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Message to the UWinnipeg community

September 21st, 2026

It has come to our attention that Frances Widdowson, an individual who has been barred from the University of Winnipeg campus, may come to UWinnipeg in the coming days. Widdowson has caused disruption on our campus in the past and continues to harass UWinnipeg Indigenous students, faculty and staff, as well as local Indigenous residential and day school survivors and community members who are our partners in Reconciliation. This individual is not invited to and not welcome on our campus.
Throughout this and next week, we are commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a series of events and activities on campus. If this individual comes to campus in these coming days, it will be the second time they have disrupted this highly important and meaningful time for our community. Should they appear on campus, the Winnipeg Police Service will be called to enforce the barring notice.
We stand with residential and day school survivors and their families. We unequivocally denounce any attempts to deny or downplay the harms that residential schools, day schools, and other acts of genocide against Indigenous Peoples have caused. These are real, and their effects continue today. Acknowledging them and advancing Reconciliation is a responsibility we all share.
Scholarship, teaching, and community engagement from many members of the UWinnipeg community helps to illuminate the truth about residential and day schools and to deepen our understanding of the structures and ongoing effects of settler colonialism in Canada.
We recognize that this is a difficult time, and there are supports available. The Indigenous Student Services Centre (ISSC) is open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and provides a safe, culturally supportive space for Indigenous students, including space for smudging, access to Elders-in-Residence, and connection to an Indigenous counsellor. Students can also access support through Student Wellness, and faculty and staff can access support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program. Faculty are also advised to reach out to their Faculty Deans who will provide supports during this difficult time. The National Residential Schools Crisis Line is also available 24 hours, 7 days a week at 1-866-925-4419.
University offices, classrooms, and residences are not open to unauthorized visitors. If you encounter Widdowson or another person trespassing in one of these spaces, please contact Campus Security at 204-786-6666 or use the UW Safe app to report the incident and ask for help.
Dr. Jino Distaso
Interim President and Vice-Chancellor
Dr. Pavlina Radia
Provost and Vice-President, Academic
Dr. Peter Miller
President, University of Winnipeg Faculty Association
The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association

The Free Youth Transit Pass Pilot program

August 25th, 2026

The Free Youth Transit Pass Pilot program provides complimentary transit passes to eligible Winnipeg students aged 11 to 21 for the entire 2026–2027 school year. Funded by a $10-million provincial initiative, the program officially begins in September 2026 and will remain valid until August 2027. [1, 2]

Program Eligibility

  • Age Group: Youths aged 11 to 17, and high school students aged 18 to 21.
  • School Status: Must be enrolled in a Winnipeg-based public, independent, or home-school program.
  • Under 11: Children aged 11 and under already ride for free on Winnipeg Transit if accompanied by a fare-paying customer.

The UWinnipeg Office of Indigenous Engagement are accepting donations for Indigenous Peoples Day

June 1st, 2026

In honour of Indigenous People’s Day, the Office of Indigenous Engagement has chosen to turn our sight outward, toward our community. And being a part of this community means that we work and live alongside the unhoused, (primarily) urban Indigenous population who call downtown Winnipeg home.

The University of Winnipeg has been situated in the downtown core since its inception in 1967, with roots going back nearly 100 years before that, and we are deeply embedded as part of this urban community.

We recognize that there are deep, complex, and painful systemic processes and generational harms that continue to contribute to the distressing circumstances many of our Indigenous relatives face today.

As the Office of Indigenous Engagement, we strive to collaborate with all sectors of our Indigenous community. In the spirit of National Indigenous People’s Day, we invite the greater UW community to help us recognize and support the populations around us.

We are accepting donations of:

  • Gift cards
  • Cash – Send to treasurer@agapetable.ca and folks can state it’s for the “UW NIPD initiative.” For any donations over $20, Agape Table will provide a tax receipt.
  • Gently used or new backpacks (an extremely useful and sought after item), water bottles, wallets, shoes, clothing items, hats, belts, jackets, toques, mitts, purses
  • New socks, underwear, and hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, feminine products, bandages, cotton swabs, handkerchiefs, lotion, razors and deodorant, etc.

Donations are now being collected until June 30th, when the collected items will be presented to the Agape Table; an urban organization in downtown Winnipeg that supports local unhoused populations. Their tangible efforts can be seen every week at 350 Furby street at 7am, where they serve anyone who is hungry with no questions, or judgement.

Food Assistance | Agape Table | Winnipeg

Drop boxes are in room 1E16 of the Helen Betty Osbourne (Education) building and room 3W09 in Wesley Hall Monday to Friday 9am-2pm.

Contacts are li.ledoux@uwinnipeg.ca and ka.martin@uwinnipeg.ca

Sikh Heritage Week – Celebrating Sikh Heritage Month at the University of Winnipeg

March 20th, 2026

April is officially recognized as Sikh Heritage Month in Canada. The UWSA Vice-President Student Affairs, Harleen Deol, is hosting three events to represent a week of celebrations highlighting Sikh culture, traditions, and community. For any questions please email vpsa@theuwsa.ca.


March 31 – Sikh Community & Business Tabling Fair
Riddell Hall (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

This event will feature tables from members of the local Sikh community, including small businesses, community organizations, and vendors. The goal is to highlight Sikh entrepreneurship, community initiatives, and cultural engagement while giving students an opportunity to connect with local Sikh businesses and organizations.


April 1 – Turban Day

Riddell Hall (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

This event celebrates the Sikh turban (Dastaar), which is an important symbol of Sikh identity, equality, dignity, and commitment to Sikh values. During the event, volunteers will demonstrate and help students tie turbans while also explaining the cultural and spiritual significance behind it. The purpose is to promote awareness and understanding of Sikh identity and traditions.


April 2 – Vaisakhi Celebration

Community Gym & MPR at Axworthy Health and RecPlex , 350 Spence St (8:00 am to 3:00 pm)

This event celebrates Vaisakhi, one of the most important festivals in Sikhism, commemorating the founding of the Khalsa in 1699.

The celebration will include:
Sukhmani Sahib Paath – A Sikh prayer recitation focused on peace and spiritual reflection. (8:30 to 10:30 am) [ Community Gym ] • Kirtan – Devotional Sikh music where hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib are sung. (10:30 to 11:30 am) [ Community Gym ] • Langar – A free community meal open to everyone, symbolizing equality and community service. (11 am to 2 pm) [ MPR ]

UWSA strongly opposes the City of Winnipeg’s proposed bylaw prohibiting “nuisance protests”

February 13th, 2026

Last updated: January 13, 2026

The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) is deeply concerned about the City of Winnipeg’s proposed Safe Access to Vulnerable Infrastructure by-law currently under consideration by the Executive Policy Committee.

Students, like all residents, have a fundamental democratic right to peaceful assembly, protest, and dissent. These rights are essential tools for marginalized communities, students, and social movements to bring attention to injustice and to advocate for social, political, and institutional change. It is our strong view that the ambiguous definition of “nuisance demonstrations” risks significantly restricting these rights in public spaces across Winnipeg, including areas where students, workers, and community members traditionally gather to express collective concerns.

We recognize the importance of public safety and respectful discourse. However, restrictions on protest must be narrowly tailored, transparent, and grounded in strong protections of civil liberties. As currently drafted, this by-law raises serious concerns about overreach, discretionary enforcement, and disproportionate impacts on Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, and other historically marginalized groups who rely on protest as a means of political participation.

The UWSA calls on the City Council and the Executive Policy Committee to reconsider this proposal and to engage meaningfully with community organizations, civil liberties groups, and affected stakeholders before advancing any measures that could limit democratic participation. We further encourage students and community members to stay informed, participate in public consultations, and exercise their rights to civic engagement.

Students and community members who wish to participate in the consultation process can register to speak to the Executive Policy Committee and submit written feedback to the City Council. UWSA will continue to monitor this proposal and provide updates on opportunities for student engagement.

IMMEDIATE ACTION AND SUPPORT:

Here is the link to register as a delegate or provide a submission with feedback to the Executive Policy Committee: https://www.winnipeg.ca/city-governance/mayor-council/council-committee-meetings/participate-meeting/register-delegation-or-submit-comments-committee-council

The deadline is noon, February 13th 2026 for any submissions for the Executive Policy Committee Meeting on 17th February 2026.

The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association remains committed to defending students’ rights to organize, speak out, and participate in all aspects of public life without fear of reprisal.

Sincerely,

The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA)

Winter Connect!

February 5th, 2026

Don’t miss the Winter Connect event with your UWSA Executives on Thursday, February 12, at noon at the UWSA Hive. We also have a special announcment!

See you there!

 

Nominations Open for UWSA General Elections 2026

January 26th, 2026

The UWSA General Election 2026 Nomination Period begins today!

The nomination Period opens at: 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan 26.

The nomination Period closes at: 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb 5.

Do you want to create positive change for your fellow students at the University of Winnipeg?

The General Election is where students can run for an Executive Team position (President, Vice-President External Affairs, Vice-President Student Affairs), a Board of Director position, a Board of Regents seat, or a Senator position.  

Becoming an Executive Director or a member of the UWSA Board of Directors gives you experience serving on a non-profit board, awards you the opportunity to connect with student communities and represent their needs, gives you a voice to help make decisions that impact students and the university, and helps you learn more about the student union, university governance, and lobbying government.

To nominate yourself, fill out the online form here: theuwsa.formstack.com/forms/nomination

For more information, please visit theuwsa.ca/elections or email the CEC@theuwsa.ca.

UWSA Sports Days on January 27 and 28!

January 6th, 2026

Sign-up here: theuwsa.formstack.com/forms/events

Join us for our UWSA Sports Days and play your favourite activities, including volleyball, soccer, tug of war, races, and more, on January 27 and 28! We welcome the whole University to participate in our event! If you are a collegiate student you will unfortunately not be able to participate in our event.

We are accepting walk-ups for each sport, but please note that there may be a chance that we fill up.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • WAIVER: Each person will be required to fill out a waiver form before participating in any of the Sports Days events.
  • You are required to wear appropriate gym attire. You will not be allowed to wear jeans!
  • You must wear indoor shoes. Please refrain from waering any marking shoes or spikes for the races.
  • Bring a waterbottle!

January 27 Schedule

  • 10 – 11:30 AM: 100, 200, 400 Meter Race. Located on the 2nd Floor Duckworth Centre Track.
    • How it’s set-up
      • Racers will run a maximum of TWO times and a minimum of ONE time.
      • Each section (100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter) will have a maximum of 4 preliminary races. Each race’s first place winner will move on to the final race, which will determine the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
  • 11:30 AM. – 12 p.m: BREAK and Races Award Ceremony and free refreshments for players. Located on the 2nd Floor of Duckworth Centre.
  • 12 – 2 PM: Basketball – Team of 3. Located in the Duckworth Centre Gym.
  • 2:30 – 3 PM: Tug of War. Located in the Duckworth Centre Gym.
  • 3 – 3:30 PM: Basketball and Tug of War Award Ceremony. Located on the 2nd Floor of Duckworth Centre.

January 28 Schedule

  • 10 AM – 12 PM: Volleyball – Team of 6 (You may have substitues if you’d like). Located in the Community Gym in the RecPlex
  • 12 – 12:15 PM: Volleyball Award Ceremony
  • 1:30 – 3:30 PM: Soccer – Team of 11 (You may have substitues if you’d like). Located on Fields A and B in the RecPlex
  • 3:30 – 4PM: BREAK and Soccer Award Ceremony and free refreshments for players. Located on the 2nd Floor Alcoves above the RecPlex Fields.
  • 4 – 4:30 PM: Relay Race – Team of 4. Located on Fields A and B in the Recplex
  • 4:30 – 5 PM: 3 legged races – Team of 2. Located beside the fields in the RecPlex.
  • 5 PM: Relay and 3-Legged Race Award Ceremony. Located on the 2nd Floor Alcoves above the RecPlex Fields.

For TEAM SPORTS – If you have secured your team for the following events: Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, and/or Relay Race you will notify us on the day of the event and show up with your team. If you do not have a full team you will be merged with other players. If you DO NOT have a team we will put you on a team on the day.

  • Basketball – Team of 3
  • Volleyball – Team of 6 (You may have substitues if you’d like)
  • Soccer – Team of 11 (You may have substitues if you’d like)
  • Relay Race – Team of 4
  • 3 Legged Race – Team of 2

If you have any questions please email events@theuwsa.ca and/or vpsa@theuwsa.ca.

Notice of upcoming UWSA Special General Meeting of the Membership on January 23, 2026

January 2nd, 2026

The UWSA Board of Directors has called a Special General Meeting of the membership to be held on Jan 23rd 2026 at 12:30 PM in The Hive at The University of Winnipeg

The UWSA Board of Directors has resolved to repeal the existing General By-laws of the UWSA and replace them with the Amended and Restated General By-laws of the UWSA in the form attached to this notice.

The Board of Directors has determined that it is desirable to adopt the amendments to amend the By-laws to clarify the title change and terms of reference for the Accessibility Director and the terms of reference for the Women, Trans, and Non-Binary Students’ Director.

As the By-Law amendments require approval by the members at a meeting of the members, the UWSA Board of Directors has called a Special General Meeting of the membership to be held on Jan 23rd, 2026, at 12:30 PM in The Hive at The University of Winnipeg to facilitate this purpose.

Members are encouraged to review the complete amendments, which can be accessed via the link below in the UWSA SGM Package section of this website page in full prior to the meeting.

Any members wishing to submit any motions must e-mail them to: chair@theuwsa.ca. The deadline to receive motions submitted from members is January 13th  2026 at 12:30 PM


 UWSA SGM Package


Current UWSA General By-Laws


UWSA SGM Agenda

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

Friday, January 23rd, 2026 at 12:30 PM

In The HIVE – University of Winnipeg

  1. Call to Order
  2. Introduction and Rules of Order
  3. Approval of the Order of Business
  4. New Business – To consider and, if deemed advisable, to confirm, with or without variation, the resolution of the Board of Directors of the UWSA repealing the General By-laws of the UWSA and enacting the Amended and Restated General By-laws of the UWSA in the form attached to this notice.
  5. Other Business
  6. Adjournment

Get familiar with how the Rules of Order works: UWSA Rules of Order


Submitting Motions

All UWSA members can submit a motion to the Chair of the Board at chair@theuwsa.ca by Tuesday, January 13th 2026 at 12:30 PM CST. To learn how to write a motion, please review the documents below:

Motion Template (Editable PDF)
How to Write a Motion

Winnipeg Jets "Student Night" on January 20!

December 20th, 2025

Need a gift for the holiday season? We’re teaming up with the @nhljets for another Winnipeg Jets “Student Night” on Tuesday, January 20! Show valid Student ID at select concession stands and get 50% off popcorn, pizza, and fountain pop all night long!

Tickets are available for just $45 plus fees – add on a ball cap for just $10! Get your tickets through this link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Studentnightuofw!

University of Winnipeg
University of Winnipeg
University of Winnipeg