We connected with four PSLP participants: Jude Obidiagha, Meycee Kalaw-Crevier, Sasha Kullman, and Miray Eskandar to share the lessons they learned from the core week of the program.

Meycee Kalaw-Crevier (Master of Business Administration, University of Manitoba)

Meycee Kalaw-Crevier

What stood out to me was the unique leadership journeys that the speakers had gone through, which shaped their own approaches for effective leadership. It was truly inspirational and humbling as they shared their wins, challenges, and learnings along the way.  

Through our PSLP core week, our cohort has new tools that we can use as we further hone and develop our own leadership endeavours – ultimately towards making meaningful and long-lasting impacts in our communities.

Sasha Kullman (Bachelor of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba)

Sasha Kullman [photo by Garrick Kozier]

The interdisciplinary panel of speakers and student participants is what sets this program apart. The opportunity to learn from such a diverse group has broadened my understanding of the role leaders play in the field, and fostered a deeper appreciation for the specialties and strengths of my peers.

The most influential lesson I have taken from the core week is that effective leaders support the growth of those around them, share knowledge, seek collaborations, and build strong rapport with stakeholders and communities. 

Jude Obidiagha (Master in Applied Economics, University of Winnipeg)

Jude Obidiagha

When I found out about the President’s Student Leadership Program, I just knew it was the right program for me as an international student looking to broaden my perspective about leadership and to meet other changemakers like me.

In one of our sessions, Diane Roussin of the Boldness Project spoke passionately on positive stories of Indigenous culture, land, and its significance. As an international student, listening to her spurred a genuine interest in knowing more about Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Miray Eskandar (Bachelor of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba)

Miray Eskandar

As a science student, the humanities have not always held a very prominent place in my mind.  For years I did not see their value beyond my high school English classes.  But, after being part of the core week of the President’s Student Leadership Program, my eyes were opened in a way that I had not expected.  

Through one of our sessions with (improvisation actor) Rob Nickerson, I found that the arts are about so much more than entertainment. As leaders, we need to be able to empathize and care for those we lead. What better way to do this than through the arts, a medium that connects us regardless of our diverse backgrounds and experiences. Those that have the potential to change the world are not those with the loudest voices, but those with the biggest hearts.  

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With the first segment of the President’s Student Leadership Program complete, participants are preparing for their social change projects. Placed into teams, the students are assigned to focus on a social issue of their choice and serve an existing social organization in a way that provides value and would not be achieved otherwise. See how last year’s PSLP students tackled this project while working with COVID-19 restrictions. 

The fully funded program provides an exceptional opportunity for participants to work with peers from diverse backgrounds and to connect one-on-one with exemplary leaders. Workshops with thought leaders, peer learning, and team change projects round out the program format. Students dive into important challenges for our society while gaining insights that will give them skills to contribute as leaders in their careers in any field.

“Participants are selected based on their commitment, potential and existing leadership experience contributing to their communities, whether at school or more broadly. If you see yourself in the program criteria, please apply,” said Dr. Suzanne Gagnon, Institute Director. “Through the program we are creating a community of leaders who can work and learn with peers from different backgrounds, disciplines and worldviews, critical to effective leadership for our future.”

Students represent the University of Manitoba, University College of the North, University of Winnipeg, Brandon University, Red River College, Université de Saint-Boniface, and Assiniboine Community College.  The selection committee seeks balanced representation that reflects Manitoba’s diverse student body, and both undergraduate and graduate students. The selection committee welcomes all students who have demonstrated impactful leadership in their community or student life. Participants will join a unique community of program alumni with the opportunity for ongoing interaction and contribution to future cohorts of the President’s Student Leadership Program. A letter of accomplishment and co-curricular record complement the students’ academic record.

Shanelle Gingras, a Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases graduate student from the University of Manitoba, is a member of the second cohort of the PSLP Program. She said that learning alongside a cohort of diverse participants from a wide range of faculties, degree levels, backgrounds, and leadership experiences was a program highlight for her. She also noted that the diverse expertise in the local and international leaders that guide participants through various workshops helps to expand the leadership skill-sets of PSLP participants.

 “These workshops and lectures create a foundation for project development and execution, which is later put into practice with a community focused summer project,” said Gingras. “The PSLP is a unique program in that it not only builds on your leadership skills, but it also creates a network of peers, mentors, and community-based organizations that you can continue to work with throughout your leadership journey, wherever that may take you.”

Applications for the 2021 program are open to students of all faculties at UM as well as the PSLP’s partner institutions. This year, the Core Week of the program runs from June 7 – 11 inclusive. Follow-up project work will be conducted in teams during summer 2021, and seminars and events will take place on four dedicated Saturdays in the fall and winter 2021-22, with a two-day final seminar in late February 2022. The program closes with a formal ceremony in March 2022.

While the first cohort of the program (2019-2020) experienced an immersive opportunity much like an executive education seminar, by living on-site at the University of Manitoba for the core week, the second cohort of 22 students participated in the program virtually due to COVID-19.

University of Manitoba computer science and management student, John Baptista was a member of the second PSLP cohort that had to shift to the online format in the spring.  While Baptista, like the other PSLP students were hoping for the immersive on-campus experience, the virtual alternative still allowed them to engage with inspiring speakers and participate in all the leadership workshops, as well as engage in the mentoring program that is part of PSLP.

 “I met inspiring individuals in my cohort, and without the PSLP being held virtually, I would not have had the opportunity to meet and work with these talented individuals,” said Baptista.

All students meeting the criteria are invited to apply by February 26.

In a year unlike any other, UM has created first year programming that will help students to connect with their classmates, prepare for the year ahead, and gain tips and strategies to help them thrive in a remote learning environment.

It is important for the newest members of our campus community to feel connected to their university and to their peers. We will be offering online events and programming all summer long to assist in the transition from high school to life at UM, and to help students feel ready for the fall, regardless of where they may studying – Winnipeg or anywhere in the world.

Throughout the summer students can win prizes by participating in First Year Experience programming and events, and will earn chances to enter draws to win cash prizes towards tuition. Students who complete specific requirements can apply to receive recognition on their co-curricular record.

Here are some of the exciting programs new students can participate in this summer. Students should stay tuned to their emails for the launch of UM Commons. More info will be posted there as event and programming details are added:

UM Commons
Available now

New this year, this online hub connects new students to UM, classmates, and the resources and tools they need to excel throughout their first year. From getting the latest information on what’s happening, registering for events, connecting with staff, services, peer tutor programs or finding a student community, UM Commons will be students’ first stop.

UM Essentials
Available now

This online orientation series will highlight the many supports and services available to support new students in all areas of their lives. Each module is carefully designed to support students, no matter their academic program, to gain key knowledge to help them feel prepared for the year ahead.

Students will learn what it means to join the UM community including the expectations about academic and personal behaviour. Strategies for effective learning will be shared and students will gain comfort in using our online learning platform, UM Learn, to help them prepare for fall course work. Students will also be introduced to opportunities to engage with the campus and to connect with peers and upper level students. UM Essentials will also offer synchronous sessions, so students can connect with campus staff and classmates to do a deeper dive on topics of particular interest.

Math Boot Camp
August 10 – 28

Students can boost their math skills to set themselves up for success before University starts, with this three-week boot camp. This program promises to make math exciting, and give students confidence in their math knowledge.

Prep Week
August 31-September 4

This will be a dynamic, engaging week for new students. Students can sit in on special lectures delivered exclusively to first years, learn strategies for academic writing and taking notes, participate in groups, and prepare for mid-terms and assignments. Professors, staff, and upper level students will provide key tips in succeeding during first year, and information about academic supports, tutors, and accessing help will be shared. Students can explore the many involvement opportunities available at UM, and meet up with other students who share their interests.

Welcome Day
September 8

A day not to be missed! Our new Bisons will be officially welcomed to the UM by university leaders and some of the key people who will walk alongside new students as they start their respective journeys. Welcome Day will be a celebration of the work they have done so far, and offer a preview of the exciting year ahead.

In 2011, the University of Manitoba’s service-learning office in the student affairs department began to overhaul its non-credit, volunteer-abroad programs by adding intercultural and critical thinking skills to the program.

U of M students who participated in a service learning trip to Tanzania.

Previously, the program was more one of “voluntourism,” where students chose an experience based on the destination they wanted to visit and were set up as providers of a charity, even bringing goods as gifts.

Instead, the new service-learning model is theme-based — learning about land rights and food security in rural Belize, for example. It aims for a two-way relationship, where the host community and the visitors learn from each other.

Now, the U of Manitoba students take pre-departure training, increasingly found at other universities too. The training introduces their service-learning theme, offers intercultural skills development and describes what ethical community engagement looks like. There are also formal opportunities for reflection during and after the trip.

University staff develop the programs jointly with partners in the host community, considering both the host’s needs and the contributions that students can realistically make. As they reviewed the centre’s existing travel opportunities, some were made more observational rather than operational (to accommodate student demand for shorter experiences due to cost) or, in the case of one five-week program in Bangladesh, closed — at least temporarily.

Interest in this model is growing and plans are under way to build similar opportunities into degree programs, says Anny Chen, one of U of Manitoba’s two full-time service-learning coordinators: “As it grows, our responsibility as an institution grows in terms of risk management and ethical partnerships.”

U of Manitoba is one of several universities offering volunteer opportunities closer to home that nonetheless embed students in an environment different from their own. Students can opt for volunteer work projects in northern Indigenous communities. These are more affordable — about $1,000 compared with $3,000 or more to go overseas — and cost has been identified by students as a barrier to foreign trips.

All first and final year undergrad students will be sent a survey invite to their U of M email starting Feb 25, and will be sent several reminders. It runs until the end of March.

It only takes 12 minutes. By participating, students will be entered into a draw to win prizes (including $1,000) — and even more importantly, it’s an opportunity to share their opinion, and to help shape student experience at the U of M.

Susan Gottheil, Vice-Provost (students), says, “The purpose of this survey is to help the U of M understand the needs of students and to identify ways to enhance the educational experience. This is particularly important because it supports one of the four pillars of the U of M’s Strategic Planning Framework, exceptional student experience.”

She also notes that based on the results of the previous NSSE survey in 2011, the U of M responded to students by making the following changes:

• Created the Student Life office, connecting students to learning and personal development opportunities,
• Developed an institution-wide orientation program for new students,
• Invested in undergraduate research awards,
• Increased the number of local and international service-learning programs,
• Increased the number of students going on exchanges,
• Improved the U of M’s Co-Curricular Record and
• Initiated the ‘Student (Learning) First’ program that seeks student input in prioritizing information technology projects.

The survey will let us know in what areas the university is meeting student needs, and where we should make improvements. Students will receive an invitation to their U of M email in the next few days with the link to the online survey. Take time to encourage students you know and encounter to participate.

As a thank you for completing NSSE, students will be automatically entered into a random draw to win one of 20 prizes, including:

·         One prize of $1,000 cash

·         One prize of $500 cash

·         Three prizes of $250 cash

·         Five prizes of $100 University of Manitoba Bookstore gift certificates and

·         10 prizes of $50 University of Manitoba Bookstore gift certificates

Contest rules can be found here.