Information Hub COVID-19

Overview

As the public health situation evolves with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the health and safety of all students, instructors, and staff at UWinnipeg PACE continues to be our top priority.

We are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to follow the directives of federal, provincial, and municipal health authorities.

At this time, we plan to offer our regularly scheduled programs in August and September 2020 in an online blended learning format, which include live virtual meeting/lecture times. This allows students to embark on their educational journey without being physically present in the beginning. PACE will transition to in-person delivery once it is deemed safe to do so by public health authorities and safety protocols can be implemented.

Unfortunately, courses in the 55 Plus program will not be offered in the Fall 2020 term.

Information for Prospective Students

Start dates

At this time, we plan to offer our regularly scheduled programs in August/September 2020. We are still accepting applications for our programs via our online application portal.

All programs will begin in an online blended format, which include live virtual meeting/lecture times, and transition to in-person delivery at a later date. This ensures that our students will be able to begin their programs as scheduled without having to physically be present.

On May 14, 2020, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that in-class courses being moved to an online format because of COVID-19, will not affect eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program or the duration of a PGWP if granted.

Students may begin their classes while outside Canada and complete up to 50% of their program via distance learning if they cannot travel to Canada sooner. For more information about how COVID-19 is affecting study permits and post-graduate work permits issued by IRCC, please refer directly to IRCC and their pandemic information website.

We continue to offer our regularly scheduled online certificates and diplomas. For more information about taking an online course at UWinnipeg PACE, please visit our Online Learning page.

Application Deadlines

UWinnipeg PACE has extended our application deadline for most* September 2020 programs until June 1, 2020

*Please note: May 15 remains the application deadline for our September 2020 Project Management Diploma intake.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose previous education was completed outside of Canada and where English may or may not have been the medium of instruction, must submit proof of English language proficiency.

There are a number of ways to meet your English language requirements for PACE programs during the current public health crisis.

TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Test
- We will accept the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition Test as a measure of English language proficiency for August/September 2020 and January 2021 intakes to our post-degree diplomas.
- The test is available everywhere that TOEFL iBT testing is normally available, with the exception of Mainland China and Iran.
- - A minimum score of 86 with no less than 19 in each component is needed to fulfill the PACE English language requirement.
- - TOEFT MyBestScore may also be considered with a minimum score of 20 on each individual component.
IELTS Indicator
- We will accept the IELTS Indicator Test with as a measure of English language proficiency for August/September 2020 and January 2021 intakes to our post-degree diplomas.
  - A minimum overall band score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 for the writing and reading categories is needed to fulfill the PACE English language requirement.
Duolingo English Test
- We will accept the Duolingo English Test with a minimum test score of 115 as a measure of English language proficiency for August/September 2020 and January 2021 intakes to our post-degree diplomas.

For more information about meeting English language proficiency requirements with other tests, please visit out Admission Requirements page.

How to Apply

To begin the admission process please start your application. You may return to your application at any time to add documents, however, once submitted you are unable to change your application. Please note a non-refundable application fee is due at the time you submit your application.

You will need to provide scanned or digital copies of the following documents to submit your application for review:

All post-secondary transcripts (original(s) must be submitted at a later date for verification)
Proof of graduation (original(s) must be submitted at a later date for verification)
Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
Proof of citizenship (if applicable)
Copy of passport picture page (if applicable)
Resume

Your application is not considered complete until documents have been submitted and your non-refundable application fee has been paid.

The non-refundable application fee is as follows

$125 CAD for international students
$50 CAD for Canadian students

Start Your Application Today!

Information for full time students

At this time, PACE will continue the online and alternative delivery of our courses.

While no one knows exactly what the world will look like in a couple of months, we are preparing a number of scenarios to move your program to in-person instruction once it is deemed safe to do so by public health authorities and safety protocols can be implemented. We are working on a range of options for how to manage an eventual transition back to the classroom, with the continued health and wellbeing of our community at the forefront of our decisions.

Bookstore

The Bookstore is currently offering free shipping on all online orders. At this time, the Bookstore is operating 100% online. Check the Bookstore's website for up-to-date information about accessing eBooks and/or how to order textbooks.

Information for International Students

Study Permits

Please note that the delivery method for these classes will still be considered ‘in class’ for the purpose of your study permit and visa applications or renewals. Courses of study being delivered by alternate delivery modes, on an exceptional basis due to COVID-19, will not affect study visas or post-graduation work permit program eligibility.

Please note that although in-class lectures have been cancelled, this is not considered a "scheduled break" by the university. Courses will continue via alternate delivery methods. This means international students with valid study permits are not allowed to work full time off-campus. Students that are currently registered in full-time courses are still allowed to work part-time.

If you have any questions regarding your visa applications or renewals or would like to discuss your eligibility to work off-campus, please do not hesitate to contact International, Immigrant and Refugee Student Services at iirss@uwinnipeg.ca.

Health Insurance

guard.me has recorded a webinar with key information about insurance for new international students.

If you have not already picked up with your guard.me insurance card, email PACE Registration and we will email you a digital copy.

Visit guard.me's website for up-to-date informaiton about your health coverage and COVID-19.

Employment Insurance, Canada Emergency Reponse Benefit & Canada Emergency Student Benefit

Some students may be elegible for temporary income support if they have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

Please visit the Service Canada website if you have been laid off due to the COVID-19 situation for information about Employment Insurance (EI), the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), or the Canada Emergency Student Benefit such as eligibility, or how to apply.

For any questions related to EI, CERB, or CESB please review the information available on the Service Canada website.

The Govenmernt of Canada will start accepting applications for the CERB on April 6. Prior to April 6, individuals who are without work and are eligible for EI can continue to apply for Employment Insurance.

Service Canada is recommending that applications for EI and CERB completed online. If you would like information other than what is available on the Service Canada Website, please contact Service Canada directly at 1-800-206-7218. Please note that Service Canada is experiencing a high volume of calls so the wait time will be longer than usual.

International, Immigrant and Refugee Student Services (IIRSS) and PACE advisors are not able to answer questions about EI eligibility as this is determined solely by the Government of Canada.

Information for part time students

Fall Term 2020 Courses

In light of the situation, we regret to announce that we will not be offering any in-person courses for Fall Term 2020. Our part time courses will be offered in an online format. We look forward to being able to offering in-person instruction again at a later date.

We continue to offer our regularly scheduled online certificates and diplomas. For more information about taking an online course at UWinnipeg PACE, please visit our Online Learning page.

Bookstore

The Bookstore is currently offering free shipping on all online orders. At this time, UWinnipeg Booksore is still open but has reduced operating hours (9AM-3PM).

Resources for using Nexus

Nexus Student Support Site

Nexus Introductory Videos

Nexus Tutorials

Employment Insurance, Canada Emergency Reponse Benefit & Canada Emergency Student Benefit

Some students may be elegible for temporary income support if they have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

For any questions related to EI, CERB, or CESB please review the information available on the Service Canada website.

International, Immigrant and Refugee Student Services (IIRSS) and PACE advisors are not able to answer questions about EI eligibility as this is determined solely by the Government of Canada.

Student Advising

During this time, student advising services will continue remotely. Your advisor will be accessible during regular work hours via email.

We will be using Zoom or other online meeting tools for meetings/questions that cannot be answered via email.

To set up an appointment

Email your advisor
They will set up a time to connect via online messaging tools
Download Zoom app in advance through the App Store or Google Play)

Managing the Change to Learning Remotely

Effective March 13, UWinnipeg PACE began transitioning to online instruction for all our part time and full time programs, to the greatest extent possible. Students are asked not to return to campus for the time being and to meet academic requirements remotely until further notice. Campus buildings closed as of March 23 and will remain closed until further notice. When a change is warranted, we will give as much notice as possible to the community.

Academic continuity

Transitioning to online and remote instruction is a significant adjustment for everyone in our community, and we are committed to providing support. We are working with instructors to adapt courses and instruction for online learning is well underway.

We understand this may be a difficult change for students. Please be patient as we work to adapt instuction and evaluation methods given the current situation and we adjust our activities in accordance with provincial and federal health agency guidelines. We understand that learning remotely will be a significantly different experience than what we imagined for this term. Instructors and staff are committed to adapting their courses to meet the needs of our temporary digital learning environment while maintaining intellectual engagement and sustaining instructor-student relationships, peer learning, and our unique PACE community.'

UWinnipeg Library has developed a site with resources to help manage the transition to learning remotely that might be helpful when adjusting to the change.

Resources for learning online

Download our Tips for Adapting to Learning Remotely (PDF)

Download our Online Learning Guide (PDF)

Nexus Resources

Nexus Student Support Site

Nexus Introductory Video

Nexus Tutorials

Health & Wellness

If you are ill and have recently traveled internationally or, you are ill and have been in close contact (within 2 meters/6 feet) with an ill person connected to the current outbreak, you should call Health Links - Info Santé (204.788.8200 or toll-free 1.888.315.9257) who will provide advice on where to go to be assessed. You will be asked about your most recent travel history. Symptoms include dry cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba establishes support line in response to COVID-19. You can reach the support line by calling 204.925.0040. The line will be checked regularly between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends. People are asked to leave their name, phone number or email address and an ADAM representative will get in touch with them within a short period of time

Health & Wellbeing

Protecting the health and well-being of our community is at the forefront of decisions to temporarily suspend in-person classes. These academic are one aspect of the University’s comprehensive contingency planning, and we are acting on the recommendations of local and national health officials. We understand these major changes and uncertainty can create difficult decisions and anxiety for you. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

Practice and promote good, basic hygiene.
Know when and how to wash your hands and use sanitizer.
Practice social distancing. Universal social distancing is critical to protecting everyone.
Stay connected with friends and family via emails, phone calls, and video calls.
Stay active (while observing social distancing recommendations) - see below for suggestions.
The Wellness Centre is home to all counselling services for students, you can email them or call 204.988.7611 for more information on how to access services during this time.

guard.me has recorded a webinar with key information about insurance for new international students.

Stay Active

Look for health and fitness options you can do from home to keep yourself moving and healthy.

UWinnipeg Recreation Services is offering free virtual fitness classes. Classes start Monday, April 13.

Our Student Life team has created two yoga practices for PACE students. Scan the QR codes with your phone camera to acces the Energize or Relax flows.

yoga promo nexus13.jpg

Check out local gyms and fitness or yoga studios that are offering online instruction at this time (some may be free or they may run virtual programming and charge a small fee to support their business). Many online fitness apps and sites are offering free or discounted access to their services at this time.

Health Insurance for International Students

Visit Guard.me's page for UWinnipeg's international students for more information about your insurance coverage. International students can also use the Guard.Me Find a Clinic function if they do not have a doctor. Please call any clinic you plan to visit in advance.

Acute mental health resources

Klinic Crisis Line (24-hour): 204.786.8686 or 1.888.322.3019
Mobile Crisis Service (24-hour): 204.786.7631 or 1.888.292.7565
Crisis Response Centre (24-hour): 204.940.1781
Manitoba Suicide Line (24-hour): 1.877.435.7170
Manitoba Addictions Help Line: 1.855.332.6605
Klinic Community Drop-in Counselling: 204.784.4067
keep.meSAFE (International Students): 1.844.451.9700

Stay Informed

UWinnipeg has developed a webpage with more information about UW's reponse to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Remember to stay informed about the developing situation through trustworthy sources, like the Public Health Agency of Canada, Manitoba Communicable Disease Control, and the World Health Organization.

On April 29, the Manitoba Government announced a phased approach to a pandemic recovery plan. Read more about it on their website.

According to the recovery plan at this time: "Public gatherings such as social gatherings, worship, weddings, and funerals will continue to be restricted to 10 persons. Critical public health measures and travel restrictions will remain. This includes mandatory self-isolation upon one's return to Manitoba and limits on travel to the north. If results during or at the end of phase one or any future phases are not favourable, the province will not proceed with further easing of secondary public health measures and may reintroduce others." For full details on the phased recovery plan, please visit their website.

What You Can Do

Good hand hygiene provides significant protection from viral respiratory illnesses.

People are encouraged to take common prevention measures, including regular handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to dry your hands thoroughly. Or, you can use an alcohol-based hand cleanser if your hands are not visibly dirty. It is especially important to clean your hands:

after coughing or sneezing
when caring for a sick person
before, during and after you prepare food
before eating
after toilet use
when hands are visibly dirty

You should also cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or you can cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw used tissues in the garbage and immediately wash your hands, or use an alcohol-based hand cleanser.

Avoid close contact (within 2 meters/6 feet) with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as coughing or sneezing.

Practice social distancing by staying away from public gatherings or crowded places. If you are in public, ensure you avoid close contact with others.

Stay connected with friends and family via telephone, email, an/or net-based meetings.

What if I want to Travel?

At this point, The University of Winnipeg does not recommend unnecessary travel, including returning to your home country.

If you have urgent travel needs, please check with Immigrant and Refugee Student Services (IIRSS) to ensure you have the necessary permit to travel, and contact the airline you have booked your ticket with for the latest updates on border closings.

For the most up-to-date information on border crossing, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency and Government of Canada Immigration and Citizenship websites.

Currently both the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba strongly advise people to avoid non-essential international travel.

On April 29, the Government of Manitoba announced a phased pandemic recovery plan in which it states "critical public health measures and current travel restrictions will remain. This includes mandatory self-isolation upon one's return to Manitoba and limits on travel to the north."

If you choose to travel to your home country during this period, PACE recommends that you request a Confirmation of Enrollment letter before leaving Canada, and request that PACE include confirmation that your program has shifted to temporary online delivery as a result of COVID-19.

As per government guidelines, if you travel when you return to Canada you must have a plan to quarantine at your port of entry (i.e. Toronto or Vancouver) not at the final destination upon arrival. This means you will be asked to self-isolate for two weeks before being able to continue your travel to Winnipeg. Please familiarize yourself with the recommendations for self-isolation, including a list of supplies to have with you if you travel on the Government of Canada's COVD-19 How to self-isolate webpage.

Despite introducing a phasedeconomic recovery plan on April 29, the Manitoba Government states that critical public health measures and travel restrictions will remain. This includes mandatory self-isolation upon one's return to Manitoba and limits on travel to the north. For full details on the phased recovery plan, please visit their website.

I Just travelled, what do I do?

Currently everyone who has travelled internationally, including to the USA, is required, by law, to follow the following protocols:

Self-isolate for 14 days after your return from travel outside of Canada
Monitor your health for fever, cough or difficulty breathing
Wash your hands often for 20 seconds and cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing or sneezing.

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About Pace

Information Hub COVID-19

Overview

Start dates

Application Deadlines

English Language Requirements

How to Apply

The non-refundable application fee is as follows

Information for International Students

Study Permits

Health Insurance

Employment Insurance, Canada Emergency Reponse Benefit & Canada Emergency Student Benefit

Fall Term 2020 Courses

Resources for using Nexus

Employment Insurance, Canada Emergency Reponse Benefit & Canada Emergency Student Benefit

Academic continuity

Resources for learning online

Nexus Resources

Health & Wellbeing

Stay Active

Health Insurance for International Students

Acute mental health resources

I Just travelled, what do I do?

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