Dear Students,

Welcome to UM’s Fall Term 2020!

I hope you are well and excited to begin the Fall term. Whether you are new to UM or returning to learning; an undergraduate or a graduate student; living in Manitoba or studying from another province, country or continent – welcome! Faculty, staff and fellow students have worked hard throughout the summer to prepare for your arrival. Everyone is committed to ensuring that you have an outstanding learning experience, and that the supports and services you need are available to you.

Throughout this remote learning period it is more important than ever to remain connected – and to build new connections – with your classmates, students who share your interests, and those who can support you in achieving your goals. Join a student group, become a mentor or a mentee, and participate in some of the new workshops that are available. Remember, all UM student services are available remotely; if you need help with something, reach out using the contact information provided.

I highly recommend that first-year students visit the new platform that was developed especially for you. It is called UM Commons – an online hub with content that changes regularly so you have the most up-to-date information about workshops, activities, events, and resources throughout the academic year. And, if you missed the Welcome Ceremony this morning, it was taped live and is now posted on the UM Commons site, featuring several inspirational messages from the UM community.

Returning students are encouraged to register for the Learning Online course in UM Learn. It has been updated and is a great resource to help you brush up on your online learning skills. You can self-register for this course in English or Mandarin.

We have also moved the Student ID card application process online! For new students and anyone else in need of a new ID card, the process is straightforward. Once you have registered for courses, you can request an ID card through Aurora. This ID card can be used to access many services and benefits available to you.

We know that many students have been affected financially by the pandemic. UM has negotiated a reduced rate for internet through Bell MTS. I encourage you to check it out.

From September 8, UM students will have access to the Active Living Centre at the Fort Garry campus and the Joe Doupe Recreation Centre at the Bannatyne campus, both operating at approximately 25 percent capacity and accommodating pre-booked workouts only. Visit the Recreation Services website to find out how to activate your account and pre-book your workouts.

If you are required to attend in-person components of courses on one of our campuses, here are some important things to know:

Review the COVID-19 campus protocols before you arrive.

All UM faculty, staff and students—as well as visitors, contractors and vendors— will be required to wear a face mask in all indoor common or shared spaces on campus, or where social distancing cannot be maintained.

UM will be providing masks to all students who are required on campus – for information on where to pick up your mask visit here.

If you are attending an in-person class and need somewhere to study, spaces have been identified on the Fort Garry campus, including computer labs, and some open UM Libraries. (Note that these links will continue to be updated throughout the Fall Term.) Please minimize your exposure on campus – go to your classes and study in designated spaces only .

. For those commuting to campus, you can learn more about student parking for Fall Term 2020 here, and Winnipeg Transit times and safety protocols here.

For more information on what to except this Fall Term, along with regular updates, please visit http://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students.

It is also important to become familiar with resources to support you in learning remotely, and to review important policies, including understanding what to do if you are unable to meet your course requirements, term work or final exams. For example, students who are unable to meet a course requirement due to medical circumstances are currently not required to submit medical notes. However, you ARE required to contact your instructor and/or academic advisor in your home faculty/college/school to inform of the missed work and to make arrangements for extensions, deferrals, or make-up assignments. Please visit here for the guidelines and additional information.

While taking part in classes and groups online, it is important to remember that respectful conduct is expected in the virtual world too. View this video to hear about your rights and responsibilities and understand expectations for maintaining a climate of respect at the UM.

Thank you for choosing the University of Manitoba. We are so glad that you are here! Whether learning remotely or attending classes in person, your academic success is our first priority. The year ahead will be filled with lots of opportunities to apply your learning in new and exciting ways, to engage in problem solving and critical thinking, and to wrestle with novel concepts and ideas. I continue to be inspired by your commitment, hard work, and resilience. You’ve got this Bisons! Let’s make it a great year – together!

All my best,

Laurie Schnarr

Laurie M. Schnarr, MA

Vice-Provost (Students)

Student Affairs

Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)