COVID-19 (coronavirus) updates archive

Critical Course Information: 

For the Summer term instructors were asked to prepare a short statement on their course essentials, including technology requirements, so that students can select courses with a greater understanding of the expectations and needs of the course they are considering.   

For all Fall term offerings, we are asking all instructors to provide critical course information using a revised and abbreviated ‘Critical Course Information’ form.  The information will be included in the Syllabus Section of the Class Schedule and will be available to students as they select their courses.   Fall term offerings are posted on June 19th and the first cohort of students in Fort Garry programs will begin registration on July 13th.  Therefore, it is imperative that instructors submit their Critical Course Information as soon as possible but not later than July 2nd.    

Student Ratings of Instruction (SRI):    

On May 13, 2020 Senate approved a revised method for Student Ratings of Instruction (formerly SEEQs).  This SRI instrument will be used in the Summer term through UM Learn. The full SRI software system will be fully launched in the Fall term.   

Limited-Access Policy: 

As a reminder, Senate Executive approved that Section 2.5. (a) of the ‘Repeated Course’ policy be suspended indefinitely.  This section stipulates that any student who has voluntarily withdrawn from, or received a final grade in, a course is prevented from repeating the course for the immediately succeeding three consecutive terms.  The suspension of this policy will not disadvantage any student who withdraws or performs more poorly than hoped under the current exceptional learning conditions. 

As we progress through the Summer term and prepare for the Fall term, I want to thank all of you for your extraordinary efforts to ensure that students can successfully continue their studies. 

Dear Colleagues,

We have successfully completed spring term, after the most significant disruptions in our history, and we are at a place now where we can make decisions for our 2020/21 budget. Though we continue to live in challenging and uncertain times, we have much to be proud of when we consider UM’s remarkable contributions to the success of our students, our province, and to global public health.  

Last week, President Barnard shared with you the details of our 2020/21 provincial operating grant. I encourage you to please read that message if you have not already. In light of these changes to our core funding as well as the many financial implications of the global pandemic, we are pursuing opportunities for cost saving measures while supporting the critical work we continue to do.

As part of these efforts, the President’s Executive Team will be participating in the Vacation Purchase Plan (VPP) by purchasing five days off. This means that we are each taking five days without pay, and spreading the cost of these days over the remainder of the fiscal year. Details of the program can be found here. Many staff throughout the university are already familiar with VPP and have participated, but the program has been expanded for this fiscal year in response to COVID-19. This year, as each unit pursues appropriate budget reductions, we are encouraging all who are eligible and willing to consider purchasing VPP days.  

The VPP program remains optional – no one will be required to participate and you must discuss with and receive approval from your supervisor about your plan.

Thank you again for your continued resilience, patience and support throughout this incredibly stressful time.

Lynn Zapshala-Kelln, B.Admin, CPA CGA
Vice-President (Administration)

Throughout my twelve years as President of the University of Manitoba, I have continually been inspired by the resilience of this institution – the resilience of our faculty, staff and students. My time as President has seen research breakthroughs, innovative growth, apologies and progress, as well as challenges, disagreements and disruptions. Whatever we have faced, we have faced it together, united by our commitment to our mission, vision and values.  

In March, confronted with a global pandemic, we entered into perhaps the most challenging chapter of our story so far. The level of disruption to our work has been unprecedented, and the lack of clarity has caused angst and anxiety for our university community.  

A significant contributor to that uncertainty resulted from direction we received from the provincial government to find savings at our institution to support frontline services. This conversation began on April 14 with a request from the Province for all public sector institutions to present plans of immediate savings of 10, 20 and 30 per cent. This was a challenging exercise, but UM presented a plan to the Province as requested and waited for feedback.  

The period of uncertainty while we waited for clarification from our largest funder has been challenging. During that time, many units have moved forward with temporary staff reductions in response to work shortages and based on the expectation of a reduced operating grant. 

We respect that this has been a challenging time for everyone in Manitoba, including for our government. We have appreciated the frequent updates from Minister Eichler and Department officials as pieces of information have become available. We understand that the conversation has been evolving rapidly. We are thankful now to have additional information to share with our community on our 2020/21 operating grant. 

On Monday, May 25, 2020, the University of Manitoba received our annual operating grant letter from the Province of Manitoba confirming a five per cent reduction ($17.23 million) to our provincial operating grant funding. As I shared with you on May 13, we were expecting a permanent one per cent cut to our operating grant and a one-year cut of four per cent. The letter did not layout the reduction in this way; the letter speaks to our funding allocation for this year alone. Additionally, what we were not expecting was that the letter announced the creation of a one-time Transitional Support Fund to help offset the impact of these reductions. The Province has allowed for up to $17.23 million to the University of Manitoba through this fund with the requirement that we submit proposals to the Province for approval. The funding is available for specific purposes: to support costs associated with orienting programs towards labour-market demands, ensuring high quality education through new and enhanced online materials and tools, and/or addressing unanticipated changes in enrollment and other challenges due to coronavirus. The allocation is not guaranteed. 

What does this mean? Our guaranteed provincial operating grant for 2020/21 has been reduced by five per cent, however, the potential provincial operating grant available to us, with conditions, is equal to our 2019/20 operating grant. We have been asked to continue working with the Department of Economic Development and Training to provide proposals for the funds by September 15, 2020.  

Ultimately, this means that we do not have certainty on the total amount of operating grant funding we will receive from the Province in 2020/21. As well, we know the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in work disruptions, revenue losses, and increased costs. Going forward, we should expect that budget reductions will be required, and we will continue to review how best to address these challenges.  

The University of Manitoba appreciates ongoing investments in the critical work we do to support student success, recognizing that our commitments to excellence in teaching and research are crucial to Manitoba’s economic and social prosperity. Government and the University of Manitoba are aligned in our desire to ensure UM graduates are prepared to make robust contributions in our changing economy.  

Certainly, UM has already demonstrated our commitment to meet labour-market demands and we continue to advance industry-academia partnerships throughout the institution. Our faculty members, and our Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, have done an outstanding job creating new and enhanced online materials and are continuing to do so for the fall term. We know that a university education provides graduates with the problem-solving, leadership, communication and collaborative skills that best prepare them to lead and thrive in a post-covid world.  

As we work together to address the challenges presented to us by COVID-19, I am certain that our resilience will, once again, see us through and that we will continue to demonstrate our unmatched contributions to this province and its people.  

Sincerely, 

David 

Dear students,

I hope you are well and enjoying the early days of spring, despite the unusual circumstances we are navigating together.

As many of you know, yesterday we announced the University’s plans for Fall Term. At the forefront of our considerations are the safety and well-being of the UM community, and our ongoing commitment to deliver an educational experience of the highest quality for our students. In keeping with public health and government directives, we will be offering the Fall Term primarily remotely, with the exception of a very small number of courses that require in-person delivery. Students will know in advance of registration which courses will be held in person, so you can make informed course selections.

While we are all disappointed that we will not be together in person in the Fall, please know that we are exploring every avenue to deliver a robust student experience virtually. We are working in collaboration with UMSU, UMGSA, teaching and learning experts, and the faculties to develop plans that promote student learning, engagement and academic success. This includes opportunities to connect with faculty, other students in your courses and programs; counselling, academic advising and career supports; clubs and much more. Stay tuned for further details as our plans evolve!

Here are some key dates to be aware of: 

• June 15: Registration for Fall and Winter Terms opens for Bannatyne campus programs 
• July 23: Registration for Fall & Winter Terms opens in Aurora for returning students  
• September 9: Fall Term classes begin 
• November 9-13: Fall Break Week
• December 12-23: Fall Term exam period
• January 5-15, 2021: critical in-person activities, such as labs, associated with some courses offered remotely from September through December 2020 will take place during this period
• January 18, 2021: Winter Term 2021 classes begin

We understand that you will have many questions about the Fall Term, and we will do our best to answer those on our webpage here. If you still have questions, please direct those to an academic advisor in your home faculty/college/school. I will continue to keep you updated as decisions are made, including information about residences, access to campus buildings and facilities, textbooks, and more. As decisions are made, your health and safety and your academic success are our top priorities. We will continue to do all that we can to support you in this transition to remote learning; to ensure that you have opportunities to connect in meaningful ways; and to fully engage you in your learning experience. When the time is right and it is safe to do so, we will reopen buildings and resume in-person operations. We are eager to return to campus, as I know you are too!

All my best,

Laurie

Laurie M. Schnarr, MA
Vice-Provost (Students)
Student Affairs
Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)

Throughout this challenging and uncertain time, I have committed to provide as much information as possible as soon as possible. I recognize and respect that the lack of clarity we have been dealing with as a community contributes to angst and anxiety during what is already a very difficult time in our world.

Today, I am sharing with you what we know right now. Though we continue to wait for written confirmation on provincial cuts to our operating grant, we have decided to share what we have been told by the Minister of Economic Development and Training, Ralph Eichler.

• We understand that the provincial government will reduce UM’s 20/21 operating grant by 5 per cent or $17.3 million.
• This includes a 1 per cent cut that we expect will be ongoing, and a 4 per cent reduction that we have been assured is for this year only.

We have already had to make some difficult decisions as we respond to work disruptions, revenue losses, and increased costs resulting from the global pandemic. We must continue to work together now to address additional pressures put on our budget as a result of this significant cut. The President’s Executive Team has been developing several budget scenarios to address this new reality, and we are committed to moving forward with a thoughtful, measured approach. Some of the tools we are considering include:

• reducing discretionary spending,
• hiring deferrals,
• voluntary workweek reductions and
• layoffs.

I continue to emphasise to government and our community that UM has always been and will continue to be central to Manitoba’s economic and social success. Post-secondary education will be crucial to the post-COVID-19 recovery, and our critical work continues as demand for post-secondary increases during these uncertain times. You, our faculty and staff, continue to do exceptional work in the midst of this pandemic and the challenging budget constraints.

It is at this point that we must remain focused on our shared mission and vision. Together, we support groundbreaking research, student success and impactful community engagement. Our critical work continues, despite disruption, and we must continue to collaborate and adjust if we are going to succeed in the face of these challenges.

As we move forward, I remain committed to share accurate and timely information with our community. Thank you for your ongoing commitment and resilience.

Sincerely,

David

I am writing today to provide information on Fall Term 2020.

I remain incredibly grateful to our faculty, staff and students for their ability to adjust to this unprecedented situation. Careful consideration and planning has gone into determining the best possible experience we can offer our students while supporting the health and safety of our community.

Though we are not able to return to a ‘normal’ Fall Term, I am pleased to share that:

• The University of Manitoba will offer a robust Fall Term through remote learning with some in-person exceptions;
• We will provide students with the preparation that they need to be successful in this remote learning environment;
• We will commit to a safe return to campus when the time is right; and
• We will ensure that our community’s health and safety are at the forefront of all of our decisions.

The University has approved a plan to deliver all possible courses for the Fall Term by remote learning. In rare cases, and with approval, some courses may be delivered in person. In these very exceptional circumstances, we will identify the protocols that need to be in place to accommodate these few exceptions. Students will know this in advance so that they can make informed course selections.

To help support these changes, Senate Executive has approved an extension of the Fall Term for optional in-person critical instruction as determined by Faculties for the period January 5 to 15, 2021. This will ensure that all students (local or international) will be able to begin and complete their studies without having to be physically present for the period of September to December 2020.

Important dates for you to know:

• September 9: Fall Term classes begin
• December 12 – 23: Fall Term exam period
• January 5 – 15, 2021: Fall Term extension for critical in-person activities
• January 18, 2021: Winter Term classes begin

We will continue to communicate further details with you, our students, and our community as efficiently as possible. Updates and answers to FAQs will continue to be posted on this page.

On behalf of President Barnard and the entire Presidential executive team, thank you! We sincerely appreciate the adjustments that faculty, students and staff have made to conclude the Winter Term, launch the Summer Term and prepare for Fall. Together, we realize that although it is different; the strength of our students, the resilience of our staff, and the passion of our instructors and faculty will carry us through.

Thank you,
Janice

I am writing to provide you with an update regarding the revised 2020 Fall and 2021 Winter term academic schedules:  

Fall and Winter Term Academic Schedules: 

As we have discussed, based on current COVID-19 restrictions, you are advised to prepare to deliver all possible courses by remote learning.  To support this, on May 6th Senate Executive approved a revision to the Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 academic schedules.   

The Fall term will conclude with a period in early January 2021 (5th to 15th) during which essential in-person activities associated with courses offered in Fall term could be completed.  This may include critical in-person instruction and experience important for student safety and understanding as they proceed in their programs of study.  Use of this period by any Faculty is optional. 

As a result of this extended Fall term, the start of Winter term will be delayed by one week.   

Critical dates for Fall and Winter terms are as follows: 

Fall Term 2020  

-           September 9:  Classes start 

-           December 12 – 23:  Exam Period 

-           January 5 – 15, 2021:  Fall term extension for in-person activities   

 Winter Term 2021  

-       January 18:  Classes start 

-      April 19 – May 1:  Exam Period 

The proposal and revised academic schedule can be viewed here.   

On a different matter, career services has prepared an extensive list of employer wage subsidy and tax rebate programs.  These programs will support the hiring of a student for summer, co-op, or internship placements.  

Thanks,  

Janice 

Dear Students,

We have received much in the way of good news this week as active cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba continue to decrease and some restrictions are lifted. Congratulations – our hard work is making a difference!

Now that exams are finished, many of you are looking ahead to your Summer and Fall Terms. Let me assure you that although campus may be closed right now, your university is open – and will remain open – to fully support your education.

As you know, it was announced several weeks ago that all summer term courses would be offered online – either in the usual Distance Education (DE) format (commencing May 4) or as Remote Learning courses (beginning June 1). I am highly encouraged by the number of students who have already registered to take DE courses – your eagerness to continue your studies inspires us all.

In this communication I have a few updates and reminders to share:

Consider your grading options. Students have four grading options for courses completed in the Winter Term 2020 and courses that spanned both the Fall and Winter Terms 2019-2020:

1. You can keep your letter grades as they are.
2. You can keep your letter grade but have it excluded from your GPA.
3. If you receive a letter grade that you aren’t happy with, you can opt to have a “P” appear on your transcript instead. A number of faculties have created quick reference information to help you understand the different grading options, you can read about those here.
4. You can voluntarily withdraw from the course.

You will have until 11:59 pm on May 10, 2020 to decide which grading option is best for you. To make your choice, log into UM Learn and follow the instructions. Courses that have final grades in Aurora will be added to your record overnight, so if your grades aren’t there yet check back again the next day. If you receive a final grade after May 10th you have 10 calendar days to request a change through your home faculty.

Registering for Summer Term Remote Learning Courses. To help students who wish to get ahead in their studies, we will be offering an extensive list of Remote Learning courses for the Summer Term. The complete list of course offerings will be made available on Aurora on May 4th. You can register for courses that begin on or after June 1 starting on May 19. (Registration is already open for Summer Term Distance Education courses and Masters/PhD Re-Reg thesis courses.) Check the Registrar’s Office website for more information.

Fall Term. The University of Manitoba is committed to delivering an educational experience of the highest quality and will do so in the Fall semester. We are monitoring Public Health and Provincial government directives and are actively exploring a range of course delivery methods, with the health and safety of our campus community at the forefront of our planning. Further details about modes of course delivery in the Fall will be communicated in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

Sharing your voice. The University’s EDI Task Force wants to hear about your experiences with equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at UM. I encourage you to take the time to share your feedback though this survey so we can ensure that UM is a place where all students, staff and faculty feel recognized, valued, respected and treated fairly.

We are regularly updating our new COVID-19 website with dedicated information for students. Please check in often!

Enjoy the break between terms, and be sure to take some time to celebrate your tremendous accomplishments this year. Keep safe everyone.

All my best,

Laurie Schnarr

Dear Students, 

Congratulations on completing Winter Term final exams and assignments. 

To those of you who have fulfilled your final academic requirements and are poised to graduate, well done!! We know that the transition to remote learning and assessment has had its challenges. Your flexibility and determination in meeting the goals you set for yourselves have been inspiring. Outstanding work Bisons!! 

I have a few updates and reminders for you today: 

Summer Term. Please remember that we have two registration periods:  a) Summer Term Distance Education courses - registration opened April 20 and courses begin May 4th and b) Summer Term remote learning courses - registration opens on May 19 at 9:00 a.m. The remote learning schedule, which will include an extensive list of courses, will be available to view starting May 4. 

Other important dates: 

May 15: Last day to drop/add Summer Term Distance Education courses 
May 4-19: Students are able to review the full schedule of Summer Term course options 
May 19: Summer Term registration opens at 9 am 
June 1: Summer Term remote learning courses begin 

Please see the Registrar’s Office website for all important dates for the Summer Term. 

Textbooks. Librarians are working with instructors to source electronic versions of textbooks for Summer Term 2020 courses.  In those cases where this option isn’t possible, textbooks can still be ordered online through the University Bookstore, which has established a materials pick-up procedure that allows for physical distancing, at both the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campus locations (see the Bookstore website for details). More concrete information about textbooks will be provided in subsequent updates. 

Sport and Recreation Fee. The Sport and Recreation Fee will not be applied to tuition for Summer Term. You don’t have to take any action. 

Grade options. Now that you’ve completed your term (yay!), it is time to learn more about the new grading options. Beginning May 1, you can elect to apply grading options until May 10. To better understand these options and how they apply to each faculty, please visit this website and speak to an academic advisor if you have questions. More details on how to apply the various grading options will be communicated to you next week.  

Government financial resources. The Government of Canada announced the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), which provides up to $1,250/month over the summer (May to August) to eligible post-secondary students, including part-time students, those who are set to begin their studies in the summer or fall, and recent graduates. Students with dependents or with disabilities will be eligible for an additional $500/month. Students will be able to apply for this benefit in the coming days and weeks. More information on these enhanced resources can be found on our COVID-19 website under Government Resources, or by visiting the Government of Canada student grants website. 

Fall Term. No one knows exactly what the world will look like in a few months’ time. We are exploring all possibilities for the Fall Term, and planning for every eventuality. Once details become more certain, we will be sure to inform you of how we plan to help you continue your education this fall. Rest assured, the University will be operating and you will be able to continue your studies. 

New webpage for students

We recognize that during this time many students are experiencing additional pressures, including financial, employment, housing, food, or increased caregiving responsibilities. We are continuing to provide supports, programs and services even though we are not physically located on campus. The new umanitoba.ca/coronavirus/students is your gateway to the most up-to-date information and resources on and off-campus. This webpage will be updated regularly, as new information emerges, so check back often. 

Please enjoy this break between terms, stay well, and enjoy the warm weather! 

All my best,  

Laurie Schnarr   

The Academic Planning Working Group has been working to prepare for the launch of the Summer Term and is exploring options for the Fall Term given the need to prepare for the continuation of remote and online learning.  

I am writing to provide you with some important updates: 

Fall Term: 

For Fall term, it is important to begin preparing to teach all classes possible using remote methods.  The progression of the pandemic situation and the guidance provided by National and Provincial health authorities may allow some in-person classes to go ahead in Fall, so it is also necessary to prepare for this possibility as well. Regardless of the mode of delivery, Fall Term will begin as planned on September 9, 2020. 

Winter Term Grading Declaration Process: 

The Winter Term alternative grading declaration process is being finalized and will be launched next week. A webpage has been developed to assist students in making informed decisions. During the declaration process students will be directed to this website and asked if they have consulted with an advisor before confirming their grade choice. 

Grading and Voluntary Withdrawal: 

I am confirming that the temporary grading options and other accommodations approved by Senate Executive to address the disruption to Winter Term caused by the pandemic do not apply beyond the end of Winter term.  

The Voluntary Withdrawal dates for the Summer Term are as approved Senate Executive on April 1, 2020 and students will be graded in accordance with our regular Grade Point Averages Policy. 

Textbooks: 

Please ensure that instructors are reaching out to Librarians as they plan their summer courses. Librarians are available to help instructors find an electronic version of textbooks, or suitable alternatives, for Summer Term 2020 courses. Instructors are encouraged to fill out a request form available here and a librarian will follow-up. 

In addition, the University Bookstore is open online and has developed a materials pick-up procedure that adheres to physical distancing protocols for both the Fort Garry and the Bannatyne campus locations.  Please continue to monitor the website for details.   

Information/Resources to support Remote Learning: 

The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (CATL) has prepared an information hub to support successful teaching and learning experiences in a remote environment. This page includes guidance for deans, department heads and instructors including how to determine appropriate online course offerings, how to develop and deliver online courses, how to prepare for online exams, and the minimum technology requirements for students for remote learning. Please consider these resources as you prepare for the Summer and Fall Terms.  

CATL has also prepared a Contingencies for Teaching webpage specifically for instructors.  This includes short micro-lesson videos on topics such as how to build course and best practices in preparing online exams.  Please ensure that you share these resources with your faculty and instructors. 

Instructors can reach out to TheCentre@umanitoba.ca for support and guidance. 

Important Dates: 

May 4 - Distance Education Summer courses begin 

May 4 to 19 - Students are able to review Summer Term Course options 

May 19 - Summer Term Registration Opens 

June 1 - Summer Term Begins 

Thank you. 
Janice 

Dear students, 

As we reach the mid-point of our Winter Term exam period, I want to take this opportunity to thank you. Thank you for being resilient and persevering to finish your courses at such a difficult time. Thank you for asking for help when you need it, and for offering your help to others when you are able. Thank you for your patience as the University of Manitoba adapts to new ways of providing the services and supports that you rely on.  

Despite the circumstances, we are as committed as ever to ensuring you have an outstanding student experience by finding new ways of teaching, learning, and coming together as a community.   

Good luck on your exams, and know that we are here to support you however you need.  

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to visit our COVID-19 webpage where you will find resources to help you through the end of term. 

Sincerely, 

David 

Good morning, 
 
Last week, the Government of Manitoba asked all post-secondary institutions to engage in significant cost-saving measures as Government responds to the financial impact of the COVID-19 crisis. The University of Manitoba’s executive leadership is working to produce a plan for government that looks at options for expenses and temporary workload reductions from May 1 – August 31, 2020. We are working with our union partners to present a plan that shares the impact in an equitable way while ensuring we are able to continue the important and meaningful work we do to create a positive student experience.  

The University will submit its plan to government on Tuesday, April 21. We look forward to government accepting our plan, but we must wait for that acceptance before we can begin implementing the plan or sharing it with our community more broadly. 

We recognize this is a difficult time for everyone. Although many things are uncertain at the moment, let us remain clear in our knowledge that our work to support UM’s mission, vision and values remains critical to the success of this institution and this province. As I stated in my message last week, UM has always been and will continue to be central to Manitoba’s economic and social success. We are committed to supporting efforts to address the immediate request for resource reallocation, but also look to our critical role to bring Manitoba and its people into a prosperous future. 

Thank you for your contributions – as well as your patience – during this time especially. 

Sincerely, 

David 

Good Afternoon, 

During the last few weeks, the university has – indeed, the world has – experienced unprecedented change in the way we do our work as we faced the challenge of trying to slow the spread of COVID-19 while remaining operational. 

Today, as reported in the media, the Government of Manitoba met virtually with university leaders and other public sector employers to discuss the severity of the economic challenges facing our province as a result of the global pandemic. In response to this crisis, the government is asking us all to “row together” to ensure public resources can be allocated to support essential services to the greatest extent possible.  

UM is committed to support these efforts while remaining committed to our mission, vision and values. We will work with the provincial government and our union partners to do our part. By next week, we will bring forward options intended to maintain the essential work of ensuring student success and maintaining critical research activities, especially research related to COVID-19, while responding to government’s request for us reduce our expenditures in a way that we have not had to consider since I became President in 2008. 

These are uncertain times for all of us and we are working to provide as much clarity as quickly as possible. I appreciate your continued patience and hard work. As our province’s largest and only research-intensive university, UM has always been and will continue to be central to its economic and social success. We are committed to supporting efforts to address the immediate need for resource reallocation, but also look to our critical role to bring Manitoba and its people into a prosperous future. 

Sincerely, 

David 

Dear Deans,
 
At the meeting of Senate Executive on Wednesday, April 8th, the following was approved:
 
Voluntary Withdrawal Date:
You will recall that in Academic Bulletin #1 (below) the Voluntary Withdrawal date was revised to April 13, 2020.  Today, Senate Executive approved a further extension of the voluntary withdrawal date to May 10, 2020, for courses taught in the 2020 Winter Term, including spanned courses scheduled over the 2019 Fall – 2020 Winter Terms.  This will allow students more time to consider their decisions and to consult with academic advisors.  In addition, this date also aligns with the date by which students are required to declare their grading preferences.   A COVID-19 webpage for students provides detailed information and resources.   
 
Students who may have recently voluntarily withdrawn from courses can request re-entry to courses through normal faculty/college/school processes and the decision to accept the request will be at the discretion of the faculty/college/school, as per usual.  
 
Summer Term Registration:
Registration for Summer Term Distance Education courses and Masters/PhD Re-Reg thesis courses starts on April 20, 2020 at 12 noon. Registration for Summer Term courses that begin on or after June 1 starts on May 19, 2020.   A final schedule of the summer term offerings will be available to students by May 4, 2020. 

I continue to be inspired by your leadership and adaptability to meet these unexpected needs.  I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of faculty, instructors and staff who have carried us through the close of the Winter Term and  on to the exam period.  So many have stepped up and taken on these challenges with diligence and thoughtfulness.  I know that many of you have made sacrifices and I hope that you will have some down time over this long weekend. 
 
Janice

(revised April 29)

Dear Students,
 
As we approach the long weekend, I want to thank you for your efforts thus far in adhering to social distancing directives. Current case numbers in Manitoba do not mean that we are out of the woods though. On a holiday weekend when you would normally spend quality time with close friends and family outside your household, I urge you to remain true to our ultimate goal – flattening the curve – by avoiding gatherings and maintaining social distancing measures. I know you’ve got this!
 
Although I am providing more updates in this communication to you, I am encouraging you to maintain your focus on preparing for exams, and to take advantage of the many resources that have been developed to help you. We have extended the deadline for making decisions on final grades to give you the time and space you need to make your decisions thoughtfully when the time comes to do so.
 
I continue to be immensely proud of how you have adapted and persevered over the past few weeks. I know the resilience you have shown will continue to serve you well throughout the exam period and beyond. Well done.
 
Final exam supports for students. As you prepare for the upcoming exam period, there are several resources, supports and tips to help you navigate online exams. Please visit our new webpage for invaluable information and details on how to report any issues you might have.
 
New Voluntary Withdrawal date. Students enrolled in Winter Term courses and those spanning the Fall and Winter Term, now have until May 10, 2020 to voluntarily withdraw. The previous deadline was April 13.
 
Extra time to consider your grading options. Last week, I announced that all students (except those in the Faculty of Law) can choose to receive a “pass” grade instead of a letter grade for all Winter Term and spanned courses completed by April 2020. You now have until May 10, 2020 to make this decision. More information can be found here. To help you make the right choice for your personal situation, I encourage you to reach out to an academic advisor in your home faculty/college/school.
 
Support for students with visas and study permits. In our new academic reality, it may be a challenge for some students to maintain the credit hours required for their visas and study permits. The University is in close contact with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to find a solution. The Registrar’s Office will include a summary of scheduling and academic policy changes ESTABLISHED in response to COVID-19. This document will be included with confirmation of enrolment requests made on/or after May 4, 2020. UM continues to work with IRCC and we will update you as soon as we have further information. Please reach out to the International Centre to connect with an International Student Advisor if you want to discuss your individual situation.
 
Summer Term registration. Registration for Summer Term Distance Education courses and Masters/PhD Re-Reg thesis courses starts on April 20, 2020 at 12 noon. Students wishing to register for Summer Term courses that begin on or after June 1 can do so starting May 19, 2020. A schedule of courses that will be offered in the revised Summer Term will be available on May 4, 2020. Check the Registrar’s Office website for academic schedule dates and financial payment deadlines.
 
Quick answers to your questions. We have reorganized our Student FAQ webpage to make it easier for you to find the information you need about deadlines, grades, student supports and more. Please bookmark this page, and visit often.
 
Follow @umstudent on Instagram. From Q & As with academic advisors to takeovers on yoga and meditation, this account is a key resource for students to stay connected and up-to-date on all the latest university news and resources.
 
Please continue to take care of yourself physically and mentally during this final stretch of the Winter Term. I am sending you all good wishes for a restful holiday weekend and a successful exam period ahead. 
 
All my best,
Laurie Schnarr

Dear Students,  

As we enter the month of April, it has been almost two weeks since all buildings closed on campus and you began to self-isolate. As a Manitoban and a proud member of the UM community, I want to thank you for your efforts, and those of your family and friends, to ensure the safety and well-being of others during this really challenging time. None of us thought that we would be ending the academic year in this way. I commend you for your patience, your flexibility and your resilience. 

Although buildings on campus are closed, please remember that we are still offering services virtually, by telephone, and online to support you in ending the semester successfully.   

Today, I am sharing several important updates and information regarding resources available to you. 

The university and its donors are pleased to offer the COVID-19 UM Student Emergency Fund, which will provide emergency financial support to students. These one-time, non-repayable, direct-deposit funds are available to full or part-time students registered in the 2019/20 academic year who meet the criteria. For more information about eligibility and how to apply, click here.  

The University will be refunding all student parking permit holders for the April portion of their parking permit. You do not need to take any action to receive this refund. If you paid by credit card, the refund will be returned to the card used to purchase the permit. If you paid by cash or debit, the University will issue cheques. Due to the large volume, please be aware that it may take some time to process all the refunds.  

If you receive a failing grade in Winter term 2020, it will be automatically excluded from all UM GPA calculations. Failing grades will appear on your transcript but will be identified as having been excluded from UM GPA calculations due to the COVID-19 situation. Failing grades will be considered for admission purposes.  

Students, except for those in the Faculty of Law, can choose whether or not to receive a “pass” grade instead of a letter grade. This option will apply to all Winter term or spanned courses that you complete by April 2020.  Students must have achieved a letter grade of D or higher to exercise this option. If you choose this option, the “pass” designation will appear on your transcript, but will be flagged with a notation that you made this decision due to the COVID-19 situation. The “pass” option ensures your grade is excluded from ALL GPA calculations. However, it is important to note that course grades of “pass” will not normally be used to satisfy prerequisites. You should not choose this option if your program specifies a grade of C or higher is required for courses counted towards the degree. Consult your faculty advising office for further information. 

You will have until May 10, 2020 to choose the “pass” option for final grades of D or higher, or to exercise the previously approved option to exclude a course grade from UM GPA calculations. The process to do so is still being determined, but will be communicated as soon as possible. Once final grades are available on Aurora you will be able to make this choice. 

For help in understanding these options and how your choice will impact you, contact an academic advisor in your home faculty/college/school.  For questions about how excluding a grade(s) or choosing a Pass (P) will affect your eligibility for admission into your target program, please contact an academic advisor from that faculty/college/school or contact the Admissions office. 

To recap, you can choose either the standard approach to letter grades or two alternative grading approaches for each individual course completed in Winter term 2020, except for students in the Faculty of Law. These are your options: 

Standard Approach: You can accept the letter grade you received. This is the default grading approach and your letter grade will be used in GPA calculations. 

Option 1: You can accept the letter grade received, but have it excluded from your UM GPA calculations. Your letter grade will appear on the transcript, with a note that you chose to exclude it from UM GPA calculations. 

Option 2: You can choose to receive a “pass” grade if you receive a grade of D or higher. No letter grade will be recorded on your transcript and a note will indicate that you chose this approach. The “pass” grade will be excluded from UM GPA calculations, which is the normal way “pass” grades are treated at UM.  These pass grades will have no letter grade equivalent. 

Regardless of the choice that you make with respect to course grading, you must meet all existing admission, prerequisite, progression, degree, and graduation policies and requirements that may apply to you: 

• within your existing program of study and current Faculty, and 

• to be eligible for admission to, progression within, and graduation from, any other programs in any faculty in the future.  

For students using Student Accessibility Services, please note that although in-person visits are no longer happening, staff are still available to offer support.  

• Accommodation support staff will continue to ensure class content is ready for you. 

• If you have booked a mid-term test or final exam for the winter term through the SAS scheduler, the SAS Exam Centre staff are contacting your instructors.  They will work with you and your instructor to figure out any online test or exam accommodations. 

If you have any questions, please contact your Accessibility Coordinator directly, or contact the general office at 204-474-7423 or staccess@umanitoba.ca. 

The Academic Learning Centre continues to provide academic supports. All Academic Learning Centre supports are available online including individual tutoring (in writing, content study skills), supplemental instruction sessions, and workshops. Click here to make an appointment and for more information. 

Indigenous student supports. All staff are available to help with student inquiries. Please check the website of the office you want to contact for details on how to access their services or contact their staff. Indigenous student advisors are available for phone appointments and/or to answer questions via email. Elders at UM are also available for support via email or phone. To book an appointment with an Elder or advisor, call 204-474-8850 or email isc@umanitoba.ca. 

International student support. We understand that the current situation is particularly difficult for you. Do not hesitate to ask for information and support through a private and confidential conversation with an International Student Advisor by e-mailing the International Centre Reception Desk at international@umanitoba.ca with your name and student number. You will then have the option to have your questions answered by e-mail or a Zoom meeting.   International students can also contact these offices for additional support: Student Counselling Centre, Student Advocacy and Case Management, and Spiritual Care by calling or emailing these units directly to determine the best way to access their services. 

You can find more UM news about COVID-19, including FAQs for students, on this page, which is updated as new information becomes available.  

Please continue to keep yourself and others safe by following Manitoba Health directives about avoiding non-essential trips, maintaining physical distance of two metres even while outdoors, hand washing and coughing/sneezing etiquette. We may not be with you in person but we are with you in spirit every step of the way. You’ve got this, Bisons! 

I will continue to communicate regularly about new information as this situation evolves.  

Laurie M. Schnarr, MA
Vice-Provost (Students)
Student Affairs 
Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
208 Administration Building
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
Tel: 204.474.6919 

At the meeting of Senate Executive on Wednesday, April 1st, the following was approved: 

Three Approaches to Grades in Winter Term 2020: 

On March 25th, Senate Executive approved the temporary revision to the Grade Point Average Policy, (section 2.3) for Winter Term 2020 in order to allow for an optional approach to GPA calculation.  Subsequent to this many U15 institutions began to introduce additional alternative grading approaches which were further explored by the Academic Continuity Sub-Committee.  On April 1, 2020 Senate Executive approved a second option where students can elect to receive a pass/fail grade.  

The three approaches to grades are now as follows:  

Standard Approach:  Accept the Letter Grade received:  This is the standard grading approach approved at the UM and represents the default grading approach for students.  The grade will be used in GPA calculations.  

Option 1:  Accept the Letter Grade received but exclude it from the UM GPA calculations.  Letter grade will appear on the student’s transcript with a notation indicting that the student chose to exclude it from their UM GPA calculations due to the COVID-19 situation. Grades excluded in the calculation of the GPA will not be used in calculating GPA for the purpose of program progression and/or overall graduation GPA requirements.  However, letter grades will continue to be used to satisfy UM pre-requisite requirements for entry into other courses, or admission to other programs, and to satisfy any other program requirements. (APPROVED BY SENATE EXECUTIVE; MARCH 25, 2020) 

Option 2:  Choose to have performance assessed as ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’:  In this scenario no letter grade will be recorded or retained.  A notation will be used to indicate that the student chose this approach.  ‘Pass’ grades will be available only if the original letter grade is ‘D’ or higher and will not be included in the UM GPA calculations.  (APPROVED BY SENATE EXECUTIVE; APRIL 1, 2020) 

Regardless of any choice made with respect to course grading, students will remain obliged to meet all existing admission, prerequisite, progression, degree, and graduation policies and requirements that may apply to them.  It is vital that students understand the implications of their choices both for meeting prerequisite, progression, degree, and graduation requirements within their existing program of study and current Faculty, and for requirements for admission to, progression within, and graduation from, any other programs in the same or a different Faculty which they may wish to pursue in the future.  (For example, a program may require a grade of B or higher as a prerequisite for enrolment in a subsequent course and would not accept a grade of "pass.") 

I am recommending that each faculty immediately prepare a communication plan (including website preparation) for their students to ensure that course, program, and Faculty requirements are clearly specified so students may take these into account in making their grading choices.  We want to ensure that students have all the information to make an informed choice that best supports their continued academic success.  To support this coordination of effort, The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning will be establishing a webpage on their website that will host links to each of the faculty-specific pages and provide some over-arching advice for students.    

Alternative Grading Approaches: 

Grading approaches for Winter Term 2020 courses will be restricted to those approved by Senate Executive as of April 1, 2020 and as described above.  In other words, we will not be considering further alternative grading approaches. 

Grading Declaration Process:   

The automatic default for grading is the standard approach.  Students electing either Option 1 or 2 must do so by May 10, 2020 by which time they will have received their standard letter grades. The process to declare grading options is being finalized by the Registrar's Office.  Students are STRONGLY encouraged to contact an academic advisor before making a choice of either Option 1 or 2.   

F Grades: 

Senate Executive approved that any failing grade received by a student for Winter Term 2020 will automatically be excluded from all UM GPA calculations.  Such grades will be notated on the transcript as having been excluded from UM GPA calculations.   

Student Scholarships: 

Regardless of which grading option students choose, their award eligibility will not be affected:  If a student keeps their letter grade these grades will be taken into account as usual. If a student decides to exclude a grade from the GPA calculation it will also be excluded from an award GPA calculation. Finally, if the decision is made to choose a Pass, this notation will not be included in an award GPA calculation. In each of the last two options the courses where an alternate grade option was selected will still count toward minimum credit hour thresholds when determining award eligibility. 

Support from the Libraries: 

The Libraries continue to provide collections and services online: 

• Librarians continue to provide course support for online classes during Summer Term.
• Support for researchers in data management, data visualization and GIS, and open scholarship  are available including online consultations and access to data sharing and storage platforms such as Dataverse.
• Student and faculty support is available through the AskUs online chat service and by contacting the appropriate subject liaison librarian 

Books, Course Packs and The Bookstore (Summer Term 2020):  

Instructors are requested to submit course materials requirements to the Bookstore as soon as possible.  Important information to note:  

• Textbooks; Print copies:  All major publisher warehouses, with the exception of Oxford Press, are operational at this time, and filling orders.
• Textbooks; Digital:  Where possible, we are including digital options in our course materials listings.
• Course Packs; Print or Digital:  The ability of the Bookstore to print course packs may be limited.  We will attempt to secure, but cannot guarantee, digital reproduction rights.
• The BookStore is available for consultation by email, phone, and through our Web Adoptions platform.
• The Bookstore continues to investigate methods by which students may be able to pick-up their course materials.
• Finally, Instructors for are encouraged to consult with their subject liaison librarian for help identifying alternative or online versions of course reserve materials and readings.   

Dear Students, 

As we continue to navigate the many changes in our lives arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to remind you that the University of Manitoba is here to support you. While in-person contact is severely restricted during this time, staff in our counselling office, advising centres, health services, spiritual care, and faculty offices remain available either online, by email, or by both means. Please refer to this page for details. Remember – we are here for you and want you to succeed. 

Today, I want to share some new updates and reminders. 

Summer Term Registration.  

• Registration for Distance and Online courses and Faculty of Graduate Studies Re-Registration and Thesis courses that begin May 4th will open on April 20th.  

• We recognize that many students are hoping to make decisions about summer courses soon. We are actively working on this and will share information regarding Summer Term courses (which will be offered online or through means other than face-to-face) beginning June 1 as soon as those details are finalized.  

• Registration for all courses beginning on or after June 1 will begin May 19th.   

 You can choose to include or exclude grades in your GPA calculation. For any course completed at the University of Manitoba in Winter Term 2020, you can choose whether or not to include a grade received in your GPA calculation. This option will apply to all Winter Term 2020 courses or spanned courses that you completed over the Fall 2019-Winter 2020 Terms for which a standard letter grade is received (A+ to F).  

 Grades excluded in the calculation of your GPA will not be used in calculating GPA for the purpose of program progression and/or overall graduation GPA requirements. However,  course grades will continue to be used to satisfy UM pre-requisite requirements for entry into other courses, or admission to other programs, and to satisfy any other program requirements. Grades will appear on your official transcript, but will be flagged with a notation that the course was excluded from the GPA calculation due to the COVID-19 situation.  

Parchments will be mailed to spring 2020 graduates. Please check your address in Aurora, and update if needed, as this will be the address we will use to mail your parchment. 

Take advantage of academic supports. Though our campuses are closed, we are still here for you. Many student services are offering phone, email, and/or video appointments, including: academic advisors, Academic Learning Centre, Libraries and Student Accessibility Services. To book an appointment with an Elder in Residence, email isc@umanitoba.ca or call 204-474-8850. 

International students, please reach out. We understand that the current situation is particularly difficult for you. Do not hesitate to ask for guidance and support through a private phone or email conversation with an international student advisor at 204-474-8501 or international@umanitoba.ca. The Canadian government also has advice and information on their website, updated regularly. 

Be mindful, socialize and de-stress. Making time for yourself is important during these uncertain times. Free, daily mindfulness meditation is being offered through the Faculty of Social Work to help us all restore and reconnect. We have also compiled advice from UM experts on how to reduce anxiety and be productive during our time away from others. Lastly, although gyms are closed, there are exercise options you can use at home. For example, the UM’s Recreation Services is posting workouts on its YouTube channel. I encourage you to take advantage of these helpful resources. 

You can find more UM news about COVID-19, including FAQs for students, on this page, which is updated as new information becomes available. 

Please keep yourself and others safe by staying home. Avoid non-essential trips and keep a distance of two meters from others, even while outdoors. These efforts will help us get through these challenging times safely together.  

All my best, 

Laurie Schnarr 

At the meeting of Senate Executive on Wednesday, March 25th, the following recommendation was approved: 

Students can Choose to include or exclude Grades in GPA Calculations: 

Pursuant to Senate Executive’s approval of a temporary revision to the Grade Point Average Policy, (section 2.3), students will be allowed to choose whether or not to include a grade received for any course work completed in Winter Term 2020 in any GPA calculation used at the UM (i.e., cumulative grade point average, degree grade point average, sessional grade point average, and term grade point average).   This option will apply to all courses using standard letter grades (A+ to F) scheduled in the Winter 2020 term or spanned courses scheduled over the Fall 2019-Winter 2020 terms.   

Faculties/Colleges/School that wish to bring forward alternative grading schemes for its courses may do so by presenting a formal proposal including rationale and expected impacts to Dr. Todd Mondor, Deputy Provost, for review and consideration by Senate Executive. 

Grades excluded in the calculation of the GPA will not be used in calculating GPA for the purpose of program progression and/or overall graduation GPA requirements.  However, course grades will continue to be used to satisfy UM pre-requisite requirements for entry into other courses, or admission to other programs, and to satisfy any other program requirements.  

Grades will show on an official transcript but will be flagged with a notation that the course was excluded in the GPA calculation due to the COVID-19 situation.   

The process of student declaration is being finalized and will be communicated separately.   

Summer Term Registration: 

Registration for Distance and Online courses and Faculty of Graduate Studies re-registration and thesis courses that begin on May 4th will open for registration on April 20th.   

We continue to finalize offerings for the Summer Term 2020 courses which will be offered online or through alternative means.  Registration will begin on May 19, 2020 for Summer Term courses that will be offered on or after June 1.   

Graduation Parchments: 

Parchments will be mailed to Spring 2020 Graduates.  Students are beingbe asked to check their address in Aurora student and update if necessary. 

Student Supports:  

Many student services are offered by phone, email, and/or video appointments, including: academic advisors, Academic Learning Centre, Libraries and Student Accessibility Services. Students requiring support by an Elder-in-Residence can email isc@umanitoba.ca or call 204-474-8850.  International students may contact an international student advisor at 204-474-8501 or international@umanitoba.ca. The Canadian government also has advice and information on their website which is updated regularly. 

Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students) will send a communication to all students about these decisions 

Reminder: Important Resources for exams and academic integrity 

The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning provides on-line and virtual ‘in-person’ resources for instructors as they continue to teach, and as they create examinations. All of these resources can be found at: https://centre.cc.umanitoba.ca/contingencies-for-teaching/  Also, instructors can contact The Centre with specific requests by sending an email to: TheCentre@umanitoba.ca and one of The Centre’s experts will contact them.  

Please share this information widely with all faculty, instructors, staff – particularly academic advisors - and students in your Faculty/College/School.    This and future bulletins will be posted on the University’s COVID-19 website.     

A message from Louise Simard, Acting Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies

FGS staff are working from home and will continue to conduct business as best as possible under these circumstances. Because of this new distance-working mode, some areas may experience delays. We ask for your patience but be assured that your requests will be addressed based on priorities and time-sensitivity.

Oral Examinations scheduled prior to March 31, 2020 - updated information

• Until further notice, all examinations scheduled prior to March 31, 2020 (Thesis Proposal, Candidacy, Thesis Defence) must be held and attended virtually and must be closed.

• Until further notice, FGS approvals for video/telephone presence is not required for all examinations scheduled prior to March 31, 2020. FGS is available to facilitate upcoming Ph.D. Thesis examinations where possible.

• For Ph.D. thesis defences, it is the responsibility of the Advisor/Unit to ensure that audiovisual equipment runs smoothly throughout the examination. Any challenges encountered should be documented on the Final Report Form regarding the outcome of the examination. Please indicate if the examination was not able to proceed and requires rescheduling.

• Chair packages are being sent electronically. Please note that they will not include programs; if students wish to request programs as keepsakes, they may do so by emailing Kasey Morgan at Kasey.Morgan@umanitoba.ca. Programs will be made available once access to campus is restored.

• The Final Report Form should be signed electronically (see attached document on how to sign a PDF) and submitted electronically to FGS.

• International students: If you are concerned with potential delays in completing your program due to the above adjustments, we encourage you to contact an Advisor at the International Centre (IC) to discuss some important considerations. You can reach an Advisor at the IC by sending an email, with your full name and student number to international@umanitoba.ca.

Oral Examinations scheduled beyond March 31, 2020 - updated

• FGS will work with units regarding any oral Ph.D. thesis examinations scheduled after March 31, 2020. Students fulfilling their program requirements will be eligible to graduate at the next graduation date.

• International students: If you are concerned with potential delays in completing your program due to the above adjustments, we encourage you to contact an Advisor at the International Centre (IC) to discuss some important considerations. You can reach an Advisor at the IC by sending an email with your full name and student number, to international@umanitoba.ca.

Spring Convocation 2020 Spring convocation 2020 has been cancelled; however, students fulfilling their program requirements by March 31, 2020 will be eligible to graduate in June 2020. The University is working on alternate plans for a celebration at the appropriate time in the future.

Registration The Registrar's Office has indicated that registration for GRAD 6000, GRAD 7020, GRAD 7022, and GRAD 8020 will be open in April. Check umanitoba.ca/coronavirus and umanitoba.ca/registrar for the most up-to-date information.

Progress Report Form - updated information

• FGS requires that each graduate student complete the "Progress Report Form" normally due June 1. This review provides an excellent opportunity to document achievements, develop a plan to address deficiencies and establish expectations/goals for the coming year. As in-person contact and on-site presence has virtually ceased, this will also provide an opportunity to discuss expectations while working from home.

• While we encourage submission of the Progress Report Form for June 1, we are extending this deadline to July 1 in light of the Covid-19 crisis and the extra stresses imposed on Faculty and students at this time. The Advisory Committee meeting is to be virtual using available resources (WebEx, BlueJeans, Zoom, telephone, etc.). Electronic signatures of PDFs of the report are acceptable. Once signed by the Graduate Chair/Unit Head, please forward the forms to FGS. Progress Report Forms will be processed as they are received in the office; receiving them in bulk may require more time to complete processing.

• Any exceptional requests can be addressed to the Dean/Associate Dean.

Awards - new information

• The deadlines for all current internal University of Manitoba awards competitions have been pushed back to May 1, 2020; deadlines for newly advertised internal awards will be set for June 2020 and beyond where possible.

• We continue to accept GETS applications and UMGF recommendations; however, there will be some delay in processing. We are working as efficiently as possible.

• The Tri-Agencies have indicated the CGS-M results will not be available on April1, 2020 as planned; more information will be coming when available. The FGS awards office will accommodate extensions regarding responses so that students awaiting their CGS-M application results can make informed decisions about potential offers of admission.

Admissions to Graduate Studies - updated information

English Proficiency Testing: University Senate has approved as of March 18, 2020 to temporarily allow the use of the Duolingo English Test (englishtest.duolingo.com) for the Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 intakes, with a minimum acceptable test score of 115.

Admission Application Deadlines: The Faculty of Graduate Studies will consider accommodating Department/Unit level decisions that might impact admission timelines.

Admission Deferrals: The Faculty of Graduate Studies will accommodate admission deferrals while registration is suspended or in the event that travel is prohibited, or quarantine/self-isolation is required.

We are currently working through mechanisms to best contact prospective students.

To the University of Manitoba community,

Yesterday I communicated our commitment to taking measures to protect the health and safety of our campuses and our wider community. Our top priority is doing our part to help contain the transmission of COVID-19.

In that same spirit, today I am announcing that there will be no classes on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17. The University campuses will remain open on those days, but there will no classes.

This two-day pause allows the University to prepare to move classes to alternative modes of instruction.

To be clear, as of Wednesday, March 18 there will be NO IN-PERSON CLASSES, with rare exceptions that will be communicated directly to those affected. All in-person undergraduate and research-stream Master’s and Doctoral instruction will end March 13. Instruction will be provided by other means that may include existing online platforms. This will continue through the end of the term on April 7.

For now, the voluntary withdrawal date will remain the same (March 18), as will the exam period (April 13-25). We will assess this during the “pause” and communicate further details end of day Tuesday, March 17, or sooner if available.

Our staff are working hard to keep as much of the University operational as possible. The University remains open and we are continuing to provide students with as many essential services as possible under the circumstances. Please keep referring to this page for information and updates.

As I referenced in yesterday’s communication, all non-essential events involving 50 or more participants have been cancelled or postponed.

We continue to actively encourage everyone to maintain the hygiene and social distancing protocols outlined by health authorities.

As we reflect on all the information coming our way during this challenging period, I ask everyone to demonstrate patience and understanding.

The COVID-19 threat is new to all of us; none of us have dealt with precisely this situation before. We are acting out of an abundance of caution and with the best interests in mind of this and the larger community. We are all dealing with this together. We are committed to doing our best and making the best decisions.

Thank you for your attention. Please look after yourselves and one another.

Sincerely,
David

In order to support the university during these busy times, the IST Service Desk will be extending their hours this weekend to provide additional connectivity support for academics and those planning to work remotely.

If your request is urgent, please contact the Service Desk by Phone or Chat only. You will be answered in the order that the calls are received.

During regular operations, the Service Desk can be contacted by phone, chat, email or walk in service.

Extended IST Service Desk Hours
Phone, Chat, Walk-in at Fort Garry Campus
Friday, Mar 13 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
Saturday, Mar 14 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, Mar 15 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Phone: 204-474-8600
Click on the link to chat online: Chat

Regular hours and other information is available on the IST Service Desk website: http://umanitoba.ca/computing/ist/help/

Please be aware that Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is implementing the following measures to reduce surface contact exposure to the virus:

Caretaking Services:

• Special attention to ensure that washrooms remain stocked with soap for handwashing.
• Disinfection of high touch surfaces such as light switches, handrails, elevator buttons, doorknobs, faucet/toilet handles, etc.
• High traffic areas will be equipped with alcohol-based hand sanitizer stations.

Individual Office Spaces:

• If individuals or departments wish to disinfect their own spaces, they should use disinfectants containing bleach or 70% ethanol. Health Canada states, “Environmental cleaning products registered in Canada with a Drug Identification Number (DIN) and labelled as a broad-spectrum virucide are sufficient for SARS-CoV-2”, the cause of COVID-19. The Clorox Commercial Solutions Disinfecting Wipes, available through Grand and Toy, meet these requirements and can be purchased by departments wishing to conduct extra cleaning within their spaces. Please follow the instructions on the label for effective cleaning directions.
• Departments can purchase small pump bottles of hand sanitizer for their public spaces, if stock is available through suppliers.

EHS is also encouraging all departments, areas, units, etc to complete the University of Manitoba Business Continuity Plan Template. This is an all hazard, best practice approach for business continuity that guides preparation for work disruptions such as staffing shortages. Please prepare these documents so that disruptions to services can be mitigated or their impacts reduced.

Finally, please feel free to print and post these Cough Etiquette and Hand Hygiene signs from Manitoba Health. They are a useful reminder in public areas such as lunchrooms, large boardrooms, reception areas, etc.

To members of the University of Manitoba community:

The University of Manitoba today is taking measures to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 on its campuses and in the wider community, and, ultimately, to support the province’s health care system.

Our plan today is to keep the University of Manitoba open. The campuses are not closed. However, we are limiting levels of on-campus activity in order to mitigate COVID-19 transmission.

I recognize that these actions will cause disruption and inconvenience, but as Manitoba’s largest post-secondary institution with a student population of more than 29,000 and more than 10,000 full- and part-time faculty and staff, we have a responsibility to do all we can to lead the effort to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in this province.

My colleagues and I have consulted widely with other universities and our own health care experts, and, heeding the advice of public health authorities, we have made the determination that the need to act is now, while there is still a window of opportunity to make a positive impact and to the extent possible, help protect the community.

These measures are effective immediately and will stay in place until further notice.

These changes will take many forms as they unfold, but most critically they will involve:

CLASSES:

• We are not cancelling classes or exams at this time.
• Deans have been asked to work with their departments and faculty to make all course materials for the remainder of the term available online and to consider alternate assessment methods that can allow for social distancing practices.
• The Registrar’s Office is currently working on an alternate final examination schedule that would reduce the number of students in any given exam venue to incorporate best social distancing practices.
• With respect to summer term, we will be looking at how we can employ on-line methods.
• Co-op and integrated learning program leads are to look at contingency plans for students involved in off-site learning opportunities.

EVENTS:

• University-sponsored events of 50 people or more will be cancelled or postponed.
• Organizers of smaller events will be required to consider alternate ways of doing those events that need to proceed (e.g., not providing food, hosting in large spaces offering sufficient flexibility for social distancing, or hosting online versions of events)

TRAVEL:

• All university-related travel should be suspended for faculty, staff and students, where possible. Specific guidelines will be developed to assist in this process.

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES:

• All students on international placements will be advised to return to Canada. Planning is underway to address the implications for these students of leaving a placement prior to its completion.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

• Messages regarding physical contact, cough and sneeze etiquette, hand washing, the use of sanitizers and disinfectant wipe are being widely shared and circulated.
• All employees who show flu-like symptoms must not report to work and take the advice provided by public health officials.
• While keeping the university operational remains a priority, heads of units will assess options for staff to work from home. If feasible, work from home agreements will be initiated and support arrangements for the provision of the necessary tools to do so will be facilitated on a priority basis.

COMMUNICATIONS:

• We continue to urge our community to follow all health and safety protocols.
• We will update the www.umanitoba.ca webpage with new information as it becomes available.

Those are the most important measures for you to note at this time. Please pay close attention to all the announcements and details that will follow, from the institutional sources (UM homepage, UMToday, emails), as well as information from your specific units, managers and instructors.

We will continue to keep student residences open, dining operations and other services and supports, where possible.

We ask everyone to adhere to the health and safety precautions already outlined in detail in our UMToday story and public health websites. Please keep at least two metres away from one another, wash your hands carefully and regularly, stay home if you are feeling ill, and follow all proper protocols.

None of these planned actions I have shared today with you are being taken lightly. I assure you that we are making decisions that we feel are the best for our immediate and wider community, and based on sound scientific advice. UM has been a leader for decades in global public health research and community outreach. We have a responsibility now to make every effort possible to play our part in meeting this current challenge.

While we take these proactive and preventive measures, members of our UM community continue to play a key role in directly addressing the impacts of COVID-19, medically, socially, economically, and in other relevant spheres. I thank them and express here our deeply felt support for their efforts.

Please join me in working together to play our part in keeping ourselves and our community as safe and healthy as possible.

I thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

David T. Barnard, O.M., Ph.D., FRSC

President and Vice-Chancellor

The University of Manitoba continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) threat. Currently, there is one presumptive case of COVID-19 in Manitoba. The Public Health Agency of Canada identifies the risk to Canadians as “low.” Globally, and throughout North America, the number of cases has increased in the past few days. Governments and institutions are taking a wide range of responses, including reducing or eliminating travel and other measures of social distancing.

In the U.S., a number of universities are cancelling larger public events and, where possible, moving academic activity to an online format. In Canada, some smaller universities are shutting down. UM health experts, risk management professionals and administrative leaders are paying close attention to every development to make informed and responsible decisions regarding any necessary adjustments to normal practices and activities. It is critically important that you continue to read all updates for new information. Answers to commonly asked questions can be found below.