Truth and Reconciliation Day: University Closed
2024-09-30

Thanksgiving Day: University closed
2024-10-14

Reading Week
2024-10-14 - 2024-10-18, 2025-02-17 - 2025-02-21

Remembrance Day: University closed
2024-11-11

National Day of Action and Remembrance of Violence Against Women
2024-12-06

University closed
2024-12-23 - 2025-01-01

Special General Meeting 2025
2025-01-13 12:30 - 13:30 (America/Winnipeg) | The Hive
The UWSA Special General Meeting will be taking place on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. 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 which can be accessed via the link below in the UWSA SGM Package section of this website page.
The Board of Directors has determined that it is desirable to adopt the amendments in order to amend the By-laws for clarity, consistency, and to modernize the UWSA’s election procedures among other updates to ensure ongoing compliance with legislation. 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 January 13th 2025 at 12:30 PM in The Hive at The University of Winnipeg for the members to consider and, if deemed advisable, confirm and approve the amendments to the By-laws.
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.
UWSA SGM Package

By-law Revisions (CLEAN)
By-law Revisions (track changes)

UWSA SGM Agenda
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
January 13th, 2025 at 12:30 PM
In The HIVE – University of Winnipeg

Call to Order
Introduction and Rules of Order
Approval of the Order of Business
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.
Other Business
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 Friday, January 3rd 2025 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

Louis Riel Day: University closed
2025-02-17

International Women's Day
2025-03-08
International Women’s Day (IWD) has been around for over a hundred years. Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about women and gender equality. IWD is about celebrating non-binary and women’s achievements. Raising awareness about discimination and taking action to forge gender parity. All IWD activity is valid, that’s what makes IWD so inclusive
To learn more please visit: International Women’s Day

Deadline to submit a motion to the UWSA Annual General Meeting 2025
2025-03-11 12:30
Submitting Motions
All UWSA members can submit a motion to the Chair of the Board at chair@theuwsa.ca. The deadline to submit is Tuesday, March 11 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

UWSA Health and Wellness Fair
2025-03-13 11:00 - 14:00

International Day to Combat Islamophobia
2025-03-15
Click here to learn more about International Day to Combat Islamophobia

Lifetouch Grad Photo Sessions
2025-03-18 - 2025-03-28 | Bulman Student Centre
The UWSA is hosting grad photos at the Bulman Centre! Capture this milestone by booking your session online for only $25, available March 24-28. Photos will be taken at the Basement Level of Riddell Hall. Limited spots are available, so book soon to secure yours.
Click here to book yours today!

Empower & Elevate: A Panel on Leadership & Impact
2025-03-19 17:00 - 19:30 | Convocation Hall at the University of Winnipeg
Join the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association for our Empower & Elevate: A Panel on Leadership & Impact. This panel event will bring together women, trans, and non-binary leaders to share their journeys, insights, and experiences with students, fostering discussions on empowerment, leadership, and resilience. All are welcome to attend!
Event Details

📅 Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025,
⏰ Time: Doors open at 5:00 p.m., panel begins at 5:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Convocation Hall inside Wesley building

Our Elder

Elder Sharon Pelletier (Indigenous Student Services Centre Elders in Residence)

Sharon Pelletier was born and raised in Winnipeg, to parents Catherine (Settee) & Henry Hall, both from Norway House, Manitoba. Sharon is a mother, grandmother and, great-grandmother. University was where Sharon felt her first sense of pride as a First Nation. This is also where she began to seek out Elders to help her learn more of the culture that she knew little of. Sharon is accredited with Bachelor of Arts, where she majored in Native Studies and minored in Psychology. She has certificates in: Legal Administrative Assistant; graduated with Honours in Applied Counselling and Focusing, Post-Traumatic Stress and Complex Trauma; completed coaching in the Focusing, Post-Traumatic Stress and Complex Trauma and; Human Resource Management along with various other counselling workshops and certificates. Sharon has completed 8 years as a Sundancer and continues to take part in Sundances and Ceremonies throughout Manitoba and in the States and will go wherever her gifts are needed when possible. Sharon’s prayer: For all my blessings I give thanks and acknowledge all those who have helped me to become the person I am and have yet to become. Ekosani! Sharon Pelletier (Great Bear Woman)

Panelists Bios

Honourable Uzoma Asagwara (Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care)

Uzoma Asagwara was first elected as the MLA for Union Station in 2019, when they became the first non-binary MLA in the Manitoba legislature and one of the first black MLAs elected in Manitoba’s history. They served as the official opposition critic for health and as an MLA, became the first Black person to make a law in Manitoba with the passing of a bill to recognize Somali Heritage Week.
They were re-elected in 2023 and was appointed Manitoba’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.
Before becoming an MLA, Asagwara was a former basketball player with Canadian National Basketball Team, psychiatric nurse, addictions specialist and community advocate.

Feather Wolfe (Sunshine House Drop-In Coordinator & Local Drag Queen)

Will be uploaded soon!!

Shandi Strong (Writer, Rocker, Advocate)

With a long history of volunteerism and organizing Shandi became a fixture in the 2SLGBTQ+ Community in 2008 through Gio’s, a community bar which served as “The Heart of the Community” for the 2SLGBTQ+ community for over 35 years. Eventually becoming the board’s first ever female Vice President in the organization’s final years.
She currently sits on the boards of several non-profit organizations including Our Own Health Centre (OOHC) a not-for profit healthcare provider for 2SLGBTQ+ people with the goal of improving services for transgender patients; and is part of a newly formed coalition to create shelter for homeless Trans, Non-binary and other 2SLGBTQ+ youth. Past board involvement includes Manitobans for Human Rights (MHR) a group focused on Human Rights education and awareness, and Pride Winnipeg, as a Community Liaison.
During the 2016 Provincial election she was nominated and ran as the first ever openly transgender provincial candidate in Canada for the Manitoba Liberal Party. She ran again in the 2019 and 2023 provincial elections. Since 2016 she has stayed active in politics working as the constituency assistant to Dr. Jon Gerrard, the former MLA for River Heights, the Manitoba Liberal Caucus, and as the secretary for the Manitoba Liberal Women’s Association, President for the Fort Garry Constituency Association and sits on the 2SLGBTQ+ Commission of the Manitoba Liberal party.
Since coming out 13 years ago and in doing so losing a 15-year career and 20-year marriage, her life has had it’s share of ups and downs, including a suicide attempt, living on EIA, balancing with a new career, new love, and reconciliation with her children. She has other projects in the works, including a youth friendly version of her book, and a science fiction novel. She lives in Wildwood Park with her wife Kate and their two cats. She enjoys many things including science fiction movies, golf, curling, playing guitar and adventure.

Iresha Hewa Wellalage (International Student Services Coordinator)

I’m Iresha Hewa Wellalage, and I’m the International Student Services (ISS) Coordinator and a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA). Originally from Sri Lanka, I bring first-hand experience as both a student and an immigrant, which gives me a unique perspective in supporting international students. With a strong background in student support and immigration advising, I help students navigate their academic and personal journeys. I’m passionate about mentorship and student engagement, striving to create an environment where all students feel included and supported. I believe that leadership is about lifting others and breaking barriers to create meaningful change.

Shauna MacKinnon (Professor and Chair of the Department of Urban and Inner-City studies)

Dr. MacKinnon is Professor and Chair of the Department of Urban and Inner-City studies. She has conducted research on social and economic issues for over 20 years with a focus on public policy, poverty and inequality. Dr. MacKinnon is most interested in research that focuses on issues identified by individuals living in poverty and those working closely with them. Dr. MacKinnon subscribes to a social justice, community-based participatory research approach to research, actively engaging with community partners beyond research, to mobilize knowledge and use research as a tool to advocate for progressive change.Dr. MacKinnon has been involved as a co-investigator and research stream lead with the Manitoba Research Alliance (MRA) since 2003. In 2020, the MRA was awarded a 7-year, $2.5 million Social Science Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Grant for the community driven “Solutions to Poverty: Challenges and Possibilities” project. In September 2020, after the sudden death of long-time MRA Principal Investigator, friend and colleague, Dr. John Loxley, Dr. MacKinnon was appointed by her peers to succeed Dr. Loxley as the new MRA Principal Investigator.

Moderator Bio

James Webster (UWSA Rainbow Lounge Coordinator):

James Webster (he/him) is a transmasculine nonbinary advocate for trans and gender-diverse autonomy, human rights, and freedom. Working and living on Treaty One territory, he works as the Rainbow Lounge Coordinator at the UWSA and has a history of community organization and advocacy, leading multiple rallies, including the 2023 Rally for Trans Youth. James strives to connect leadership and community in every aspect of his life.

For any questions please email events@theuwsa.ca.

UWSA Soccer Tournament
2025-03-20 13:30 - 16:00

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
2025-03-21
Guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recognizes that the injustices and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination take place every day. Observed annually on March 21, it commemorates the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.
While much progress has been made, Indigenous peoples, and racialized and religious minority communities in Canada continue to face racism and discrimination every day. This day serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations, and all levels of government to actively work to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, systemic racism and hate. Re-committing efforts, to ensure all people are respected and have equal access and opportunity to be safe and to succeed.
You can find more info at: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/federal-anti-racism-secretariat/international-day-elimination-racial-discrimination.html

UWSA Annual General Meeting 2025
2025-03-21 12:30 - 14:00 | The Hive
The AGM is a chance for UWSA members to receive an update on the budget and operations and propose motions. All students have voting and speaking rights!
Every year, we hold an annual general meeting close to the end of the Winter Term to connect with students and present on the year.
Get familiar with how the Rules of Order works: UWSA Rules of Order
The AGM is a chance for the UWSA to:

Report on the year’s accomplishments
Propose updates to the bylaws & policies
Present the budget for the upcoming year
Hear proposals from the membership
Meet the incoming Executives and Directors

AGENDA
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
March 21, 2025 at 12:30 PM
IN THE HIVE
1. Call to Order
2. Introduction and Rules of Order
3. Approval of the Order of Business
4. New Business – For Approval:
a. Ratification of 2025 General Election Results
b. Finance and Operations Presentation:
i. Presentation of audited financial statements
ii. Auditor’s report
iii. Re-appointment of the incumbent auditor
c. General By-Law Amendments:
i. To consider and, if deemed advisable, to confirm, with or without variation, the amendments to the UWSA’s General By-laws in the form attached to this notice, as adopted by resolution of the Board of Directors of the UWSA.
d. Proposal regarding the expansion of automatic health plan enrollment: For any questions please email, e.iwuoha@theuwsa.ca.
i. To consider and, if deemed advisable, to confirm, with or without variation, the resolution of the Board of Directors of the UWSA to expand the scope of automatic health plan enrollment in accordance with the proposal attached to this notice.
5. Communications – For Information
a. 2024/25 Report of the Board of Directors
b. 2024/25 Report of the By-law and Policy Committee
6. Other Business
7. Adjournment
AGM Package

UWSA 2023 Audited Financial Statements
General By-Law Amendments-02-2025
Proposal for Expansion of Automatic Health Plan Enrollment

Submitting Motions
All UWSA members can submit a motion to the Chair of the Board at chair@theuwsa.ca. The deadline to submit is Tuesday, March 11 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

UWSA and Faculty of Science presents: Science Fair
2025-03-24 11:30 - 14:00
The UWSA and University of Winnipeg Pilot Mentorship Program is designed to support university students in their academic and professional journeys. Students will connect with experienced mentors from their fields of interest, providing invaluable guidance, career insights, and personal development advice.
Join us on March 26 for the inaugural UWinnipeg Mentorship Mixer.
Location: Tony’s Canteen (Leatherdale Hall)
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 26 from 4 – 6 p.m.
Sign up today and invest in your future!

UWSA and University of Winnipeg Pilot Mentorship Program
2025-03-26 16:00 - 18:00

Last Doggo Days
2025-03-27 12:00 - 13:30 | Bulman Student Centre
The UWSA brings trained, loveable, cuddly dogs to the University on the last Thursday of every month at The Bulman Student Centre. Doggo Days are a reminder for students to take a break during busy school days. Studies have shown that interacting with pets when stressed can reduce tension and lower blood pressure and breathing rates. Doggo Days are a fun way for students to de-stress with their furry friends.
All dogs are trained therapy dogs from St.John’s Ambulance.
Doggo Days dogs are the last Thursday of every month in the Bulman Student Centre from 12-1:30 PM.

International Transgender Day of Visibility
2025-03-31
Each year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) to raise awareness about transgender people. It is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces.
International TDOV was created in 2010 by trans advocate Rachel Crandall. Crandall, the head of Transgender Michigan, created TDOV in response to the overwhelming majority of media stories about transgender people being focused on violence. She hoped to create a day where people could celebrate the lives of transgender people, while still acknowledging that due to discrimination, not every trans person can or wants to be visible.
You can find more info about the day here: https://glaad.org/tdov/

UW QSA & UWSA Rainbow Lounge presents: Trans Day of Visibility
2025-03-31 10:00 - 14:00
10:00 a.m. – Rally, Speeches, and Flag Raising on The Front Lawn
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Community Lunch in The Hive

Sikh Heritage Month
2025-04-01 - 2025-04-30
April is proclaimed as Sikh Heritage Month by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (Bill 52). The first of its kind in the world, Sikh Heritage Month is a celebration of arts, culture and heritage.
To learn more please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/news/2022/03/statement-by-minister-hussen-on-sikh-heritage-month.html

International Day of Pink
2025-04-09
April 9, 2025 is the International Day of Pink!
Discrimination takes many shapes, whether it’s based on race, age, disabilities, gender or sexuality. The 2SLGBTQIA+ community is no stranger to the bullying and violence that stems from hateful beliefs. While progress has been made towards removing these social barriers from our society, discrimination still persists. So, every year, on the second Wednesday of April, we urge people around the world to put on a pink shirt and stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to continue fighting for equality and acceptance.
For more info on what you can do please visit: https://www.dayofpink.org/en/home-2023

Good Friday: University closed
2025-04-18

Info Booth Closed
2025-04-30 - 2025-05-03
Closed: From Tuesday, April 29 to Friday, May 3, reopening on May 5.

Board of Directors Meeting
2025-04-30 16:00 - 18:00
All UWinnipeg students are welcome to attend the Open Session over Zoom. Please email admin@theuwsa.ca by 12:00 PM on the day of the meeting for the Zoom link using your UWinnipeg webmail address and your Student ID Number.
Please review the following documents before the meeting:
BOD250430 Agenda
Open-Session-Package-BOD-250430
All participants are expected to abide by the University’s Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy.

Asian Heritage Month
2025-05-01
May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, a time to reflect on and recognize the many contributions that people of Asian origin have made and continue to make to Canada.
Asian Heritage Month has been celebrated since the 1990s. In December 2001, the Senate adopted a motion proposed by Senator Vivienne Poy to officially designate May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada. In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to announce May as Asian Heritage Month.
To learn more visit: About Asian Heritage Month

Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
2025-05-01
To learn more visit: Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
