To the UWinnipeg community,
We are in the midst of a concerning public health situation, one that is evolving rapidly. I want you to know that senior administration is taking considered measures to safeguard the health of our students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors.
The time to act is now so that we may help preserve the health and safety of the UWinnipeg community. This will mean some near-term changes to our daily routines and plans.
Here are the changes we are implementing immediately:
Suspension of in-person classes
All in-person classes and labs will be suspended for the remainder of the winter term.
We are fortunate to be near the end of term, April 3. Our goal is to support students in successfully completing their courses. By March 20, we will communicate our completion plans to students through webmail.
Deans and department chairs are working collaboratively with faculty on alternate methods of course content delivery and are actively planning how we can support students in completing their courses.
Changes to co-operative placements and other work-integrated learning will be determined by those who are supervising students in the field.
The University of Winnipeg Collegiate is also suspending classes and moving to alternate delivery methods. Dean Kevin Clace will communicate with students and parents.
UWinnipeg’s Professional Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) is moving to online delivery of all courses as of Monday, March 16.
UWinnipeg’s English Language Program (ELP) is also suspending classes. Executive Director Carmelle Mulaire will communicate alternate plans with students.
Essential services will remain open, some facilities will close
The University of Winnipeg campus remains open — including student support services, research support services, and Diversity Foods.
UWinnipeg’s residences will remain open and operational. Extra cleaning of residence space is taking place to ensure appropriate hygiene and safe spaces available for students who live on campus to self-isolate, if required. Students should contact housing@uwinnipeg.ca or 204.786.9900 with any questions.
The Bill Wedlake Fitness Centre will close at the end of day, March 13 (today).
Faculty members should communicate with their departmental chair about their research programs and to develop contingency plans. The Research Office can provide guidance.
Staff and faculty should continue reporting to work as usual. We are developing plans to enable some staff and faculty to work from home, where appropriate —please speak with your supervisor. Of course, if you are ill, please stay home and advise your supervisor.
All university-related, non-essential travel is suspended.
All discretionary events on campus currently scheduled until May 1, 2020 will be postponed. This is in keeping with social distancing strategies and considering that our events may include guests who travel from afar, as well as community members who may be more vulnerable to the health risks associated with COVID-19.
We are pulling together
These adjustments will cause disruption — and we are grateful for your continuing efforts, patience, and understanding as we navigate this challenge together.
We are taking these steps to reduce risk, in keeping with the advice and guidance provided by the Manitoba government and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors to campus is our top priority.
The University has a business continuity plan and we are actively working through operational contingencies. We will share more information as decisions are made.
All current information will be published on our website. Please check there regularly.
Dr. Annette Trimbee,
President & Vice-Chancellor
