor can complete the MomentUM Mentorship Interest Form.

Get involved

To learn more about all of these initiatives, please visit the Emeriti and Senior Scholars webpage.

Have questions? Please contact Francene Perehinec, ESSENCE project coordinator at Francene.Perehinec@umanitoba.ca.

This prestigious award recognizes University of Manitoba educators who have demonstrated continuing teaching excellence and made significant contributions to advancing teaching and learning at UM.

Jennifer Watt

Professor, Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Faculty of Education

Students and colleagues alike commend Jennifer Watt for her passion, empathy and creativity, which are having a transformative impact in the field of education.

Watt is deeply committed to advancing equity and social justice in education. Since joining the University of Manitoba in a faculty position in 2017, her teaching has inspired learners at all stages – from first-year undergraduates to experienced educators – to view teaching as a pathway to building a more compassionate and inclusive world.

She played a pivotal role in developing Introduction to Education: What It Means to Teach, a course grounded in the themes of Belonging, Meaning, Purpose, and Hope (outlined in “Mamàhtawisiwin”, a 2022 Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning Indigenous education policy document) and the four guiding questions taught by the late Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair. Due to its popularity, the course has expanded from three to five sections, drawing hundreds of undergraduate students. One student reflected, “Her class has taught me so much about the education system and gave me insight into whether teaching was the career for me. I have never felt so welcomed, cared for and appreciated in a classroom.”

Watt’s innovative approaches include thoughtfully designed teaching strategies and assessments that respect student autonomy, honour diversity, and encourage reflection and growth. Her “Choose Your Own Adventure” assignment, for example, offers students multiple pathways to demonstrate their learning in ways that reflect their identities, experiences and aspirations.

She also co-leads the Manitoba Writing Project and co-teaches a Summer Writing Institute with her colleague, Michelle Honeyford. The 6-credit graduate/post-diploma course brings together educators, researchers and writers to explore the transformative power of writing and place-based inquiry. Each year, this unique program is situated in a new context, from King’s Park to public murals and monuments across Manitoba.

Beyond the classroom, Watt shares her expertise widely through a variety of platforms – webinars, podcasts, creative multimedia tools and experiential learning activities, making knowledge accessible and impactful. Her passion for teaching is contagious, and her pedagogy – rooted in care, accountability and community – is shaping the next generation of compassionate, justice-oriented educators.

Wan Wang

Instructor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts

Wan Wang is a dedicated and passionate educator whose teaching has had a profound impact on undergraduate psychology students, particularly in the areas of research methods and assessment.

Wang teaches multiple sessions of three research courses that form the foundation for most programs within the Department of Psychology. Her student-centred approach makes abstract and technically complex research concepts both understandable and engaging. By grounding her pedagogy in self-determination theory, she fosters student motivation and well-being by addressing key needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness.

Her teaching strategies combine rigor with relevance, helping students build competency in critical thinking and problem-solving skills, leading to high engagement. In a glowing review from one student, they noted how Wang put them at ease despite the challenging material: “Dr. Wang is really good at explaining concepts that normally would be daunting and stressful.” She integrates current and relatable content – such as the ethical use of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT – and develops experiential learning projects that allow students to pursue topics aligned with their own interests. She also demonstrates how their own research activities can contribute to ongoing efforts of reducing barriers to access building a more just society.

Wang is also deeply committed to her own professional growth and to advancing teaching and learning at UM. She regularly participates in teaching workshops both at the university and through external organizations and has received funding for research projects that enhance student learning, supported by the Provost’s Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Support Fund and the Faculty of Arts’ Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund. A strong advocate for knowledge mobilization, she actively shares her research findings and teaching practices with colleagues. Since joining UM in 2019, she has received multiple teaching awards from both university administrative units and student-led organizations.

Through her exemplary dedication and innovative use of psychological principles in teaching, Wang has positively impacted thousands of undergraduate students in the Department of Psychology.

The University of Manitoba proudly congratulates Jennifer Watt and Wan Wang on this well-deserved recognition of their excellence in teaching.

What is an Affinity Group?

Affinity groups bring together individuals who share a common identity or lived experience. This may include, but is not limited to, race, Indigeneity, gender, sexuality, disability, chronic health conditions, newcomer status, first-generation university students, family structures and religion. Groups may also reflect intersectional identities and lived experiences.

The group is tied to one’s personal identity rather than membership to a specific club or organization.

About the program

The program sets aside dedicated times for specific affinity groups to gather in supportive spaces for study and quiet work. These sessions are designed to foster connection, mutual support and empowerment, helping participants strengthen their sense of belonging within the UM community.

Sessions will take place in the Brown Lab at the Elizabeth Dafoe Library, coordinated by the Office of Equity Transformation. Each session will be two hours and will be facilitated by a host who will welcome participants, lead introductions and explain the format. Sessions will conclude with an optional reflection period, giving participants an opportunity to share progress, challenges or insights.

“The Affinity Group Work-on-Site Program is about reimagining spaces at UM to empower and support people to form community rooted in their personal identities,” says Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity). “We know finding time in busy work and study schedules to interact with others can often be a barrier to community building, which is why this program brings people together in an informal setting to work alongside others with shared lived experiences. We look forward to welcoming faculty, staff and students to the various sessions.”

Program details

Students, staff and faculty are all welcome to participate!

Registration is not required. Simply show up at the designated time with your work/study materials or laptop, prepared to work alongside members of your shared community.

Flexibility is built in: Individuals can arrive or leave as needed, provided that they do so respectfully and without disruption.

The Dafoe Library is fully accessible, with universal design toilets rooms. The Brown Lab has fluorescent lighting.

The program schedule is on the Affinity Group Work-on-Site Spaces webpage.

Have questions?

Find more information on the webpage, including:

• Guidelines and expectations of participants
• How to sign up to host an affinity group session
• How to share your feedback

For additional questions, accommodations or support, please contact the Office of Equity Transformation at equity@umanitoba.ca.

Through the Diversifying the UM Art Collection program, 15 artworks by 11 artists were procured during the summer of 2025. The program is the second project of this type at UM, following the Indigenous Student-Led Art Purchasing Project (ISLAPP) launched in 2023, and is a partnership with UM’s Office of Equity Transformation (OET).

Kay Maskiw-Connelly (they/them) [BAHons/12, MA/16, MBA/25] coordinated the 2SLGBTQIA+ cohort as part of their fellowship in Equity, Anti-Oppression and Social Justice through the OET, and they were also part of the art selection committee. For the master’s student working on their third degree at UM, being involved was more than a leadership opportunity; it was a way to make space and a chance to help others feel seen.

“An art project is really the perfect way for the university to normalize and raise awareness about queer identities, and queer relationships,” Maskiw-Connelly says. “There are still some folks who are not very accepting, and I think a lot of the time, it’s just this fear of the unknown.”

Kay Maskiw-Connelly

Maskiw-Connelly believes engaging with 2SLGBTQIA+ art can help inform new perspectives. “When there are these beautiful paintings like “Embrace” by Laura Lewis [BFAHons/18] which shows a female couple embracing—I think that shows people who haven’t witnessed a queer relationship that [they’re] very similar to a heteronormative relationship in the sense that there is this loving, respectful relationship between two people. Hopefully seeing that shows them that the university is an inclusive space and there are different forms of love and all of them are valid. Hopefully that creates more understanding and respect between people.”

The project recruited eight people who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to sit on the art selection committee— primarily students and a couple of non-academic staff members. Each person researched artists individually and then the group met virtually to make recommendations and view artist portfolios together.

According to Maskiw-Connelly: “The committee feels like it was an honor to get to choose these artworks collaboratively…that they were part of such a big project where the administration is investing this money and saying ‘we trust you enough to decide for us to represent your own community.’ That’s really empowering.”

With their selections, the group focused on queer artists who are local or Canadian. Their goal was to acquire a variety of artworks of diverse mediums, and some of the themes they explored were identity, relationships and representation.

Once they had narrowed down their considerations, Maskiw-Connelly would reach out to see if the artists were interested in selling their artwork to the university and having it displayed on campus. They also confirmed that all the artists were comfortable with being identified as members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

“I think every single one of them said they were honoured to have their artwork on campus,” Maskiw-Connelly says. “Especially those who had studied at UM; it really felt very personal for them.”

The final selections include a wool blanket, photographs, digital drawings, paintings, prints, pottery and beadwork on canvas. The pieces are now with the UM Art Collection Registrar to go through the formal acquisition process and when that step is complete, they will be installed in secure areas on campus.

While the 2SLGBTQIA+ version of the project is wrapping up, the legacy will continue— through the increased representation of queer art on UM campuses, and through the relationships developed during the project.

“I was bullied a lot for my identity and really hid it for many, many years and for various reasons in various spaces,” Maskiw-Connelly says. “Meeting a lot of different [2SLGBTQIA+] people creates a sense of community and a sense of safety because the more people you know on campus, you feel like, oh— I could always go check in with that person if I needed support, and I know there are people on campus who are safe people to go to. I think for a lot of students—especially if they are undergrads who may not know a lot of people, may not have come out until recently or may still be living kind of secretly or quietly— joining projects like this is a really great opportunity to connect with other community members.”

Help create transformational change: apply for the 2025-26 committee

The 2025-26 Diversifying the UM Art Collection committee will consist of 5 to 7 students and non-academic staff who identify as Black or racially marginalized. Committee members will meet artists and curators, visit studios, and select artwork by Black or racially marginalized artists to be acquired by the University of Manitoba University Art Collections. These new acquisitions will be placed on display in public and semi-public spaces at UM.

Deadline for expression of interest: October 3, 2025

Apply now

Have questions? Please contact equity@umanitoba.ca.

Because UM is a research-intensive university with learning as its central mission, it’s appropriate to explore the opportunities AI can offer. Our community can benefit in many ways, including enhancing teaching, accessibility, elevating research capacity, optimizing business processes and providing individualized student-centered learning. There are also risks that need consideration, including security, academic integrity, inaccurate or misleading information, resource use and bias towards systematically disadvantaged and marginalized groups.

In 2024, UM established a Committee on Artificial Intelligence to study these opportunities and risks, and then to develop guiding principles for exploration. The Committee reviewed guidelines and documentation from post-secondary institutions around the world before developing the principles listed below that are specific to UM.

What is AI

AI is not a single technology, but a way of using computers and machines to simulate human learning, understanding, problem-solving, creativity and more. It includes machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision and generative AI (genAI).

In higher education, genAI is a primary focus. These tools can create—or generate—their own content such as text, code, images, and videos.

Guiding Principles

When using AI at UM, faculty, students and staff should follow these guidelines:

Intellectual Integrity
Intellectual integrity is core to UM. Faculty, students and staff are expected to uphold the highest academic standards and trust. Such standards must also be maintained in the context of the use of AI. Ultimately, intellectual integrity fosters a culture of honesty, fairness, and respect for knowledge.

Human-Centered Approach
Human relationships are essential in the context of higher education; therefore, a human-centred approach to the use of AI at UM is also critical. AI should augment human capabilities, not replace them. AI should provide opportunities to foster collaboration and innovation. Human characteristics of ethical considerations, trust and transparency are crucial for effective and responsible use of AI. Ultimately, it is humans that guide the use of AI towards meaningful and beneficial outcomes.

Responsible Behaviour
Faculty, students and staff at UM are responsible for their behaviour related to AI. This behaviour should include prioritizing ethical use, integrity and transparency in the development, refinement and use of AI. It is crucial to maintain human oversight of AI systems to optimize beneficial outcomes and prevent misuse.

AI Literacy and Training
The core mission of UM is education and, as such, UM has the responsibility to foster the development of AI literacy within its community. In this way, users, and those impacted by AI, have the necessary skills to make informed choices about the responsible use of AI and the impact of AI in their academic journey, careers and lives.

Privacy and Data Security
UM must ensure that appropriate risk assessments and operational controls are implemented so that our UM data (including that of faculty, students and staff) is not compromised, that privacy is maintained for our user community, and that intellectual property is protected.

Intellectual Property and Copyright
UM supports and defends the principles and legislation related to the protection of intellectual property of its faculty, students and staff. Use of copyrighted materials with AI systems must be done in accordance with the Copyright Act or by permission of the rights holders. UM commits to monitoring the evolving standards related to protection of intellectual property as it relates to the use of AI and informing UM faculty, students and staff about changing requirements.

Environment and Sustainability
UM seeks to be a leader in campus sustainability and demonstrates its leadership through integration of sustainability principles into its strategic plans and operations. The infrastructure that supports AI systems can be electricity and water intensive. UM will seek to preferentially select enterprise AI systems from providers that not only minimize energy requirements but also prioritize sustainability practices.

Accessibility and Fairness
UM commits to ensuring that, where AI is required for teaching and learning, there are no barriers for student access to systems resulting from disability, socio-economic disadvantage, or other factors related to systematically disadvantaged and marginalized groups. In addition, UM will continue to assess any enterprise AI systems to ensure that such AI software does not unfairly discriminate against individuals or groups.

Risk and its Mitigation
UM recognizes there are internal and external risks associated with the use of AI and seeks to eliminate or optimally reduce harms. These risks include but are not limited to exposure of personal or institution data to third parties, copyright infringement and loss of reputation resulting from processes or decisions that rely on AI. UM will continue to review enterprise AI systems within the context of data governance and UM governing documents to minimize risk to faculty, students, and staff.

Next steps

Over the next few months, an online hub for AI will be developed as a space for community members to find practical tips, resources, and training opportunities. Stay tuned to UM Today for updates.

UM’s approach to responsible digital innovation aligns with priorities in MomentUM: Leading change together, UM’s 2024–2029 strategic plan. Through the Digital Governance Council, we strengthen the digital systems that support ethical innovation and knowledge sharing across communities.

This confidential, voluntary survey is your opportunity to share what it’s like to live, learn and work at the University of Manitoba.

Do you feel like you belong? Do you enjoy being on campus? Do you feel supported in your academic or professional journey? Is UM living up to its commitments?

Why participate?

This survey is part of UM’s long-term commitment to fostering a vibrant community for all, as outlined in MomentUM: Leading Change Together, UM’s Strategic Plan.

We know that experiences differ across our diverse community. Your voice helps ensure those differences are seen, understood and addressed.

Your input will help the university:

• Identify areas of systemic inequity and opportunities for improvement
• Measure and track progress on strategic goals
• Ensure accountability to the UM community

Building on progress

The first version of this survey was conducted in 2020 as part of the President’s Taskforce on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Real outcomes stemming from the 2020 survey include:

• Creation of the Office of Equity Transformation
• Appointment of Tina Chen, our inaugural Vice-Provost (Equity)
• Launch of the EDIA: Foundations course
• Introduction of the Promoting Black Flourishing Fund

Going forward, the survey will be repeated every two years, enabling us to track meaningful progress over time. Data drives change, and UM is committed to using this data responsibly to guide institutional transformation.

Participate and give back

As a thank you, for every 1,000 participants, the UM Food Bank will receive $500, up to a total of $4,000.

How to take the survey

• All UM community members should have received an email on September 15 with a direct link to the survey.
• If you are a student, you can also find the survey by logging into Aurora and looking under the “Resources” section.
• If you are a staff or faculty member, the survey link can be found on the UM Community Experience Survey intranet page (UMNetID required).

Thank you for helping us build a more supportive and equitable UM community!

Need assistance?

If you need help accessing the survey, please contact Jennifer Dengate, Director of EDI Research and Projects, at Jennifer.Dengate@umanitoba.ca.

If you have general questions about this survey, please feel free to contact the Office of Equity Transformation at UMCES@umanitoba.ca.

Congratulations to all the recipients of the 2024 Merit Awards.

Category: Social Sciences, Humanities and Fine Arts

Combination:

• Sean Carleton, Department of History and Department of Indigenous Studies, Faculty of Arts
• Lucy Delgado, Department of Educational Administration, Foundations, and Psychology, Faculty of Education
• Karin James, Department of German and Slavic Studies, Faculty of Arts
• Katherine Starzyk, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts

Research, Scholarly Work and Creative Activities:

• Andrew Hatala, College of Community and Global Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Corey Mackenzie, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts
• Dominique Rey, School of Art
• Ee-Seul Yoon, Department of Educational Administration, Foundations, and Psychology, Faculty of Education

Service:

• Mark Hudson, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts
• Jamie Paris, Department of English, Theatre, Film, and Media, Faculty of Arts
• Michelle Porter, Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreation Management

Teaching:

• Cameron Hauseman, Department of Educational Administration, Foundations, and Psychology, Faculty of Education
• Alexandra Heberger, Department of German and Slavic Studies, Faculty of Arts
• Shannon Moore, Department of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning, Faculty of Education
• Wei Wang, Department of Business Administration, I.H. Asper School of Business

Category: Life Sciences, Natural Sciences and Engineering

Combination:

• Inoka Amarakoon, Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural & Food Science
• Philip Ferguson, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Price Faculty of Engineering
• David Herbert, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
• Ricardo Silva, Department of Earth Sciences, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources

Research, Scholarly Work and Creative Activities:

• Meghan Azad, Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Xihui Liang, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Price Faculty of Engineering
• Peter Pelka, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science
• Jill Stobart, College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Service:

• Jessica Hartley, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Shakerah Jones Hall, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Sachin Katyal, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

Teaching:

• Chyngyz Erkinbaev, Department of Biosystems Engineering, Price Faculty of Engineering
• Sabine Kuss, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science
• Vladan Protudjer, College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
• Trisha Scribbans, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

Category: Promoting Indigenous Achievement

• Réal Carrière, Department of Political Studies, Faculty of Arts