Family resources

Welcome to the family resources hub for UM students, support staff, academics and faculty members of the University of Manitoba community, covering various family care topics. Find the latest information and discover resources that can help you navigate through the different stages of family life.

mother and child embracing at table together

About us

The University of Manitoba understands that family and work can sometimes be a balancing act. This site is a comprehensive resource for all family care matters with information and referrals to services both on and off campus.

On this page:

Visit the Family Resources intranet site for more information on programs and services available to the UM community.

Visit the Family Resource intranet site 

Watch a short introductory video about UM's Family Resources.

The University of Manitoba believes that "family" is a diverse and inclusive network of loving relationships that transcends traditional definitions.  Family may or may not be related, share the same household, or be legally recognized.

Child care

Quality child care and family-friendly policies are indispensable to our students, staff and faculty parents. We are committed to providing services and supports that help our community thrive

Child care on campus

The Campus Children’s Centre Inc. is a 138-space child care centre located on our Fort Gary campus.  Available exclusively for staff and students of the University of Manitoba, the centre provides care for children from 3 months to 6 years in a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment.  

UM Babysitter Directory

The UM Babysitter Directory is a convenient tool for connecting University families with student babysitters. This initiative allows for students to gain casual employment and work experience while helping out their fellow University community members.

Access to the directory is for parents and caregivers.  Users will be asked to complete a disclaimer form, and then will receive an invitation to request access.

If you are a student interested in becoming a casual sitter, please contact FamilyResource@umanitoba.ca

Resource package for babysitters (PDF) 

Resource package for parents (PDF)

Mini U programs

Mini U programs offers more than 68 programs to choose from giving 4-16 year olds the opportunity to enjoy UM's nationally-renowned facilities under the guidance and mentorship of skilled, caring staff.

A family-friendly campus

We are committed to providing resources and supports that help our students, staff, and faculty members thrive.

Baby change tables

Fort Garry campus
  • University Centre, rooms 110 F (Women's), 127 (Men's), 131 (Women's), 133 (UTR), 231 (Women's), 231B (Men's), 307A (Women's)
  • Fletcher Argue, room 114A (UTR)
  • Stanley Pauley Engineering Building, rooms 117 (UTR), 217 (UTR), 317 (UTR), 417 (UTR)
  • Active Living Centre, room 345 (UTR)
  • Frank Kennedy Centre, room 130B (UTR)
  • Tache Arts Complex, room 360 (UTR)
  • Migizii Agamik, rooms 148 (Non-gendered), 150 (Men's)
  • ARTLAB, room 166 (Women's), 168 (Men's)
Smartpark
  • Smartpark Innovation Hub, rooms 108 (UTR), 204a (UTR), 304a (UTR), 404a (UTR)
  • 137 Innovation Drive, rooms 141 (Men's), 142 (Women's)
Bannatyne campus
  • Brodie Centre, rooms 032A (UTR), 032B (UTR), 034C (UTR), 035C (UTR), 036J (UTR), 171 (Men's, accessible), 172 (Women's, accessible), 275 (Women's, accessible), 276 (Men's), 353 (UTR)
  • John Buhler Research Centre, rooms 519 (Men's), 520 (Women's), 550 (Family washroom), 553 (Non-gendered), 663 (Men's), 635 (Women's), 720 (Men's, accessible), 813 (Men's, accessible)
  • Medical Services Building, room 208A (Men's)
  • Dentistry, room 127 (UTR)

Breastfeeding-friendly spaces

Breastfeeding in public and in the workplace is protected by the UM's Respectful Work and Learning Environment (RWLE) policy and the Canadian Human Rights Act. If you have information on breastfeeding spaces that are not listed below, please contact us.

Fort Garry campus

  • Migizii Agamik - Bald Eagle Lodge: Migizii Agamik, located at 114 Sidney Smith, welcomes students and staff of all nations to breastfeed throughout the centre. Most private spaces are available by speaking with the staff at the front desk.
  • Student Wellness Centre: Located at 162 Extended Education, the Student Wellness Centre has a screened corner area for students and staff to breastfeed when not in use. Booking in advance is required. The centre's hours are Monday to Friday from 10:30 am - 2:30 p.m. 
  • University of Manitoba Graduate Students' Association: The UMGSA office at 221 UMSU University Centre is a quiet space with comfortable couches, a sink and a microwave. All students and staff are welcome to use the space for breastfeeding or pumping during office hours.
  • Global Lounge at the International Centre: The Global Lounge is a quiet, open area with comfortable seating. All students and staff are welcome to use the space for breastfeeding during office hours. It is located at Room 542 UMSU University Centre.
  • Faculty of Art's Quiet Room: The Quiet Room, located at 605 Fletcher Argue, is a private room with comfortable furniture, dimmable lighting and a lamp. The door can be locked while in use which displays an "occupied" notice.

Bannatyne campus

  • Child Feeding Room: The Child Feeding Room is located at Room 290a Brodie Centre, next to the RFHS Family Centre, and requires swipe access. It is a private space with comfortable seating, a sink area, electrical outlets, and a refrigerator to store breast milk. To request access, please provide your name and employee or student number to FamilyCentre@umanitoba.ca

Establishing a breastfeeding/pumping-friendly space (for units/faculties)

The following information is for units, faculties or departments when developing their own breastfeeding and pumping-friendly spaces for students and employees.

Basic considerations:

  • some level of privacy (ie. privacy screens)
  • clean and well-ventilated
  • comfortable seating
  • table, clock, wastebasket
  • access to an electrical outlet
  • adequate lighting
  • nearby access to a sink with running water and soap
  • nearby access to a refrigerator for storage of breast milk
  • hand sanitizer
  • paper towels
  • solutions and spray bottles for cleaning and sanitizing
  • location of the space
  • promotion of the space
  • signage for ease of navigation to the space
  • use of the first-come, first-serve policy
  • a sign-up system for the purpose of room scheduling
  • employee ownership for care and cleaning of the space

Optimal space considerations:

  • Private room or areas with door that locks
  • signage that indicates the room is occupied
  • room decor
  • sink with hot and cold running water and soap
  • refrigerator for storage of breast milk
  • baby change table with change pad
  • wall mirror
  • bulletin board and brochure holders
  • information for support services

Extra space considerations:

  • electric breast pump/storage area for breast pumps
  • lending library of informative reading materials on working/studying and breastfeeding
  • CD player for soft music
  • toys and books for young children

Other resources:

UM's Family-friendly University Committee, launched in September 2024, meets regularly to discuss ways to further support students, staff, faculty members and other academics on family related matters. 

For information on UM employee parental leave benefits, isit the Maternity and parental leaves intranet page.

For information for UM student parents/caregivers, including academic policies and supports, visit the Students Parents/Caregivers webpage.

Older adult care

We understand that members of our community may have responsibilities to care for the older adults in their lives. Here are some programs and resources to support you.

Adult Companionship Services Directory

The Adult Companionship Services (ACS) Directory aims to connect caregivers of adults within the UM community with students offering support through companionship services. 

Developed in collaboration with the Centre on Aging and the UM Age-friendly University Committee, the directory serves as a centralized hub to locate companionship service providers and post job opportunities. 

The responsibilities of an Adult Companionship Service Provider are to provide companionship and emotional support and engage in meaningful activities with clients. Companionship services can include a variety of tasks, such as regular check-in visits and phone calls, accompanying clients on outings or appointments, playing cards, fixing light snacks or coffee. It will not include services reserved for professionals, such as lifting, dressing and feeding.

The directory is open to all faculty members, staff, retirees, and students. The vetting process is the responsibility of each family.

If you are a student interested in becoming an adult companionship service provider, please contact FamilyResource@umanitoba.ca

Resource package for clients

Resource package for service providers

For information regarding leaves for caregivers, bereavement benefits or voluntary reduced work options, please refer to your employment group's collective agreement. Visit the Unions and Employment Groups intranet page.

Newcomer supports

There are numerous resources available to you that can help ease the transition for you and your family.

  • Relocation and settlement

    HR Immigration and Family Resources provides free relocation and settlement services for recently appointed foreign national academics, post-doctoral fellows and visiting scholars/professors. Together, we strive to deliver comprehensive support to help you navigate the transition to a new chapter of your life in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

    Find more information on relocation and settlement supports on the Join our Academic Community webpage.

     

  • person walking with a suitcase in hand

Stay in touch with our e-newsletter

Stay connected by providing us with your contact information and get the latest news, events, and more on family care topics.

You may also want

Contact us

Family Resources 
Office of the Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs) 
319-66 Chancellors Circle 
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB  R3T 2N2 
Canada

familyresource@umanitoba.ca
204-474-7676