Though we are facing unprecedented challenges, it is clear that the UWinnipeg community is resilient, adaptable, dedicated, generous, and united. I am so proud of our University and the incredible responsiveness to rapid change, the way in which we have provided support to those in need, and the genuine care exhibited by people determined to help one another through this disruption.
So much has happened in the past three weeks. We wrestled with decisions that we knew would affect people. Our campus closure and shift to alternative delivery of learning and services took a tremendous amount of effort and coordination. Our faculty and teaching staff are commended for their efforts. Through it all, we have stayed true to our mission and our principles – academic excellence and student success. We knew that our job in responding to COVID-19 was to safeguard the health of the UWinnipeg community and to support the success of our students.
Meeting student needs — particularly during a time of sudden upheaval — requires flexible thinking. Just as our faculty are fulfilling our academic mission through alternate modes of delivery, our staff are going to great lengths. For example, we have made laptops available to some students and our residence will remain open to ensure that students with no other alternatives have a place to stay.
Supporting student success also means offering financial assistance to those in need. In the past two weeks, we provided $258,900 in bursary aid to assist 355 students through the University’s Opportunity Fund, our General Bursary Fund, and via the Manitoba Scholarship and Bursary Initiative (MSBI). The Opportunity Fund was designed to be flexible so that we can provide help to students when they need it.
The level of financial support that we were able to provide was only possible because of the generosity of our donors and their foresight in giving to a flexible fund specifically for those who are facing difficult situations. Click here for more information on the Opportunity Fund and how you can support students in need.
In mid-April, we will take applications for the next round of bursary support, which will go out in June to qualifying spring-term students in need. Last year, The University of Winnipeg provided over $5.7 million in scholarships, awards, and bursaries to assist students with their direct education costs. We expect the need to increase dramatically this year.
It’s been a trying period in recent weeks and we know it will continue to present challenges for our community. I have faith, however, that we will rise to meet this situation and that we will emerge stronger. We are grateful to our generous alumni and donors for their support. During this time of uncertainty, that support is more important than ever.
Please stay healthy and visit our COVID-19 website for regular updates and answers to your frequently asked questions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Annette Trimbee,
President and Vice-Chancellor
