Exams run Monday to Sunday with three-time slots: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. 

Final exam locations will be posted on the Final exam schedule page by  Nov. 24, 2023. If you have an online exam, it will be listed as “online” under the location column. If you have an in-person exam, the location column will have a specific room location.

Due to technical difficulties, the exam schedule is currently not available in Aurora.

Prepare Now: Important Tasks To Do Before The Final Exam Period

• Review your schedule for any conflicts and contact your Academic Advisor if you have one.
• Reach out to Student Accessibility Services, if needed, to ensure you have the necessary support in place.   
• If you have an online exam, make sure you have the technology needed to complete your exam. 
• Make sure you have your UM Student Photo ID. When you arrive for your in-person exam, there will be a series of announcements, the first being to place your student photo ID (or government-issued photo ID) at the top corner of your desk. If you don’t have one, visit the ID Centre in the Registrar’s Office on the 4th floor, UMSU University Centre, OR be sure to bring a form of government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license). Find out more information about photo IDs on our website. 

Here are some recommendations as you focus on studying and writing your exams.

STUDY SMART

When you don’t know where to start, don’t panic. Keep calm, you still have time to get organized. Try using these pointers to help you get back on track and be as productive with your study time as possible.

• Organize essential test materials such as readings, lecture notes, practice questions, assignment questions and homework.
• Create a study schedule and pay close attention to courses and areas that you need to improve on.
• Be prepared. Use your syllabus and course objectives to determine what you need to study. Find out what type of exam you are writing (e.g., multiple choice vs. long answer, closed vs. open book). Knowing the format will help you determine how to study.
• Avoid cramming. Cramming overtaxes your memory, and you will end up remembering less or even get confused about the material.
• Start with current material, then move to the material you don’t know before you return to the material you are familiar with.
• Don’t play catchup. If you haven’t kept up with course readings, don’t start now. Instead, read chapter summaries and chapter objectives. If necessary, only read the chapter sections required for the exam and not covered during class.
• Test yourself. Just reading or recopying your notes is ineffective and can lead to poor results. Instead, re-organize the information you are learning using charts, concept maps and/or timelines. Take the chapter quizzes and make flashcards or test questions for yourself. Challenge yourself to write down everything you know about a course topic/concept/section without looking at your notes/text, and then fill in the gaps. Not knowing is part of learning, so don’t stress if you don’t know much the first time you do this. Your knowledge will improve!
• Do Practice Problems (lots!). If you are in problem-based course (Math, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering), do LOTS of practice problems (even the hard ones). Don’t reverse engineer (i.e., don’t start with the answer and figure it out in reverse) because you can’t do that during an exam. If you have trouble figuring out where to start – use ALC ‘s GUESS strategy.
• Be proactive. If you have questions, your first step should be to contact your professor, instructor or teaching assistant. You can also find recorded Academic Success Workshops that can help you continue to succeed, or you can book an appointment with an Academic Learning Centre content/study skills tutor.
• Study with others. Reviewing material with a classmate and having a second perspective can benefit both of you. Studying in a group setting can also help you stay focused and motivated. Consider attending a Virtual Study Hall session through the Academic Learning Centre to study with others. No registration is required.
  • Study hall runs twice– on April 13 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm and Saturday, April 15 from 3 pm to 5 pm. The study halls will be facilitated by student staff with training in study skills and they can, if asked, help with goal setting and direct you to additional final exam study sources.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

Focusing on your wellness as much as your studying during exam season can help ensure you are functioning at your best. Many resources can help you thrive and take care of yourself. Here are some suggestions:

• Find a balance. Consider eating foods that fuel you, get the rest you need, and move your body in whatever way makes sense to you! Take advantage of UM Recreation Services’ wide range of virtual workout sessions and the facilities and programs on both UM campuses.
• Get support. If you get anxious about exams, you are not alone. The Student Counselling Centre offers counselling services for students, including groups and workshops available throughout the year.
  • Enhance your coping abilities with SCC’s Stress and Distress Management program happening April 14, 21 and 28. You can attend one, two or all three.
  • Join Mid-day Mindfulness meditation on Wednesdays at 12:30-1:30.
  • If you need help developing an action plan for a specific challenge, the SCC offers Single Session Therapy appointments throughout April to help you finish the term.
• Develop good habits. Consult with the UM Health and Wellness Educator for tips on stress management and other ideas for healthier living. Healthy U also has multiple resources on their website that you can access at any time.
• Take short breaks regularly. Getting up and moving when you’re studying can help prevent neck pain and headaches. Doing this also gives your mind a rest so you can return to your work feeling refreshed.
• Make time for things that bring you joy and help you relax. Enjoy a hobby, spend time in nature, tidy up your space or connect with friends and family.
• Remember to breathe. It’s easy to forget this when you’re feeling stressed. Simply close your eyes and count your breaths, focusing on inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply.
• Remember that your self-worth and value as a person is not determined by one test score or one exam. No matter the results of your exams or course grades, you are worthy of living a good life. Acknowledge how hard you’re working, show yourself kindness and remember that you are doing the best you can.

BEFORE EXAMS START

Know your schedule. You can find your exam schedule in Aurora under ‘My Exams.’ If you have any exam conflicts, make sure to contact the Registrar’s Office or an academic advisor in your home faculty as soon as possible to make arrangements.

Confirm your location. Prior to your exams, it’s important to know where you will be writing and how to get there. Visit the location in advance so you know exactly where to go on exam day.  

Talk to your Professor.  Make sure you know the exam format (i.e., multiple choice, long answer, essay) and how much time you’ll have to write. Confirm if there are specific materials you are, or are not, permitted to have in the room. Review sample exams if your instructor provides any.     

Study Smarter, not Harder. Find lots of useful tips for studying here. Use proven and effective techniques to make the most of your study time. Organize and stick to a schedule, then test yourself with a variety of practice problems. Don’t forget to practice self-care while you study and on exam days. Be sure to find supports you can use and check out  Prepping for Finals to learn more about exam prep strategies! 

ON EXAM DAY

Exams can be stressful but being ready and present makes a big difference. Don’t forget these important steps to avoid stress on the day of your exam.

• Show up. It seems obvious, but exams are easier to miss than you think. Set your alarm and leave plenty of time to get to campus and to your exam room. 
• Bring ID. During in-person exams, students must present photo identification. Bring your student ID card or another piece of photo identification with you and place it on top of your table before starting your exam.
•  Show your integrity. Be sure to review the Academic Integrity expectations.  The best way to avoid academic misconduct is to do the actual work. Students often report that they resorted to cheating because they felt unprepared and still wanted a good grade. Avoid cheating by studying smart and ahead of time. Here are a few more tips to help avoid an allegation of misconduct.
  • • Do not have any unauthorized materials on your desk. You are only allowed materials that are approved by your professor. Having unauthorized material can lead to an allegation of cheating.
    • Do not sit beside your friends. This can lead to temptation to communicate and any talking in an exam is considered academic misconduct…even if you’re just asking to borrow an eraser! Only communicate with exam invigilators during an exam.
    • Protect yourself. You are obligated to protect your work and permitting access to your exam is considered cheating. Don’t give someone the opportunity to copy from you during an exam!

Following these steps won’t guarantee you a perfect grade, but they sure will make getting there a lot easier! Need help creating a plan? Visit an academic advisor in the First Year Centre or your home faculty.   

Student Advocacy and Case Management

Maintaining a fair working and learning environment for everyone at UM is a top priority, and students have a critical role in this goal. Student Advocacy and Case Management assists students in navigating university processes, advocating for your rights and understanding your responsibilities as students.

Students may experience some challenges that can inhibit their ability to succeed academically, which could arise from decisions made by administration or other issues within the UM environment. When this happens, students have the right to respond to the situation and do so in a way that upholds respect for everyone involved, including themselves. Student Advocacy and Case Management can help students figure out the best approach in these situations.

They assist students through processes such as authorized withdrawals, leaves of absence, academic misconduct allegations, appealing final grades and disciplinary decisions made by the university. When reaching out for help, it doesn’t necessarily mean a student has admitted to doing something wrong. Instead, it simply means that you’re looking for guidance in properly navigating a process or situation.

Advocacy also means your needs and privacy are important. Everything you disclose is kept completely confidential. Connecting with the office begins with an appointment with the Confidential Intake Assistant, which can be booked by calling (204) 474-7423 or by contacting stadv [at] umanitoba [dot] ca.

Student Accessibility Services

Every student deserves to have an outstanding student experience, where fostering an accessible learning environment is a priority. At UM, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) supports this mission by promoting accessibility and implementing accommodations for students with disabilities. Some arrangements include different paths to completing tasks, helping students work more efficiently and using strengths to break through perceived barriers.

SAS works closely with students and instructors to create accommodation plans across all programs at UM. These partnerships are made possible with the help of supportive faculty and student volunteers. The Volunteer Notetaking Program connects student volunteers with fellow students who need assistance through notes taken for them in class.

A wide range of programs and supports are also offered, including ASL-English Interpreters, transcriptionists, assistive technologies, accessible documents, exam accommodations, convocation assistance and more.

Students who need accessibility resources are encouraged to reach out to SAS as early as possible, in order for SAS to arrange for academic accommodations and ensure a successful university experience.  For more information on accessibility assistance, contact student_accessibility [at] umanitoba [dot] ca.

The good news is that there are ways to cope. Whether you are looking to add some tools to your self-care toolkit or need immediate help, we want you to know that there is support for you, right at this moment, regardless of your level of need. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and know there is someone out there who wants to help.

Crisis Supports

If you’re in distress and feel like you need to talk to someone urgently, please connect with one of these options:

On Campus

• The SCC offers same-day, brief crisis and emergency services to students in very high distress Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Call 204-474-8592 to discuss your situation or visit 474 UMSU University Centre.

Off Campus

Students needing emergency/crisis support outside of business hours are encouraged to use one of the 24/7 crisis services listed below:

• Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line (24/7): 1-877-435-7170
• Klinic Crisis Line (24/7): 204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019
• Canada Suicide Hotline (24/7): 1-833-456-4566
• Mobile Crisis Service (204-940-1781)
• First Nations and Inuit Hope For Wellness (24/7) – Services available in Cree, Ojibway, Inuktitut, French and English: 1-855-242-3310
• Sexual Assault Crisis Line  1-888-292-7565
• Trans Lifeline  1-877-330-6366

Mental Health Services

If you’re looking for mental health support:

• UM’s Student Counselling Centre (SCC) offers individual counselling, workshops and groups, depending on your level of need. The SCC has resumed in-person services and students are welcome to drop by the office to request support or ask questions. They will also continue to offer remote services for students who prefer to connect by video or telephone. All SCC services are confidential and free for students to access.  Call 204-474-8592 or visit 474 UMSU University Centre to connect. (Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)
• Student Services at Bannatyne Campus(SSBC) offers free, private, and confidential services if you are a student or resident of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Services include individual counselling and mental health supports and referrals as needed. The office is now offering both in person and virtual appointments. Call 272-3190 or email BCSS [at] umanitoba [dot] ca to connect.
• Students covered by UMSU’s Enhanced Care or Basic Care Health Plan have access to Console, a platform that lets you choose the level of mental health care that is best for you at any time.

If the ongoing pandemic is getting you down:

• Learn more about emotional wellness and COVID-19. You are not alone; there is help out there for you. You may also want to consider other mental health services available for Manitobans for help coping with the impact of COVID-19.

These are just a small sample of the resources available to you, at UM and in the community. You can also be connected with the Rainbow Resource Centre, Women’s Health Clinic, Men’s Resource Centre, support for problematic drug use, and many more resources, through the SCC.

Other Personal and Cultural Supports

Depending on what health or wellness service you’re looking for, UM has support available:

• University Health Service has a clinic on each campus which offers patient-centered primary care. Book an appointment to see someone by calling 204-474-8411. UHS is also a great place to get a Covid vaccine.
• UM’s Health and Wellness office, staffed by a registered psychiatric nurse, is where you can receive one-on-one support, as well as be connected with a lot of great information and opportunities.
• Migizii Agamik – Bald Eagle Lodge is home to the Indigenous Student Centre advisors and Elders-in-Residence, and several student support providers spend dedicated time there each week. Indigenous students can receive support from the Indigenous Student Centre by contacting isc [at] umanitoba [dot] ca or 204-474-8850. For cultural support, there are weekly events including  Sharing Circles, Fireside Chats, and more. Appointments with the ISC Elders-in-Residence and  Student Counselling partners are also available by phone, video or in-person; please call the ISC to make an appointment. If you want to come by Migizii Agamik in person, they are located at 114 Sidney Smith St. on UM’s Fort Garry campus.
• The International Centre can provide international students with help and support in all areas. To book an appointment with an International Student Advisor, call the front desk at 204-474-8501. Limited drop in appointments may also be available.
• Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Centre offers one-on-one supports, assisting students of all beliefs and worldviews. They connect students with resources and faith groups both on and off campus and offer a variety of programming related to spiritual wellness and cultural humility through inter-faith engagement. Contact spiritualcare@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-8721 to connect.
• Student Accessibility Services is available to provide supports for students with disabilities and to encourage academic success. If you require academic accommodations or accessibility supports, contact an accessibility coordinator directly by phone 204-474-7423 or email student_accessibility@umanitoba.ca.
• The Sexual Violence Resource Centre (SVRC) is located at 537 UMSU University Centre.  If you are seeking information on sexual violence, or support regarding an experience of sexual violence, call 204-474-6562 or email svrc@umanitoba.ca.
• Recreation Services will help you stay active and keep moving, which is beneficial for mental health. A diverse catalogue of programs and services are being offered in-person at the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. You can also checkout some great tips and online options on their Virtual health and fitness page.

Student Services at Bannatyne Campus

Student Services at Bannatyne Campus (SSBC) is the service hub for supports and referrals directed to students at the Bannatyne Campus. Working closely with each person, they develop individualized plans to connect you to the support and resources you need on and off campus.

Bannatyne campus – Brodie atrium

Their commitment to supporting personal wellness and academic success is rooted in providing comprehensive support to all Bannatyne students despite many student supports being based at the Fort Garry Campus. You can connect with SSBC through one-on-one appointments, but different levels of engagement are also available through groups and workshops, and self-directed programming depending on your needs.

SSBC operates separately from all academic and administrative units, therefore you can feel assured that you’re  accessing confidential services where your privacy is the greatest priority.

Contact SSBC at (204) 272-3190 or by email at bcstudentservices [at] umanitoba [dot] ca to schedule an appointment today.

Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Centre

 The university experience is a significant transition in a person’s life and spiritual wellness can be essential to this process. UM’s Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Centre can support you as you continue to grow and develop your framework of beliefs. Their support is available to you, whether you identify as spiritual, religious, atheist or agnostic. Your values are valid and affirmed regardless of your background and they provide care tailored to you.

The centre offers one-on-one confidential support to students with spiritual care providers from a variety of traditions not only related to religion, but also to philosophy and world view. Students have opportunities to connect with chaplains, Indigenous Elders and active faith groups.

The Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Centre also delivers workshops and programming that revolve around spiritual health and wellness education, especially through the lens of current events and challenges around the world. They recognize that intergroup and interfaith dialogue is at the heart of equipping people to cope with their own challenges while respectfully engaging with others of different beliefs and values.

Wisdom Wednesdays, an interfaith speakers’ series, welcomed members of the UM community to pause and reflect on different topics then looked ahead to diverse ways of responding to these topics. You can access these recordings on the Spiritual Care website.

To access direct support from Spiritual Care, request an intake appointment by contacting the office by email: spiritualcare@umanitoba.ca or phone: 204-474-8721. You can also visit their new location on the fifth floor of UMSU University Centre.

#1. The one thing I have found to be helpful to regulate my stress is to meditate. For me, I have found meditation to be extremely helpful at calming my nerves when I get stressed. I can do it anywhere and in almost any situation. Right before work in your car? Meditate. Right before you start an exam and write a big paper? Meditate! When your Dad asks you why his iPhone storage is full for the tenth time in a week? Maybe this example is specific to me, but mediate nonetheless! The way I meditate is quite basic. I get into a quiet area (if I can), close my eyes, focus on my breath and try to exist in the present. All other thoughts are pushed to the side. Finally, when I feel ready I return to reality. Check out this video for more insight on meditation.

#2. There is nothing I value in my life right now more than sleep, and I mean that in the most selfish way possible. One thing I learned while working at my summer job was how much better I was functioning at my job when I had a good night’s rest. On days when I would sleep late, I would make mistakes, or I wouldn’t learn efficiently. When I was sleeping more, I made less mistakes and I felt much more confident. Moral of the story? Put the phone down! According to this article, it keeps your mind psychologically engaged! I am definitely guilty of seeing something on Instagram or on Twitter that keeps my mind active for a long time. I had to be honest with myself “I will not die if I don’t read all the Love Island updates this instant”

Helpful tip: try putting a time limit on the apps that tend to eat away your sleep time.

#3. Personally, I find that the combination of managing my stress with meditation, sleeping right, and of course, studying will help me to feel prepared and successful in my classes. Now my recipe for success isn’t universal, but I hope my technique brought a bit of clarity to your school year.

This is a version of a piece that was previously published on the Healthy U website.