Last year, the college was proud to present $200,000 worth of scholarships to students from faculties including, Science, Arts, Engineering, Asper School of Business, Nursing, Health Sciences, Graduate Studies, Law, Indigenous engagement, and University 1 students.

Our recipients go through their own academic journeys to receive these awards every year. Today we are proud to highlight two student stories about what these scholarships mean to them. 

Doris Goubran, who joined the college from high school, is studying in the Faculty of Health Sciences. She is working towards her bachelor’s, hoping to get into the College of Nursing. In a competitive field like Health Sciences, Doris not only received gratification from her scholarship this year but also proved to her that she has what it takes to follow her nursing dreams.   

“It encouraged me to keep doing and to pursue my medicine dreams that I hope to accomplish one day. Being in a competitive faculty is super nerve-racking and intimidating, but my hard work has paid off, and this scholarship proves that to me.”

Like Doris, Catherine van Reenan, a Ph.D. student in the religion department, received not only gratification from her scholarship recognition but also the opportunity to travel abroad. After hearing the news of her scholarship, Catherine can now attend one of her bucket list conferences in Copenhagen, Denmark, where she will have the opportunity to meet professionals whom she has looked up to since beginning her post-secondary education. 

“People who have written for me for this scholarship gave me validation that I’m meant to be pursuing my Ph.D. and will now help me in attending a conference that I’ve always dreamed of attending. It’s a niche to my field, and I’m excited to learn from inspiring people.”

The college would like to thank its generous donors for their continued support towards these scholarships and bursaries.   

Apply for our final round of scholarships closing July 31. 

UM students must be a college member to apply.   

It’s normal to feel concerned about what’s next and it’s important to continue using the resources and tools available to support you at UM. From virtual advising appointments and online webinars to tips from current students, there are many resources available to you to support you with your studies during this time.

First Year Centre

Remains open and ready to help out! Your go-to resource for everything you need to know about being a first-year student at UM.

As a first-year student in U1 or any degree program, the First Year Centre can:

• Answer questions about program and degree requirements, as well as university policies and procedures
• Review your progress, evaluate your academic plans and connect you to campus resources as needed
• Provide assistance for support if you experience challenges or difficulties that affect your studies
• Discuss the impacts of decisions before you take action

The First Year Center is currently offering drop in advising through Microsoft Teams, which all UM students have free access to. Contact the First Year Centre.

Virtual Advising Help Centre

Have questions? Not sure who to ask? The Virtual Advising Help Centre is a team of Student Service Navigators who can point you in the right direction. They’re here to help you find the answers you need when you need them – seven days a week!

Our Student Service Navigators are available for chat, phone calls and to respond to your submitted questions. Connect with a Student Service Navigator here.

Academic Learning Centre

The Academic Learning Centre remains open with tutoring services, group study sessions and virtual study hall still running. There are a few scheduled workshops that have been cancelled however most one-on-one tutoring and study group sessions remain available.

Please be advised, during Fall Break, the Centre will have a reduced tutoring schedule and no group study sessions or virtual study hall, this is not strike related.

Consult the Academic Learning Centre’s website for more and updated information. The following supports remain available to all students:

• Tutoring services
• Group study sessions
• Helpful tip sheet handouts
• Academic Success Workshops
• Virtual Study Hall

GradSteps – please note that some workshops may be cancelled. Efforts will be made to notify registrants via email as soon as possible upon cancellation.

Tutor Training – please note the two-day workshop scheduled for the week of November 8th has been cancelled.

Libraries

Elizabeth Dafoe, Sciences & Technology, and Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Libraries continue to be open for students with continued adherence and adaptations as required by COVID health and safety protocols. Archives and Special Collections is currently closed.

Collections will be available online and through contactless pickup. Consult the Libraries’ website for more and updated information.

• Physical materials can be requested for contactless pickup at the pickup lockers at Elizabeth Dafoe Library (Fort Garry Campus) and Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library (only accessible for Bannatyne campus students, staff, and faculty who have swipe card access).
• Libraries online information resources are available 24×7. Begin your search here.
• Need help? Use our Ask Us online chat service to ask any questions you have. Check our Ask Us hours.

Career Month

November is Career Month! All students can benefit from attending one or more of the 22+ virtual events including the Employer Advice-Career Café, Volunteer Fair, and Arts Career Round Table. Register today to take advantage of the Career Month programming.

FAQs

We’re sure you have many questions during this time, and we are doing our best to answer them – students, staff and faculty are encouraged to visit UM’s strike information webpage and check back regularly for updates.

How do I register for courses?

There are tons of resources to help students plan and register for courses: 

• Check out our Get Ready to Register sessions on using the First Year Planning Guide, course timetabling and registration.
• Watch this video, How to Register Using Aurora.
• If you receive an error message when you’re registering for courses, check out Registration Errors. This page has explanations of the error messages you may receive and offers guidance on how you can resolve specific registration issues.

How do I check and pay my tuition fees?

After you register for Fall and Winter courses, you may not see your tuition fees on your Aurora account right away. Typically, you’ll be able to check your fees in mid-August.

To check your tuition fees in Aurora, go to: 

• Enrolment & Academic Records
• Student Records
• View Account Summary by Term

For info on how to pay your tuition fees, check out this page, Payment Options.

 How do I check my booklist and order textbooks?

To view your booklist in Aurora, go to:

• Enrolment & Academic Records
• Student Records
• View Booklist

You can order books online through the UM Bookstore. If you have any questions about ordering your textbooks (especially if you are not currently in Canada), email the UM Bookstore  or call 1-204-474-8321.

How do I access my UM e-mail account (@myumanitoba.ca)?

Before you can use your UM e-mail account, you first have to claim your UM Net ID. An active UM Net ID gives you access to your UM e-mail, UM Learn, online library resources, and more!  

• To claim your UM Net ID, visit umanitoba.ca
• To access your UM e-mail, log into https://365.myumanitoba.ca
• If you have any troubles claiming your UM Net ID or accessing your UM e-mail, you can chat online with IST.

How do I get a Student ID card?

Visit Photo Identification (ID) cards for step-by-step instructions on how to order a Student ID card through Aurora.

How do I apply for scholarships or funding?

Check out Financial Aid and Awards for info about entrance scholarships, bursaries and student loans for first-year students. We especially recommend using the Searchable Awards Database to discover scholarships that you’re eligible to apply for. 

How do I opt out of the UMSU Health & Dental Plan?

If you already have health coverage through your work or family, you can opt out of UMSU’s Health and Dental Plan. You can find more detailed instructions on how to opt out on the UMSU Health & Dental Plan website.  This section also includes helpful information for international students who are not currently living in Canada.  

I don’t have the high school prerequisite (ex. 60% in Grade 12 Pre-Calculus) for a university course. How do I get the prerequisite?

You can upgrade your high school courses through UM’s Extended Education.  Review the Upgrading page in the First Year Planning Guide for more info on upgrading.

How can I book an appointment with an academic advisor?

If you’d like to talk with an academic advisor in the First Year Centre, visit our Contact us page for our booking info. All First Year Centre appointments take place online through Microsoft Teams, which all UM students have free access to.

If you’d like to talk with an academic advisor for a specific faculty, visit UM’s academic advising page. 

Still have questions?

Do you have other questions that weren’t answered by this article? Go to askumanitoba and get answers to the questions most frequently asked by UM students. Be sure to check out their Top 10 Questions. 

Stay in touch

For everything you need to know as a first year student, visit UM Commons, an online hub where you can get connected to your classmates, participate in events, find a mentor and more. Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @umfirstyearcentre and @umstudent.

“We want students to feel confident in their decisions,” says Ali Wood-Warren, the First Year Centre Coordinator. “It’s about focusing on each student’s best interests and helping them articulate their own idea of success.”

The academic advisors of the FYC take a holistic approach to student development. They strive to help each individual comprehend their goals and find the path to achieve them. They look at each person’s strengths and interests as students, but they also consider other factors that vary with each individual. This also allows advisors to help identify any barriers and ways to overcome them on campus.

More importantly, academic advisors acknowledge that first year students aren’t familiar with university procedures and the overall experience of being a university student. They’re equipped to help you plan your courses and provide advice when you’re uncertain about your decisions.

The First Year Planning Guide is a document that contains important information that students need to know to be able to successfully plan their first year. It’s a resource that introduces you to new terminology and the language around the university system, centralizes information about first year admission requirements, and ultimately guides you through planning your courses.

As postsecondary students, recognizing the importance of flexibility is extremely important. It’s rare for a student’s path to stay linear as they may have initially expected.

University 1 offers a unique opportunity for students to explore their options for degree programs. Since many entry-level courses are applicable to different degree programs, students in U1 can delve into more than one subject area before deciding on a specific one.

Wood-Warren explains: “Part of the university experience is the first year – the transition into becoming a university student. It’s a process of finding your identity. Figuring out who you are, what you’re good at, what’s important to you, what makes you excited.”

After working with students for 15 years, Wood-Warren encourages students to broaden their horizons as much as possible and take advantage of opportunities that can help them achieve the long-term goals of their education. This shows persistence despite challenges you encounter along the way and it makes the end point even more rewarding.

While the First Year Centre is providing support virtually at this time, the office stays committed to providing a safe space for students. More information on the First Year Centre and University 1 can be found here.

“This is the first year we have offered specialized programming for students starting their academic career in the summer term,” says Brandy Usick, Executive Director, Student Engagement and Success.

“We are happy to provide welcome and transition programming at each of the three starts: fall, winter and summer. We want to offer an outstanding student experience, and that includes equipping students with what they need to be successful.”

Taking place this Thursday, May 6, Summer Welcome provides a number of activities planned to provide you with all the info you need to begin your university studies. This includes:

• Connecting you with advisors and other students as they share tips and tricks for starting classes remotely;
• Helping develop your academic writing, time management, and study skills;
• Introduce you to UM resources where you can find help and support;
• Help you explore all that UM has to offer, both inside and outside the classroom.

Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on May 6. To register and get access to Zoom links, visit the Summer Welcome page. We hope to see you Thursday!

“We’re excited to see the return of the Meeters & Greeters program,” Ali Wood-Warren, First Year Centre Coordinator notes. “U of M staff and faculty told us how much it meant to them to take part in Orientation and to share our organization’s friendly atmosphere with first year students.” 

“As ambassadors to the University community, Meeters & Greeters are an essential part of the welcome and orientation process,” explains Wood-Warren. “Helping students feel at ease in their new surroundings.” 

Along with student volunteers, the Meeters & Greeters will be stationed across the Fort Garry campus to welcome students, provide directions, and answer questions. The only prerequisites needed to volunteer are a knowledge of the campus and a willingness to help others (and to wear a brightly coloured shirt)!

UM Orientation 2019 has been restyled by the First Year Centre, with a series of events and presentations throughout the summer to prepare new U of M students with the information they need for September.  Along with UM Essentials, the new orientation course offered to all first year students through UM Learn, the series is designed to offer student orientation as a process rather than a one or two day event.

One of the stages of the orientation process is Welcome Day, held the day before Fall Term classes begin.  Meeters & Greeters support first year students as they take their first steps on this new path.

“The transition from high school to university can be overwhelming,” says Wood-Warren. “Smiling, welcoming faces greeting students as they start this new journey can go a long way to ensuring they have an overall positive experience. Early interactions between students and U of M’s faculty and staff serve to strengthen the inclusivity of our university.”  

Space is limited so please register early.  Sign up here before the August 19^th deadline.  

Meeters & Greeters volunteers can select one of two shifts, the first from 7:45 – 8:45 am and the next from 8:30 – 9:30 am.

For guidelines on attending U of M sponsored events as part of a regular workday, download the Guidelines on Development and Engagement Opportunities. 

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer for the Meeters & Greeters program, please contact Jennifer Cheslock at 204-474-6368 or jennifer [dot] cheslock [at] umanitoba [dot] ca

1. Changing your goals or being undecided is okay!

Academic advisors see many students who change their minds about what career they want to pursue or are undecided about what program they want to target. We recognize that this is a major life decision and students can feel a lot of pressure. It’s important to reflect on the past year and to dedicate time to explore your career and degree options. The answers will not magically appear, but there are resources that can help you make these decisions. For starters, we recommend visiting Career Services and meeting with a Career Consultant to discuss your interests, volunteer opportunities, career pathways, and various experiential learning opportunities. Your instructors are another excellent resource. We encourage you to ask your professors questions about their field of expertise, and to build on these relationships throughout your studies. They just might have some interesting opportunities for you to get involved and get some hands on experience. All of these things can help you explore your options. 

2. Needing to enhance your study skills and grades is very normal 

Maybe you didn’t achieve the grades you wanted to, or maybe you didn’t take the right courses. Academic advisors recognize that as a first year student, you have likely been dealing with many adjustments and it is common for students to hit some speedbumps along the way. This is an excellent time to reflect on what worked (or didn’t work). Academic advisors are available to guide you through your specific situation and make recommendations on your study habits, course planning and explain the potential outcomes of some of your choices.

An academic advisor can also connect you to dozens of free resources on campus and refer you to workshops, tutors and Student Help Centres that can help you to achieve your goals in your second year. Contact an academic advisor in your program when planning your courses to learn more about what resources might help you succeed!

3. You may need to make some decisions this Summer Term, and we’re here to help.

Depending on how many credit hours you have completed and what program you are in or targeting, there may be some decisions you need to make this summer. For example, if you are in University 1 with at least 24 credit hours, you may have options to Transit to the Faculty of Arts or the Faculty of Science beginning June 10. Or you might already be in a faculty and thinking about declaring a major. Regardless of your situation, academic advisors can help you figure out what might be best for you. We strongly encourage you to meet with an advisor in May or June to discuss your options. 

Remember that every student’s situation and experiences are different, and that academic advisors are here to guide you along the way. We know how much hard work and dedication it takes to get through your first year. We would love to talk to you more about your plan as you transition to your second year.

Have a great summer!

Tina Riggs & Chiedza Chando, Academic Advisors, First Year Centre

Developed by the First Year Centre, the First 6 Weeks is an online guide designed to help new students navigate the often confusing first months of university. The online guide is easy to access and is delivered weekly to each first year student’s myumanitoba inbox, beginning on January 7 for Winter Term.

The First 6 Weeks provides directions to key supports, resources, and important student opportunities. Each week highlights a unique theme to help students transition to university and create a more rewarding and successful university experience.

The First 6 Weeks can be accessed anytime by visiting umanitoba.ca/u1/first-six-weeks. Also, all first year students are encouraged to review the guide and meet with an academic advisor in their first term. Contact the First Year Centre for more information or to find out how to speak with an academic advisor.

The support and guidance continue beyond the first six weeks of classes with the Next 6 Weeks Program. The Next 6 Weeks is delivered weekly to each first year student’s myumanitoba inbox, beginning on October 29 for Fall Term. Students can also access the Next 6 Weeks Program anytime by visiting umanitoba.ca/u1/next-six-weeks.

The Next 6 Weeks picks up where the First 6 Weeks left off by addressing student concerns such as:

• Connecting with academic supports to prepare for final exams;
• Making decisions about the upcoming term; and
• Exploring different degree and career options.

“There are so many amazing, helpful people on campus that I wish I’d known about in my first year,” said Gretchen Derige Cortens, academic advisor in the First Year Centre. “Looking back on it, I wish I’d known that I could go to an advisor, meet with a tutor, and talk to a career counsellor. There were so many things I had questions about, or that I just sort of muddled through, because I didn’t realize there were all these supports built into the university.”

She continues, “That’s really one of the goals of both the First Six Weeks and Next Six Weeks Program – to get this information into the hands of first year students as soon as possible, when it can be the most help.”

All first year students are encouraged to explore the resources introduced in the Next Six Weeks Program, and to meet with an academic advisor in their home faculty or in the First Year Centre.

The First 6 Weeks Program can help with this transition. Developed by the First Year Centre, the First 6 Weeks is an online guide that new students can use to navigate the often confusing first months of university.

The guide is easy to access and is delivered weekly to each first year student’s myumanitoba inbox, beginning on September 10. The program includes direction to key supports, resources and important student opportunities. “Research has shown that the first six weeks of the school year are critical to students’ success during the academic year,” says Liza Haines, academic advisor in the First Year Centre. “Through the First 6 Weeks online guide, we are able to easily connect first year students to the supports and opportunities that we know are necessary to develop the skills and strategies for a successful university experience.”

Each week highlights a unique theme designed to improve forward thinking and planning skills, thus establishing good habits early on for a more rewarding and successful student experience.

The First 6 Weeks Program can be accessed anytime by visiting umanitoba.ca/u1/first-six-weeks. All first year students are encouraged to review the guide and meet with an academic advisor in their first term. 

Contact the First Year Centre for more information or to find out how to speak with an academic advisor.

And be sure to stay tuned for the Next 6 Weeks Program, which offers continued student support, tips and resources.