In 1988, The University of Winnipeg (UWinnipeg) and Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) began a longstanding partnership through Menno Simons College (MSC) to provide majors in International Development Studies (IDS) and Conflict Resolution Studies (CRS) in UWinnipeg degree programs. Through this partnership, generations of UWinnipeg students had the opportunity to engage questions of justice, peacebuilding, international and community development, and global citizenship. Now, as this joint initiative comes to a close, they celebrate the rich legacy MSC has left in the lives of graduates and the communities they have impacted.
Students currently enrolled in declared CRS majors and minors will be supported in completing outstanding program requirements through courses offered by CMU. UWinnipeg students will continue to register through existing UWinnipeg processes through Winter Term 2030.
Conflict Resolution Studies
Effective October 1, 2026, the CRS degree program will be discontinued.
Classes scheduled for the 2026/27 academic year will continue as scheduled in WebAdvisor. Students who have completed CRS-1200 have until August 1, 2027 to declare a major in CRS. No major declarations will be accepted after this date.
Students who have declared a CRS major and successfully completed CRS-1200 Introduction to Conflict Resolution before the August 1, 2027 deadline will have until April 30, 2030 to complete all the CRS courses needed in order to meet the major requirements.
After April 30, 2030, students may complete their degree requirements and area courses through other departments at UWinnipeg, however no further CRS courses will be offered.
International Development Studies
The IDS program was discontinued in June 2023.
Students with approved arrangements to complete outstanding degree requirements should contact their academic advisor regarding course completion options.
Important Dates
- October 1, 2026 – CRS department starts process of closing
- April 30, 2027 – Students must have completed CRS-1200 by this date in order to declare CRS as a major
- August 1, 2027 – Deadline to declare CRS major
- April 30, 2028 – CRS required courses are no longer offered (see schedule of courses, below)
- April 30, 2030 – CRS courses are no longer offered. The CRS major is officially closed.
FAQ and Additional Information
Can I still declare a major in CRS?
Yes, as long as you have already completed CRS-1200 Introduction to Conflict Resolution or are able to successfully complete it by the end of the winter semester (April 30, 2027).
River Woods must receive your major declaration by August 1, 2027. Email River at rwoods
Current UWinnipeg students majoring in CRS may continue their major as long as they meet the deadlines for completing CRS courses, listed below.
When will the required CRS courses stop being offered?
Here is the final semester that each of the required CRS courses will be offered:
- CRS-1200 Introduction to Conflict Resolution – Winter 2027
- CRS-2210 Conflict Theory & Analysis – Fall 2027
- CRS-2211 Coaching Skills Workshop – Fall 2027
- CRS-3220 Models of Conflict Transformation – Winter 2028
- CRS-3221 Mediation Skills Workshop – Winter 2028
Students must successfully complete these required courses before they stop being offered in order to remain in the CRS program.
What about other CRS courses? How long will they be offered?
We will continue to offer a selection of CRS courses until April 30, 2030. Students are encouraged to work with the CRS academic advisor to develop a completion plan and to register for courses as they become available.
Will I be able to finish my degree?
Yes, as long as you complete all the CRS courses you need for your major before they stop being offered. (See above.) The rest of your degree requirements will be completed through other departments at UWinnipeg, which means you can complete those after the CRS department closes on April 30, 2030.
Can I still declare a minor in CRS?
Yes, as long as you are able to complete the CRS minor requirements before they stop being offered.
Keep in mind that one of the minor requirements is CRS-1200 Introduction to Conflict Resolution. Students who have not completed CRS-1200 by April 30, 2027, when it stops being offered, will be unable to minor in CRS.
How will courses be delivered from now until April 30, 2030?
In the current 2026/27 academic year, classes will be offered as scheduled in WebAdvisor.
After Winter 2027, most CRS courses will no longer be offered in person at UWinnipeg. Some courses will be delivered online and others will be in person at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) at 500 Shaftesbury Blvd., depending on enrolment and instructional needs.
Course schedules and delivery formats will be published through WebAdvisor, allowing for students to register as usual.
Can I complete courses while living outside Winnipeg?
Some remaining CRS courses will be offered online, which may provide flexibility for students who are not residing in Winnipeg.
However, some courses may require in-person participation. Students are responsible for reviewing course delivery information before registering and should consult their advisor if they have questions about completing program requirements remotely.
How will this affect international students?
International students should be aware that study permit and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) requirements may be affected by the proportion of courses completed online versus in person.
Students with questions about their immigration status, work permit eligibility, or study permit requirements should email iirss
Is a CRS degree still valuable?
Absolutely.
Conflict Resolution Studies continues to provide students with highly transferable skills in communication, conflict management, mediation, critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration.
Graduates have pursued careers in areas such as human resources, education, community development, law, social services, mediation, public service, non-profit leadership, restorative justice, and international peacebuilding.
Many CRS graduates have also continued their studies in graduate and professional programs in Canada and internationally.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
The University of Winnipeg and Canadian Mennonite University remain committed to supporting current CRS students through the completion of their degree programs.
Questions about CRS major requirements and CRS course planning can be directed to River Woods, CRS Academic Advisor. River is available for online and in-person appointments. Email River at rwoods
Questions about your UWinnipeg degree, switching to a different major, or courses outside of the CRS department can go to the UWinnipeg Academic Advising team.
Students are encouraged to seek advising regularly throughout the transition-to-closure period.
Print This Page