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

Fill out the Campus Commute Survey between October 20-31, 2025 for a chance to win:

• A $500 grocery store gift certificate, or
• One of ten $50 food vouchers for Degrees, Campo or Starbucks.

Results of the Campus Commute Survey inform strategic planning around transportation related infrastructure, education and peer-based programs in support of climate action, sustainability and wellness goals.

This year’s Campus Commute Survey aims to better capture our fall travel patterns, along with our typical year-round transportation needs.

Take the 2025 Campus Commute Survey now.

You can also complete the Campus Commute Survey in-person at an upcoming survey lounge. Grab a free cookie or muffin, and complete your survey in one of the following locations:

• Drake Centre, Monday, October 20, 11AM – 1PM
• Dafoe Library, Wednesday, October 22, 11AM – 1PM
• Brodie Atrium, Bannatyne campus, Thursday, October 23, 11AM – 1PM
• UMSU University Centre, Thursday, October 30, 11AM – 1PM

This survey is approved by the UM Survey Review Committee and managed by the Green Action Centre, and all responses are completely confidential. Only aggregated results are reported back to the University.

The survey is organized biennially by the Office of Sustainability. Previous surveys took place in 2023, 2020, 2018 and 2016 (inaugural).

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact the Office of Sustainability at sustainability[at]umanitoba.ca.

As the Fall Term picks up speed, many students begin to feel the weight of academic and personal responsibilities. Whether you’re navigating your first year or returning with new goals, October is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and recharge with the support of UM’s Academic Learning Centre (ALC) and campus-wide resources.

Dr. Monique Dumontet, Director of the ALC, shares her excitement on the month ahead.

“Student Success Month is a celebration of learning, growth, and community. We’re thrilled to offer workshops and events that empower students to take charge of their academic journey and well-being,” she says. “We want every student to feel confident and supported.”

Throughout October, students can attend in-person and online workshops on topics such as:

• Academic writing and study strategies
• Research skills and library services
• Coping with stress and building resilience
• Career planning and professional development
• Navigating transitions and building community

Whether you’re a first-year student or finishing your final term, Student Success Month is your opportunity to build the habits and connections that lead to long-term success. Visit the Student Success Month calendar to explore all events and register today.

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 is Work-study?

The Work-Study program offers part-time, on-campus employment for students with financial need during the school year. Apply to the program to gain valuable work experience and skills related to your field right on campus!

Eligibility for Work-study:

• Have proof of a 2025 – 2026 government student aid package of at least $2,000; or, proof of 2025 – 2026 Indigenous band sponsorship, Metis Nation post-secondary funding, or disability funding.
• Be registered at the University of Manitoba as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in both terms (Fall 2025 and Winter 2026). Students must have a minimum 60% course load (i.e., 9 credit hours per term for undergraduate students). 
• Have achieved a satisfactory academic standing with a minimum 2.0 institutional grade point average in their previous academic session (not applicable for new UM students)
• Be residing in Manitoba throughout the Work-Study employment term

The Work-study program is a great opportunity in working towards your career goals. Whatever they may be, Work-study builds your experience and skills through on-campus opportunities.

We are proud to be offering a diverse range of positions again this year! The positions for the 2025-2026 school year included positions in social services, science, fine arts, sport, and more.

Some of our excellent positions can be found highlight below:

Research Assistant (VARIOUS) – There is a great selection of student research opportunities on campus this year, in faculties and organizations such as Faculty of Architecture, Department of Anthropology, and Recreation Services. If you are an investigative student, we recommend checking out this great positions.

Cultural Integration Assistant (78732) – The Cultural Integration Assistant with primarily work with the Cultural Integration lead, to assist in project development, enhance the support and celebration of Indigenous Culture on campus. They will support cultural work at the UM Sweat Lodge, and work with traditional plant medicines. The skills that will be practiced are working as a part of a team, effective oral and written communication, interpersonal skill building, cultural learning, presentation preparation and delivery, and acting as an Indigenous student ambassador.

Digital Archives and Web Assistant (79003) –The Digital Archives and Web Assistant will support the development and expansion of the School of Art Gallery’s online archives and collections presence. Working closely with Gallery staff and the School of Art Communications team, the assistant will help digitize and publish over 325 historical exhibition records and assist in building a new webpage featuring highlights from the Gallery’s 4,100-piece collection.

Digital Design Assistant (78885) The units within Student Engagement and Student Success help to create a supportive campus learning environment by working in collaboration with senior academic and administrative leaders to develop, implement, assess, and evaluate student engagement and success programs, policies, and practices across the institution, as well as assist in the marketing and communications of all Student Affairs offices and their programs and supports for students, staff, faculty, and the broader UM Community

Science Lab Monitor (1) (78975) – The Faculty of Education, Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning is currently looking for a self-motivated and organized individual to monitor the science laboratories in the Education building.

Gallery Assistant – Exhibitions and Collections (78911) –The School of Art Gallery requires a Gallery Assistant to work in the areas of collections care and exhibition assistance. The School of Art Gallery presents 4-12 exhibitions and related events each year and maintains a growing collection of over 5000 artworks in its holdings. The Gallery Assistant will contribute research to the Permanent Collection database and will help to ensure that works in the gallery holdings are safely cared for. The Gallery Assistant will also assist with the installation and setup of exhibitions and events. The Gallery Assistant will also greet visitors, providing them with information about Gallery exhibitions and programming

The deadline to apply for the program is September 12, 2024!

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit our the work-study website.

If you have any questions, please contact wk_study[at]umanitoba[dot]ca or the Career Services office.

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.

According to Winnipeg Transit’s online information page, the five most important things to know about the new Primary Transit Network include:

• Schedules are now available online through Navigo
• Your stop and routes have changed
• New lines, routes and on-request zones launched June 29
• Frequent, direct, connected and easy to use
• New network is accessible

Winnipeg Transit will host an online information session for the UM community to review Transit Network changes and answer any questions you may have. The session will take place on Monday, September 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Registration for this information session is required.

Register today.

Questions related to the Primary Transit Network change can be submitted online through the Winnipeg Transit inquiry site or by calling 311.