The middle of winter may be described as “bleak” or “blue”, but this year, there’s many reasons to feel happy and hopeful. From open mics to championship games, 2025 promises to bring a calendar full of excitement at UM. We’re sharing a few of our favourite things we’re looking forward to: 

Universal appeal 
UM’s brand-new telescope begins its first year in operation this January at the Glenlea Research Station. Built with the generous support of endowment funds, it’s accessible to students studying astronomy, faculty, staff and even international researchers who can control the telescope remotely from anywhere in the world. It promises to witness some stellar events in 2025, including March’s total lunar eclipse.

Open mic with CBC? Bet!  
From Jan. 20-31, CBC Manitoba will be in University Centre on the Fort Garry campus to hear from Gen Z – their perspectives, concerns and interests – and share their stories with Manitobans.  CBC is planning to hold some public panels: what do YOU want to talk about? Text 204-296-0846 with your ideas!

Giving green to Manitoba’s grid 
Did you know UM generates renewable energy on its campuses? Starting in 2025, the university will begin selling some of that power to Manitoba Hydro through an Excess Energy Purchase Agreement. The Sea-Ice Environmental Research Facility (SERF), located on the Fort Garry campus, has ground-based solar panels that not only decrease the facility’s electrical consumption but will now feed excess energy back into the grid for Manitobans to use.

High-tech makeover 
Students, faculty and staff will have access to two new innovative spaces opening in the Dafoe library in 2025. Featuring virtual reality workstations, a large data visualization wall, video conferencing, and programmable sound and lighting, these spaces will help users collaborate, develop data visualization skills and engage with different perspectives in ways textbooks cannot.

Hard-hitting herd 
From March 14-16, UM will host the U SPORTS Women’s Volleyball National Championship with eight teams from across Canada competing for the title. The Bisons are currently the reigning Canada West champions and won bronze at last year’s nationals. Get tickets.

A pathway to continued progress 
This spring, UM will launch a Truth and Reconciliation action plan after extensive community consultation. The plan will guide UM from talking about Reconciliation to actioning Reconciliation and creating systemic and structural changes to ensure Indigenous perspectives are valued and included.

Ideas change everything 
May 29 promises to be a day full of inspiring storytelling as UM will host TEDxWinnipeg at the new Desautels Concert Hall. 

Lawyering up 
Two micro-diplomas will be available this fall in the Faculty of Law to help internationally-trained lawyers become licensed to practice law in Manitoba. The new opportunities are expected to help alleviate a shortage of lawyers across Canada and some parts of this province, while increasing diversity in the legal profession.

We are all Bisons 
After nearly a year of community and stakeholder consultation, Bisons Sports – along with Recreation Services and Mini U Programs – will have a bold new look in 2025 that will see its reimagined brand revealed on new uniforms, merch, signage and more. 

A musical beginning 
Experience top talent in a first-class venue! The Desautels Concert Hall’s inaugural season begins with percussion and improv and continues throughout the year with jazz, chamber music, opera and more. Check out the lineup.

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