Encampment Updates
To keep our campus community informed, any updates regarding the encampment will be shared on this page.
June 25, 2024
On the afternoon of Monday, June 24, members of the encampment took down the camp and left the University campus.
While the encampment was in place, no one representing the protesters came forward to discuss demands, and no negotiations took place. In person on May 30 and online on May 31, the University had shared that it does not have equity investments of any kind. The endowment held by the UW Foundation—a separate entity from the University—is 100% donor-funded, does not receive any funds to invest on behalf of the University, provides student scholarships and not funding for the University, and is managed by an external company that follows the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment.
Thank you to our University community for your patience through this challenging situation. We are currently removing the pallets and other debris that was left. Once that is complete, we will begin work to repair the lawn, with the aim of having it ready when students arrive for the fall term in September.
May 31, 2024
To the UWinnipeg community:
The encampment on the front lawn of the University has been in place for three weeks.
A meeting with protesters was held on Thursday, May 30 after repeated attempts by the University administration to meet earlier.
Representatives from senior administration attended the meeting in good faith, with the intention of engaging in a meaningful, respectful dialogue. They reiterated the University’s commitment to its core values of human dignity, equality, non-discrimination, and appreciation of diversity.
At the meeting, protestors were provided information regarding the University’s financial holdings, as well as details regarding the University of Winnipeg Foundation.
Regarding the University’s financial holdings:
- The University of Winnipeg does not have any equity investments.
- Any within-year unspent funds are held in a savings account, and any interest earned is reinvested into University operations.
Regarding the University of Winnipeg Foundation:
- The Foundation is independent of the University and is managed by its own CEO and Board.
- The Foundation does not receive any funding from the University, nor does it receive any funds to invest on behalf of the University.
- The Foundation is a registered charity that receives donations from individuals, families, groups, other charities, and companies to support scholarships and bursaries for UWinnipeg students and some capital projects.
- The Foundation has no direct investments of any kind.
- The Foundation has an endowment that is managed by external companies, which are signatories to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Investment and the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative.
- The Foundation’s commitment to responsible investment is outlined in its Responsible Investing Policy.
The University and its students have benefited tremendously from the work of the Foundation. We are grateful for every donation large or small that has been directed to the Foundation to support our students.
Although everyone has a right to protest, no person or group has a right to occupy University space without approval. The University continues to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of our campus community. Our priority is to provide a safe and respectful environment for all faculty, students, and staff.
Dr. Todd Mondor
President and Vice-Chancellor
May 23, 2024
Our priorities are the safety of our campus and the ability of students, faculty, and staff to continue their regular working and learning activities in an environment free from harassment and discrimination. We are carefully monitoring the situation and expect that everyone on campus will conduct themselves in a safe and respectful manner aligned with University policies.
Access to campus buildings
Campus buildings are accessible to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. You may be asked by security to show your ID.
Campus and encampment safety
The University’s primary concern is the safety of everyone on campus. Specifically, we want to make sure there are no fires, flames, heaters, or fuel sources such as propane in the encampment, since these would present a danger to the encampment and the wider campus. We also want to ensure those involved in the encampment are aware that the University’s insurance does not cover individuals while they are participating in unapproved activities on campus.
This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
May 12, 2024
To the UWinnipeg community:
On Friday, May 10, the University shared a statement concerning the encampment that has been set up on campus.
I would like to reaffirm that the University remains fully committed to its core values of diversity, inclusion, and respectful dialogue. We oppose all forms of hatred, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia.
As a centre for higher learning, we take seriously our responsibility to foster safe spaces where challenging, yet meaningful discussions can take place. We respect the right to peaceful protest and assembly within the bounds of law and UWinnipeg policies.
However, setting up tents and other temporary structures on UWinnipeg premises without permission is in violation of established University policies, health and safety guidelines, and the law. Permission to establish the encampment was not sought or granted, and no advance communication of any kind was received.
Our priority is to ensure that students, faculty, and staff can continue to work and learn in a safe and respectful environment. The University is monitoring the encampment for any impacts on the health and safety of our campus community. To ensure the safety of all UWinnipeg community members, those seeking access to campus buildings will be asked to provide identification. Access will be limited to current students, staff and faculty and to visitors attending for a legitimate academic purpose.
I would like to thank our community for their continued commitment to inclusive, respectful dialogue. This is a difficult time for many. Any students in distress can access support from Student Counselling Services, and employees can access online counselling services through the Blue Cross Employee and Family Assistance Program. Additionally, anyone with safety concerns can contact our Safety and Security team.
Dr. Todd Mondor
President and Vice-Chancellor
May 10, 2024
On Friday, May 10, an encampment was set up on campus. The University’s Security Services Team is monitoring the situation carefully to ensure everyone remains safe. Spring term classes and other campus activities have not been interrupted.
The University respects the right to peaceful protest and assembly within the bounds of law and UWinnipeg policies. Members of our campus community are free to protest on campus, but camping is not allowed. Setting up tents, temporary structures, or overnight encampments on UWininpeg property without approval from the University is prohibited.
In addition, the University’s Respectful Work and Learning Environment Policy requires that everyone on campus, including visitors, conduct themselves in a way that allows all members of our community to work and study in an environment free from harassment and discrimination.
Our top priority is to ensure that students, faculty, and staff can continue teaching, learning, and research activities in a safe and respectful campus environment. Protesters who are not students, faculty, or staff will not be permitted access to University buildings. Students, faculty, and staff attending campus for classes or other University activities should bring their UWinnipeg ID with them to ensure they can access buildings as needed.
We understand that this is an incredibly challenging time for many in our community. Any students in distress can access support from Student Counselling Services, and employees can access online counselling services through the Blue Cross Employee and Family Assistance Program.
We thank our campus community for their understanding in this situation and encourage everyone to do their part to foster a safe and respectful campus environment for all.