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

Students, staff and faculty are invited to apply from Nov. 10 to Dec. 1.

“Clearly, systemic oppression in all of its forms is still alive and well. We all have to do our part to keep working to change inequitable systems,” says Robin Attas, EDIA Specialist, Extended Education.

“The responsible thing to do is to step up and do our part. Do it for the people you love. Do it for your children, family, friends, and colleagues. If you want to help, learn more by taking this course.”

EDIA: Foundations provides a framework to make sense of the world and a place to learn with each other, she says. The course and three-course micro-certificate are offered to the UM community at no cost to learners.

“Our numbers are strong. We have participants from every faculty and many units on campus. It’s amazing how much it has grown, and it is amazing to see this continue.”

Attas invites UM community members including students, staff and faculty to join the UM’s growing EDIA learning community and apply for the course. And those who have already taken it can invite their peers.

EDIA learner, Jasmine Brar, recommends the program.

“We all need to understand our experiences and our barriers we face in our daily lives. If we move those barriers, there is so much we can achieve,” says Brar.

EDIA 0100: Foundations and the Micro-certificate in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) are offered by Extended Education in partnership with the Office of Equity Transformation and with the support of the UM President’s Office as part of UM’s efforts to improve equity and access across UM campuses by educating and empowering UM staff, students and faculty to contribute to individual and collective transformation.

“The University of Manitoba remains firmly committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA). It is in our Strategic Plan,” Attas says. “This is one way UM, and Extended Education, demonstrate that commitment.”

Apply now

EDIA 0100: Foundations course applications are open from Nov. 10 to Dec. 1.

Learn how to apply to the EDIA: Foundations course

WE’RE NEEDED. 

As an Arctic province and gateway for the North. As the innovators in sustainable agriculture. As the home of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. We’re needed, just as Manitobans have always been. 

Manitobans see what others miss and we act upon it. Bold ideas have always been born here, and this culture became the foundation of our university. We’re celebrating this and how the University for Manitoba sees the world differently; how Bisons look past the surface, defy convention, and think big.  

It’s why UM receives more funding from the Gates Foundation than any other Canadian university for our extraordinary work in global public health. It’s why UM researchers once looked at a tobacco leaf and saw a cure for Ebola and why we are now building a state-of-the-art biomanufacturing lab. It’s why UM researchers looked at a drone as a new way to expand internet access across the North. It’s why we looked at microgreens and saw a defense against diabetes.  

Bisons see solutions no one imagined.  

We have a history of excellence and unstoppable momentum. And we’re showcasing not only what we have done, but what we will do next. Last year, you may have seen our alumni “Bisons at the Centre” campaign. Starting soon, you will see our newest campaign highlighting the impact of UM research and how seeing things differently matters to Manitobans and the world: “Bisons at the centre of bold ideas.”

Join us as we celebrate our place at the centre of bold ideas. Be proud of what Manitoba’s university has done, and what we are about to do together.  

Sincerely, 

Michael Benarroch 

President and Vice-Chancellor 

This letter to all Manitobans will be published on September 20 in the Free Press and Brandon Sun and has been slightly adapted for our UM community. As we prepare to launch the research portion of our reputational campaign, we want to share this with you in advance as we continue this exciting journey together.

If you have heard President Michael Benarroch speak at an event, then you’ve heard him mention his podcast, What’s the Big Idea? In it, he showcases some of UM’s big thinkers and highlights the impact of their groundbreaking research. He loves doing it—and the feedback has been excellent.

Amanda Lang [BES/91] sits down with President Benarroch to record a podcast episode in front of a live audience

To vote, visit the Finalist page, enter your email, and select any podcasts you know and love from the categories. If you haven’t listened to podcasts in the other categories, not to worry—you can still vote for What’s the Big Idea? Scroll down to the Most Creative Branded Podcast category, and you’ll see us there.

And if you haven’t listened to any episodes yet, check out our catalogue—or find us on Spotify—and pick something that interests you. We have so much to be proud of at UM!

What’s the Big Idea? is in its third season. The season’s final episode, featuring incoming Chancellor, Dave Angus, will be released on May 14. Season four will launch this fall.

In 2024, UM’s podcast won the bronze Circle of Excellence from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for Podcasts (Occasional), and the gold Prix d’Excellence from the Canadian Council Advancement of Education (CCAE) for Best Podcast. And now, with your votes, we can win a Quill award too.

As president, I hold these principles close and recognize the responsibility that comes with leadership in a diverse and dynamic academic institution. In the recent past, the university has made public statements on geopolitical events and current affairs with the purpose of acknowledging the experiences of community members and offering support. This was done with good intentions; however, this practice has unintended consequences and must be reexamined.  To ensure that I support—not overshadow—the diversity of voices within our community, I am committed to demonstrate restraint when asked to comment on current affairs. This approach allows space for diverse perspectives to be heard and upholds the university’s role as a forum for thoughtful and respectful dialogue. This commitment also reflects my belief that universities thrive when they prioritize the free exchange of ideas while remaining respectful of differing viewpoints.

The university will continue to communicate about the work, services and events that support the shared values we committed to in MomentUM: Leading Change Together; and will share information about supports available to members of the UM community. Together, we will continue to create a community where diverse voices are supported in contributing to the important conversations shaping our world.

Michael Benarroch
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Manitoba

The safety and well-being of our community is always a top priority. Last month, we committed to review our response to the November 19 report of an armed person on the Fort Garry campus. While the report was unsubstantiated, we recognize concerns with aspects of our response and are committed to continuous improvement. Such reviews take place after any serious incident as outlined in UM’s Emergency Response Plan.

The Emergency Response Team and UM leadership have now completed that review and created a plan to strengthen our response in three key areas: communication, education and infrastructure.

Areas for Improvement:

Communications:

1. • Ensure information is shared in a timely manner on a range of channels.
   • Increase adoption of the UM Safe App among students, staff, and faculty. This includes promoting the App in acceptance letters, onboarding and performance reviews.
   • Explore ways to expedite communication during emergencies, so that UM Safe App messages and emails reach our community as soon as they are sent.
   • Ensure coordination with Winnipeg Police Service when they are communicating about our campus.

Education:

1. • Expand training on the Emergency Response Plan and safety protocols, offering annual sessions to the entire UM community and tailored sessions for leaders, faculties and units.
   • Offer training sessions in partnership with the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) about how to support safety in the event of an active threat on campus.

Infrastructure:

1. • Continue to update the closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) across campuses, including hiring a security consultant to provide additional feedback to enhance the campus CCTVs.
   • Upgrade the loudspeaker system on the Fort Garry campus to ensure clearer communication.
   • Continue installation of additional Code Blue emergency poles for enhanced access to security services at both the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses.

Looking Ahead

We have already begun implementing these, and other, improvements, with more planned for 2025. While no environment can be entirely risk-free, we remain committed to fostering a safe and secure campus for everyone. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the safety measures and programs offered by UM Security Services, including downloading the UM Safe App for real-time safety updates.

Thank you for your continued trust and engagement as we work to strengthen our safety protocols.

 
Sincerely,
Michael Benarroch
President and Vice-Chancellor

“I always talk with people sitting nearby. Back in February, I was watching the basketball team play in the Canada West Championship and I met alumni in the stands who were Bisons when I was still in high school—so this was a long time ago,” Benarroch says with a laugh.

“But there they were, cheering as though no time had passed, and they told me how connected they still feel to this community. And I get it. This place is special.”

Since that game, he’s had many more standout moments. We asked for a list of UM notables from the year that was. In no particular order, here’s what he told us:

1. In spring, Benarroch was flying to Quebec for a Universities Canada meeting and, while in the departure lounge, Asper students going to Rotterdam for a business competition came over to say hello. Then a Rady Faculty of Health Sciences researcher heading to Strasbourg, France, said hi, followed by another professor going to Mauritius, off the coast of Africa. A few minutes later, Benarroch met two other researchers going to India and then saw a former Indian diplomat and UM alum whom he met there last year while touring the Institute for Global Public Health.

“I boarded the plane and it hit me—from here you can go anywhere. I know that’s an older tagline of ours, but it’s still true. I just thought that was so neat and special seeing so many people from our campus community going to all different parts of the world. We have such an incredible global reach and impact but we’re so humble about it.”

2. The Faculty of Arts Mainstage Production reimagined William Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors. It was one of more than 100 arts and culture events that take place on campus every year.

“What a great opportunity this was to see students do a modern adaptation of this work. And afterwards they came out and talked about their show and it was really fun to hear their reflections on doing these difficult roles. I probably talked about it for days afterwards.”

3. UM signed four new partnership agreements with institutions across Morocco to advance shared research priorities in green energy and supporting cutting-edge innovation, sustainable development, health and Indigenous economic reconciliation.

“I have not been to my home country of Morocco since I was 3-years-old and it was so interesting to return to the place I am from. So this was a real personal joy and highlight for me.”

Rhodes Scholar Joel Nichols (left) and cast members of The Comedy of Errors (Photo by Leif Norman)

4. An intimate event celebrating UM’s 100th Rhodes Scholar Joel Nichols [BFA(Hons)/2023] as well as past recipients. UM has more Rhodes Scholars than any other university in Western Canada and Nichols was the first student from UM’s School of Art to receive this prestigious Oxford University scholarship.

“What made it so memorable was the scholars eagerly sharing how grateful they all were for the support faculty and staff showed them. They all spoke so highly of their time here and it made me feel really proud and grateful to be a part of this community.”

5. The announcement of a record-setting grant of $57 million to build two new innovative facilities on campus that will allow scientists to expand their vaccine and biomanufacturing research. This funding supports UM and its partner universities (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Calgary) in developing a hub to bolster Canada’s ability to make life-saving vaccines in the next pandemic.

“Such a large grant is a testament to how UM is a leader in global public health. This is a priority for us and we will continue to build partnerships to expand our ability to improve health outcomes for people everywhere. I have always thought our province and world needs more University of Manitoba, and it seems others agree.”

Researchers Feiyue Wang and Julienne Stroeve at the Churchill Marine Observatory (left) and Bisons kicker Maya Turner

6. The official opening of the Churchill Marine Observatory (CMO). Years in the making, this research site gives UM and its partners unprecedented insight into the sub-Arctic’s fragile ecosystem, climate change and how Manitoba can responsibly develop Canada’s third deep-water port to transform our economy. It was the late Distinguished Professor David Barber [BPE/82, MNRM/88] who first envisioned this facility decades ago.

“Maybe no other university could have built CMO because it is so reliant on longstanding partnerships and relationships UM has with northern communities. My trip there had so many vivid moments. I saw belugas, a polar bear, northern lights—but it is the people I will remember most and how excited they are for the opportunities this lab will bring. I met so many wonderful people, including the parents of a UM med student from Churchill who plans on coming back to her hometown to help fill the gap for physicians in northern Manitoba.”

7. Bisons football kicker Maya Turner was announced as a Canada West All Star, making history as the first female athlete ever to be named an all-star in U Sports football. The herd had nine all-star selections, the most of any school this year and the most for the Bisons since 2001. (Our record is 15.)

“I probably had a skip in my step the day this was announced. I really do love the Bisons. I have so much respect for our student athletes. They have so many huge demands and they just excel in everything. It’s so impressive.”

8. The Winnipeg Foundation announced a $5-million gift towards a new, permanent home for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), to be built at Southwood Circle at the Fort Garry campus. A $40-million fundraising campaign supports the vision of Survivors for the building to be an internationally renowned place for all embarking on their own journey of Reconciliation.

“The event began with us holding up the memorial cloth that has the names of thousands of residential school students on it. Being a part of that, and then listening to Survivors, was incredibly moving and I am grateful for that day on many fronts.” 

9. The Respectful Rematriation and Repatriation Ceremony. On June 3, President Benarroch publicly apologized for the university’s history related to the inappropriate acquisition and housing of Indigenous ancestral remains, burial belongings and cultural heritage. These efforts have begun at UM through engagement with community leaders and Elders.

“It was a solemn gathering and one I am deeply touched to have been a part of. It was a powerful day of reflection and learning and the conversations will be with me forever.”

Musician and songwriter William Prince (left) and Michael Benarroch with journalist and author Amanda Lang

10. UM added a new gem to Winnipeg’s arts scene with the opening of the Desautels Concert Hall on the Fort Garry campus. The 409-seat theatre’s inaugural performance had faculty, students and alumni taking the stage, including soprano Andriana Chuchman [BMus(Perf)/04] and folk singer William Prince [BSc/18].

“The whole night was perfect and William told this story about how much he changed in his time as a student. Apparently, he wasn’t the best-behaved student when he first arrived so he took a moment to thank all the people who helped him settle in. That got me reflecting on the journeys all our students undertake while they are here and it inspired my address at the next convocation.”

11. When Benarroch references his podcast, What’s the Big Idea?, he jokes that it is the number one podcast in the Fort Garry region. (It always gets a laugh.) But now there is some truth to it: the podcast won gold in an international competition and bronze in an international competition in 2024. Most recently, journalist and author Amanda Lang [BES/91] spoke to a sold-out crowd about the US election results and what they mean for Canada’s trade, climate and energy policies.

“The absolute highlight of doing this podcast is speaking with faculty and alumni. I was a bit nervous in season 1 because I had never done something like this before, but now in season 3 I’m way more relaxed and really able to enjoy the experience of hosting these conversations that go in such fascinating directions.”

12. The launch party for UM’s new Strategic Plan, Momentum: Leading Change Together. For the next five years this roadmap will guide the UM community in building a more socially just and prosperous future for Manitoba. At the party, interactive booths showcased how research teams are doing innovative things like creating coffee cups out of canola. There were even free samples of ice cream made at our campus dairy plant.

“This event was the first to pop into my head. It was just such a fun way to connect with so many people. Everyone was having fun and just enjoying the energy of our campus.”

A bonus in 2024: UM joined top universities from around the world that made the influential 2024 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects. Nine UM subjects now rank in Canada’s top 10 in their respective fields, up from five in 2023, with three subjects on national top five lists, up from one last year.

“This was a rewarding piece of news to get at the end of the year because our exceptional community of students and researchers—supported by the generosity of our donors and the hard work of our staff—deserves global praise.”

Revisit the stories of 2024 on UM Today The Magazine and UM Today News.

Students, staff and faculty are invited to apply from Nov. 21 to 28.

The first offering of the course, offered at no cost to the UM community, wrapped up in June. “It was amazing,” says Robin Attas, Project Lead, University of Manitoba Equity Diversity Inclusion Accessibility credential.  “It was exciting watching people interact with each other across roles. Staff, faculty, undergraduate and graduate students were all having important conversations and helping each other to learn more. Everyone was teaching and learning from each other.”

Learners who complete the prerequisite can go on to the three-course micro-certificate, introduced in Fall 2024, to expand on their EDIA learning.

EDIA 0100: Foundations and the Micro-certificate in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) are offered in partnership with the Office of Equity Transformation and with the support of the UM President’s Office as part of UM’s efforts to improve equity and access across UM campuses by educating and empowering UM staff, students and faculty to contribute to individual and collective transformation.

“We can all do and learn more. Whether you are an expert or just beginning your journey with EDIA, you have a place here,” says Attas.

Apply for the prerequisite

EDIA 0100: Foundations course applications are open from Nov. 21 to Nov. 28 and learners are again invited to participate through a lottery process.

Learn how to apply to the EDIA: Foundations course

I am pleased to invite you to a unique in-person event with the award-winning journalist and bestselling author, Amanda Lang [BES/91], in UM’s brand-new Desautels Concert Hall.

Join me and hear from Amanda, a proud UM alum, how the newly elected US president will shape the future of Canada and the global community.

This event is a recording of my podcast What’s the Big Idea?, where I have the privilege and delight of engaging with incredible people in our community about ideas that can shape our world.

Taking place shortly after the US presidential election, this conversation will delve into the election results and how they’ll impact everything from environmental policy, trade, social justice efforts and global conflicts. With Amanda’s expertise and insights, this promises to be a thought-provoking discussion on events that will undoubtedly influence our university community.

Event Details:
What’s Next? Amanda Lang on U.S. Election Results and Global Change
Date: November 13, 2024
Time: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., event begins at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Desautels Concert Hall, Fort Garry campus
Cost: Free

Please register for the event.

I look forward to seeing many of you there for what promises to be an engaging evening in a beautiful new space.

Sincerely,
Michael Benarroch
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Manitoba

It’s time we stopped being so humble about the world-class university we’ve built together. In fact, we’re about to launch a bold campaign to attract more of the best and brightest to the University of Manitoba. Why? Because the world needs more Bisons—more of you.

Bisons are at the centre of entrepreneurship, finance, health care, Reconciliation, human rights, the arts and so much more. With an economic impact of $7.3 billion, we make a difference here and abroad. And as one of Canada’s top research universities, our influence only continues to grow. We are the primary source of Manitoba’s skilled professionals in fields as diverse as medicine, law, engineering, business and agriculture. This fall we welcomed a record-setting 30,859 students—proof that our community is thriving.

We not only train the talent that builds this province’s future, we’re at the centre of partnerships that find the solutions Manitobans need. In health care, for instance, we are improving access for all by increasing seats to train more physicians and physician assistants, nurses and respiratory therapists. Our recently opened Churchill Marine Observatory on the banks of Hudson Bay has UM researchers, along with others from around the world, studying the impact of melting sea ice and the opportunities of opening Manitoba as a global shipping port.

UM’s impact is global. Our researchers developed the antennas that led to smartphones. Our researchers discovered canola and new ways to store grains that benefit farmers and consumers. Now we are building spaces that push agricultural research beyond what was imagined to enhance food security around the world. We lead in public health too. In fact, our Institute for Global Public Health is one of the most influential bodies of its kind. Did you know UM has received more funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation than any other university in Canada—by a significant degree—for our work in maternal and infant health?

As Bisons, this is something to be proud of. Our Herd—alumni, students, faculty, staff, donors and partners—moves the world. We’re always on the go, charging ahead. Take a moment to reflect on what we are achieving together as the university for Manitoba. We’re at the centre of it all.

Michael Benarroch, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manitoba

This letter to all Manitobans will publish September 21 in the Free Press and has been slightly adapted for our UM community. As we prepare for our first reputational campaign in ten years, we wanted to share it with you to keep you informed and engaged as we embark on this exciting journey together.