Travelling from Africa to pursue nursing, Fatoumatta started her journey off at University 1, where she found St John’s to help her academically and meet new friends like Hamidou, one of the St John’s Residence Don’s. 

“Coming from a small place in Africa, I wanted a small community not just to meet friends but to succeed academically, and St John’s is that place for me.”  

Being an international student, Fatoumatta felt supported on campus. As she got comfortable, she quickly found that diversity was embraced at St John’s College, which made her feel at home.   

“It’s a welcoming place for everyone, no matter your background, who you are, or where you come from; everyone is accepted here. It felt like second home to be with the welcoming staff, endless opportunities, and academic support they provide to help me get through my studies.” 

As part of her experience at St John’s, Fatoumatta has benefited from the scholarships and bursaries, which were more than just financial support for her and her family.   

Receiving the Dance Memorial Bursary last year allowed her to continue building the life she wants for herself and her family, including buying fresh groceries for the holiday season and continuing her coursework to get into the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.  

Learn more about our student membership and its benefits on our website. 

Faculty of Science student Kyla Fidler recently took part in the Qualico Bridge to Success program (QBTS), which supports Indigenous first year students as they adjust to post-secondary school. The program offers spiritual, mental, emotional and academic support to Indigenous students as they strive for success at such a key point in their personal and professional development.

One of the program’s most unique aspects is that it helps build a strong sense of community for UM’s Indigenous students, especially beneficial to those who are pursuing a degree as mature students or for those whose high-school-to-university transition fell in line with the COVID-19 pandemic. The latter was the case for Fidler, who found the change from high school to university more difficult as she knew fewer people going into UM.

Kyla Fidler

Offered through the Indigenous Student Centre, QBTS programming provides culturally-relevant resources to First Nations, Métis and Inuit students through a variety of activities and events. These include the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentorship Program, check-ins with academic advisors, and connection to a cultural community on campus, all of which are specifically organized to help QBTS students find success.

“It really made the transition from high school to university a lot smoother since I had an opportunity to learn and ask questions before university even started,” says Fidler, referring to the program’s Qualico Boot Camp. This pre-orientation event delivers detailed information about UM campuses, allows students to meet fellow students, faculty and staff, and delves deeper into what being a university student means or can look like. Many students may even be hearing most of the information for the first time, in which case, the event will foster an informative yet fun and accessible atmosphere.

“Having the opportunity and the push to go see an academic advisor really changed my trajectory in university because I feel like I had a better understanding of what I was supposed to be doing early in my education,” Fidler adds.

She was also able to attend multiple social events to alleviate stress and anxiety around the student experience, provided with a space to bond with her peers, and encouraged to connect with other students in different classes. After spending a full year with the QBTS community, she can confidently say it’s been a pleasure to watch herself and her fellow students progress and grow through their early education: “We became more confident and comfortable in the university space,” and established a strong support system for each other right at the start of their journey at UM.

Her advice to other students in a similar position, starting out at university and trying to figure out their next steps?

“Do not be afraid to reach out ask for help,” Fidler says. “Everyone has been in your shoes before and feeling the same way as you are.” Help-seeking behaviour is a crucial part of every person’s skillset, and QBTS certainly shows the direct value of taking the leap, asking questions, and to leave no stone unturned when it comes to curiosity.

After finding success in the program, Fidler followed her passion for wildlife conservation and has since taken on a position at Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre.

The Qualico Bridge to Success program is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year. Interested applicants can apply today, or contact the Indigenous Student Centre at isc@umanitoba.ca, for any questions. Prospective students must submit an application to UM prior to applying to QBTS.

The Qualico Bridge to Success program at the Indigenous Student Centre is made possible thanks to the generous support of Qualico, a leader in real estate development based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

“I reached out to others who were starting school and joined as many programs as I could to situate myself in the community,” says Caribou, an Icelandic and Cree student from the Mathias Colomb and Riverton community.

One of those programs? The Qualico Bridge to Success (QBTS) program at the University of Manitoba (UM).

Developed by the Indigenous Student Centre, QBTS provides culturally based resources to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit students as they begin their post-secondary journeys at UM, including pre-orientation programming, academic learning support, advising and special events. For the past two years, the program took on a virtual format due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is anticipated to start in-person programming again in September.

Qualico Bridge to Success student Tricia Caribou

“I’m getting so much out of the QBTS program,” says Caribou, who is hoping to pursue a career in social work. “Applying to the program is such a good idea if you’re wondering what university life is going to be like.”

In addition to the resources offered through the program, QBTS helps build a sense of community for new students.

“The program has given me community – people I know I can talk to about anything, who have my back and will jump in when needed. They’re always ready to help or will know someone who can help me,” says Caribou. “I’ve needed support with everything from essay writing to talking to my band. It’s made me more confident to do it on my own. Previously, when [my academics] became too stressful, I’d want to leave – and I don’t want to leave now, even when I’m stressed.”

One of the main components of QBTS is the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program, where new and experienced Indigenous students are paired together to engage in a reciprocal process of sharing knowledge, skills and expertise. In this peer-mentor relationship, new students are supported through their transition into university life and experienced students can develop their leadership skills.

“What I’ll take away from QBTS and the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program are the relationships with the people I’ve met,” says Caribou. “Everyone is so down-to-earth, and the community is there for me.”

Registration for QBTS is now open. Interested applicants can contact the Indigenous Student Centre or the program coordinator, Desiree Morrisseau-Keesick, for any questions related to the application process. Please note: Prospective students will need to submit an application to the University of Manitoba and then proceed to apply to QBTS.

The Qualico Bridge to Success program at the Indigenous Student Centre is made possible thanks to the generous support of Qualico, a leader in real estate development based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

 Welcome Day (September 7) 

Join us on September 7 to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year virtually. You’ll start the day by being officially welcomed to UM by the President, Chancellor and others at the Welcome Ceremony. Then you’ll meet with your Welcome Day group to hear about what you can expect as you begin your first year of university studies. In the afternoon, connect with your faculties or gain advice from students who were in your shoes last year. 

Join Welcome Day now

Prep Week (August 30-September 3) 

Start your day by meeting up with your classmates and upper level students for a morning check in before you start your day. 

Check out the Prep Week schedule, and identify the sessions you want to register for. Here are just some examples of what will be offered: 

• Get tips for skills-based learning, including strategies to master online learning, time management, planning study sessions, working well in a group, academic writing, tutoring, and much more. 
• Learn how you can have the best student experience, including a session with Bison Sports, tips on staying active while studying remotely, and introductions to various student communities where you can make connections and meet new friends. 
• Find out more about the many student supports and services available to you, including spiritual health, sexual violence awareness, accessibility, and more. 
• Get familiar with your faculty community at one of the faculty-led sessions. 
• Attend special lectures from UM Professors, like one about the history of comics and Indigenous representation in the medium  

This is your first year at UM! Make the most of it by taking part in opportunities that have been created just for you. Meet new people with common interests and get an advantage by becoming familiar with the expectations and resources available at your new school.   

View Prep Week 

 UM Commons: Live

If you are on campus Sept. 8, 9, 10, feel free to stop by UM Commons: Live in the Quad (look for our signs) and say “Hi!”. Students, faculty and staff from Student Affairs and other units will be on hand to answer questions, provide tours of campus and provide other helpful information.  

 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. 

First Year Experience

No matter where you are in the world, International Student Orientation sessions are delivered online and are structured to help you be informed, healthy and successful. Some of the sessions that will be offered starting on August 18 include:

• a warm welcome to UM
• understanding and thriving in Canadian culture
• the Manitoba International Student Health plan and what it covers
• academic supports and writing essentials for international students
• finding part-time work while studying
• finding off-campus accommodation
• other resources on campus that are available to international students

In addition to International Student Orientation, you are also encouraged to participate in general First-Year Experience programming where you can connect with a peer mentor, get tutoring, engage in academic success workshops, get support for remote learning and connect with domestic and international students through student communities.

The International Centre

Many of the programs offered at the International Centre provide opportunities for international students to successfully transition to UM, learn across cultures, build relationships with other students, and thrive while studying on campus. Whether you are a brand-new student seeking information on how to find housing in Winnipeg, or a third-year student with questions about immigration processes, there is support available for you.

Resources available for new and returning students cover topics like:

• accommodation and housing
• academics
• online learning
• money matters
• living and learning in Winnipeg
• UM’s health plan for international students

Other supports available for International students include the Virtual Support Chat and Intercultural Experience.

For more details visit the International Student Orientation website.

Follow @umfirstyearcentre on Instagram for content specifically created for first year students, and @umstudent on Instagram to get a glimpse of student life at the university. UM Commons will be updated throughout the summer with information about upcoming programming.

First and foremost, encourage your student to participate in First Year Programming. Doing so introduces them to crucial information that will help them feel prepared and supported in their journey. Remind students to check the email address used in their application as well as their @myumanitoba email address (after claiming their signUM account) to keep them up to date with important communications regarding welcome events, preparation resources and information about the year ahead.

UM Commons is an online hub specifically created to connect new students with the UM community and tools and information they need to make the most of their first year. The First Year Planning Guide and the advising team in the First Year Centre are also great resources to assist your student with exploring and selecting courses necessary for the first year in any UM undergrad program. Additionally, the Virtual Advising Help Centre (VAHC) consists of a team of students who you can chat with live about the UM experience, including on evenings and weekends.

Students’ most important cheerleaders

Receiving support from family members, friends and other caregivers significantly impacts a student’s academic success, even more so through this pivotal point in their life. While you may not always agree with your student’s academic choices, it is important to remember that showing respect for their choices is key to their success.  Show support by doing things with them, not for them, such as researching programs, meeting with advisors and registering for courses. This not only encourages them to direct their own path, but also empowers them as they make these decisions with you by their side.

Showing a genuine interest in what they are studying and getting involved with on campus is a great way to build stronger connections with your student. Additionally, discussing information from lectures, textbooks and other course materials helps them comprehend and recall course content, and can even inspire them to discover the parts of their education that interests them most.

It is most important to remind your student that asking for help is normal and part of every student’s experience. Here are just a few of the many places where all UM students can find support: 

• Financial Aid and Awards connects students with scholarships, bursaries, and award opportunities.
• The Academic Learning Centre helps students strengthen their studying, writing and research skills.
• Career Services helps with career planning, effective job search techniques, and looking for work-integrated learning experiences.
• Student Accessibility Services provides students with disabilities with alternative in-class learning resources, test and exam accommodations, and campus access.

Maintaining both physical and mental well-being has never been more important. This is especially true for new students who are learning to balance a post-secondary workload with work, family obligations and extracurricular activities. Students can access support from many units at UM, including but not limited to the following:

• University Health Service provides primary care services on campus, such as physical examinations, diagnosing and treatment of health concerns, immunization and so on.
• The Student Counselling Centre offers free and confidential workshops, individual and group counselling programs.
• The Health and Wellness Office is a safe, inclusive and judgement-free space for all students to access programming and information on personal health and well-being.
• Recreation Services helps students stay active with recreational programming on campus and virtual options for workout sessions.

Expectations and the limits of sharing

There are certain boundaries to parent and caregiver involvement at UM. Regardless of age or who is paying for a student’s tuition, the Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act (FIPPA) prevents the university from releasing information about a student to anyone other than that student.

First Year Experience Programming and other important dates

Orientation events for new students will be delivered online. Right now, students should be working their way through UM Essentials, an 8-module course intended to help your student prepare for studies at UM. Prep Week kicks off August 30. New students have the chance to sit in on virtual lectures, learn strategies for academic skill development, connect with other students and meet important support staff and faculty members, all dedicated to your student’s success during their first year at UM. Welcome Day will be held on September 7, 2021, with UM community leaders officially welcoming new students as they begin their first year.

Course registration is well under way, but upcoming important dates and deadlines include:

• First Day of Classes for the Fall Term – September 8, 2021
• Course Drop Date: The last date to drop a course with a refund for Fall term and Fall/Winter term spanning courses – September 21, 2021
• Course Add Date: The last date to add a course for Fall term and Fall/Winter term spanning courses – September 22, 2021
• Fall Tuition Fee Payment Deadline – October 6, 2021

Additional dates and information for International Student Orientation are available, covering topics related to Canadian culture, Indigenous history and reconciliation, rental housing in Manitoba, managing finances for newcomers, and more.

Follow @umfirstyearcentre on Instagram for content specifically created for first year students, and @umstudent on Instagram to get a glimpse of student life at the university. UM Commons will be updated throughout the summer with information about upcoming programming.

Before you know it, you’ll be starting your first term as a UM student. To help you get an advantage as you begin your studies, we’ve created an online orientation program called UM Essentials. Beginning the week of July 12, all new students will have the opportunity to check out what being a UM community member is all about. Learn the where, why and how to connect with just about every UM student support office while discovering useful tips to help you reach your academic potential. 

UM Essentials will get you ready to excel and thrive during your first year at UM. While remote learning is something we’re all at least a little familiar with these days, UM Essentials will help you to understand the expectations for academic work at the University of Manitoba, how to use UM Learn – a tool you’ll be using in each of your courses and teach you some effective strategies for learning online.  You’ll also find out about some of the things the UM values, like diversity, inclusion, respect and integrity, and how we put those into action. We definitely want you to have a fulfilling university experience, so we’ve also included info about how to get involved and connect with other students just like you.

Complete UM Essentials early and be ready for September! Another added bonus? Students who complete UM Essentials before classes start will be entered to win some cool UM gear and a grand prize of $500 toward your tuition. 

Check your @myumanitoba.ca email account starting July 13 for instructions about accessing UM Essentials. Looking for an advantage as you start university? UM Essentials has it! 

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.

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.

Last summer, UM created virtual first year programming that helped students connect with their classmates, prepare for the year ahead, and gain tips and strategies to thrive in a remote learning environment. This summer, First Year Experience is back and better than ever to help the newest members of our campus community feel connected to their university and to their peers.

Online events and programming assist in the transition from high school to life at UM, and help students feel ready for the fall, regardless of where they may be studying – here in Winnipeg, outside the perimeter, or anywhere in the world. Students will gain valuable insights and earn chances to win cash prizes that can be applied towards tuition.

Summer Programming

Here are some of the exciting programs new students can participate in:

• What’s Next? Saturday June 5, 10am-1 pm  
  • What’s Next? includes information about financial aid options, career development, and the differences between high school and university. It helps students understand the supports and resources available for them.
• Get Ready to Register: June 10-July 8
  • Get Ready to Register is a three-part series designed to help new students make decisions about target programs, course selection and registration. Each session builds on the next, so students are encouraged to watch each of the three parts. After completing Get Ready to Register, they will have all the tools they need to plan and register for their first year courses.
• Reading to Write: July 2-23 (Register by June 15), July 26-Aug 13 (Register by July 15)
  • Reading to Write is a free three-week online academic writing and reading program offered by the Academic Learning Centre (ALC). Students will practice reading academic texts and complete four basic academic writing tasks while getting feedback from an ALC tutor.
• UM Essentials: July 12 – August 27
  • UM Essentials is an eight-module online course that helps students prepare for their studies at UM. Students will learn what it means to join the UM community including 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.
• Summer University Advantage: July 26-August 27
  • With Summer University Advantage, students who have been admitted for the Fall 2021 term have the opportunity to begin their studies in Summer Session and take the first-year seminar course ARTS 1110 – Introduction to University. The course focuses on the principles of learning and memory, critical thinking and academic writing, all of which are essential to success at university.
• Math Boot Camp: August 9 – 27 (Register by August 1)
  • Offered by the department of mathematics, Math Boot Camp helps students strengthen their skills in preparation for university-level mathematics courses. This program strives to make math exciting and give students confidence in their math knowledge.
• Prep Week: August 30-September 3
  • Prep Week is a dynamic, engaging week where first year students can sit in on special virtual lectures delivered exclusively for them, plus learn strategies for academic writing, taking notes, participating in groups and preparing for mid-terms and assignments. Professors, staff and upper-level students will provide key tips for success in first year and information about accessing academic supports, tutors, and student services 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 7
  • Welcome Day is not to be missed! Our new Bisons will be officially welcomed to UM by university leaders and some of the key people who will guide them as they start their respective journeys. Welcome Day will be a virtual celebration of the work they have done so far and offer a preview of the exciting year ahead. Programming in the morning will be for all new students and faculty-specific sessions will occur in the afternoon.

 Stay Connected

There are a few ways for students to stay in touch over the summer and get more information:

• UM Commons
  • UM Commons is an online hub that connects new students to the university, their classmates, and the resources and tools they need to excel throughout their first year. From getting the latest information on what’s happening and registering for events, to connecting with staff, services, or peer tutor programs, UM Commons should be every new student’s first stop.
• Email newsletters
  • Students should stay tuned to their emails over the summer for key information about their first year journey. Info will be sent to the email address they applied with, or their UM email address after they’ve claimed their UMnetID.
• UM’s student Instagram accounts
  • Follow @umfirstyearcentre for an account specifically designed for first year students.
  • Follow @umstudent for the student perspective of life on campus.

Through a series of online modules called UM Essentials, and during virtual Prep Week and Welcome Day events, UM’s First Year Experience provides some of the first interactions that new students will have with UM. These events provide an orientation to university life with academic sessions, workshops, resource guides, and opportunities to connect with other new students.

This year, the First Year Experience team is looking for volunteers for the brand-new position of Online Orientation Facilitator. This is a 50-60 hour commitment from May to October that offers student volunteers the opportunity to build skills in leadership and communication by guiding new students in UM Essentials and sharing experiences at FYE events.  Volunteering also offers the opportunity to meet new people, gain Co-Curricular Recognition (CCR), and share pride in the UM community.

After volunteering with First Year Experience in 2020, Mashtura Khan, a second year Biochemistry student, returned this year as an Orientation Team Leader, helping lead other volunteers. Mashtura found volunteering to be a fulfilling experience; she says, “as an international student, volunteering for UM orientation events made me feel like a part of this community and showed me that I could make friends easily even though I was new to Canada.”

Emily Antonio, a second year English & Theatre student, echoes Mashtura in encouraging other students to get involved with First Year Experience 2021: “The best part about volunteering for orientation is knowing that you’ve made an impact on other students!”

All volunteers will receive training in a fun, relaxed, and supportive virtual environment.  There are lots of other perks to getting involved too, like meeting new people and fun online volunteer appreciation events.

Visit the orientation volunteer page for more information on how to join the 2021 First Year Experience Volunteer Team.

Deadline for applications: May 9th at 11:59 PM