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

24/7 study space

Personal circumstances may necessitate studying during non-traditional hours. A dedicated quiet space with on-site staff is available December 8 at 8:00 p.m. to December 19 at 8:00 a.m. in the St. John’s College Library, 3^rd floor, St. John’s College. Available on a first come, first served basis, UM student ID must be presented to gain entry to the space outside regular hours (weekdays from 8 p.m. – 8 a.m. and all day on weekends). See UM Today for further details and conditions for using this space.

Study spaces

If you are in need of study space, UM Libraries are open. Find hours, study space options, and information about their satellite locations on their website.

Academic supports

Writing tutors at the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) continue to offer one-on-one appointments throughout the exam period and writing support and specialized services for graduate students. Academic Advisors remain available to you until the university closes on December 23, 2025 for the winter holiday break.

Well-being

If you are in need of some support, reach out and explore the resources available to you. The Student Wellness Centre, Healthy U and the Student Counselling Centre offer services, spaces, and opportunity to talk through challenging times. Visit their websites to learn more about their services and availability during the exam period.

Exam deferrals are a privilege

Although rare, there may be extenuating circumstances that impact your ability to write your final exam as scheduled. Be sure to review valid and non-valid reasons for deferred exams and where to get support.

Fuel your study sessions

UM Campus Services will continue to operate. Be sure to check the hours of operation for individual food outlets to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends.

Student Affairs exam outreach

Members of the Student Affairs team are offering free coffee and treats throughout the exam period:

• Share your exam-season goals with the Connection Desk (first floor UMSU University Centre) today starting at 11:30 a.m. Grab free doughnuts as a pick-me-up before exams.  Do-nut stress, you’ve got this!
• The International Centre is hosting Doughnuts and Coffee in the T. K. Lau Global Lounge 541 UMSU Centre December 9 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Crunch time: Staff from the Student Wellness Centre will be visiting study spots on campus to fuel students with snacks on Tuesday, December 9 11:30am-1:30pm. Make sure to say hi and grab some brain food!
• Look for Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Services in the tunnel network between the University Centre and Asper and study carrel areas the evenings of Wednesday, December 10 and Wednesday, December 17 between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. They’ll be handing out free coffee and treats in collaboration with UMSU.
• Swing by the Fletcher Argue hallway between 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Thursday, December 11, say hi to Charge Ahead mentors, and grab a sweet treat for a quick pick-me-up!

Move your body

Through the Sport and Rec fee, students have access to the university’s sport and recreation facilities and group fitness classes at both Fort Garry and Bannatyne campus locations. Visit the UM Recreation Services website for more information and to find hours of operation.

Safety

Download the UM Safe App, which gives you direct access to safety tools, services and resources, such as the Work Alone feature while studying on campus.
Remember to check the weather forecast before travelling to campus and give yourself plenty of time to make your commute.

I wish you all the best during the final exam period.  I’ll check in with you again before we close for the holiday break.

Take good care.

…Laurie

This award was set up by Wendy McLean (former First Year Centre Academic Advisor) and recognizes exceptional advising with an award of $500 donated to the UM Food Bank in the recipient’s name.

“As an advisor, Wendy’s greatest joy was to see growth; in both the students she advised and in the staff she mentored. In fact, when I was first an academic advisor in University 1 in 2010, Wendy was instrumental in helping me to see the transformational impact academic advising has on students.”, says Ali Wood-Warren, Director, Student Transitions and Success Centre. “Now as a leader in that same academic advising unit, I know that Wendy’s influence on advising at UM is still felt.”

Nomination Process

Nominees must be current UM staff members in continuing roles which provide direct support of students through academic or student advising, within academic or support units. Any member of the UM community (Faculty, Staff or registered UM Student) can nominate an advisor for this award by submitting the following:

• a completed nomination form
• a letter of support detailing the nominee’s contributions and demonstrating how they meet the award’s eligibility criteria (1 page maximum)
• at least two letters of recommendation from staff and/or learners who can attest to the nominee’s contributions and impact as a mentor, coach, or advisor.

Criteria for Consideration

The selection committee will evaluate nominees based on several key criteria, including:

• Improvements to processes and procedures
• Advancements in collaboration and/or teamwork excellence
• Notable creativity and innovation in advising techniques
• Outstanding efforts with individual students
• High levels of student engagement resulting from innovative practices
• Creative programming for advising students
• Productive use of university or community resources

Student Affairs looks forward to celebrating the exceptional work of UM advisors and supporting their impact on students through this award, says Ali Wood-Warren. “We are so grateful to Wendy McLean as the establishment of this award allows us to both celebrate excellence in advising and provides direct support to the students that we, as advisors serve.”

Application deadline for 2025 award: December 23, 2025
Award presentation: February 2, 2026

For more information, please visit the Wendy McLean Advising Excellence Award SharePoint site.

I hope you enjoyed a restful reading week. As you return to your studies, I thought I would feature some upcoming events, services, and reminders to help you explore campus life, get connected with supports, and end the Fall term strong.

November has many exciting events taking place at the UM campuses.

International Education Week is happening this week November 17-21 and features many events to celebrate global learning and connection. The event kick-off is today at the Fireside Lounge, UMSU University Centre 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Drop in any time throughout the day, and participate in the many activities being offered all week long! See the International Education Week website for more information. 

Check out the many career workshops and special events during Career Month, including Arts Career Round Table on November 19 and Employer Advice Café on November 25. Visit the Career Month website for more information and links for registration.

Entrepreneurship and Innovative Thinking Month is taking place with many events, including the Indigenous Winter Market on November 20. Visit the Entrepreneurship and Innovative Thinking Month website for more information.

Opening today is a Child Feeding Room in 532 UMSU University Centre. This space, brought to you by Student Affairs, provides a quiet and private environment with comfortable seating, a sink area, electrical outlets, and a change table. Caregivers can access the space by signing out the key from the International Centre, 541 UMSU University Centre.

This is a busy time of year, and you are balancing many priorities, including course requirements and life commitments. Here are some supports to check out to help you achieve your academic goals while navigating life’s demands:

The Academic Learning Centre offers one-to-one tutoring, workshops, Supplemental Instruction  and other resources that will help expand your writing, learning, and study skills.

Charge Ahead provides workshops and individual appointments with peer mentors who understand what you’re going through. Drop in to 107 Tier to learn practical skills and connect with other students.

One-to-one appointments with Librarians across a wide variety of subject areas, a live chat feature, and online resources are available through UM Libraries.

Connect with Student Support services and off-campus resources to give your health and wellness a boost.

Get active through the facilities and programs offered by UM Recreation Services.

Important reminders

The deadline to Voluntarily Withdraw (VW) from Fall Term courses is tomorrow, November 18. If you are thinking about a VW, speak to an academic advisor in your home faculty or the First Year Centre to help you make the best decision.

I encourage all students to download the UM Safe App for instant access to campus safety resources, and to receive alerts from the University’s Security Services. It is an invaluable resource for all members of the UM community.

Stop by my office hours with Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity) on November 24 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and December 8 11:00am-12:00pm at Degrees. These office hours provide students with the opportunity to connect informally, to share your ideas or concerns, and to engage in conversation about issues that are meaningful to you. We hope to see you there.

Check your inbox Tuesday for the Student Weekly, follow @umstudent on Instagram and TikTok, and check out UM Today.

Take care over the next few weeks, and I look forward to reconnecting before we head into the December exam series.

My best,

… Laurie

Hello Bisons!

I hope you had a great summer! We’re looking forward to seeing you on campus next week as we kick off the Fall Term. Please keep the following in mind as you plan your commute and navigate the campus.

Road construction

Please be aware that there is ongoing construction on the Fort Garry campus and in the surrounding area:

• Abinojii Mikanah – limited to one westbound lane leading up to Pembina Highway
• Pembina Highway – lane closures leading to/from the intersection at University Crescent
• University Cresent – lane closures from Thatcher Drive to Dysart Road

Expect delays on route to the Fort Garry Campus and plan ahead. Allow for an additional 15 to 30 minutes on your commute.

Winnipeg Transit changes

The Winnipeg Transit route overhaul took place over the summer, and the Fall schedule changeover is planned for August 31. If you are commuting to campus by bus, please review the new routes and schedules from the City of Winnipeg:

• Find your new bus routes
• Find stops and schedules
• Plan your route with Navigo trip planner (when planning a trip with Navigo, make sure you input a date after August 31 so the results reflect the upcoming Fall schedule changeover).
• Full system map

All students registered for classes in the Fall term will have unlimited access to Winnipeg Transit through your U-Pass, unless you have manually opted out. You must pick up your U-Pass from the UMSU Service Centre (Fort Garry Campus) or Answers Bannatyne (Bannatyne Campus). The U-Pass is administered by UMSU, so please direct any inquiries to U-Pass@umsu.ca or check out their website here.

Getting around campus

Whether this is your first time navigating campus or you have new classrooms in unfamiliar buildings, it always helps to map out your classes ahead of time! UM’s interactive campus maps are a great tool for finding your classrooms, or even locating student services, food, washrooms, parking, and more! Use the drop-down menu to navigate between the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses.

Campus safety

The safety and well-being of students, faculty and staff is a top priority at UM, and we are committed to continuously enhancing campus security and our emergency response efforts. As we start the Fall Term, each one of us has a right to feel safe, and a responsibility to do our part to ensure a safe campus for all.  Before you arrive download the UM Safe app and register at an upcoming campus safety education  session to learn more.

I’ll write to you again on Wednesday to officially welcome you to the Fall term and provide more information and resources to help you hit the ground running!

Until then,

…Laurie

What: Perennial plantings tour
When: Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 12 to 1 p.m.
Where: greenspace in front of Migizii Agamik building

Registration is currently full, please email sustainability@umanitoba.ca to be added to the waitlist.

Christine Labossiere, Operations and Maintenance groundskeeper and plant expert, will lead a tour of the perennial planting beds of the University Fort Garry campus. The tour, beginning in front of Migizii Agamik, will highlight the native perennial plants that play a vital role in climate action, boosting biodiversity and benefits such as drought- and pest-tolerant landscapes. The tour will continue along Curry Place to learn how the University integrates local ecology and sustainability principles in planting design, and how regenerative horticulture practices are applied in their ongoing care.

Join the tour to discover how these greenspaces can be thoughtfully designed with staggering flowering times and maintained throughout the summer and fall. Labossiere will share practical tips and inspiration to incorporate perennial plants into your own garden.

All staff, faculty, students and community members are welcome to participate. Terrain will be relatively flat with walking and standing on sidewalks and turf. In the event of inclement weather, the session will be rescheduled. If you need accommodations, please email sustainability@umanitoba.ca prior to Sept. 10.

Sifton Road closed for construction

• Road construction continues on Sifton Road. Starting on Monday, May 5, Sifton Road will be closed west of the Campus Children’s Centre and ABC Parking Lot. No access to University Cres. via Sifton Rd. from May to early July 2025. Access to ABC Parking Lot, the Campus Children’s Centre, and St. Andrew’s College will be maintained throughout construction. See map for traffic detours and access.
• Barricades and safety signage will be clearly posted to safely direct pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles as required. Caution should be taken at all times during construction to ensure everyone’s safety.
• In order to reduce delays, interim pick-up and drop-off locations have been identified across the Fort Garry campus. See map for locations.
• In addition to the Sifton Road construction, campus wide road repairs are expected to commence at the end of May/early June. Temporary lane closures, barricades and flaggers can be expected across campus until the end of August.

To stay informed about traffic impacts for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, visit the Service Disruption webpage.

For any questions, contact Vanessa Jukes, MALA, CSLA, PMP, project manager, Architectural & Engineering Services, Physical Plant, at Vanessa [dot] Jukes [at] umanitoba [dot] ca.

City of Winnipeg – University Crescent construction

City of Winnipeg road construction has resumed on University Crescent from Thatcher Drive to Dysart Road. Work this spring includes the remaining installation of a new underground storm sewer and improvements to land drainage. Lane closures are expected.

• Traffic on University Crescent has been reduced to one lane in either direction from Thatcher Drive to Dysart Road.
• Construction started April 21 and will last through September/October 2025.
• Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be slightly impacted throughout construction.
• Transit service will be maintained with temporary bus stop relocations when required. Transit reroutes may be required during special events. There will be no on-street parking.
• Barricades and safety signage will be clearly posted to safely direct pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles as required. Flaggers will be on-site at key intersections to assist traffic as needed.
• Caution should be taken at all times during construction to ensure everyone’s safety.
• Further road renewal will begin in late May 2025 lasting until September/October 2025. 2025 road construction will include road construction, new sidewalk construction, new lighting, and new traffic signals at Markham Road and Sifton Road.

For more information visit: University Crescent Pavement Renewals Project – Public Works – City of Winnipeg.

Questions related to City of Winnipeg road construction and infrastructure projects should be directed to 311.

City of Winnipeg – Pembina Highway Overpass at Abinojii Mikanah construction

From 2025 to 2026, the City of Winnipeg will be rehabilitating the Pembina Highway overpass at Abinojii Mikanah, partially reconfiguring the interchange, and making associated improvements to boost safety and optimize traffic flow. The project aims to enhance the overall experience for pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, and transit users.

• Construction is expected to start May 2025 and expected to span two construction seasons with work in 2025 and 2026 occurring from May to October each year.
• Two lanes of traffic in each direction of Pembina Hwy are expected to be open throughout construction.
• Periodic closures of the off ramps are expected throughout construction.
• Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be impacted throughout construction.
• Transit service will be maintained with temporary bus stop relocations when required. Transit reroutes may be required during special events.
• Barricades and safety signage will be clearly posted to safely direct pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles as required. Flaggers will be on-site at key intersections to assist traffic as needed.
• Caution should be taken at all times during construction to ensure everyone’s safety.

For more information: visit Pembina Highway Overpass at Abinojii Mikanah: Rehabilitation and Related Works Project

Questions related to City of Winnipeg road construction and infrastructure projects should be directed to 311.

These notices have been added to the Service Disruptions website, which is updated regularly. Please visit the site for up-to-date information on disruptions that could affect buildings, roadways, sidewalks and more.

Schonwetter, a Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry professor, and 57 volunteers from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences helped construct Ifeyinwa’s four-bedroom townhouse in June 2024.  

More than 50 volunteers from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences helped construct the four-bedroom townhouse.

It was part of a five-day Habitat for Humanity Manitoba build that included students, faculty and staff representing dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and rehabilitation sciences. The Rady Faculty also raised $100,000 for Habitat Manitoba.  

The key ceremony took place in the living room of Ifeyinwa’s new home in Transcona. Members of the media, Habitat Manitoba partners and build volunteers filled the room.   

Before presenting Ifeyinwa with the keys, Schonwetter said to her that a home is more than just walls, rooms and doors.  

“It’s a place where memories will be made. You’ll have the opportunity to create dreams here,” he said.  

After the ceremony, Ifeyinwa said she was overwhelmed, excited and grateful to everyone.  

“It’s a day I’m going to remember for a long time,” she said. “It just feels like, ‘Oh, yes. I won the jackpot.’ That’s what I felt. It’s been a long journey.”  

As well as supplying volunteers, the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences also raised $100,000 for Habitat Manitoba.

Ifeyinwa was living in a cramped two-bedroom apartment with her three children – ages 13, 15 and 18. It lacked privacy and study space for her kids, and she was concerned about the building’s security.   

Ifeyinwa, who immigrated to Canada from Nigeria in 2018, dreamed of owning her own home. But she said that as a single mother of three, there was no way she could afford a house without Habitat Manitoba’s help. The organization provides affordable homeownership programs.   

“We build so many more homes because of the generosity of the hearts of Manitobans in so many different ways, and this is also our chance to celebrate that generosity,” Jamie Hall, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba, told the group gathered in the living room.  

Hall spoke about the organization’s strong partnership with the Rady Faculty, which has participated in four other builds over the years. 

Dr. Peter Nickerson, vice-provost (health sciences) and dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, said in a statement that social responsibility and accountability are core values in the Rady Faculty and that housing is a key social determinant of health. 

Volunteers from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences included students, faculty and staff representing dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and rehabilitation sciences.

“The contributions of Rady faculty, staff and student volunteers to build this house and provide financial support is a testament to our University of Manitoba’s commitment to community engagement and the impact we can make. We are proud to be partners with Habitat Manitoba and wish all the best for these families in their new homes,” Nickerson said.   

At the ceremony, Ifeyinwa’s new neighbour was also presented with keys by a representative from the Manitoba REALTORS Shelter Foundation.  

Ifeyinwa now plans to join future Habitat Manitoba builds.  

“There are people who volunteered to be part of my home, so I want to do that for the next person and the next person, and over time, we will build a better community,” she said. 

This opportunity is designed to support UM faculty and staff in deepening their understanding of the cultural and historical contexts of Indigenous peoples in Manitoba and across Canada.

“Coming from a diverse cultural background, I learned a lot about Indigenous cultures, histories, and learning styles. The course helped me understand perspectives I had not explored before and provided valuable takeaways.

The program was welcoming and inclusive, and the resource persons were passionate and supportive. I now feel more confident in understanding and respecting Indigenous knowledge, which will help me connect better with people from all backgrounds.” – Deepika Kalluri (she/her), Co-operative Education Coordinator, I.H. Asper School of Business

Whether you’re looking for tools to support your work with a diverse student population or enhance your course content, the Summer Institute for Literacy in Indigenous Content offers a valuable experience.

Secure your spot early!

Space is limited to 80 participants this year due to field trips and in-person events. Once enrolled, you will receive a confirmation email and access to the UMLearn site for the course.

Register now!

Take meaningful action

Aligned with the University of Manitoba’s Truth and Reconciliation Framework, the program supports core commitments with discussions covering Indigenous research methods, addressing race in the classroom and provides approaches for incorporating Indigenous content into courses.

Hybrid delivery

This year’s delivery will be hybrid, with sessions delivered on zoom and recorded for later viewing, and two in-person commitments.

Please note that the two in-person sessions will not be recorded:

• May 13^th: In-person at Migizi Agamik on the Fort Garry Campus.
• June 27^th: Full-day in community at Brokenhead Reserve (buses will depart from the Fort Garry Campus).

Participants are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible to make the most of this training. Those who attend or view all sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion.

TRC’s Calls to Action

The Summer Institute is a response to the TRC’s Call to Action #57, which calls upon provincial employees to learn the history of Indigenous peoples including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Indigenous rights, Indigenous law, and Indigenous-Crown relations through skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights and anti-racism.

Help reduce digital pollution!

Digital Cleanup Day is March 15, 2025, and all faculty, staff and students are encouraged to clean up their digital items.

What does this mean? Just like we clean up our physical environment, we can declutter and restructure our digital files, emails, and online presence. This can be done in March, or throughout the year as part of regular business.

Participating in Digital Cleanup Day aligns with the UM’s strategic plan MomentUM: Leading Change Together, with its focus on sustainability initiatives across campuses. A digital declutter will reduce data storage and security risks, increase work efficiency, and help to reduce CO2 emissions from data centres by minimizing energy and water consumption needed for operations and cooling.

Things you can do to clean up your digital spaces!

• Clean-up your inbox: Delete non-essential emails, unsubscribe from newsletters you don’t read, empty your recycle bin, delete old drafts you never sent, report unwanted spam.
• Reduce email attachments: Instead, circulate your documents by sharing the file links with others. This allows you to manage one secure copy in OneDrive, Teams, or SharePoint where you can manage permissions effectively.
• Clean shared storage spaces as a team: Get together with your colleagues and go over your shared storage spaces to identify content that could be deleted, transferred for long-term preservation, or better organized. Start by looking for multiple versions of documents, outdated reference materials. Get further ideas, and ensure you are complying with the University’s retention requirements here.
• Review your Teams channels: Review files and information in Teams and see whether any channels you manage might no longer be actively used or required.
• Empty your recycle bin or clean-up your Downloads folder.
• Use SharePoint for centralized document management, which reduces the need for multiple copies of the same document. It also includes versioning functionality – you can still see the edited history without keeping all 23 copies!

Outside of work, cutting down on scrolling can have a real impact as well. Five minutes on TikTok a day for 365 days produces the equivalent of driving 20km! Check out the facts here at Plan Be Eco. 

For additional tips on digital cleanup, visit UM’s Access and Privacy Intranet.

To learn how to use SharePoint for centralized document management, register for the workshop offered through Learning and Organizational Development. Applicable courses include:  

• M365: Introduction to Microsoft 365
• M365: Sharing Files
• M365: Collaborating with Colleagues