It was the second event for Reyes’ initiative called Port-a-Kindness. The first was a mobile campus hangout in collaboration with the International Centre in February.

Reyes’ unexpected entrepreneurial journey all began with an invitation to Better Together.

Better Together is a 2-day experiential learning opportunity to build entrepreneurial thinking skills and collaborate with others in interdisciplinary teams. Participants also engage in a rapid design sprint to develop and share a validated solution to a campus challenge. Over 150 UM community members – staff, faculty and students – have participated in the past two years. It is hosted by Janine Carmichael and Meaghan Ewharekuko from The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning.

“Originally, I thought Better Together was about starting businesses so I didn’t think it was for me. My friend encouraged me to come, and I learned that entrepreneurial skills can be used to address all kinds of problems, not just those of customers,” said Reyes.   

Reyes’ team worked on addressing theft at campus retailers, a challenge submitted by the University of Manitoba Students’ Union.

“At Better Together, the tables are set with big pieces of paper and supplies like sticky-notes, markers and fidgets. We started by deeply understanding the problem before brainstorming solutions and developing our pitch. I remember jotting down “mobile campus hangout” during the event. I even took a picture of it.” said Reyes.

After Better Together, the idea continued to percolate.

“I met Daniel Heschuk from the Faculty of Science Innovation Hub at Better Together. Like Janine, he has supported me with meaningful suggestions. I learned at Better Together about other entrepreneurial supports on campus and I’m now taking SCI4000: The Entrepreneurial Mindset for Scientists and Engineers. This course has been very timely for this season of my journey. My instructor, Joshua Zaporzan, has helped me develop my idea, too,” Reyes added.   

After Better Together, Reyes connected with others on campus, including the International Centre, Science Students’ Association, UMSU, and IDEA START. Rajeev Koyal, Program Manager at IDEA START, invited her to set up her initiative outside their space in UMSU University Centre.

“So many people are longing for meaningful connections with others. Our mobile campus hangout helps with that. And our gratitude wall helped the UM community take a moment to reflect on what is good. Gratitude and connection are like an antidote to uncertainty and loneliness.”

Reyes is grateful for the support she has received from many entrepreneurial supports on campus.

“Not only that, many other people stopped at the gratitude wall to offer to be involved. This may just be the beginning.”

Got an entrepreneurial idea? Not sure where to go for assistance?

IDEA START is UM’s new unit dedicated to ensuring entrepreneurial thinkers and doers are connected with the right support at the right time. That may be the Faculty of Science Innovation Hub, Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation, The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship, UMSU Ventures, or other supports on and off campus.

If you are a student, staff, faculty or alumni reach out so the UM community can support you.

Dr. Madeleine Orr, a world-leading sports ecologist will give the keynote address at the University of Manitoba’s Sustainability Night on Feb. 27, with her talk titled ‘Climate change vs. sport: Keeping the score on adaptation and activism’. 

A public speaker and climate action advocate, Orr’s research focuses on the relationship between sport and the natural environment with special attention to climate change, risk adaptation, sustainability and just transitions to more inclusive and sustainable futures. The threat climate change poses to sport is clear, but with billions of participants and fans around the world who rely on the sector for entertainment, jobs, fitness and health, this is one industry we can’t afford to lose. Orr’s book, Warming Up: How Climate Change is Changing Sport, shows it doesn’t have to be this way. There are ways to mitigate, and perhaps counter, even the worst elements of climate change.

“Climate change does not affect people equally. Research indicates Indigenous, Black, and racially marginalized communities, people with disabilities, and socially vulnerable groups experience disproportionate impacts from pollution, natural disasters, poisoned resources, and extreme weather. Systemic inequities are intertwined with climate change, as well as present in the world of sport,” says Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity), whose office is co-hosting the event 

“Bringing all of these together reminds us of the importance of thinking intersectionally as we take steps at UM to mitigate the impacts of climate change on diverse communities.” 

Paul Samyn, editor of the Free Press, will be the master of ceremonies and lead a question-and-answer period with Orr to conclude the formal portion of the event. Paul has been a part of the Free Press newsroom for more than a quarter century.  As the 15th editor of the Free Press, Samyn is also the chairman of the National Newspaper Awards, a member of the National NewsMedia Council and serves on the J.W. Dafoe Foundation. 

“Sustainability Night is a great opportunity for the UM community to come together, network, and learn about the breadth of impacts related to climate change. These conversations are important as we educate the leaders of tomorrow to help make a more sustainable future for all Manitobans”, said Raman Dhaliwal, Associate Vice-President (Administration). 

Join us for an evening with Orr, followed by a Q&A and networking session with light refreshments. UM sustainability groups and community organizations will feature their initiatives and climate change projects following the event. 

Sustainability Night 2025 featuring Dr. Madeleine Orr 

Thursday, Feb. 27 
6 to 8 p.m. 
 
Robert B. Schultz Lecture Theatre, St. John’s College 
Purchase your $5 ticket to Sustainability Night. Light refreshments will be served throughout the evening. 

In past years, the Sustainability Awards were handed out on Sustainability Night, but this year, Sustainability Night will herald the call for nominations. The deadline for nominations is Mar. 7 at 4 p.m. and winners will be announced on Earth Day, Apr. 22. 

Sustainability Night is cohosted by the Office of Equity Transformation, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Earth, Environment, and Resources, Office of Sustainability and the University of Manitoba Students’ Union. 

If you have any questions about Sustainability Night or the Sustainability Awards, please contact the Office of Sustainability at sustainability@umanitoba.ca. Please also send all accommodation requests to this email no later than Feb. 24. 

Orr will also be participating in other UM events during her visit – events are free and open to all to attend: 

Conversation on Climate Change and Sport
Friday, Feb 28
9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
220 Boardroom, Active Living Centre, Fort Garry Campus

We invite students, staff, and faculty interested in the relationships to between sport, leisure, and climate change to share experiences and ideas with world-leading sport ecologist, Madeline Orr. This is an informal event, focused on conversation. All are welcome to attend, and no preparation is required. Light refreshments provided

Conversation prompts include:

• As a person active in sport and leisure, how do climate change and environmental considerations impact you and your sporting or leisure community?
• What are some of impacts (negative or positive) of your sport or leisure activities from an environmental perspective?
• How can participants and/or sport organizations take action to mitigate negative environmental impacts?

Indigenous History Walk from Upper Fort Garry to St. Boniface
Friday, Feb 28
1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Meet at Upper Fort Garry
Join us for land-based learning with an Indigenous history walk led by Brian Rice, professor in Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management. This will be an opportunity for connection with land, history, leisure, environment and each other.

Over two full days during fall reading week, November 14 and 15, faculty, staff and students will have the opportunity to learn about, practice and be inspired about the impact of entrepreneurial thinking skills.

“Sometimes we hear entrepreneurship, and think about start ups. Actually, entrepreneurial thinking skills are about a mindset that can be applied in lots of different contexts – within our lives, our workplaces, our communities,” said Janine Carmichael, faculty specialist in entrepreneurship.

Better Together is an experiential learning opportunity to explore that further. After several equipping sessions, interdisciplinary groups will set out to apply their developing skills to challenges at UM. Each challenge will be aligned to one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. On the second day, groups will share their process pitch, engage with a panel of entrepreneurial thinkers, and participate in a supportive networking event.

What’s in it for students?

• Learn, practice and be inspired about how to apply an entrepreneurial mindset
• Develop solutions to challenges at UM
• Receive a $100 gift card to spend at UMSU businesses
• Update Experience Record
• Meet new people
• Enjoy free food!

What’s in it for faculty and staff?

• Learn, practice and be inspired about how to apply an entrepreneurial mindset
• Develop solutions to challenges at UM
• Meaningfully connect with students
• Receive a gift valued at approximately $10 from a Manitoba entrepreneur
• Meet new people
• Enjoy free food!

For more details and to register, visit Better Together

The rainbow-coloured Pride crosswalk is the brainchild of UMSU’s marketing team and its installation supported through a collaboration with UM Operations and Maintenance. The crosswalk is intended to symbolize inclusivity and support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

“We hope that this project will increase the visibility of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and we hope that members of the community feel supported, seen, and valued, as they are an integral part of the University of Manitoba campuses,” says Christine Yasay, Vice President Student Life, University of Manitoba Students’ Union.

The project is part of a larger slate of events UMSU is involved with for Pride month this June, including button-making day, the Pride Parade, and Drag Bingo.

The Pride crosswalk will continue to shine throughout the summer until September.

The pilot program, a collaboration between Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students), Raman Dhaliwal, Associate Vice-President (Administration), and the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) will place menstrual products in three high-traffic UM buildings, including eight bathrooms in UMSU University Center at the Fort Garry campus, and one bathroom at both the Bannatyne and William Norrie campuses with the hope of extending the program throughout UM campuses in the coming years.

The products will be available to all, regardless of gender affiliation or identity, providing much-needed support to students, especially during this time of rising costs.

“This pilot program and the work of the UM Food Bank are key to ensuring that students have access to personal hygiene products and non-perishable food during these challenging times,” says Laurie Schnarr. “We want students to thrive at the University of Manitoba and these initiatives are examples of our commitment to addressing barriers to student success.”

CAMPUS-WIDE FOOD BANK DRIVE – PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS

Also throughout the month of February, the UM Food Bank is asking for your support by donating personal hygiene products for our students.

If you are able to help, please drop off your donation (s) to the UM Food Bank (5^th Floor UMSU University Centre), Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. Alternatively, you may drop off donations at the Financial Aid and Awards Office (4^th Floor UMSU University Centre).

Below is a list of items in need:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body Soap
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Deodorants
• Tampons and pads (various sizes)

Ever wanted to try snow-shoes, cross-country skiing or winter fat-tire biking? You can try these activities for free with colleagues or friends during UM Winter Active. You may also want to join one or both of two winter walks at Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, plan to attend Winter-palooza at the Duckworth Quad, where you and friends or co-workers can nibble cookies and sip hot chocolate around the cozy fire pit and skate on the new rink, or sign out snow-shoes, all with music by UMFM, UM’s campus and community radio station.

Get a free ticket to cheer on the UM Bisons men’s hockey and volleyball teams as they compete in games on Feb. 10 and 11. (See more information below.)

Most UM Winter Active activities are drop-in, but RSVPs are encouraged (info below). Please note that staff should participate during their lunch hour as much as possible, confirming permission for any additional time with supervisors.

UM Winter Active is co-sponsored by the Office of the Vice-President (Administration), the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management and the Office of Sustainability, and UMSU.

Enjoy the season of snow with activities for UM community members

Peruse the full schedule of UM Winter Active events below and plan to participate in one or more activities. Please RSVP for UM Winter Active events here; drop-ins welcome on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Bannatyne students and staff can take a free shuttle to Fort Garry campus. Watch for pick up times and location to follow. By bus, 36 Northwest Super Express Transit Route is another quick ride of approximately 25 minutes to the Fort Garry campus.

The week coincides with the annual, province-wide Jack Frost Challenge from Feb. 5-11, celebrating outdoor winter activities. The challenge is to gather teams of one to five friends, co-workers or family members to complete 130 collective kilometres of outdoor activities such as walking, running, skiing, snowshoeing, skating and cycling.

Pull together a team to enter the Jack Frost Challenge using the additional information below.

UM Winter Active activities schedule

Monday, Feb. 6 to Friday, Feb. 10

Please RSVP for UM Winter Active events here; drop-ins welcome on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Please note that participation in the advertised activities is at your own risk.

Winter walk (Fort Garry)

Monday, Feb. 6, noon to 1 p.m.

Join fellow students, staff and faculty for a winter walk, and explore some hidden gems in and around Fort Garry campus. Meet outside of University Centre along Chancellor’s Circle. RSVP for events here; drop-ins welcome.

Ride a fat-tire bike

Tuesday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sign out a fat-tire bike or winter-ready bike for a 15-minute ride around campus. Helmets are strongly encouraged and will be available along with the bikes outside of University Centre. RSVP for events here and sign up for a 15-minute time slot; first-come, first-serve drop-ins welcome.

Try cross-country skiing

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Bring your own skis or sign out a pair from the Winnipeg Trails Association’s Ski Lending Library, available for free on campus, to ski the trails through Southwood Lands. The ski trails and equipment library are located at the east end of Markham Road. RSVP for events here; drop-ins welcome.

Winter-palooza (Duckworth Quad)

Thursday, Feb. 9, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Bring your skates to the Duckworth Quad, sign out some snowshoes, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate courtesy of UMSU around the fire pit to celebrate winter UM-style at this multi-activity event. To add to the celebratory vibe, UMFM, UM’s community radio station, will provide music! RSVP for events here; drop-ins welcome.

Winter Walk (Bannatyne)

Friday, Feb. 10, noon to 1 p.m.

Join fellow students, staff and faculty for a winter walk exploring Bannatyne campus and the surrounding area. Please note: Participants must pre-register for this event. 

Bisons Men’s Hockey and Volleyball games

Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11

Access game day tickets here: https://gobisons.ca/sports/2021/8/31/tickets

Use the promo code ‘UMWINTER’ on the review page to receive 1 free ticket.

• Bisons men’s hockey game vs Alberta Golden Bears
• Friday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Wayne Fleming Arena, Fort Garry campus
• Bisons men’s volleyball games vs Fraser Valley Cascades
• Friday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m., Investors Group Athletic Centre, Fort Garry campus
• Saturday, Feb. 11 at 5 p.m., Investors Group Athletic Centre, Fort Garry campus

Sign up for the Jack Frost Challenge, attend a UM Winter Active event with teammates to log kilometres

The annual, province-wide Jack Frost Challenge from Feb. 5-11 celebrates outdoor winter activities and encourages all Manitobans to get active outdoors and enjoy our wonderful winters.

Every year, Manitobans gather and register teams of one to five friends, co-workers or family members to take up the challenge and complete 130 collective kilometres, including walking, running, skiing, snowshoeing, skating and cycling.

Register your team and win prizes!

Register your team, log your kilometres and enter to win local prizes courtesy of the Jack Frost Challenge.

But wait — there’s more.

UM participants can add “UM” at the start of their team names for a chance to be entered to win UM prizes. (Example: “UM-team name”)

Register your team today.

Lots of programs, events, and activities have been planned outside of formal classes. One of the highlights that I am really excited to share with you, is the return of the rink on the Quad at the Fort Garry campus! Beginning January 13^th, grab your friends and your skates, and head over to the Quad for some wintertime skating fun between classes!

UMSU is also hosting Frost Fest between January 9^th-20^th. From the 9^th-13^th there’s free breakfast at 9:30am on the 1^st floor UC and a snow sculpting competition taking place on the Buller Lawn every day. They have lots more planned – visit @studentsofumsu on Instagram for more details.

As always, there are many personal and academic supports available for all undergraduate and graduate students throughout the term.

• If you are a new student, check out UM Commons, a site filled with resources and helpful tips to support you in making a successful transition to the University of Manitoba.
• If you are a new international student, the International Centre is holding a number of welcome sessions for new international students from January 9^th – 19^th, including a late orientation session for those who were not able to attend on January 5^th.

UM Libraries is now offering many non-textbook course materials via Reading Lists in UM Learn at no cost to students. If you have a perceptual disability, screen-reader friendly and alternate format are also available through Student Accessibility Services.

Need to print? UM Libraries provides access to printing from a library computer or from your personal device.

UM’s Annual Career Fair co-hosted by Career Services and the Asper School of Business returns to an in-person format January 17^th-18^th. Connect with employers, explore potential career opportunities, network with the business community, and learn how your formal education and out-of-class experiences help you to prepare for future employment.

Are you interested in an intercultural experience on campus? Applications for the Intercultural Leaders program close on January 11^th and the Language Exchange program closes on January 18^th.

Did you know that UM has international exchange partnerships with 50 institutions in over 20 destinations? International exchanges are outstanding opportunities for you to fulfill your course requirements while gaining important intercultural competencies, deepening your understanding of issues that transcend borders, and gaining new insights and perspectives in your field of study. Consider applying to participate in an international exchange – the application deadline is January 31^st!

Calling all grad students! Three Minute Thesis/Ma these en 180 secondes applications are now open ! These competitions are unique opportunities for graduate students to showcase your research to a wider audience across disciplines within the University, and to the broader public, with the possibility of winning some great cash prizes.

Let’s protect the herd. As our healthcare system continues to be strained, UM has extended its mask mandate for the Winter Term. Protect yourself and those around you and always wear a mask when indoors on all UM campuses. Free masks will be available to all students during the first week of classes. Stop by one of the tables set up in the Frank Kennedy tunnel, UMSU University Centre, Fletcher Argue hallway, and Engineering atrium. You can also find free masks at the Libraries.

Make sure to focus on your wellness. Whether you want to add some tools to your self-care toolkit or need immediate help, there is support for you throughout your studies, regardless of your level of need.

Boost your physical and mental health with Recreation Services. As a student, you have access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities in a welcoming and inclusive environment, conveniently located on campus. To activate your student gym access, simply log in to your Aurora account, fill out the gym waiver, and you’ll be notified when your pass is active. It’s that easy!

Affordable dental care is available at the Bannatyne campus! The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry’s general clinic offers exceptional dental and oral health care at a lower cost. Under the supervision of practicing dentists and dental hygienists, UM dental and dental hygiene students provide services that cost up to 50 percent less than private practices. The clinic is just one bus away from the Fort Garry campus (Winnipeg Transit’s 36 Northwest Super Express). For more information, visit: https://www.umanitoba.ca/dentistry/general-clinic. 

Get involved this Term!

Cheer on the Bisons every weekend! Get a group of friends together and be a part of the action. It’s a great way to socialize and support the UM Bisons. Claim your free tickets online. For full schedule details, visit gobisons.ca.

Indigenous student programming gives you the opportunity to get involved, with holistic programs, services and supports for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. Follow the Indigenous events calendar for cultural learning and other activities.

Stay connected to what’s happening across our campuses:

• Check your inbox every Tuesday for UM’s student e-newsletter Student Weekly.

• Follow @umstudent on Instagram and TikTok.

 Mini U Programs is hiring! Applications are now being accepted for summer positions, including supervisors, leaders, and coaches. Develop transferrable skills, get official UM recognition, and make important connections on campus – consider joining the Mini U team today!

I want to hear from you! Over the coming months I will be hosting drop-ins at various locations on our campuses. I want to connect with you, learn more about your experiences at UM, and hear your ideas. Stay tuned for more details in the coming days.

Wishing you a productive, inspiring term. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

My best.

…Laurie

What’s it all about? It involves experiencing research alongside a professor and their team for 16 weeks in a placement that runs from May to August. Research is meant in the broadest sense and includes research, scholarly activities and creative works.

The award is competitive and criteria can be found on the URA webpage. Deadline to apply is January 25, 2021 at 4:30 PM (CST)– but do not procrastinate – because more than an application form is involved!

What will this experience look like during the current pandemic? All award recipients undertook their summer 2020 placements. Many of them chose to participate in the recent Undergraduate Research Poster Competition to showcase their research findings. Students who competed presented research that ranged from using machine learning to detect breast cancer to the effects of oil drilling noise on birds to exploring challenges faced by the charitable food sector in Manitoba during the first wave of the pandemic.

One such student was Lindsay Mamchur, who took home 3^rd Prize in the Creative Works category. She undertook a project on photography and the built environment under the mentorship of Dr. Susan Close (Environmental Design).

Lisa Mamchur (Architecture), Undergraduate Research Award recipient, at work summer 2020.

“In this research experience, I have found people, projects, and ideas to carry forward,” said Mamchur. “For example, Kenneth O’Halloran’s series The Handball Alley and Robert Adams’ The New West move me to engage their representations of landscape in my studio coursework. Also, exploring these photographers has encouraged me to commit to my own practice of photography. This experience could mean opening doors to study and career paths I had not previously considered.”

To read more about Mamchur’s research project and her reflections on the URA as a good mentorship opportunity to discover interests that can become the subjects of long-term study and a fulfilling career, read her blog.

It includes gaining experience while being mentored by a UM professor—across all disciplines— and provides students to explore a field they are interested in for up to 16 weeks in summer 2020. A $7,000 monetary award is provided to successful applicants. The deadline to enter is Jan. 24, 2020 – but be sure to check out the criteria for entry, as there are some things you’ll need to do well ahead of time.

Why is this experience valuable?

According to Nicole Sigurdson (undergrad in Kinesiology and Recreation Management), who completed her placement this past summer, “This experience opened my eyes to the research world and led me to understand how important evidence-based research is to our learning, growing, and understanding of our field. I worked alongside master’s and PhD students as a team…Not only did I learn practical skills, I learned how to become a stronger student and how to conduct myself in a professional and hospital setting.”

You can read more about Sigurdson’s experience here

The Office of the Vice-President, Research and International, in partnership with the University of  Manitoba Student Union (UMSU) offers this exciting opportunity for up to 172 students. Fifteen awards are available for self-declared Indigenous students and two awards are awarded for community-based research projects. Students are also encouraged to present the results of their research, scholarly work or creative activity at the annual Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Since 2010, the campaign dedicated to moving mental health forward in our country has raised close to $100 million to support mental health programs. The strategy is built on four pillars: anti-stigma, improving access to care, supporting world-class research, and leading by example in workplace mental health.

“Financial support, innovative learning environment and experiential learning opportunities are always top of mind when it comes to providing an outstanding student experience,” says David Barnard, President of the University of Manitoba. “But in order to focus on their studies, be present in class and explore new paths, students must have healthy, active minds. We applaud Bell’s efforts in this area and encourage students to seek out ways to maintain positive mental health through on-campus services.”

On January 30, #BellLetsTalk Day, for every text, mobile and long distance call made on the Bell network, tweet using #BellLetsTalk, social media video view, or use of the Facebook frame or Snapchat filter, Bell will contribute 5 cents more to Canadian mental health programs.

Join us and take part in any number of events have been planned on campus leading up to and on January 30:

January 25, 7 p.m.             

Bison men’s hockey at Wayne Fleming Arena

Bison men’s volleyball at Investors Group Athletic Centre

Mental health advocates and community members will be on site, fans will receive Bell Let’s Talk toques (while supplies last)

Fan activities and giveaways!

January 28-Feb 1

UMSU Students Let’s Act mental health awareness week

January 30

Bell Let’s Talk Day

Mental health advocates and community members in UMSU University Centre

Wellness Sharing Circle (International Centre & Spiritual Care),  3:30-4:30 p.m.

Bell Let’s Talk at Bannatyne, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Come meet the staff from Services for Students at Bannatyne Campus and get information, resources, and giveaways in the Brodie Atrium.