Ready to Roam provides new students with an idea of what to expect in their first days on campus in the fall. This year, the event took place on July 30, with over a thousand students attending! New students familiarized themselves with the environment by joining tours, got a feel for classes with a Mini Lecture, learned academic success strategies, and broke down the differences between high school and university.

UM Essentials is a set of online modules that new Bisons can complete at their own pace, from home. The content features a wide array of topics, so students will discover strategies for taking on their first classes, university resources to help them succeed, wellness advice, tips on getting involved in student life, and the values and guidelines that keep the university a respectful and safe community. All incoming students are automatically enrolled in UM Essentials in August, so they can complete it at any time and refer back throughout the year. The online resource is also a great way for new students to familiarize themselves with the UM Learn interface, as the site also hosts all course homepages.

Prep Week is the best way to immerse yourself in the campus community! On August 26 and 27, all new students are invited to the Fort Garry campus where they can participate in university skills workshops, attend a special panel presentation, play games, and meet peers! The main component of Prep Week is a series of workshop sessions led by Student Affairs staff who specialize in supporting students by building their academic skillsets. Topics will include writing, academic integrity, study tips, and self-care. The panel discussion, titled “What I Wish I Knew,” features upper-years students providing the advice they would’ve liked to have when they started their journeys at UM. Additionally, there will be a Zoom webinar on August 28 about essential research and writing skills.

Welcome Day is the day before the start of classes, and it’s the grand finale of our orientation programming! To start, students are assigned homerooms for the day. Next, students will make their way to the Pep Rally to celebrate joining the herd! In the afternoon, students can enjoy the Carnival with new and old friends. Look forward to food, inflatable games, a photo book, a DJ, and more! If students still have questions before starting classes the next day, there will still be campus tours running through the afternoon, and they can stop by the Welcome Day Info Fair for more information on campus resources.

Are you starting your university journey with us this September? Ogechi Agba, Transition Events Coordinator, has a few words of advice:

“This is your first year at UM! Make the most of orientation 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 to you.”

Participating in orientation programming is the best way to start off the new academic year on the right foot. That means knowing your way around, strengthening your academic skills, discovering resources to support your success and wellness through the year, and getting to know your peers. Check out the Fall Orientation website to discover more programming details and register for the events!

We are so excited for new Bisons to join the herd!

Music Courses available to all UM students

At the Desautels Faculty of Music, we have a selection of courses that are available to all students at the UM, regardless of your major. From history, production, and business, you do not need to be musically inclined to be captivated by the many areas that make up the study of music.

Some courses require an override to enter the course. Where it says “Instructor Approval Required” please email the instructor of record. 

Want to get a brief introduction to your instructors? Be sure to check out the Desautels Faculty of Music Instagram, for a collection of reels straight from our faculty members about our new courses!

MUSC 1010 – Music Matters: Excursions in Western Musical Culture

3 credits

Winter 2026 (CRN 61208)

Tuesday/Thursday 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Instructor: TBA

This course introduces and explores selected western musical phenomena from aesthetic, social, and historical perspectives. Topics will include art and vernacular musics; style and genre; social function and context; the nature and varieties of musical experience. May not be held with MUSC 1050. This course may not be used for credit towards the Bachelor of Music or the Bachelor of Jazz Studies degree.

Open to all UM students.

MUSC 1020 – Introduction to Popular Music

3 credits

Winter 2025 (CRN 61961) 

Tuesday/Thursday 11:30 a.m. -12:45 p.m.

Instructor: Dr. Andrew Deruchie

This course begins with a brief examination of the origins of the popular music industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through the development of rock’ n ‘roll in the 1950s and then surveys the subsequent proliferation of different types of popular music into the 21st century. The course will address representative genres, artists, and record labels in their cultural, political, historical, and technological contexts.

Open to all UM students – no restrictions.

MUSC 1030 – History of Musical Theatre

3 credits

Fall 2025 (CRN 21561)

Monday/Wednesday/Friday 10:30-11:20 p.m.

Instructor: Donna Fletcher

A broad survey of the development and history of musical theatre from the early days of Vaudeville and Burlesque through its evolution to the grand scale Broadway productions of today. This course is designed to reveal the origins and development of modern musical theatre through the study of influential artists, societal influences, shifting music & compositional trends, political movements, and major historical figures. This course may include a field trip component.

Open to all UM students – no restrictions.

MUSC 1040 – Discovering Jazz

3 credits

Fall 2025 (CRN 25005)

Tuesday/Thursday 1-2:15 p.m.

Instructor: Jonathan Challoner

This course is a comprehensive guide for listening to and understanding the genre of jazz. Students will examine how the musical elements of jazz such as improvisation and swing rhythm have evolved and developed from the 1800s to today. This course will also profile some of the genre’s most impactful artists and examine various approaches to jazz journalism and criticism.

 Open to all UM students – no restrictions.

MUSC 1930 – Rudiments of Music

3 credits

Fall 2025 (CRN 20084)

Tuesday/Thursday 8:30-9:45 a.m.

Instructor: TBA

An introduction to fundamental aspects of music such as sound generation, notation, melodic and harmonic construction, with emphasis on an aural approach.  This course may be used for credit as a Music elective by B. Mus or B. Jazz Studies students if taken before MUSC 1110 – Theory 1. Not available for credit for B. Mus or B. Jazz Studies students taking MUSC 1930 concurrently with MUSC 1110 or already holding a grade of “C” or better in MUSC 1110.

Open to all UM students.

MUSC 3040 – Perspectives on Indigenous Music

3 credits

Fall 2025 (CRN 25007)

Tuesday/Thursday 10-11:15 a.m.

Instructor: Melody McKiver

The goal of this course is to provide a functional understanding of how Indigenous communities create music while being impacted by settler colonialism. Students will learn to situate themselves within the land they reside upon and will discuss Indigenous histories of what is presently called the Winnipeg region. Students will survey the major Indigenous groups in Canada and will be introduced to Anishinaabeg worldviews and philosophies. Students will learn about different genres of music practiced by Indigenous artists and interrogate notions of appropriation and collaboration. May not be held with MUSC 3820 when titled Perspectives on Indigenous Music. 

Open to all UM students – no restrictions.

MUSC x190 (T25) – Wednesday Night Jazz Big Band

2 credits

Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 terms spanned 

Wednesday 5:30-7 p.m.

Instructor: Jonathon Challoner and Richard Gillis

The Wednesday Night Jazz Big Band, led by Richard Gillis and Jonathan Challoner, is a jazz big band open to all UofM students. This group will cover a variety of composers and musical styles and focus on the fundamentals of playing in a large jazz ensemble. The Wednesday Night Jazz Big Band will rehearse once per week and will be featured in at least one public performance per semester. 

To provide the best experience possible in this ensemble, we are asking that students send a brief statement of intent (150 words or less) to Jon Challoner or Richard Gillis (Jonathan.Challoner@umanitoba.ca OR Richard.Gillis@umanitoba.ca) before registering. Applicants should have at least two years of experience on their instrument and be able to read music notation.

Please provide a bit of information about what instrument you play and your background learning/performing music. Do you have experience improvising and/or learning music by ear? Please include your full name, student number, and home faculty with your statement of intent.

MUSC 3820 (T39) History of Gospel Music

3 credits

Winter 2026 (CRN 65865)

Tuesday/Thursday 8:30-9:45 a.m.

Instructor: Dr. Anna Nekola

Gospel music is the music of community, an embodied expression of hope and resilience in the face of injustice and oppression. Although gospel music continues to be tied to faith practices, the sounds of Black gospel are also deeply embedded in the sounds of secular popular music, from Ray Charles and Mahalia Jackson, to Beyonce, Stormzy, and Canadian artist William Prince. The course investigates how musicians make and think about gospel music, and how critics and audiences listen to and think about it, investigating the historical, religious, political, cultural, and social contexts of this music around the world. 

Open to Music students or with instructor approval for students in other faculties.

3 credits

Winter 2026 (CRN 65880)

Tuesday/Thursday 1-2:15 p.m.

Instructor: Melody McKiver

This lecture course is an introduction to the academic area of Hip Hop studies as an African diasporic and global phenomenon, with an emphasis on MCing and DJing as the musical elements of HipHop culture. Themes will range from history and origins of Hip Hop culture, uses of sampling, Black feminist scholarship and Hip Hop feminists, and the widespread global adoption of Hip Hop as a cultural movement with a special resonance to dispossessed and disenfranchised peoples from occupied Turtle Island to Palestine.

Open to all UM students – no restrictions.

3 credits

Winter 2026 (CRN 62804)

Tuesday/Thursday 10-11:15 a.m.

Instructor: Melody McKiver

Students will study form and compositional approaches to a variety of musical styles, which may include pop, rock, Hip Hop, and EDM. The course will provide an introduction to the creative use of music technology, including DAW usage and home recording. Assignments will include the development of a musical portfolio, and written reflections and analysis. Students of diverse musical experiences are encouraged to enroll.  

 Instructor approval required.

3 credits

Winter 2026 (CRN 65881)

Tuesday/Thursday 10-11:15 a.m.

Instructor: Fabio Ragnelli and Victoria Sparks

This introductory course explores the rich diversity of global drumming traditions through hands-on experience. Designed to be taught without using traditional western music notation, the course focuses on fundamental rhythm concepts, basic drumming techniques, and group performance practices using percussion instruments from Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. Students will develop listening skills and rhythmic coordination. The course will help students to develop an understanding of the social and cultural roles of drumming in various world traditions. No previous music experience is necessary.

Open to all UM students – no restrictions.

MUSC 3830 (T41) –  Composition for Film and Media

3 credits

Fall 2025 (CRN 26355)

Tuesday/Thursday 1-2:15 p.m.

Instructor: Melody McKiver

Students will learn the use of Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) and sample libraries suitable for composition for digital media. Software includes Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and Spitfire LABS. Compositional tools will include MIDI orchestration, sound design, and audio recording. Students will study film history and the use of music as a compliment to storytelling within film, television, and video games. Other topics will include delivery standards and professional practices.

Instructor approval required.

MUSC 3830 (T42) – Business of Music

3 credits

Fall 2025 (CRN 26476) 

Thursday 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Instructors: TBA

Discover the business side of music. This course will provide a survey of music business topics including artist management, music marketing, rights and royalties, concert promotion, contracts, grants and funding, and financial planning. Students in all genres, including classical, jazz, pop, folk, and more, will learn from experienced industry professionals, gain insight into industry roles, and acquire skills required to succeed in the music business. Prepare for a professional future in music with tools to navigate the sector as a songwriter/composer, performer, arts worker, or industry professional. 

Open to all UM students – no restrictions.

MUSC 3830 (T50) – Intro to Game Audio

3 credits

Fall 2025 (CRN 26536)

Thursday 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Instructor: TBA

This course introduces students to the foundational principles and practical techniques of game audio design and programming. Emphasis is placed on interactive audio systems using FMOD Studio, a leading middleware audio engine, integrated with Unity or Unreal Engine. Students will explore sound design, audio programming, music systems, and the technical and creative aspects of game audio integration. 

Open to all UM students – no restrictions. 

MUSC 3830 (T50) – Intro to Game Audio

3 credits

Winter 2026 (CRN 66030)

Thursday 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Instructor: TBA

This course introduces students to the foundational principles and practical techniques of game audio design and programming. Emphasis is placed on interactive audio systems using FMOD Studio, a leading middleware audio engine, integrated with Unity or Unreal Engine. Students will explore sound design, audio programming, music systems, and the technical and creative aspects of game audio integration.

Open to all UM students – no restrictions.

Music Courses available to all U of M students

At the Desautels Faculty of Music, we have a selection of courses that are available to all students at the U of M, regardless of your major. From history, production, and business, you do not need to be musically inclined to be captivated by the many areas that make up the study of music.

Some courses require an override to enter the course. Where it says “Instructor Approval Required” please email the instructor of record. Otherwise, please email DFoM.Advising@umanitoba.ca with your request to enter the course.

Winter 2025

MUSC 3830 (T32) – Popular Songwriting and Production

3 credits

Winter 2025 (CRN 62804)

Tuesday/Thursday 10:00-11:15am

Students will study form and compositional approaches to a variety of musical styles, which may include pop, rock, hip-hop, and EDM. The course will provide an introduction to the creative use of music technology, including DAW usage and home recording. Assignments will include the development of a musical portfolio, and written reflections and analysis. Students of diverse musical experiences are encouraged to enroll. Open to non-majors with permission of instructor.  

College override required

MUSC 1010 –  Music Matters: Excursions in Western Musical Culture

3 credits

Winter 2025 (CRN 61208) 

Tuesday/Thursday 2:30-3:45pm

This course introduces and explores selected western musical phenomena from aesthetic, social, and historical perspectives. Topics will include art and vernacular musics; style and genre; social function and context; the nature and varieties of musical experience. May not be held with MUSC 1050. This course may not be used for credit towards the Bachelor of Music or the Bachelor of Jazz Studies degree.

 No overrides needed

MUSC 1020 – Introduction to Popular Music

3 credits

Winter 2025 (CRN 61961) 

Tuesday/Thursday 11:30am-12:45pm

This course begins with a brief examination of the origins of the popular music industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through the development of rock’ n ‘roll in the 1950s and then surveys the subsequent proliferation of different types of popular music into the 21st century. The course will address representative genres, artists, and record labels in their cultural, political, historical, and technological contexts.

No overrides needed

MUSC 3830 (T41) –  Composition for Film and Media

3 credits

Winter 2025 (CRN 64885)

Tuesday/Thursday 1:00-2:15pm

Students will learn the use of Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) and sample libraries suitable for composition for digital media. Software includes Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and Spitfire LABS. Compositional tools will include MIDI orchestration, sound design, and audio recording. Students will study film history and the use of music as a compliment to storytelling within film, television, and video games. Other topics will include delivery standards and professional practices. Prerequisites: third-year standing as a Music major or permission of the instructor.

Instructor approval required.

MUSC 3830 (T42) – Business of Music

3 credits

Winter 2025 (CRN 64888) 

Monday 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Discover the business side of music. This course will provide a survey of music business topics including artist management, music marketing, rights and royalties, concert promotion, contracts, grants and funding, and financial planning. Students in all genres, including classical, jazz, pop, folk, and more, will learn from experienced industry professionals, gain insight into industry roles, and acquire skills required to succeed in the music business. Prepare for a professional future in music with tools to navigate the sector as a songwriter/composer, performer, arts worker, or industry professional.

No overrides required

MUSC 3830 (T43) – Monday Night Song Circle

3 credits

Winter 2025 (CRN 64889)

Monday 5:30-8:30pm

Join us for the Monday Night Song Circle. We’ll explore vocal technique along with a variety of vocal styles including Classical, Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Singer-Songwriter. You’ll learn about singing, while participating in a group setting that offers lots of solo and ensemble opportunities, taught by Winnipeg’s leading voice teachers.

Students should have some background in singing, including the ability to read music. 

Instructor approval required:

To provide the best experience possible in the Monday Night Song Circle, we are asking that students send a brief statement of intent (150 words or less) to course co-ordinator Mel Braun (mel.braun@umanitoba.ca) before registering.

Students should have some background in singing, including the ability to read music. Briefly describe what genre of music you perform, and a bit of information about your background learning and/or performing music. Please include your full name, student number, and home faculty with your statement of intent.

MUSC 3830 (T44) – Monday Night Brass Band

3 credits

Winter 2025 (CRN 64890)

Monday 5:30-8:30pm

This ensemble will explore the music and culture of brass bands from around the world covering styles such as jazz, pop, funk, samba, klezmer and more. Brass, wind, and percussion players are all welcome. Ability to read music is not necessary, but at least two years of experience on your instrument is recommended.

Instructor approval required:

To provide the best experience possible in the Monday Night Brass Band, we are asking that students send a brief statement of intent (150 words or less) to course instructor Jon Challoner (Jonathan.Challoner@umanitoba.ca) before registering.

Ability to read music is not necessary, but at least two years of experience on your instrument is recommended. Please provide a bit of information about what instrument you play and your background learning/performing music. Do you have experience improvising and/or learning music by ear? Please include your full name, student number, and home faculty with your statement of intent.

MUSC 3620 – Métis Fiddling lessons (Independent Study)

Winter 2025 (CRN 65049)

The Desautels Faculty of Music is thrilled to announce that we are offering Métis Fiddling lessons with North American Fiddlers’ Hall of Fame member Patti Kusturok.  Patti is an inspiring and gifted teacher who works with students at all levels and is a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation. 

These lessons are available to all U of M students.  No previous experience reading music or playing fiddle is required. 

There are 10 spots available for private lessons – students will register for a 3-credit Independent Study for the opportunity to study with Patti during the 2024-25 academic year. Instruments will be provided on loan, free of charge. 

Contact DFoM.Advising@umanitoba.ca for access to this course.

Advisor Approval required

Métis Fiddling Ensembles 

2 credits

(Chamber Music Ensemble MUSC X190 T04) Fall and Winter spanned

North American Fiddlers’ Hall of Fame member Patti Kusturok will be leading Métis Fiddling ensembles.  You can register for these 2-credit, spanned ensembles or participate as a community member. 

These ensembles are designed for students who play stringed instruments or who are taking Métis Fiddling lessons with Patti during the 2024-25 year.

For more information about Metis Fiddling lessons or ensembles, please contact DFOM.advising@umanitoba.ca

College override required

Important dates and deadlines 

Stay organized by familiarizing yourself with key dates for the Fall Term. Be sure to check the Important Dates and Deadlines page for a complete list. 

Course adds and drops: The revision period 

The registration revision period, commonly known as the ‘add and drop’ period, offers you the opportunity to fine-tune your course schedule without incurring academic or financial penalties. 

The deadline to drop a course is September 17, 2024, and the deadline to add a course is September 18, 2024. During this time, you can add a class if a spot opens or if you change your mind about a course. If a space becomes available in a course you were waitlisted for, you can register for it. You may also update your residency status in Aurora to receive a fee adjustment if applicable. 

After the revision period ends, course withdrawals will be noted on your transcript, and you will be responsible to pay for all fees for that course. For more details, visit our resources on dropping a course, changing a course, and cancelling your registration. 

Fee information 

To avoid late fees and holds on your account, ensure that your tuition is paid by the deadline of October 2, 2024, for the Fall Term. You can view your fee payment information by logging into Aurora and selecting “View Account Summary by Term Card.” For additional information, refer to Fee Payment. 

Registrar’s Office services 

The Registrar’s Office is your go-to resource for registration and academic records. Common start-of-term requests include enrolment verifications, personal information updates (such as residence status changes), and technical assistance with Aurora. 

Photo identification (ID) cards 

If you need your Student ID card, visit the Registrar’s Office, 400 UMSU University Centre, open from 9:00am – 4:00pm daily. Check in online to secure your spot in the queue and receive text notifications when it’s your turn. Your ID card is also required for obtaining a U-Pass for Winnipeg Transit. 

UM Achieve 

UM Achieve is your essential degree planning tool, designed to help you track your academic progress, map out your degree program requirements, estimate your time to degree completion, and explore other degree programs. Access UM Achieve through UM Achieve for Students, and if you have any questions, contact your Academic Advisor. 

Helpful contacts 

Here are some key contacts to assist you throughout the term:  

• Your Faculty Advisor: Academic Advisors 
• Inquire through AskUmanitoba
• Registrar’s Office: Phone: (204) 474-9420 | in-person service virtual queue check in
• Fee Payment: Phone: (204) 474-8716 | Email: stdntfee@umanitoba.ca 
• First Year Centre: Phone: (204) 474-6209 | Email: fycentre@umanitoba.ca 
• International Centre: Phone: (204) 474-8501 | Email: international@umanitoba.ca 
• Indigenous Student Centre: Phone: (204) 474-8850 | Email: isc@umanitoba.ca 
• Financial Aid and Awards: Phone: (204) 474-9531 | Email: awards@umanitoba.ca 

We wish you a successful and fulfilling term ahead!  

In coming to UM, Dharmil was excited to start this new adventure in business while doing his first semester online after travelling to Canada during the pandemic. After getting to Canada, Dharmil wasted no time getting involved at UM, where he found council work, extra-circular activities, and a co-op opportunity with the Asper School of Business.   

After his first year of classes at UM, Dharmil met the Communications Director of SJCSA, Sharaina Cottick, in an Asper marketing class. In working together for a semester, Dharmil learned about the community and benefits St John’s College offers, which he joined shortly after. A few months after joining the College, Dharmil joined SJCSA (St John’s College Student Association) as the treasurer to build his skills for his future career where he continued to meet new colleagues of the college and make an impact on student council.  

“Being a part of SJCSA has helped me learn new skills, apply what I’m learning in class, and meet new friends. From the events, scholarships, and friendships you build, the College has been a great place for me.”  

 

Aside from joining SJCSA, Dharmil has taken full advantage of the College community by applying for scholarships, joining in on monthly events, utilizing the study carrels as a quiet place to study, and meeting new people from other faculties within the University.     

Now going into his third year at the College, Dharmil has been a previous winning recipient of various scholarships over the years and a prime example of our community at St John’s College.   

If you are looking for scholarship opportunities, meet new people, and find a place to study on campus, become a St John’s College member on our website here.   

You can also learn more about our scholarships and bursaries here.

Along with his literary publications, Jaeger is also involved with the interdisciplinary use of language within a visual arts setting, and he has performed and/or exhibited his work at various internationally prominent galleries and art festivals, including the Venice Biennale of Art, the Whitechapel Gallery in London, the Istanbul Biennale of Art, and the MACBA Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona. 

From Europe, specifically England, to Ontario and various places in between, Peter is excited to bring his knowledge to the Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture as he begins his role as the Writer in Residence.   

With his extensive writing experience, Peter will bring this value to students through workshops, talks about his research, and sharing his experiences with students of all faculties until December.  

Join us in welcoming Peter next Thursday, September 21, at 10 a.m. in room 108 in St John’s College as he discusses “Creative Recycling for Writers.”  

Following Peter’s welcome next week, he will also be hosting six free writing workshops that will help students foster writing skills and better themselves for their careers in the future.  

In the first workshop, Peter will focus on mindfulness and writing.  

If you want to learn more about the Centre for Creative Writing and Oral Culture, click here!   

If you’d like to learn more about Peter, find more here.   

On September 7th, St John’s college student council (SJCSA) will host their annual Jumpstart event to launch the 2023/24 academic year. Going into its 40th year, Jumpstart has been an annual event in the college since the 1980’s. Passed down from multiple generations, this event is hosted in a signature location at St John’s, the Daily Bread Café.   

Whether it be the delicious food, games, or winning prizes, Jumpstart is something all SJCSA students look forward to as they start the school year.  

We sat down with Sharaina Cottick, Co-Communications Director, and Euna Park, Vice Stick of the St John’s college student council, to talk about their experiences with Jumpstart. 

What is your favourite part about Jumpstart?     

Euna: My favourite part about Jumpstart is getting to know all the members and having fun playing games like bingo! It is an important event to welcome new members and build the St John’s community.  

Sharaina: Last year was my first Jumpstart, and I loved the prizes we won! The merchandise was a big hit for me, including St John’s college hoodies and shirts and gift cards to the Daily Bread.   

What can students look forward to at this event?     

Euna: At Jumpstart, students look forward to connecting with friends, playing games, winning prizes, and enjoying delicious food!  

Sharaina: It’s an exciting time of year, and students can be excited about the food and getting to know other college members.   

Who can attend Jumpstart? If someone would like to attend, how can they join?    

Anyone can attend Jumpstart, as it is an event to get to know each other and have fun! Jumpstart is on Thursday, September 7th, 2023, from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Daily Bread Café.  

 

As Euna and Sharaina mentioned, the community is an integral part of St John’s College. Whether over food, events, or games, the community is at the heart of the college, welcoming in students worldwide.     

Click here to learn more about Jumpstart and the St John’s College Student Council.      

To become a member of St John’s College, sign up here.     

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.

ISC student advisor and program coordinator Bailey Hendry says the QBTS program nurtures the spiritual, physical, mental and emotional strengths of Indigenous students to ensure they’re as successful as possible in their first year of study.

“When I was a first-year student, I would have loved a program like this for myself to help me build community right off the hop,” says Hendry. “This program can really step in and provide that support for students—a sense of belonging and the initial push to build friendships on campus.”

Students have access to academic supports in Migizii Agamik, such as tutors and the Learning and Reading Coach and can attend workshops that help them learn new skills for their studies. With the return to in-person learning at UM, this year’s QBTS participants also had the opportunity to participate in cultural outings like a nature walk with the Land and Water program and a visit to Festival du Voyageur.

In addition to QBTS programming, participating students can apply to be matched with a Lead Neechiwaken (mentor) in the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program. Neechiwaken is a Cree term meaning friend, and the program provides students with the opportunity to be a Neechiwaken to one another. Mentors are upper year Indigenous students who provide academic and social support and ongoing advice. All members in this program experience social, academic and cultural learning opportunities, peer support and community building activities.

“Building community and feeling a sense of belonging both on and off campus is important to student success, and that’s what this program aims to do,” says Hendry.  

This year, QBTS held its first family-oriented event that saw students bring their families together to celebrate their first-year successes while sharing a meal. Hendry hopes to incorporate more family involvement in the program going forward.

Demi Quill, a student who was part of this year’s cohort of QBTS and Neechiwaken students, spoke at the event and shared her experience with Qualico.

“I was a little shy at first, but Qualico Bridge to Success supported me by helping me develop a sense of community for myself,” says Quill. “I found support here on campus and made so many new friends.”

Applications to join the Qualico Bridge to Success program are now open and Hendry says she’s excited to welcome a new cohort of first-year Indigenous students.

“I think it will be an exciting year – and none of it would be possible without the generous support from Qualico. They have been instrumental in helping us to support students who are transitioning to university for the first time,” says Hendry.

And Quill has some words of wisdom for other first-year Indigenous students looking to join the program.

“My advice to you is if you work hard, you will reap the rewards,” says Quill. “And most times, it’s way better than you expected. What you want is on its way to you, what you need is already within you.”

To learn more about the Qualico Bridge to Success program and for details on how to apply, visit the UM website.

1. Get organized

Use your student planner or get a desktop calendar. Put reminders in your phone. Whatever your system, find a way to stay organized that works for you. Input all the important dates throughout Fall Term – this includes assignment due dates, midterms, exams and appointments. Schedule your daily activities according to upcoming due dates and deadlines.

2. Create a productive study environment

For your study sessions, find a comfortable, quiet place where you can be fully engaged in learning. If you’re at home, close the door and silence your phone to limit distractions. On campus there are quiet and group study spaces in all UM Libraries. Individual faculties and programs may also set aside specific study spaces for students so please check with your faculty/program administrative office.

3. Take a self-guided tour of the Fort Garry campus

If you’re coming to campus for the first time, you might be feeling nervous about finding your way. Exploring the Fort Garry campus with a self-guided tour is a great activity to settle your nerves! Our recommended tour route takes you on a loop of (almost!) the entire campus, so set your own pace and check out the buildings and services that are of most interest to you. Plus, on the first day of classes, look for our helpful staff and faculty in the BLUE shirts and ASK ME buttons. They will happily point you in the right direction.

4. Take advantage of UM student supports

You’ve got the UM community as a resource to provide guidance and support during your time at UM. If you have any questions, the following areas can help:

• Academic Learning Centre – Graduate and undergraduate students can make an appointment with a writing or study-skills tutor, attend an Academic Success Workshop or join a Virtual Study Hall, all at no charge.

• Career Services – Assists all UM undergrad and graduate students with their career planning and job search needs offering a wide range of resources.

• Indigenous Student Centre – Indigenous Student Centre advisors can help answer your questions, create an academic plan and connect you with services and resources on campus.

• International Centre – International Centre student advisors are here to help throughout your time at UM. Connect to find resources around academics, university regulations, policies and life in Winnipeg.

• Student Life – Explore ways to get involved with UM community through peer mentorship programs, volunteering, student exchange or Community Engaged Learning.

Check out additional campus supports and resources available to you here.

5. Set boundaries with your social media intake

Turning off your notifications or temporarily deleting social media apps can help with productivity and stress levels. It’s good to stay informed and keep up with friends, but too much can be a bad thing.

6. Don’t skip class

We get it, there’s a lot happening on campus during your first few weeks of classes. While it may seem tempting to skip a class to join a social event or enjoy the last bit of summer weather, you don’t want to fall behind and miss a day’s worth of notes. Stay focused and engaged during class.

7. Make clear, manageable goals

Rather than a goal of “finish all assignments,” make smaller more attainable goals so you feel like you’re making progress along the way. Try setting smaller goals broken out by classes and assignment timelines. If you don’t complete all the goals you’ve set, look back and see everything else you’ve accomplished!

8. Take time for yourself

Put away your screens, get creative and head outside. Take a study break, go for a walk, attend a Bisons home game or visit the Active Living Centre. You’ll thank yourself afterwards.

9. Establish a schedule or routine

Prepare for your classes in advance. Ensure you have your textbooks, note-taking materials and water bottle on hand. Plan for eight hours of sleep so you’re ready to pay attention and retain information from your classes. If you’re not used to leaving the house, figure out what route you’re going to take to campus by car, bus, bicycle or on foot. Plan to leave early as long-needed road repairs are still in progress on campus and you may face traffic delays.

10. Be aware of your rights and responsibilities

UM takes academic integrity seriously. You want to ensure you don’t inadvertently do something you’re not supposed to. There are a number of people and places on campus that will help you understand the rules and how they apply to academic work. If you ever have questions or are uncertain about what is expected of you in your courses, reach out for help – your professor, instructor or teaching assistant are all great resources.

Welcome back and have a great Fall Term!