New campus hours

Starting on March 18, the University of Winnipeg campus will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday and will be closed on weekends. Employees working outside these hours are to notify Security Services. Meal plans for students in residence will be offered every day from 12 to 7 p.m. from Elements via takeout or delivery to respect social distancing recommendations during the COVID-19 outbreak.

City events postponed amid pandemic

Several events around the city have been postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Notable among them are the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire performance scheduled to take place April 4 and 5 at the Centennial Concert Hall. All Manitoba Court of Appeal matters are (except urgent ones) postponed until April 17, and the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra’s March 24 concert is postponed until further notice.

Still safe to donate blood

Canadian Blood Services has experienced a recent spike in cancellations of blood donation appointments, very likely due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The organization is confident in donating blood still being safe and is following the Public Health Agency of Canada’s recommendations for public gatherings. They want to remind the public of the need for generosity in these trying times.

Library launches new program

The University of Winnipeg Library has launched new research data management services headed by research and data management librarian Jaime Orr. Orr “will provide strategic support in developing, implementing and supporting a university-wide RDM strategy.” Orr is available to provide RDM training and consultation services to the U of W research community at [email protected] or 204-786-9035.

Mutual Aid Society

Local activist Omar Kinnarath has started a Facebook group titled “Mutual Aid Society Winnipeg” as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The group “aims to bring people together during this crisis to enact mutual aid among each other.” Group activity has included healthy individuals offering to do grocery runs, sharing resources and helping with childcare for people who are self-isolating.

Oral history grant

The University of Winnipeg’s Oral History Centre is now accepting applications for the 2020 Abe and Bertha Oral History Grant, which “supports a researcher or community group without access to additional funding in the pursuit of an oral history project.” The deadline for submissions is April 17, and the criteria for eligibility is available online on the Oral History website.

Published in Volume 74, Number 22 of The Uniter (March 19, 2020)