Get Hired shares new postings and events every week to help you find opportunities that match your goals and schedule.

Tip of the Week: Review Employers Ahead of the Career Fair

 Take a few minutes to review the list of employers attending before the career fair. It helps you plan who to visit, prepare questions, and feel more confident. Even a quick look can lead to stronger, more focused conversations.

Who’s Hiring?

Part-Time/Summer Employment/Casual Opportunities

• TRIUMF is hiring for multiple Summer 2026 student research positions across physics, engineering, computing, and operational sciences. Opportunities include roles such as Universal Polarization Student Research Assistant, Python Software Developer – Acceleratory Physics Student, Jr Programmer Analyst Student and more! Apply by January 25 to gain hands-on experience at Canada’s particle accelerator centre!
• Join Parks Canada this spring and summer as a Visitor Services Attendant at Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site. Apply by January 31. Stop by their booth at the 2026 UM January Career Fair to connect in person.
• Manitoba Hydro’s Summer Student Program is now open. Over 200 roles for students in engineering, business, accounting, IT, environmental studies, trades and technology, construction and general entry-level. Deadlines: Jan 31 for career-related roles and May 1 for general roles. Visit their website for full details. Stop by their booth at the 2026 UM January Career Fair to connect in person.
• MINI U Summer Leader positions are now open! Join the team and help create fun, meaningful and inclusive experiences for participants ages 4–18. New Leader applications are due February 16.
•  Paterson Grain is seeking Summer Student for their Arborg, Deloraine, Gunton, Holland, Killarney, Melita, Morris and Niverville locations. Paterson Grain is also a proud Silver Sponsor of the 2026 UM January Career Fair, be sure to visit their booth on January 27 and 28!
• Statistics Canada is hiring 32,000+ census workers across Canada, with flexible evening and weekend work. Positions run March to July 2026 and are a great way to build paid experience while contributing to a national project. Visit there website for full details
• Part-Time Opportunities at the University of Manitoba: A wide range of Student Sessional roles are available across many departments. Technician (Req 43651), Invigilator (Req 43470)  Explore these and more on UMCareers.

There are 83 openings for part-time, casual, and summer positions available on UM Connect within the Job Postings tab! Check out Seasonal Staff for the World’s Largest Snow Maze (#81831), Vegetation Management Technician (#81789) and Visitor Services Attendant (#81754).

Full-Time/Co-op/Internships

• The City of Winnipeg is hiring a dedicated Licensing Enforcement Inspector (Job ID 126562) to support community safety and uphold municipal standards. Apply by January 22. Stop by their booth at the 2026 UM January Career Fair to connect in person.
•  True North Sports + Entertainment is seeking a Coordinator, Retail Operations. Play a key role in supporting Jets Gear stores, e‑commerce, and game‑day retail operations. Apply by January 25.
•  Join Scotiabank’s Global Banking & Markets team as an Investment Banking Co‑op/Intern for Summer 2027 and gain hands‑on experience in one of the most dynamic areas of finance. Apply by January 28.
•  Canada Life is hiring for multiple positions including Fund Accountant and Group Underwriter. Visit their job board to view more job opportunities and apply today! Stop by their booth at the 2026 UM January Career Fair to connect in person.
• New grads take note Bison Transport is hiring Operations Trainees. Stop by their booth at the 2026 UM January Career Fair on January 28 to connect in person.
• Churchill Northern Studies Centre is hiring a Research Technician to support field and lab research in Churchill, Manitoba.
• A&M Canadian Immigration Law Corporation is hiring for multiple roles, including Receptionist, Immigration Case Writer, and Accountant / Accounts Assistant.
•  Full-time opportunities at The University of Manitoba: HR & Payroll Assistant (Req 43657) and PGME Assistant (Req 43595). Explore these and more positions on UMCareers today!

There are 176 openings for full-time positions available on UM Connect within the Job Postings tab! Check out Resource Technician (#81806), Heart Helper (#81779) and Continuous Improvement Research Officer (#81620).

 ** UM Students: to access opportunities on UM Connect make sure you are logged into your account to follow the links to postings directly! Please note that UM alumni are also able to create an account to access these postings. **

Career Fairs, Information Sessions, and Conferences

UM Behind the Hire – Connect directly with employers to learn about opportunities, hiring practices, and how to stand out. We understand that your schedules can be demanding, these sessions are still worth attending even if you cannot stay for the full session. Every opportunity to listen, ask questions, or make a connection shows genuine interest and initiative. Sign up today before all the spots are filled!

January’s Employers:

• Manitoba Legislative Assembly Internship Program
• Canada Life
• Manitoba Metis Federation.

CAREER FAIRS

• UM Annual Career Fair – January 27 & 28 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. and 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

OTHER EVENTS

• Scotiabank is hosting a virtual information session on January 23, from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. to introduce students to its Investment Banking Summer 2027 Internship program.
• Curious about developing your leadership skills? Join the President’s Student Leadership Program Info Session on January 21 to learn about this fully funded leadership opportunity open to students from all disciplines.
• Interested in student leadership and governance? Join the UM Student Leader Panel on January 23 (12:30-1:30 p.m. Centre Space, John A. Russell Building) to hear directly from current UM student leaders about their experiences and what it is really like to be involved.
• Interested in innovation and entrepreneurship? Join the IDEA START Monthly Meetup to connect with mentors and peers, hear from guest mentor Amanda Buhse, Founder and CEO of Coal and Canary, and enjoy an evening of networking, learning, and pizza. RSVP
• Career Fair Preparation Workshops – Virtual Jan 21, In-person Jan 22

Resources

• Looking for career and experiential learning supports? Our Resources section has moved to our new webpage, From Campus to Career, making it easier to find tools, programs, and opportunities that support your journey from university to what comes next.

Got Hired Through Us? Tell Us Your Story! We would love to hear your story. With your permission, it may be featured in a future edition to inspire other students. Sharing only takes a few minutes.

Have questions about your job search or any of these postings?

Email us at  elpartnerships[at]umanitoba[dot]ca. We are happy to help!

Brought to you by the Career, Community and Experiential Learning Centre.

These tax changes have been in effect since the 2019 tax year, so if you are a returning student and have already added your SIN in Aurora, you do not have to add it again.

How to add your Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Aurora:

1. Login to Aurora.
2. Locate “Verify my SIN” card and select “Help me Verify my SIN”.
3. Enter your SIN.

Once you have landed on your homepage, locate the “Verify my SIN card” and confirm your information is correct. If you are unable to update an incorrect SIN, contact the Registrar.Office@umanitoba.ca for assistance.

Please note, that if you select the “No Social Insurance Number” option, you are indicating you do not have a valid SIN. All students who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents should have a valid SIN.

If your SIN is incorrect, or Aurora says you need to update your SIN, you must contact the Registrar’s Office or Extended Education to have it corrected. Do not send your SIN to us – instead, contact us by phone or email and we will assist you in updating your SIN securely through Aurora.

Extended Education
204-474-8800
Extended@umanitoba.ca

Registrar’s Office
204-474-9420
Registrar.Office@umanitoba.ca

Tax Form Availability

Tax forms are released annually, usually near the end of February, and is ONLY available online through Aurora.

Through UMVP, students can volunteer at major campus events and initiatives, earning Experience Record recognition for their involvement. Volunteers also develop transferable skills such as communication and teamwork and leadership, while also enjoying perks like free food, social engagement, and the chance to meet new friends.

Open House: be a tour guide and campus ambassador

One of the UMVP’s current areas of focus is recruiting volunteers for the Winter Open House, one of the University’s largest recruitment and community events. The open house welcomes prospective students and their families to campus, giving them the opportunity to explore programs, services and student life at the UM.

As an Open House tour guide, volunteers act as campus ambassadors for leading tours, answering questions and sharing their own experiences as UM students. Volunteering is a great opportunity to practice public speaking, build confidence, and connect with students who are just beginning their university journey.

Career Fair: support students and build professional skills

UMVP is also in search of volunteers for the upcoming Career Fair, where students connect with employers and explore career paths to gain insight into the job market. Career Fair volunteers support event logistics, assist employers, and help ensure the day runs smoothly.

Volunteering at a Career Fair gives students behind-the-scenes exposure to professional events, and as volunteers, you are there to support and develop facilitator skills that aren’t as accessible to others.

Leadership Opportunities: Orientation Team Leaders

For students looking to build on their volunteer experience, UMVP also offers leadership opportunities through the Orientation Team Leader (OTL) stream, which allows for returning student volunteers to take on greater responsibilities. Students selected as OTLs gain in-depth experience in team leadership, communication, volunteer coordination, and event planning. It’s a great opportunity to develop your skills and make a lasting impact on the student community.

 To find out more about the program and apply, visit: UM Volunteer Program | University of Manitoba

The registration revision period – your last opportunity to make changes to your class schedule without risking financial penalty – is coming up soon.

The registration revision period is the first two weeks of classes in the Fall and Winter Terms. During this period, changes can still be made to your course registrations without any academic or financial penalties.

Revision period dates:

1. Last day to drop courses is: January 19, 2025
2. Last day to add courses is: January 20, 2025

Remember: The last day to add a course falls one day after the last day to drop a course without financial penalty. This means that if you register for a course on the deadline to add courses, you cannot drop the course afterward. You can still voluntarily withdraw from the course, but the course will appear on your transcript with ‘VW’ as the grade and you will be responsible for paying the fees associated with the course.

During the registration revision period…

• You can add and remove courses to create a timetable that suits your needs.
• Courses that you decide to drop or change during this period will not be added to your student records or your academic transcript.
• You will receive a notification if a seat becomes available in a course you are on the waitlist for, and you can then register for it.
• Any changes that you make to your course registration will reflect on your tuition.
• If you drop a course during this period, your fees for that course will be reversed accordingly.

Waitlisted courses and the revision period

During the revision period…

• If you are on the waitlist for a course that you no longer need, please make sure that you drop yourself from the list. This will allow a notification to be sent to the next student on the waitlist without delay

Dropping a course after the revision period

At the end of the Revision period…

• Once the registration revision period is over, you are still able to Voluntary Withdraw (VW) from a course up to a certain date in the term. However, please note that a Voluntary Withdraw will appear on your transcript as a VW and you will still have to pay the tuition associated with the course.

Remember – Think before you drop!

Update your residency status

If you have recently become a permanent resident or a Canadian citizen, then you can update your residency status in your Aurora account. Updating your status during the revision period will enable you to receive a fee adjustment and pay domestic tuition rates for the current term.

Please note that if you have updated your status after the registration revision period, you will be required to pay international rates for the current term and will pay domestic rates for your following term(s).

Steps to Update your Residency status:

1. Login to Aurora.
2. Select ‘Personal Information.’
3. Select ‘Change Residency Status’.
4. From here, follow the steps on the screen and have the required documentation ready to upload.

For more information concerning the Fall and Winter Term dates and revision periods, please view UM’s important dates and deadlines.

Not attending UM courses this fall?

If you don’t plan to attend UM, you must drop all courses before the end of the revision period to avoid being charged fees for your courses.

Steps to leave UM:

If you plan to leave UM, make sure you confirm the following information:

1. Remove yourself from any courses and ensure that you do not have any active registration.
2. Check your account summary in Aurora to ensure that you have no outstanding fees.
3. Check your holds in Aurora to ensure you have nothing outstanding.
4. Contact an academic advisor in your faculty/program to ensure that you have no outstanding obligations with them.

The Indigenous Career Mentor Program is an informational interviewing program that supports Indigenous students in gathering industry information. Indigenous mentors that meet with Indigenous students provide advice on how to navigate career opportunities and challenges, mentors may also share their personal experiences navigating their own career journeys.

Indigenous students can choose their mentors from the following fields of practice: Business & Administration, Health Care, Social Services & Education, Government Services, Science & Technology, Arts & Culture, and Recreation & Sports. To learn more about the Indigenous Career Mentor Program and register visit the program homepage.

January’s mentor of the month is Carla Loewen

What is your position title and where do you currently work?

Director, Indigenous Student Centre, University of Manitoba

Briefly describe what you do in your current occupation:

As director, I am responsible for overseeing the activities and programming of the Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) in Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge at the Fort Garry Campus. Programming includes student advising staff who take care of Indigenous students’ needs in a holistic way by offering programming for students in every stage of their academic journey including first year transition, retention and success, financial wellness, cultural learning, and student care. In addition, ISC has an Indigenous graduate student success coordinator who supports Indigenous graduate students throughout their programming. Our programming is organized and facilitated with student wellness in mind. Instilling sense of belonging, student engagement and community-building is embedded into our work, which makes it meaningful and fun because of the things we get to do for, and with, students.

ISC also has an Elders-in-Residence program who are integral to the University of Manitoba because they are available to students and staff for cultural learning, traditional teachings, Indigenous identity exploration, ceremonial work and more. We currently have two Elders and a Grandmother-in-Residence who are kept very busy!

Lastly, ISC leads the annual graduation pow wow for students in May of each year, which is an event that celebrates the achievements of Indigenous students in a culturally inclusive and special way. We love that we get to do this for students each year.

What initially sparked your interest in the career you have chosen for yourself?

I have worked in student support for my whole career starting as an academic advisor with the First Year Centre where I specialized in first year advising and was able to develop an Indigenous peer mentor program. When I moved to ISC it was to be the student advisor who led transitions programming, which I did for five years before becoming the director. Supporting Indigenous student success is the foundation of my career and is important to me.

What are some lesser-known duties or work outcomes your role is responsible for that people may not be aware of?

People may not be aware that I also oversee Migizii Agamik in terms of building maintenance and room bookings. One of the first things I did as director was to get a construction project approved to move a hallway door back to make the accessible washroom on the main floor accessible (when the building was opened it was originally a private staff washroom and designated as an accessible washroom later). That door was changed to be an accessible door. Physical Plant helped by making our other main hallway door accessible as well. This may be why Migizii Agamik is often referred to as the Indigenous Student Centre but there are several units who have offices in here, it is not just us.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I am passionate about supporting Indigenous student success in any capacity. In this role I get to do it in a more administrative way through supporting unit activities, but I also make sure to continue to make and nurture connections with students. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing students start their academic journeys here, complete their degrees and go onto doing amazing things in their communities and networks. Through the process of being a cheerleader and informal mentor, those connections continue post-graduation, which is another perk of the work I do. Encouraging community building and creating safe and supportive networks often leads to friendship and that’s awesome!

What are some changes you’ve experienced in your field, or changes you anticipate happening in the near future?

Broadly, my career has been in post-secondary education, which has all been at the University of Manitoba. I also have received my education here. I started university in 1996 and completed my Bachelor of Education. At that time there was one Cross-Cultural Education course I could take that talked about Indigenous students in the classroom and besides what I found to help my own learning like a Cree language course and writing papers on Indigenous topics, Indigenous initiatives on campus were just starting to emerge. The Aboriginal Student Centre had only recently opened, and the Indigenous campus community was small (but mighty). The Indigenous staff that worked at UM in the mid-90s are the ones who broke down barriers and made the changes needed for the UM to be what it is today. Those folks in turn were inspired by the changemakers before them and that’s what I aspire to be for others one day; someone who helped continue to create change here. That ongoing reciprocity is the holistic approach that grounds my work and what I envisioned I could accomplish when I was starting out and developed an Indigenous peer mentor program where Indigenous students support each other through each year of study. It’s neat to reflect on this and see how that’s unfolded over time.

It’s important to acknowledge at this point amongst all the glowing comments I am making here is that that higher education institutions were founded on colonized, Western thinking where Indigenous Peoples were once not welcome. This is never forgotten in the work done within the Indigenous campus community.

What are some strengths, specialties, and characteristics that are considered assets in your field

Characteristics that have helped me in my field are patience, diplomacy, the willingness to listen, the willingness to do hard, uncomfortable work when necessary, and the ability to create relationships built on trust and reciprocity. These strengths have allowed me to create a supportive network at UM across campus(es).

What is a piece of advice you would offer to Indigenous students interested entering your field?

For this question, I am considering the field of supporting Indigenous student success. My advice is to learn about Indigenous history and contemporary issues to understand why this work is important. Most importantly, do not let where you are in your understanding of who you are as an Indigenous person limit what you can do. Everyone I know is at their own place of learning when it comes to their cultural knowledge or strengths, you can learn and work in these spaces at the same time. That is what I have done, and it has served me well and I will continue to keep learning about who I am as a Cree woman. It’s all part of the process of becoming strong in who you are. I have my mentors and Elders to thank for how I have developed over time in understanding this.

Are there any resources you feel could support Indigenous students interested in this career path?

To work in post-secondary education in a student advisor role, it’s best to have an undergraduate degree in areas such as education, family studies, health studies, or a degree in Arts or Science. Anything to help your understanding of social issues and needs. Being a university graduate also helps you understand the student experience because you have gone through it yourself. To work in administration support, an undergraduate degree is also foundational. I also have a master’s in education in adult and postsecondary and just embarked on my PhD in education to continue to give back in different ways. For those who don’t have the time or opportunity to complete a degree before going into the work field, there are so many interesting and varied opportunities for working at a university. I joke to people that once university life gets into your system, you never leave. It’s like we choose to stay at the Hotel University of Manitoba (I actually just made that last part up; if you get it, it’s maybe funny).

Within your industry or field, what are some related occupations that you interact with and/or find interesting?

Our unit has partnerships with many of the Student Affairs student resource offices and so we work with advocates, counselors, social workers, psychologists, academic advisors, librarians, career counselors, study specialists, professors, doctors, lawyers to name a few. I find them all interesting!

During your career journey what support(s), resource(s), and/or event(s) influenced your decision-making process?

When thinking about what you want to do “when you grow up” talk to people in your areas of interest because they can give you real world feedback about the field. When I was an undergraduate student just starting out, I wish I had known how many resources were available to me. I highly recommend seeing a student advisor at least once a year (for course selection assistance to make sure you are picking the right courses), see them more if you are considering a program change or run into academic difficulty, and once narrowing it down, see a career specialist who can provide more insight into your area(s) of choice.

To meet with mentors like Carla Loewen, register for the Indigenous Career Mentor Program. Explore, connect and build confidence as you proceed in your career journey!

If you are an Indigenous professional interested in sharing your story and connecting with students, consider volunteering as a mentor in the Indigenous Career Mentor Program.

Happy New Year! I hope you had a restful break and are ready for another big year.

We’re starting 2026 with a significant  moment in our university’s history. Join me on January 20 as we launch Building Bold: UM’s Capital Plan for People, Place and Possibility, the University of Manitoba’s new 30-year capital plan and prioritization framework.

For over a century, the University of Manitoba has adapted and grown to meet the needs of students, researchers, and our community. Today, however, we face a different challenge. How do we build for the next 150 years while honouring our commitments to Reconciliation, sustainability, and academic excellence?

Building Bold is our roadmap that will guide how we renew, enhance, and expand our campuses to match the ambitions of our teaching, learning, and research mission. You can learn more about it at digital displays located in the Brodie Atrium on the Bannatyne campus and in the Fireside Lounge on the Fort Garry campus. 

During this launch event, I will be joined by Raman Dhaliwal, Associate Vice-President (Administration), who led the plan’s development and will speak about our community’s bold vision for the short and long term, and how we get there. We’ll also share digital renderings and take your questions.

Register now and please join us in person or online on January 20. The event runs from 9:45 – 11:15 a.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room of UMSU University Centre.

If you have questions about the event, please email rsvp@umanitoba.ca or visit our intranet page. 

I look forward to seeing you there. And here’s to a big year full of bold ideas!

Thank you,
Michael Benarroch, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor

We want to ensure that all registered students have the necessary information to kick off the academic year smoothly. This information will help you navigate the beginning of the term. 

Important Dates and Deadlines

For a detailed list of Winter Term deadlines, visit the Important Dates and Deadlines page. 

Course Adds and Drops (Revision Period)

The registration revision period, commonly known as the ‘add and drop’ period, allows you to make course or timetable changes without academic or financial penalties. Dropped courses during this time will not appear on your transcripts, and tuition fees for these courses will be reversed.

• Drop a course deadline: January 19, 2026
• Add a course deadline: January 20, 2026

During the revision period, you can:

• Add a class if a seat becomes available or if you change your mind about a subject
• Register for a course from your waitlist if space becomes available
• Update your residency status in Aurora and receive a fee adjustment if applicable

After the revision period, you can still withdraw from a class, but it will be recorded on your transcript, and you will be responsible to pay for all fees for that course.

Resources: Dropping a Course, Changing a Course, Cancelling your Registration

Fee Payment Information

Ensure that your tuition is paid by the following deadlines to avoid late fees and holds on your account:

• Winter Term: February 4, 2026.

Access your fee payment information through Aurora and navigating to “View Account Summary by Term Card.” For more details, visit: Fee Payment, Non or Late Payment, Sponsorship Information, Financial Aid & Awards.

Photo Identification (ID) Cards 

The Pop-Up Photo ID Centre will be open at the Fort Garry Campus, stop by UMSU University Centre, room 102B, during these dates and times: 

• January 5^th – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• January 6^th – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• January 7^th – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• January 8^th – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• January 9^th – 9:00 AM – 4:00 P<

Students can check in online for faster service. ID cards are also required to obtain the U-Pass for Winnipeg Transit bus service.

Verify your Social Insurance Number

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) mandates that the university collect Social Insurance Numbers (SINs) to issue T2202 tax forms. You can verify your SIN on your Aurora homepage under “Verify my SIN card.” Those needing corrections can contact Registrar.Office@umanitoba.ca for assistance.

Registrar’s Office Services

The Registrar’s Office is your main resource for your registration and academic records. Here is the most common start of Term requests: 

• Enrolment verifications
• Personal informationupdates, such as residence status changes
• Aurora technical help

UM Achieve

UM Achieve can help you:

• Track your academic progress
• Map your degree program requirements
• Estimate your time to degree completion
• Explore other degree programs

Access UM Achieve through UM Achieve for students, and contact your Academic Advisor if you have questions.

Helpful Contacts

For assistance throughout the term, connect with:

• Your Faculty/Advisor: Academic Advisors
• Inquire through AskUmanitoba
• Registrar’s Office: Phone: (204) 474-9420 |  virtual queue check in
• Fee Payment: Phone: (204) 474-8716 | Email: stdntfee@umanitoba.ca
• First Year Centre: Phone: (204) 474-6209 | Email: fycentre@umanitoba.ca
• International Centre: Phone: (204) 474-8501 | Email: international@umanitoba.ca
• Indigenous Student Centre: Phone: (204) 474-8850 | Email: isc@umanitoba.ca
• Financial Aid and Awards: Phone: (204) 474-9531 | Email: awards@umanitoba.ca

All the best in Winter Term 2026!

Welcome to Winter Term 2026. I hope you enjoyed the holiday break and are ready to hit the books, return to your routines, and make good on some of your New Year resolutions! 
Whether you are new to the University of Manitoba or a returning student, I hope you find the highlights and reminders noted in this email helpful as you start the new academic term at UM: 

• New International students: Participate in Welcome Events hosted by the International Centre beginning today and throughout January. 

• New Graduate students: Register for Winter Graduate Student Orientation on January 13. 

• Honour the Indigenous Campus Community (HICC):  this year 10 individuals representing the diversity of the Indigenous campus community, whose actions support, inspire and strengthen our campuses will be honoured. Nominations for the 10th HICC are now open. 

• Student supports: Explore the wide range of personal and academic resources available to support your well-being and success. 

• Career Fair: Attend the annual UM Career Fair on January 27 and 28 at UMSU University Centre, to meet employers and explore future opportunities.

• Get involved: Explore the many ways to get involved on campus. Gain experience and develop employability skills through countless curricular and co-curricular experiential learning opportunities listed in the UMConnect catalogue.

• Fitness: Activate your gym membership through Aurora and UM’s state-of-the-art fitness facilities.

• Bison sports: Cheer on the Bisons! Claim your free tickets to Bison home games and check out gobisons.ca for the full schedule.

• Student award: Nominate a student for the new Anne Mahon Award for Community Leadership and Positive Change – the deadline is February 14.

• Stay informed: Check your UM student email for the Student Weekly and follow @umstudent on Instagram and TikTok.

Here’s to a successful and fulfilling term ahead, Bisons. I’m looking forward to seeing you on campus!

My best,

…Laurie

From groundbreaking discoveries to timely commentary on pressing issues, their voices shaped conversations on health, climate, technology, and more.

This list highlights the most influential stories of the year, compiled from trending searches and UM Media Relations data sources.

The Arctic & Antarctica: Ice, oceans, wildlife, shipping, and sovereignty 

Churchill as Canada’s Arctic gateway — Dr. Feiyue Wang & Dr. Mario Pinto: As Hudson Bay become accessible to ships for longer periods, Dr. Wang, Canada Research Chair in Arctic Environmental Chemistry explained why Churchill is re-emerging as a strategic Arctic gateway, and why more research is needed as we look to expand the Port of Churchill, while Dr. Pinto, Vice-President (Research & International) discussed shipping opportunities to environmental risk and sovereignty questions. Their insights reached national and international audiences via The New York Times and The Globe and Mail. 

Belugas and port expansion impacts — Dr. Marianne Marcoux: As discussions continues around the expansion of the Port of Churchill, Dr. Marcoux, Adjunct Professor, Biological Sciences, discussed how industrial expansion and vessel noise can affect beluga behaviour and what mitigation could look like.  Dr. Marcoux was feature both on CTV & CBC .

David Babb, lead scientist on Amundsen ship, walking in snow.

Arctic field reporting — Dr. David Babb and the CCGS Amundsen: Reporting live from Arctic fieldwork station, David Babb, Research Associate, Centre for Earth Observation Science and Chief Scientist on the CCGS Amundsen ship , brought audiences into the science, linking sea ice measurement and sampling to wider climate impacts. Featured by CJOB, CTV and CBC. 

Polar bears as food-web drivers — Holly Gamblin: Gamblin, PhD candidate with Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science, helped reframe polar bears as critical carnivores and active drivers of Arctic food webs, explaining how kills and carrion can sustain a network of scavengers. Featured on CBC’s As It Happens, CTV News, Oceanographic Magazine and Science News. 

Arctic foxes and connected food webs — Sean Bice-Johnson, another PhD candidate in Biological Sciences, also had complementary research around how Arctic foxes connect land and sea-ice food webs and was featured on the national radio program, CBC’s Quirks & Quarks.  

Two-year-old polar bear cubs on a bearded seal carcass with a scavenging ivory gull, Svalbard. Photo by Wayne Lynch.

Cryosphere and climate interventions — Dr. Julienne Stroeve: Stroeve, Professor, Centre for Earth Observation Science, provided evidence-based context on polar change and climate interventions, helping audiences weigh urgency and tradeoffs—featured on the nationally syndicated program CBC Quirks & Quarks 

Antarctica’s deep-time climate archive — Dr. Dorthe Dahl-Jensen: Dahl-Jensen is a Canada Excellence Research Chair for Earth Observation Science, and was recently elected as an International Fellow by the Royal Society of Canada. She and her team brought attention to a landmark Antarctic ice-core breakthrough, featured in local and international media, and follow up stories around the ice core offering a longer window into Earth’s climate history and what it suggests about future warming.  

Climate tipping points — Dr. Alex Crawford: Crawford, assistant professor, Department of Environment and Geography helped audiences interpret what a climate “tipping point” really means in real-world terms and the impacts we may all be facing in the future. Featured by CBC Manitoba, CTV Winnipeg, and national outlets. 

Global health and medical innovation 

Mpox — Dr. Jason Kindrachuk:  As Mpox surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr. Jason Kindrachuk, associate professor in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at UM and V.P. National Microbiology Lab, became a leading voice explaining the shift to urban transmission, a new variant, and risks for adults and pregnant individuals. His expertise, from a Lancet cover feature to CBC Manitoba and SciTechDaily, highlighted Canada and UM’s global health leadership. 

Cellular look at the Mpox virus.

Kidney screening innovation — Dr. Claudio Rigatto: A kidney screening in under seven minutes? Dr. Claudio Rigatto’s portable uCR-Chip is revolutionizing diagnostics for remote and low-resource communities. Dr. Rigatto, professor, Max Rady College of Medicine received media coverage in CTV Winnipeg, Medical Xpress, and LabMedica, which spotlighted this innovation. 

Space, robotics, and made-in-Manitoba tech 

Manitoba part of the next frontier — Dr. Philip Ferguson: Ferguson, a space systems engineer and Associate Professor of Aerospace in Engineering, is leading a CubeSat project connected to NASA’s Artemis-era missions. Ferguson and his team put UM in the spotlight, illustrating how university-built technology can contribute to major international space efforts. Featured on CTV National, CBC News, CJOB Radio and Winnipeg Free Press. 

Deep History: Fossils, ancient fish, and human survival 

Ancient fish sheds light on evolution — Dr. Melina Jobbins: A Manitoba fossil discovery helped illuminate key evolutionary transitions tied to jaws and teeth, capturing attention across mainstream and science outlets. Dr. Melina Jobbins, a postdoctoral fellow at the PaleoSed+ lab in the Department of earth sciences, find sheds light on the origins of jaws and teeth, earning coverage from CBC News, UM Today, Phys.org, CTV, and CityNews Winnipeg. 

Human adaptability — Dr. Paul Durkin: Durkin, assistant professor in the Department of Earth Science and his work on Homo erectus survival strategies offered a fresh look at early human adaptability, generating wide media pickup. Durkin’s research revealed their reliance on freshwater and specialized tools, making waves in CTV Winnipeg, Phys.org, The Manitoban, ScienceDaily, and Genetic Literacy Project. 

Canada’s Policy Pressures: Economy, law, defence, and higher education

The shifting trade dynamics and tariff uncertainty — Dr. Barry Prentice and Dr. Fletcher Baragar: 2025 was a year rife with real implications for costs, and competitiveness for Manitoba and Canadian industries. Barry Prentice, head of UM’s Transport Institute, helped translate how global trade tensions and northern infrastructure changes could reshape costs, competitiveness, and Canada’s long-term logistics strategy in the The Globe and Mail, CBC Manitoba, and other national outlets.  Fletcher Baragar, Associate Head in the Department of Economics was on Global Winnipeg and other local outlets breaking down which Manitoba sectors are most vulnerable to new tariffs, translating global trade disputes into clear implications for jobs, prices, and regional industries. 

Photo credit: Markus Winkler

Justice, Public Safety and the Charter — Brandon Trask: On CTV News, Global News, CBC and Globe and Mail, law professor Brandon Trask added essential legal clarity to debates over federal bail reform. By questioning whether expanded “reverse-onus” rules could clash with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, he pushed the national conversation toward evidence, rights, and balance in the justice system. 

Defence Policy, Strategy & Arctic/Northern Security — Dr. Andrea Charron: In The Globe and Mail, Charron, Director, Centre for Defence and Security Studies, argued Canada’s defence commitments must be backed by a coherent, long-term operational plan. She called for practical priorities including a quick-reaction fighter facility in Greenland. Her analysis reframed from defence spending as a strategy problem, not just a budget issue. 

Higher Education Policy, Immigration & Research Capacity — President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Michael Benarroch: Federal caps on international students could reshape Canadian universities. UM President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Michael Benarroch warned of impacts on finances, diversity, and research productivity, sparking debate in CBC, The Manitoban, and The Globe and Mail. 

Manitoba Politics, Governance & Institutions — Dr. Christopher Adams: On CTV Winnipeg, Adams, Adjunct professor of Political Science, unpacked themes from The Keystone Province, helping viewers navigate Manitoba’s political traditions, institutions, and fiscal debates. His CBC Manitoba commentary cemented him as a definitive voice on provincial governance. 

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: historic Provincial Law Courts. Photo by M.Torres

Law, Evidence & Proceeds of Crime — Dr. Michelle Gallant: Gallant, professor at Robson Hall Faculty of Law contributed to CNN  coverage of a Canadian case involving a hidden million-dollar stash, explaining why courts treat unexplained large cash holdings with heightened scrutiny. 

AI & Society: UM experts decode artificial intelligence

AI, Education & Digital Safety – Dr. David Gerhard (Head of Computer Science) joined CBC Radio’s Cross Country Checkup to tackle a question on many minds: Is AI creating a generation of “cheaters,” or new kinds of achievers? He also appeared regularly on CTV Winnipeg and other outlets, explaining how AI tools are being used in scams and misinformation campaigns, and what people should watch for as the technology becomes more accessible.  

AI, Ethics & Human Relationships – Dr. Neil McArthur, Director of the Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics, sparked global discussion on the human side of AI, especially how technology intersects with intimacy, meaning, and connection. His commentary on AI relationships was picked up by The Breaker, The Week, and Grazia, offering a thoughtful look at how machines may influence the way humans relate.

AI, Law & Public Trust – Dr. Katie Szilagyi, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law) became a go-to expert on the legal and ethical implications of AI, helping audiences think through real-world impacts beyond hype. She explained on CBC why AI isn’t a fix for systemic problems like call-centre inefficiencies at the Canada Revenue Agency, pointing out limitations in generative systems. Szilagyi also spoke to The Canadian Press about how generative tools are already being used in law offices to streamline tasks.  

These highlights represent just a fraction of UM’s impact on the world in 2025.

Over the past year, more than 200 experts contributed to 364 unique media stories, showcasing the university’s depth of knowledge, research excellence, and leadership in tackling the world’s most urgent challenges. 

We are so grateful for the time our experts gave media this year, their expertise helped make complex ideas/issues understandable and in 2025 these strong voices were so important.

And finally, thank you to our media partners who were great to work with all year, see you in 2026.

Anti-racism: Moving beyond acknowledgment toward meaningful, systemic change

UM student Sammi Oni calls anti-racism work at UM “essential.” She is in her third year of the finance and accounting major in the Asper School of Business.

She says the strategy is important to her because “it recognizes the everyday realities that racially-marginalized students navigate and commits to doing better. It pushes our community to move beyond acknowledgment toward meaningful, systemic change.”

Sammi Oni.

“It gives me hope that we’re building a university where inclusion isn’t just a principle but a practice.” – Sammi Oni, student

Oni is also a Fellow in Equity, Anti-Oppression and Social Justice, a student program offered by the Office of Equity Transformation. Her Fellows project focuses on supporting the development of Black Studies at UM and contributing to institutional work that advances equity and social justice on campus.

Oni says this anti-racism work gives her hope. It “helps shape a campus environment where belonging isn’t something you have to fight for,” she says.

“It gives me hope that we’re building a university where inclusion isn’t just a principle but a practice.”

A strategy to support our commitments to equity and social justice

The UM Anti-Racism Strategy sets an ambitious goal of combatting institutional racism and moving towards racial justice. It advances anti-racism and Reconciliation for transformative change and to foster a vibrant community.

Roy Albright Obah.

Student Roy Albright Obah is another participant in the Fellows in Equity, Anti-Oppression and Social Justice program. For his project, he is working with Human Resources in the review of the Employment Equity Policy.

He says, “As a Black international student, this work reassures me of the institution’s commitment to meaningful change and to ensuring that all students feel seen, supported, and valued. It affirms my confidence in UM’s efforts to address inequities in a practical and intentional way.”

Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity), says that an institutional endorsement of the strategy is also a significant step at a time when some post-secondary institutions are shrinking away from anti-racism, anti-oppression and equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) work. Chen leads UM’s Office of Equity Transformation (OET), which oversees the strategy.

Learn more about the UM Anti-Racism Strategy The strategy is informed by past and ongoing work by many community members, including: Office of Equity Transformation, the UM Anti-Racism Task Force, Anti-Racism Policy Committee, Office of Human Rights and Conflict Management, and Rady Faculty of Health Sciences Dismantling all Forms of Racism Policy.

A commitment to ‘being the kind of institution our community deserves’

Michael Robertson is the current chair of the UM Board of Governors, which endorsed the strategy.

He says, “The Anti-Racism Strategy is an expression of the University of Manitoba’s commitment to being the kind of institution our community deserves — one where dignity and opportunity are shared by all.”

“The strategy moves us closer to the equitable, responsive university Manitobans expect and need.” – Michael Robertson, Chair, Board of Governors

Michael Robertson.

Robertson is a passionate advocate for equity and community service and sees the new strategy as integral to the university. A former partner at Cibinel Architecture Ltd. for over a decade, he currently works as a consultant as an expert in Indigenous design and community development. In 2024, he was awarded the UM’s Distinguished Alumni Award in Community Service.

“This work matters deeply to me because universities only fulfill their mission when everyone can learn, teach and thrive without barriers,” he says. “The strategy moves us closer to the equitable, responsive university Manitobans expect and need.”

Vice-Provost (Equity) Tina Chen agrees. She says, “It’s important to be intentional and specific in taking meaningful anti-racist actions to dismantle systemic racism and to mitigate the harms caused by all forms of racism.”

She notes that the UM Anti-racism Strategy is based on enduring principles of human rights and is informed by community input and ongoing work done at the community level over many years. 

Amplifying the significance of racial justice for the entire UM community

Going forward, Chen says, “Our commitment to anti-racism and Reconciliation is a collective responsibility; all community members have a role to play.”

She adds, “We want to enhance the visibility of ongoing anti-racism efforts and provide a framework to continue this work.

“The strategy foregrounds shared humanity, equity, and care, as it calls people in through a focus on learning, dialogue and actions necessary to advance anti-racism at UM.”

Learn more about the UM Anti-Racism Strategy 

UM Anti-Racism Learning Framework

Earlier this year, UM introduced the Anti-Racism Learning Framework, a comprehensive educational pathway designed to support our community to participate in dismantling racism in all its forms.

As part of this commitment—and in alignment with provincial legislation—all UM employees are required to complete annual anti-racism training. The provincial anti-racism course, launched in April, is a foundational component of the framework. Faculty, staff, and student employees must complete the course no later than December 31, 2025.

Office of Equity Transformation (OET)

Find resources and opportunities to get involved and learn more about work being done by or in partnership with the Office of Equity Transformation (OET), which was established in 2023. The office supports UM’s commitment to accessibility, diversity and meaningful participation for all by providing leadership and coordination to address systemic inequities and to build community that’s rooted in equity.