The University of Manitoba strengthens engagement with retired academics

Last September, the University of Manitoba (UM) launched a new project to celebrate and strengthen the engagement of Emeriti and Senior Scholars.  

Known as the ESSENCE Project (the acronym stands for Emeriti and Senior Scholars Engaged in Navigating Continued Excellence), the initiative is led by the Office of the Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs) with support from the University of Manitoba Retirees Association and funded by the 2025–2026 Strategic Initiatives Support Fund. Through connection, mentorship and collaboration, it recognizes their legacy while creating new opportunities for shared growth and discovery.

The ESSENCE project grew out of a 2023 survey, when senior scholars and professors emeriti at the University of Manitoba were asked about their academic life after retirement. The inquiry sought to learn about their experiences as academics, framed within creating more age inclusiveness at the university. Specifically, it sought to discover what benefits retired academics gained individually and for the university; what challenges they faced; how connected they felt; what supports they received; how they attained the positions; and what they thought could be done to improve inclusion.

Emerging from the findings was a message that more can be done to fully tap into the wisdom, experience, and talents of senior scholars and emeriti. A range of policy and management recommendations were developed to address their challenges and suggestions. For more details on the study see Porter, M. M., Kops, W., & Kauenhowen, C. (2025). Experiences of Senior Scholars and Professors Emeriti – a mixed methods study in the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management.

New programs and benefits

As part of the ESSENCE Project, innovative programs and benefits are being introduced over the next year, including intergenerational research planning grants, complimentary licenses for Microsoft academic software, free parking, a newsletter, professional development events, a mentorships program, and more.

Intergenerational Research Planning Grants:  Each grant offers up to $5,000 to support collaboration between emeriti/senior scholars and early career researchers. The goal is to foster mentorship, knowledge exchange, and joint planning for future research (five grants were awarded for this year).

Complimentary resources: Emeriti and Senior Scholars can apply for Microsoft 365 A3 licenses for software to support academic activities. Plus, there is complimentary parking available for academic-related visits to the campus.

Emeriti and Senior Scholars Webpage and Newsletter: A new UM page dedicated to emeriti and senior scholars is now open. This platform serves as a central resource for updates and engagement opportunities. As it evolves, it will feature newsletters, spotlights, event promotions, a calendar tab, and a place for reflection, reconnection, and recognition. The inaugural issue of the newsletter, Continuing the Conversation, was published in August 2025.

Events: Regular topical programming will be offered for emeriti and senior scholars face-to-face in reserved space on campus and virtually. Information on upcoming events is listed on the UM events calendar.

UM Mentorship Program: The mentorship program will connect emeriti and senior scholars with early career faculty for career planning, institutional navigation and community building, and with graduate students to develop research agendas and skills. Mentorships will be offered in flexible formats, either one-on-one or in small groups.

The quote from the film Field of Dreams, “if you build it, they will come,”fits the ESSENCE Project nicely — creating something worthwhile will attract an audience. The initial reaction from retired academics has been positive and the expectation is that more will take advantage of these opportunities to support their continuing academic endeavours. For more information on the ESSENCE Project visit the Emeriti and Senior Scholars webpage.

William Kops is a professor emeritus in extended education at the University of Manitoba (UofM) in Winnipeg. He is also  an active member of CURAC’s Later Life Learning Committee (https://curac.ca/en/committees/later-life-learning-committee) .

Francene Perehinec is the family resources and faculty success coordinator in the Office of the Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs) at UM.

Tracey Peter is vice-provost (Academic Affairs) at UM.

Michelle Porter is director of the Centre on Aging at UM and is co-leader of the North American region for the Age-Friendly University Global Network.