Office of the Vice-Provost (Students)

Committed to inclusive excellence, academic success, and the health and well-being of all students, the Vice-Provost (Students) mobilizes people and resources to advance the University’s strategic priority to deliver an outstanding student experience.

Vice-Provost (Students)

  • Laurie Schnarr (she/her)

    Laurie arrived at the University of Manitoba in 2019 from the University of Guelph, where she was the Director, Student Experience and Interim Director, Experiential Learning.

    Throughout her career, Laurie has played a key role in advancing initiatives that promote student retention, civic engagement and leadership development, Indigenous achievement and intercultural competence.

  • photo of Laurie Schnarr

More about Laurie Schnarr

In 2015, Laurie led a review of the support needs of Black students on campus and co-authored a report that articulated a series of recommendations for the University of Guelph. In 2017, Laurie was seconded by the Provost to serve as Special Advisor on Experiential Learning and was assigned responsibility for advancing the University's Experiential Learning Strategy. In 2018, she served on the Indigenous Initiatives Strategic Task Force, and chaired a sub-committee on campus environment and cultural safety.

Laurie has been recognized for her service by the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services. She has received the President's Award for Exemplary Staff Service, the R.P. Gilmor Award for outstanding contributions to Student Life and the Marilyn Langlois award for her work in supporting students, staff, faculty and community partners. Laurie and her team were also the recipients of the President's Award for outstanding achievement in United Way fundraising. In 2019, in recognition of Laurie's many contributions to fostering an inclusive campus environment, the University of Guelph established the Laurie Schnarr "I Am A Gryphon" award in her honour.

Reporting units

Student Affairs provides confidential support, advisement, consultations and referrals to students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members regarding a range of matters concerning students and the student experience. We work collaboratively with our colleagues in the Vice-President (Indigenous) portfolio, Student Residences, Bison Athletics, the faculties, student government, and UM administrative units to implement new initiatives and address challenges that may impede student success.

Student Affairs

Responsibilities

  • Student Affairs: Deliver on our promise of an exceptional student experience by leading a dynamic Student Affairs team of staff, instructors and student employees across three departments: The Office of the Registrar and Enrolment Services, Student Engagement and Success, and Student Support.
  • Experiential Learning: Oversee the launch of the Experiential Learning Hub, the development of diverse co-curricular Experiential Learning offerings, the establishment of robust industry/community/campus partnerships, and the promotion of Experiential Learning to the campus and broader communities.
  • Strategic Enrolment Management: Enhance enrolment targets by contributing to the development of a new institutional plan and associated tactics, with a particular focus on a review of Admissions and Awards practices and processes, international student recruitment, and U1.
  • Sexual Violence Prevention, Education and Response: As co-chair of the Sexual Violence Steering Committee, support the work of the Sexual Violence Resource Centre and ensure the continued implementation of recommendations brought forward in the report, Responding to sexual violence, harassment and discrimination at the University of Manitoba: A path forward.
  • Student Mental Health, Well-being and Belonging: Foster a culture of student belonging, well-being and inclusion by ensuring open lines of communication, diverse opportunities for student engagement and, as co-chair of the Mental Health and Well-being Task Force, the development of recommendations that support personal and professional growth and academic success.
  • Student Retention: Leading the development of systems, programs, supports and interventions that promote student engagement and academic success, particularly for students at risk of not persisting.

Drop-In Office Hours

Laurie Schnarr, Vice-Provost (Students), and Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity), are offering bi-weekly drop-in hours at Degrees throughout the Fall and Winter terms. If you have a question, big idea, or a concern please drop by – we look forward to connecting with you!

  • Monday, February 3 | 2 to 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, February 26 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Friday, March 14 | 10 to 11 a.m.
  • Thursday, March 27 | 1 to 2 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 8 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Tuesday, May 6 | 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Monday, June 2 | 1 to 2 p.m.

Contact Us

Office of the Vice-Provost (Students)
Room 208 Administration Building
66 Chancellor's Circle
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

laurie.schnarr@umanitoba.ca
204-474-6919