This is a key focus of UM’s digital strategy as the university makes advances towards creating a digital environment that is responsive and accessible to learners, instructors  and support staff of all abilities.

When we make accessibility the universal approach, everyone benefits – regardless of whether they have a disability or not.

Consider: a non-native English speaker who uses captions to understand video content, or a user with unstable internet who connects via on low-bandwidth websites, or a busy employee who saves time using Copilot to organize their meeting notes.

Digital tools offer some of the most intuitive ways to improve equitable access. Here are some of ones currently available to UM students and employees.

Learning without barriers

Available to all current students, Student Accessibility Services should be the first point of contact for any student with a disability.

They offer accommodation plans tailored to each student, but some of the common requests involve exams, note taking and assistive technologies. This is where digital tools can play an invaluable role, giving students free access to software and apps that can help them succeed in the classroom.

For example, a student who is not a visual learner or has a reading disability could benefit from audio formats of textbooks or reading software to support comprehension, attention and focus.

Artificial intelligence (AI), when used appropriately, can also be a useful tool to help students stay organized and prepare for tests. Some of the apps recommended by the SAS are JamWorks, Quizlet, and OneNote, which can include AI-assisted notetaking capabilities, customized accessibility profiles (e.g. for ADHD or vision impaired users), and the secured capacity to summarize lectures and create action plans from them.

Teaching for all learners

The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning supports faculty with integrating accessible practices into courses. Yuja-Panorama is a multi-faceted tool available to all employees. This tool can analyze current course material, generate reports that flag accessibility concerns and make recommendations to improve them.

For those looking to refine their approach or build accessibility into new materials, The Centre offers hands-on training using UM Learn and other UM-supported tools to develop content with accessible design principles in mind. These workshops happen regularly and are led by staff trained in universal design – a learning philosophy that aims to reduce barriers so all students can engage in meaningful learning. Faculty can also request individual support through accessible course design coaching.

Communicating equitably

In our daily work at the university, all of us will communicate and share information with others and there are a variety of tools available to help us do this in ways that are accessible to everyone.

All employees have access to M365 which includes apps with speech-to-text features for dictating and transcribing, virtual assistance with organizing meeting notes and creating accessible documents. Training on these tools is offered regularly through Learning and Organizational Development.

For those who share information on the university’s website or intranet, there are resources outlining best practices for formatting content, including images and links, in accessible ways.

SiteImprove is a website monitoring tool that UM content authors can use on a regular basis to identify and update their site to meet accessibility standards. Since it was adopted by the university in 2024, umanitoba.ca has increased its accessibility score by 37 per cent.

This article is part of the university’s ongoing efforts to develop our shared UM digital future, as part of the university’s digital strategy. Those interested in learning more about digital technology in the education environment can check out the following resources:   

Workshops at The Centre
Manitoba Flexible Learning Hub 
LOD Courses: practical, hands-on training for M365, accessibility tools and more.  
Digital Community of Practice: a forum to promote best practices and build common capabilities across UM in digital technology.  
Power Platform Community of Practice: a place for citizen developers using Microsoft’s Power Platform suite of tools to come together and share ideas, projects, and best practices.

UM’s approach to responsible digital innovation aligns with priorities in MomentUM: Leading change together, UM’s 2024–2029 strategic plan. Through the Digital Governance Council, we strengthen the digital systems that support ethical innovation and knowledge sharing across communities.

The AFU Showcase is open to the university community and the public, where you are invited to connect with units from across the university and learn more about their offerings. Registration is not required to attend the AFU Showcase, which will take place in conjunction with the Centre on Aging’s 42nd Annual Spring Research Symposium, which will be held on the same day and location.

Why attend the AFU Showcase?

The AFU Showcase is a way for both the UM community and public to connect with one another. Using the AFU principles for inspiration, here are 10 reasons why you should join us!

1. To encourage the participation of older adults
   Whether you’re interested in learning opportunities, being a research participant, or engaging in a variety of activities and events, connect with UM staff to find out about opportunities available to you.
2. Personal and career development
   Interested in learning more about where your future career path can take you? Access resources to update your resume or learn about current job and volunteer opportunities and get recognized for your extracurricular activities through the student Experience Record. Connect with staff from Career, Community and Experiential Learning Centre. Those who are current students or have graduated from UM within the last six months can schedule meetings with Career Services and are also able to access online resources and workshops.
3. Range of education needs
   Whether you’re looking to change careers or pursue a graduate degree, staff from the Faculty of Graduate Studies can talk to you about the various graduate programs offered. They can also share information about the Graduate Focus on Aging Concentration.
   Are you in need of support for your learning? Student Accessibility Services can assist students with disabilities to foster future academic success. Connect with them in person to find out how.
4. Intergenerational learning
   There are many opportunities for older adults and younger adults to connect and learn from one another. Whether it’s by auditing a course or attending an arts or cultural event, check out the Events calendar to find out what’s happening on campus.
5. Online educational opportunities
   Whether you’re interested in learning about research through an online webinar or taking a short course, connect with Extended Education staff to learn about their range of learning opportunities both in person and online!
6. Research agenda
   The Centre on Aging has a participant database for those aged 55 years and older who are interested in participating in research studies focused on older adults. Sign up to be contacted about future studies and contribute to aging research.
7. Longevity dividend
   Manitobans are known for their generosity. By 2041, the projected number of those aged 65 to 74 years will be over 140,000 Manitobans, with over 80% of individuals aged 55–74 donating to a charitable organization. Learn how you can make a difference to future generations at the UM by connecting with Planned Giving staff.
8. Health and wellness programs and cultural activities
   No matter which campus you’re on, the Family Resource coordinator (Fort Garry) or Rady Family Centre  (Bannatyne) provide various resources and supports for staff to access on family care topics: child care, older adult care, newcomer supports.
   Visit Recreation Services to learn about their Aging Actively programs and if you haven’t already, take a tour of their facilities during the lunch hour.
9. University’s retired community
   UM staff considering retirement can find out about other considerations they need to know by connecting with the UM Retirement Readiness Peer Network Group or taking the Road to Retirement course on UM Learn.
   For those who will be retiring, speak with a University of Manitoba Retirees Association (UMRA) representative to learn how retirees can stay connected with the UM.
10. Dialogue with organizations representing older adults
    As part of the Centre’s 42nd Annual Spring Research Symposium, you can connect with exhibitors who will be available to talk about programs and services they offer in Manitoba to older adults, their caregivers, families, and friends.

For more information

To learn more about Age-Friendly University Showcase participants and initiatives, visit the AFU Hub.

At this year’s Teaching Café, hosted May 1 by The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, four UM panelists presented basic concepts of accessibility, shared thoughtful approaches for the classroom, and encouraged both small, cumulative actions and strategic planning to bring about positive change.   

Removing the burden of proof for everyone’s benefit

Event moderator, The Centre’s Johnathan Bevan, opened the session with a series of broad definitions and invitations to help set a foundation for discussion.

As an Educational Developer specializing in accessible course design, Bevan acknowledged that the topic of accessibility presents a complex narrative, and moving toward accessibility in teaching begins with recognizing that universities are inherently ableist in their design. Institutions have often excluded individuals based on arbitrary barriers such as mobility, sensory impairments, cognitive and psychological diagnostic criteria, and many other categories.

“We want to examine our practices, examine how we are interacting with each other and how to make room for all kinds of people,” he said.

Accessible design benefits both those who identify as disabled and those who do not; for example, a noisy HVAC system in a classroom can negatively affect those who don’t identify as hearing impaired, or some people may be disabled for short periods of time due to illness or injury. Inclusivity, noted Bevan, helps those who don’t know that they might need accommodations to be successful and also those who don’t know how to ask for help.

“Embracing accessible pedagogy means respecting people’s right to exist,” he offered. “When we begin from a place of trust and move to design courses to be inclusive, we remove the burden of proof regarding a disability from the individuals.”

Rethinking classroom practices for a positive impact

Panelist Dr. Stephanie Hladik, Assistant Professor in the Price Faculty of Engineering, has successfully introduced inclusive practices in her teaching. She described how a defining moment came for her last year, on the topic of lecture slides. She had been wrestling with whether to post her slides online for students before or after each lecture, and she had decided on the latter, thinking that would encourage students to attend class.

She changed this practice after a student whose first language was not English let her know (in an anonymous survey) that having the slides ahead of class would help them prepare and allow them to better follow along in class.

“That flipped my thinking,” she says. She then began analyzing her other classroom practices. “It came down to my values. Am I worried about students who are trying to game the system? Is it worth it to stop one student from gaming the system if I now have 10 students who are struggling to keep up in lectures? That reflection has been helpful for me. I would like students to learn what I am teaching, in a way that works for them.”

She has also instituted a “late pass” system where her students can hand in late work five times per term, no questions asked. Students have told her they appreciate the flexibility as they juggle workloads from other courses. And she now also receives much fewer emails from students asking for assignment extensions.

“It’s about making students feel valued and welcome,” she says.

Dialing down the power dynamic

Carolyn Christie is the Director of UM’s Student Accessibility Services (SAS), working to support students identifying as having a disability – who now number 2,700 across UM campuses. SAS looks at all aspects of a student’s university journey, from recruitment, application, access to online and physical spaces, the classroom experience, program requirements, and how they’re progressing – all the way to convocation or whatever their journey’s end might be.

Christie emphasized how important a student’s relationship with an instructor is for their success. “What are we doing in the classroom to engage all students?” she asked. “When students report back to us about how their year went, their relationship with faculty is the main thing, and not so much about this or that door didn’t open.”

She invited instructors to consider the power they have, how students feel when they approach them, and whether that promotes learning. “Students are often extremely scared. We run coaching sessions with students, on how to talk to their instructor if they don’t understand an assignment.” Building positive relationships is key to empowering people to ask for help.

Thinking strategically to make meaningful change

Panelist Dr. Tina Chen serves as UM’s Vice-Provost (Equity), the newly created position to advance the university’s vision and work around all kinds of equity and anti-oppression for students, staff and faculty.

“We are becoming better informed,” she said. “My office helps support people in their understanding of ableism as a system of oppression, to begin to identify actions they can take and then to support collective transformation within units.”

Chen suggested that instructors who are taking steps toward inclusive practices should advocate to have accessibility principles embedded in ongoing department or unit EDI strategic plans, so that ableism is identified as a system of oppression, along with the many other barriers that exist at institutions.

“Get some real commitments in there, because that is the opening for you to be the advocate among your colleagues to think about how you might change practices,” she said.  

Learn more about accessibility

At The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, we will collaborate with you to make your pedagogy more accessible for everyone who comes into your classroom. Whether you need a review of a specific element of your course or a full overhaul, we will be there to help you design for inclusion.

Learn more about accessible course design coaching

Learn more about the Teaching and Learning Certificate Program

The Teaching and Learning Certificate Program has been specifically designed to accommodate the busy schedule of faculty: limited classroom hours, flexible workshop offerings, supportive mentoring and individualized teaching feedback.

Learn more about the Teaching and Learning Certificate Program

Student Advocacy and Case Management

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

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

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

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

Student Accessibility Services

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

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

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

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

Lots of programs, events, and activities have been planned outside of formal classes. One of the highlights that I am really excited to share with you, is the return of the rink on the Quad at the Fort Garry campus! Beginning January 13^th, grab your friends and your skates, and head over to the Quad for some wintertime skating fun between classes!

UMSU is also hosting Frost Fest between January 9^th-20^th. From the 9^th-13^th there’s free breakfast at 9:30am on the 1^st floor UC and a snow sculpting competition taking place on the Buller Lawn every day. They have lots more planned – visit @studentsofumsu on Instagram for more details.

As always, there are many personal and academic supports available for all undergraduate and graduate students throughout the term.

• If you are a new student, check out UM Commons, a site filled with resources and helpful tips to support you in making a successful transition to the University of Manitoba.
• If you are a new international student, the International Centre is holding a number of welcome sessions for new international students from January 9^th – 19^th, including a late orientation session for those who were not able to attend on January 5^th.

UM Libraries is now offering many non-textbook course materials via Reading Lists in UM Learn at no cost to students. If you have a perceptual disability, screen-reader friendly and alternate format are also available through Student Accessibility Services.

Need to print? UM Libraries provides access to printing from a library computer or from your personal device.

UM’s Annual Career Fair co-hosted by Career Services and the Asper School of Business returns to an in-person format January 17^th-18^th. Connect with employers, explore potential career opportunities, network with the business community, and learn how your formal education and out-of-class experiences help you to prepare for future employment.

Are you interested in an intercultural experience on campus? Applications for the Intercultural Leaders program close on January 11^th and the Language Exchange program closes on January 18^th.

Did you know that UM has international exchange partnerships with 50 institutions in over 20 destinations? International exchanges are outstanding opportunities for you to fulfill your course requirements while gaining important intercultural competencies, deepening your understanding of issues that transcend borders, and gaining new insights and perspectives in your field of study. Consider applying to participate in an international exchange – the application deadline is January 31^st!

Calling all grad students! Three Minute Thesis/Ma these en 180 secondes applications are now open ! These competitions are unique opportunities for graduate students to showcase your research to a wider audience across disciplines within the University, and to the broader public, with the possibility of winning some great cash prizes.

Let’s protect the herd. As our healthcare system continues to be strained, UM has extended its mask mandate for the Winter Term. Protect yourself and those around you and always wear a mask when indoors on all UM campuses. Free masks will be available to all students during the first week of classes. Stop by one of the tables set up in the Frank Kennedy tunnel, UMSU University Centre, Fletcher Argue hallway, and Engineering atrium. You can also find free masks at the Libraries.

Make sure to focus on your wellness. Whether you want to add some tools to your self-care toolkit or need immediate help, there is support for you throughout your studies, regardless of your level of need.

Boost your physical and mental health with Recreation Services. As a student, you have access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities in a welcoming and inclusive environment, conveniently located on campus. To activate your student gym access, simply log in to your Aurora account, fill out the gym waiver, and you’ll be notified when your pass is active. It’s that easy!

Affordable dental care is available at the Bannatyne campus! The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry’s general clinic offers exceptional dental and oral health care at a lower cost. Under the supervision of practicing dentists and dental hygienists, UM dental and dental hygiene students provide services that cost up to 50 percent less than private practices. The clinic is just one bus away from the Fort Garry campus (Winnipeg Transit’s 36 Northwest Super Express). For more information, visit: https://www.umanitoba.ca/dentistry/general-clinic. 

Get involved this Term!

Cheer on the Bisons every weekend! Get a group of friends together and be a part of the action. It’s a great way to socialize and support the UM Bisons. Claim your free tickets online. For full schedule details, visit gobisons.ca.

Indigenous student programming gives you the opportunity to get involved, with holistic programs, services and supports for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. Follow the Indigenous events calendar for cultural learning and other activities.

Stay connected to what’s happening across our campuses:

• Check your inbox every Tuesday for UM’s student e-newsletter Student Weekly.

• Follow @umstudent on Instagram and TikTok.

 Mini U Programs is hiring! Applications are now being accepted for summer positions, including supervisors, leaders, and coaches. Develop transferrable skills, get official UM recognition, and make important connections on campus – consider joining the Mini U team today!

I want to hear from you! Over the coming months I will be hosting drop-ins at various locations on our campuses. I want to connect with you, learn more about your experiences at UM, and hear your ideas. Stay tuned for more details in the coming days.

Wishing you a productive, inspiring term. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!

My best.

…Laurie

YuJa Video

• New Microsoft PowerPoint ribbon add-On: The YuJa Software Capture application can be installed as a Ribbon within Microsoft PowerPoint to provide users with a more seamless recording experience. The Ribbon will allow users to automatically sync the start and end of the recording with their presentation session.
• Browser Capture Studio now supports Apple Safari: With Safari version 14 supporting the MediaRecorder API, the Browser Capture can now be used with Apple Safari.
• Advanced media search is now available: The Advanced Search Console is focused on providing users with the ability to seamlessly filter through Titles, Folders, Metadata, Comments, Owners, and more.

Panorama Digital Accessibility

• Reprocess all documents within a course: Admins and Instructors who wish to re-generate Alternative Formats and Accessibility Reports for a course may do so with the click of a button. Simply access your Course Report or Content tab within the Panorama LTI app and select Reprocess Course.
• Instructors can now hide alternative formats: Instructors can now choose to enable or disable student access to the Alternative Formats menu for individual files.
• Real-time accessibility improvement suggestions for color contrast and font size: Suggestions for color contrast allow Content Creators to resolve WCAG 2.1 color contrast issues by choosing from a recommended selection of complementary text or background colors. Font size issues that could affect readability will automatically be detected and easy-to-use recommendations to adjust the text size are provided.

Panorama Digital Accessibility – math-related

• Users can now convert all text files to LaTeX: Panorama can now convert text-based files to LaTeX. This includes the ability to recognize and convert math equations within documents, whether they be directly embedded into the document or included as an image.
• New alternative math formats support for printed and handwritten math equations: Panorama now supports converting documents containing math equations into audio files and clear text (i.e. numbers and symbols to words) to improve readability.

Learn more

Visit The Centre’s website for more information about Panorama and YuJa Video.

Book an appointment with media team at The Centre if you need guidance making your course materials more accessible by emailing us at thecentrecontactus@umanitoba.ca. 

Support

Panorama and YuJa Video are supported by the YuJa Help Center website that provides Video Tutorials, Quick Start Guides and General Documentation: support.yuja.com

Or, contact YuJa Inc. directly by one of the following ways between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CST:

By phone: 1-888-257-2278

By email: support@yuja.com

Through Twitter: @yujanow

How Panorama helps instructors

Panorama not only assesses your material, it guides you through suggestions of how to improve your course material’s accessibility. Then it’s up to you how you want to proceed. You are the only person who can access your accessibility reports – no one else will see or evaluate you on them, and using Panorama is totally optional. For best performance, we recommend installing the Panorama extension only on Chrome, Firefox and Edge browsers.

Learn more

Visit The Centre’s website for more information about Panorama.

Book an appointment with media team at The Centre if you need guidance making your course materials more accessible by emailing us at TheCentre@umanitoba.ca. 

Support

Panorama is a YuJa Inc. product. If anyone has questions about Panorama, please visit the Panorama section of the YuJa Help Center website that provides Video Tutorials, Quick Start Guides and General Documentation: support.yuja.com

Or, contact YuJa Inc. directly by one of the following ways between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CST:

By phone: 1-888-257-2278

By email: support@yuja.com

Through Twitter: @yujanow

Now there’s a survey that seeks your input to improve the current wayfinding signage in the tunnel systems, highlighting the need for signage legibility, frequency and consistency. We want to find out how navigable the campus is in relation to accessibility and age-friendliness.

This survey takes just 10 minutes to complete, and feedback will inform an improvement plan for better navigability of the campus tunnel systems for everyone.

Take the Tunnel Wayfinding Signage survey today! 

The survey closes Friday, June 17, and is being conducted by UM Architectural and Engineering Services in partnership with the Office of Sustainability, aligning with the provincial Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA). It is funded in part by the Centre on Aging Age-Friendly University Initiative Fund 2021-2022, which supports projects that aim to increase age-friendly initiatives across campus. All funded projects address at least one of the ten guiding principles of an age-friendly university.

How will this information be used to improve accessibility on our campus?

The survey is part of a university-wide accessibility audit of the built environment, building on UM’s commitment to fostering and providing an accessible environment.

To expand on initial observations in a draft report completed by Adaptability Canada in 2019, Level Playing Field, an accessibility consulting agency, has been engaged to complete the audit and deliver a report of its findings.

The final report will include a prioritization plan identifying accessibility projects for UM campuses, and a 10-year capital improvement plan identifying projects for the near/immediate term (1-2 year), mid-term (3-5 year), and long-term (6-10 years).

“When students register with our office, we look at the program they’re in, their goals and objectives at the University, and see what kinds of challenges or barriers a student might be experiencing to find ways those barriers can be removed or changed,” says Carolyn Christie, the Director of SAS. “We always want to look at an individualized accommodation plan to see what would work for a particular student.”

With the abrupt transition to remote learning last year, SAS quickly adapted to the situation and successfully implemented alternative ways to provide support for students. The office continues to help students and faculty members optimize various aspects of the virtual learning environment.

As companies provided free access to their assistive technology and programs, SAS alerted students and provided training opportunities as they navigate virtual lectures at home. In addition, the SAS Exam Centre remains available to help students organize test and exam accommodations. Although the staff are not available for online invigilation through the remote learning period, they are staying on call during a test or exam period in case unforeseeable obstacles emerge.

While SAS staff continuously advance the office’s mission, Christie notes that volunteers are also crucial to that progress. The Volunteer Notetaking Program connects student volunteers with students requiring assistance in taking lecture notes. She adds that the program has positive impacts on the students receiving notes as well as the notetakers. For instance, a student remarked that he excelled in his courses with the help of notetakers, while a volunteer noticed an increase in her motivation to attend and stay attentive in class.

“We recruit about 500 volunteers per term if not more,” Christie says. “We’re always looking for more volunteers.”

SAS also launched a student mentor program that allows students with disabilities in the upper levels of their degree to mentor new students with the office, enriching the quality of connectivity between peers. Christie emphasizes: “It’s all about students with disabilities – for and with.”

On the topic of services that SAS students benefit from the most, Christie highlights: “it’s the feeling of support and connecting with someone who understands what they’re going through, and that we’re willing to help.”

Students with disabilities are encouraged to reach out to SAS as early as possible. “If you’re not sure how some of the academic requirements of the program might pose some barriers, connect with our office to talk about it,” Christie says.

Although SAS staff are working remotely during this time, students can still connect with the office by phone, email, or video conferencing. Contact information for Student Accessibility Services and additional resources can be found on their website.

GET YOUR SCHEDULE

• Review your exam schedule. Schedules are now available by visiting Exam Schedules. If you are a student on the Bannatyne campus, visit your college office for your exam schedule. Don’t forget that you have to remain available until all of your exams have been fulfilled, so don’t book holiday plans until you know when your exams will be complete. Exam conflicts, if any, should be reported as soon as possible to the Registrar’s Office.

CALM YOUR NERVES

Many students feel stressed around exam time so think about what you can do to address your worries before they spiral out of control. Here are some steps to take:

• Educate yourself on UM exam policies. Be aware that anything you do which gives you or another student an unfair advantage makes the conditions unfair for everyone else. Review the policies here.
• Know what counts. Keep in mind that, according to Section 2.5 of the Student Discipline Bylaw, exam cheating is “…the purposeful circumventing of fair testing procedures. Such acts may be premeditated/planned or may be unintentional or opportunistic.” Examples of cheating include letting another student look at your exam, helping a friend on an exam, using a cell phone during an exam, or continuing to write an exam once the time has elapsed. Make sure you are clear on what materials are unauthorized during an exam. Visit the Academic Integrity website to learn more.
• Take care of yourself. Sleep, eat and exercise. A short walk is often all you need to feel recharged and can have great stress reducing benefits. Eat balanced meals, get the rest you need, and stay physically active. 
• Get support. Do you get nervous, anxious and worry before exams? You’re not alone. Many people experience exam anxiety no matter how hard they study and prepare. Make time to connect with family and friends or consider using one of several apps that have been developed for exam anxiety. If talking to someone else would be more helpful for you, the Student Counselling Centre has several drop-in workshops on mindfulness and managing negative emotions and stress. You can also phone or drop by to arrange an appointment with a counsellor.
  If you have a hearing, vision or learning disability, are struggling with mental health or have a temporary or permanent physical health concern, Student Accessibility Services may be able to assist you with exam accommodations. Reach out to Accessibility Services as early as you can because exam accommodations take some time to arrange. Most important, don’t beat yourself up or be too hard on yourself. You’re doing the best you can.
• Be proactive. If you are struggling in a course, the best way to avoid potential issues is to get help before they become a big problem. Your first step should be to visit your professor or teaching assistant during their office hours. These hours are specifically set aside to help students like you. You can also get one-to-one help and other learning supports through the Academic Learning Centre.

HIT THE BOOKS

Sometimes you just don’t know where to start. Use these pointers to help organize your study time so you can be as productive as possible.

• Organize essential test materials such as readings, notes taken in class, assignment questions, practice questions and homework.
• Create a plan and pay close attention to areas that you don’t know or don’t understand, but keep in mind it’s important to also review material you know.
• Take breaks. regular, short, breaks are best.
• Test yourself daily. Use the chapter quizzes, flash cards or create test questions for yourself. Just reading over your notes does not help you learn. Re-copying is a waste of time. Re-organize and chunk information for best results.
• Create a “cheat” sheet that summarizes all the essential information for that course. Then use that sheet for review. Creating this sheet not only reminds you of information you need to know, but also requires you to test yourself on concepts, formulae, definitions, etc.
• Don’t just memorize. Understanding will ensure that you retain that material.
• Mix it up. Study in different places for a change of pace and scenery. It also doesn’t hurt to alternate your topics when you study. Although it may not feel like it initially, shifting gears will sometimes aid learning.

ATTEND AN EVENT

Exams can be a stressful time in your life, getting through a stressful time is all about balance. The University has many resources to support your success and has put together a number of student support events to help reduce stress and take a break for some self-care. 

BE READY

On the day of the exam, make sure you pack your ID. Students must present photo identification at all exams. Bring your student ID card (preferred) or another piece of photo identification with you and place it on top of your table before starting your exam.