Dear Health Sciences Students,
We hope you are all doing well given the circumstances. We are truly sorry that you have had to suspend your research due to precautions taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In line with recommended precautions by the University and public health officials, the HSGSA has suspended all in person meetings, events, and office hours.
We have set up a closed Facebook group, only open to HSGSA students to provide support during this difficult time. We want students to have a platform to seek support and socialize with their fellow students. We recognize that the suspension of research and social activities might cause isolation and the associated side effects including deterioration of mental health caused from social distancing. https://www.facebook.com/groups/652520595529894/
As the current executive team, we would like to offer our support in any way that we can. We hope to organize web based social activities based on student interest (eg. Netflix parties, video games, etc.), we want to help students who might require assistance in finding resources, and/or help directly by providing rides for essential activities for example. Feel free to post on the Facebook group or contact us directly if you are interested in being a part of social activites or require assistance.
Below is information on various resources:
U of M Food Bank
If you are in need of food, the University of Manitoba Food Bank is delivering hampers of non-perishables. You may request a Hamper once every 3 weeks.
Mental Health Resources
U of M
Latest information of COVID-19 from the University of Manitoba: http://umanitoba.ca/coronavirus
Government of Manitoba Supports
Virtual Therapy Program:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/bewell/index.html
The anxiety disorders of Manitoba Phone line: Monday-Friday (9AM-9PM), Weekends (10AM-4PM): 204-925-0040
“Manitobans helping Manitobans”- resource for those who require help or want to help the community:
Government of Manitoba COVID-19 updates:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/resources/index.html
Information for International Students
Extension of study permits
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html
You have to apply to extend your study permits at least 30 days before it expires
International student centre at UofM
http://umanitoba.ca/international
Meetings with international student advisors will take place by email or a pre-schedules Zoom meeting. To make an appointment please email international@umanitoba.ca with your name and student number.
There are weekly support chats for international students that can be accessed from the website.
Work Permits
International students are temporarily allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during the summer academic session (until August 31, 2020)
Executive Emails:
Akshi Malik: president@hsgsa.org
Marina Costa: vpinternal@hsgsa.org
Toby Le: vpexternal@hsgsa.org
Javad Alizadeh: vpacademic@hsgsa.org
Muhammad Aldhshan: vpmarketingevents@hsgsa.org
Shayan Amiri: vpstboniface@hsgsa.org
Stay inside, stay sane, and please feel free to contact any of our executives directly if you have any questions.
Thank you,
The HSGSA Executive Team