Libraries

A students’ first instinct for finding a study space is probably to go to the library, and that is a good thought! Students pay into the libraries and their services with their tuition, and they provide a lot of resources for students in addition to their stacks, from search aids, to support staff, to rooms to book.

The Elizabeth Dafoe Library offers a variety of options for study spaces beyond the common spaces on the first, second, and third floors. If the traffic of these areas is too much, or if arriving as soon as the library opens to get a good seat is not an easy task, fear not! The library provides some wonderful options.

The second floor of the library is designated as a “quiet zone” and the third floor is home to the Icelandic Reading room. Both locations are quite spaces where students are encouraged to work silently. Being on higher floors, these rooms are away from the bustling entrance on the main floor.

In 2024, the library introduced Quiet Pods to support students who need an individualized quiet space for calls, doing an online exam, or any other task that requires silence. Quiet Pods are located on the main floor of Dafoe and can be booked for a maximum of three hours at a time. They can be booked in advance through an online sign-up form.

For other bookings, the library also offers room bookings across the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses for group study sessions located, and study carrels for graduate students and President’s Scholars.

Other libraries offer study spaces and other services, and students are encouraged to visit different libraries to find the one that suits their needs and study requirements, as different libraries will offer different technological support and study space availability. Below is a list of libraries on both UM campuses with links to information on their study spaces:

• Architecture/Fine Arts Library (206 John A. Russel Building, 84 Curry Place)
• E. K. Williams Law Library (Room 401 Robson Hall, 224 Dysart Road)
• Eckhardt Gramatté Music Library (T257 Taché Arts Complex, 136 Dafoe Road)
• Father Harold Drake Library (Room 119, St. Paul’s College)
• Neil John Maclean Health Sciences Library (2^nd Floor, Brodie Centre Atrium, 727 McDermot Avenue)
• St. John’s College Library (3^rd Floor, St. John’s College, 92 Dysart Road)
• Agriculture Building (66 Dafoe Road)
• Engineering Building (EITC E3 75B Chancellors Circle)

Other study spaces

Studying is not just limited to libraries. Although libraries offer an important space for studying, writing, and research all in the same space, sometimes all students need are a desk, a chair, and somewhere quiet.

Various faculties and departments have their own study spaces and lounges which students can use. The International Centre recently opened the Tony K. Lau Global Lounge. Located in room 541 in UMSU University Centre, this is a space for students and faculty to connect and study.

Different faculties will have different options for students. For example, the Faculty of Arts has a study space in Fletcher Argue near the Arts Students Lounge, and the School of Art allows for room bookings to support students in their studies.  Students are encouraged to reach out to their faculty or student associations to see if there are any spaces they can reserve for studying or for any other supports.

Other study spaces will pop up. Students should keep an eye out for renovations in the buildings they frequent. As the UM tunnel system was renovated, more tables and chairs were added to accommodate more options for students to study. As the UM grows, so to will its ability to help support students in their studies and their access to spaces that suit their needs.

Studying and preparing for exams can take its toll. The Student Wellness Centre is a space that students can turn to during their studies to help connect with peers and professionals for wellness support during the academic term. At the SWC, students can tend to their mental health and well-being during their studies. This space offers a break from the hectic pace of studying. After all, a key aspect of student success is a solid support system and confidence to pursue one’s studies. Student Wellness Centre hours of operation may vary during the exam period. Be sure to check their website or instagram (@healthyuofm) for hours of operation.

Lou Hofer, a 2nd year graduate student in the Faculty of Education, recognized what their blind spots were when it came to academic success based on past experiences. “I wanted to be a more efficient student. I came to UM having had a very difficult time asking for help in my first degree,” says Lou. “Something I really struggled with was citations.”

Having these ideas in mind, Lou decided to talk with their professors who offered guidance and suggested resources. “This time around I made sure to look at the syllabus and note our course’s citation standards. In my last degree I struggled with asking for help, but this time around I did more research on resources and connected with my professors.”

“If you’re struggling, go to your prof and ask if there are any additional resources that they would recommend.” One such resource, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) was another aid in their journey. “The ALC has citing guides on the website that helped me,” Lou adds. “If you don’t know where to start, contact the ALC. Whether it’s content you’re struggling with or creating routines, they have strategies for academic success.”

Likewise, Krish Bhalala, a third-year computer science student, had faced a different kind of struggle in his first year at UM. “My first-year grades weren’t as good as I wanted and I was taking this stats course for data science but my prof didn’t always attend office hours. I was struggling with the assignments.”

At the time, Krish was still looking for resources that could help him succeed. “I asked the TA how to improve in the course and that’s where I learned about the Stats Help Centre where my TA was a Help Centre Leader. Once I went to the Stats Help Centre things started to click,” Krish says with enthusiasm. “The Help Centres aren’t limited to one topic either. They’re interdisciplinary. If the content you’re learning has a topic that is covered in that course, you could go to either the Stats Help Centre or Math Centre.”

Both students now encourage others to use campus supports early and often. Krish says, “Look for one entry point if you’re struggling. You can reach out to your professors and ask how to succeed in your course or for appropriate resources based on your needs.”

At the UM, asking for help isn’t weakness it’s wisdom. During Student Success Month, we aim to celebrate students like Lou and Krish who remind us that asking for help isn’t the end of the road, but the beginning of a greater journey.

Iman, now a 4th year student in the Faculty of Science, remembers the culture shock that came with transitioning from secondary school to university in her first semester. “In high school you know everybody and then you come here and feel almost paralyzed. I think a lot of that comes from now knowing what’s out there.” An opportunity for connection arose when Iman applied to the Qualico Bridge to Success program.

“The program is catered toward first year Indigenous students. Some students in the program come from places where they’re close to their communities and coming to UM can be a big culture shock,” she says. “The program helped build community and connections, and with transitioning into that first year as smoothly as possible.”

Iman has always loved the idea of helping other students. As an upper years student, she feels fulfilled getting to act as a peer mentor for other first year students in the Bridge to Success program.

Luke, a 4th year of his Computer Science degree, faced similar challenges with building a sense of community in his first semester. “In my first and second year I was really hungry for that community experience,” he explains. “I didn’t really know anybody at UM, but connecting with TAs in my courses was really helpful. Getting involved in student groups was huge for me.”

A conversation with one of his TAs introduced him to the Prairie iGEM Team. “It was a great opportunity to learn and meet students in other departments. It really opened my mind to what is possible—it’s one thing to go to school and learn whatever it is you’re studying, but it’s a totally different thing to try and build a project out of those skills. Community was a big part of iGEM, it was a way to meet people you wouldn’t have otherwise and make some friends.”

Both Luke and Iman have attended UM events that furthered their sense of involvement in the campus community. Iman volunteered for Welcome to the Herd to give new and prospective students tours of campus. “This opportunity was a game changer for me. I like playing an active role in the community. That volunteer experience had an impact on me and led me to the mentoring life.”

Likewise Luke discovered that events are readily available if you look for them. “There was a poster up in Armes that said ‘come see this talk’ and I signed up! The event had a local CEO as the speaker. It was a useful way to understand the industry that I’m heading into and a really good experience to meet other students.”

If you’re looking to gain a sense of community at UM, Iman offers these words of wisdom: “Building connections, going out and trying new things, are all investments for your future and your mental health. We’re all in it together.”
Student Success Month reminds us that wellness and connection isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s through campus events or joining a student group, the journey to finding belonging begins with one small step.

Be honest with yourself, and don’t be afraid of change. Svensson started by following his interests with “a strong passion for physics and astronomy,” but like many students, lost confidence in his original path. As Svensson recounts:

“After two years of studying from home due to COVID-19 protocols, I started to struggle academically and felt that earning a university degree was becoming an unattainable goal. This was a challenging time for me, as I realized I was losing interest in the material required for my degree. At this point, I understood that I needed to make a change because I no longer felt the enthusiasm I once had for the physics program. I decided it was time to create a career plan that would give me a goal beyond just obtaining a degree.”

Svensson switched from the Faculty of Science to the Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, and his openness to change paid off. He explains, “This change allowed me to apply my physics knowledge and skills while rekindling my passion for learning. Since switching programs, I have experienced significant academic success in my coursework and found it easy to push myself to become involved in the atmospheric science community on campus.” But how did he choose a new program?

Take advantage of on-campus resources. UM is full of services and staff who are invested in your success. Svensson says,

“I reached out to Career Services on campus, hoping to explore my options in my current path. After just one meeting with Career Services, I discovered a career path that excited me, along with another program at the university that could help me pursue it: a degree in atmospheric science through the Physical Geography program to become a meteorologist.”

Career Services helped Svensson find a new path that utilized his previous skillset but with a new, exciting goal. Furthermore, they connected him with people at his new faculty who could provide more information and ease the transition.

Balance is key, but it takes time to build a structure that works for you. Even though Svensson enjoys his program, he struggles with anxiety and keeping on top of his studies, work, and personal life. To help, he says, “I developed a healthy study plan that included scheduled times not only for completing coursework but also for prioritizing my mental health and well-being each day.” Other strategies Svensson uses include planning out goals and tasks at the beginning of each week and breaking those down into manageable tasks. He describes,

“Through this scheduling, I become motivated to tackle each task one at a time, day by day. Over time, this approach became a habit, and I now find myself approaching life’s uncertainties with excitement instead of fear. We may never be able to control or predict the future, but we can face every situation with curiosity and enthusiasm, viewing each as an opportunity to grow and become stronger.”

Gaining a sense of direction is an important component to student success. Finding that direction is the challenge, but once you have it, it will propel you forward. Svensson explains, “I am looking forward to starting a career where I can make a positive impact and contribute fresh ideas to the atmospheric science community. Upon graduation, I will passionately follow my path in atmosphere science, embracing whatever opportunities come my way.” Remember, he didn’t always have this feeling of enthusiasm about his studies: “I never would have predicted that I would be on the career path I am now, but I couldn’t be happier or more excited about it.”

A positive mindset is an invaluable tool. If there’s one thread that runs through Svensson’s experience, it’s his enthusiasm and optimism. He says that his optimism is part of what helps him “stay open to new ideas,” like changing his degree program. “A positive mindset can help you shift your focus away from uncertainties,” he explains, “and give you the energy to tackle the tasks at hand.” Svensson attributes his current fulfilment in his studies and excitement for the future ahead to these habits, reflecting:

“You may be surprised at how many new opportunities and doors will open for you as you navigate the unknown with confidence. Believe in yourself, and make sure to reflect on your feelings in every situation.”

A positive mindset like Svensson’s redefines the way we understand student success. A successful student is not one who has followed a perfect, predetermined path and achieved a particular career goal. A successful student is one who faces challenges head-on, embraces change, reaches out to their community for guidance, and, most importantly, finds joy in their academic journey. Any student would do well to take a moment to reflect on their own academic journey, as Svensson has, and appreciate how far they’ve come.

UM librarians offer one-to-one appointments, drop-in sessions, and both live and recorded workshops to help with research and writing components of graduate programs. Keep reading to learn about some of the resources available and problems the UM librarians can help you solve.

If you are struggling to find sources on a particular topic, a librarian can help you refine your search terms or choose the best database for your needs. For this, you can make a one-to-one appointment with any librarian or with the subject-librarian for your discipline – they have specific knowledge to help you find what you need. Librarians can also help you learn to be more efficient and effective in your searching. Talk to a librarian (one-to-one or during a drop-in session) about how to create the best search strings (if you aren’t familiar with the wonders of “AND” and “OR,” be sure to ask) and how to use filters and subject tags to their full potential.

An all-too-common frustration in the research process is finding a source that sounds perfect and then finding out that you can’t access the full article. You don’t have to deal with that frustration alone, a librarian can likely help you find an available version through the UM libraries system or can walk you through how to request it through document delivery – if there is a version to be found, the UM librarians will help you find it. Another fantastic option – install the Lean Library browser extension and find the Libraries’ licensed copy automatically!

Once the articles start to pile up, many graduate students are faced with another challenge – how to keep it all organized. Librarians can help with that too! The UM librarians can introduce you to reference management software options, including everything from setting up an account to automatically inserting citations into your word processor. If you are already using one, they can even help you learn to use it even more effectively.

Then, there is writing; UM librarians can help with that too. While there are graduate-level writing tutors available through the Academic Learning Centre to help with many facets of writing, librarians can help you find resources and examples for different styles of writing. They can also help with finding style guides or examples for lesser-known citation styles and examples for specific situations in more- or lesser-known style guides.

Along with the options of one-to-one meetings and drop-in sessions, many of challenges of research and writing are covered through numerous workshops offered by the UM libraries each term. Their ‘Graduate Student Research Series’ is specifically designed to help master’s and doctoral students with the particular demands of research and writing in these higher-level programs. These workshops cover topics like how to define your research question and do a literature review, what open access and research metrics are, how to use citation management software, and how to manage research data. Keep an eye on the upcoming workshops page to see what topics are going to be covered this term. You can also check out the UM libraries Youtube page for recorded videos of many of the popular workshop topics.

Whether you are struggling with a particular issue or would just like to hone your skills, the UM libraries and librarians are resources of near limitless potential. Check out the UM libraries site to see how they can help!

Join us Thursday, March 6, 2025, for the third session of the Teaching and Learning Research Colloquium Series. Dr. Matthew Quesnel [B.A./13, M.A./15, Ph.D./20] (The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning) will share his research examining the connection between international students’ metastereotypes and seeking out peer support and support services offered by their postsecondary institutions. Quesnel will share his research findings and explore how they can inform strategies for fostering a more inclusive campus environment, promoting accessing UM support resources, and improve academic success and well-being for international students.

The Teaching and Learning Colloquium Series, hosted by The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, supports educators in creating a learning environment that responds to the changing needs of learners and strengthens student supports. It provides a platform for UM scholars and educators to share knowledge, research, and success stories to empower learners.

The series was designed “to provide an opportunity for faculty and higher education professionals to gather and talk about students’ support needs, barriers students may face in seeking help, and effective strategies for supporting and enhancing student learning,” says Quesnel, Teaching and Learning Colloquium Series chair.

Register for Barriers to Support: Metastereotypes and Help-seeking Among International Students. 

Location: Room 325, Education Building 

Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025 

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Session details: 25-minute presentation, followed by discussion and refreshments. 

“There are so many things to achieve during a career,” says the first-year master’s student. “There is always a sense of wanting to know more and how to use this knowledge to solve real problems.”

Galeano is the latest recipient of the Ruth Asper Scholarship in Kinesiology and Recreation Management, which helps support graduate student research and training within the faculty. Galeano says receiving the award is not just an honour, but a call to action.

“I feel like it’s a big commitment to show how this research can impact the world,” he says. “And as an international student, it’s a big opportunity to show my work and to inspire others.”

Galeano is being advised by Rodrigo Villar, an Assistant Professor and primary investigator of the Cardiorespiratory and Physiology of Exercise Research Lab. Galeano says his focus is on exploring how progressive strength training can affect or counteract the frailty process that comes with age.

“Everyone probably has someone in their life right now who is facing frailty, and they might be asking how they can help,” he says. “Exercise is how I can help.”

Galeano says his interest in the area began with his work in healthcare. Galeano, born in Bogota, Colombia, studied sports medicine at El Bosque University. His interest in the human body led him to work with Olympic athletes, something he found exciting but limited.

“Olympic athletes are less than one per cent of the general population, a very small number of individuals,” says Galeano. “But when you’re helping people with frailty, you can impact people not only here in Manitoba or Canada, but worldwide.”

Galeano says he came across Villar’s work and the work of other labs across the university during his career specializing in sports medicine. Working with Villar was an opportunity to expand both his knowledge and impact.

“I want to know how exercise works, how it can help people and how we can give people those tools, so they’re prepared for the frailty that comes with age,” Galeano says.

Villar says Galeano is an excellent addition to the lab and someone they are all privileged to work alongside.

“His dedication, perseverance and resilience inspire both me and other students,” Villar says. “Receiving the Ruth Asper Scholarship is well deserved and testifies to the quality of research that Edgar will be conducting in our lab.”

For his part, Galeano says he is extremely grateful to Ruth Asper for selecting him and his work. He says the scholarship allows him to fully focus on his work and keep learning.

January 9 — As more students with learning disabilities pursue post–secondary education, the needs of the UM student population continue to evolve. When needs are not met, students with learning disabilities are more likely to trail behind their peers in academic achievement and graduation rates.

Join us on Thursday, February 6, 2025, for the second session of the Teaching and Learning Research Colloquium Series. Dr. Lauren Goegan (Educational Administration, Foundations and Psychology, Faculty of Education) will share her research about inclusive pedagogies and strategies to nurture success of students with learning disabilities more effectivity. Goegan and her team explore how basic psychological needs, such as autonomy, relatedness, and competence, impact postsecondary success. 

The Teaching and Learning Research Colloquium Series hosted by The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (The Centre) is one way The Centre supports advancing pedagogies that respond to the diverse needs of learners. The colloquium series creates an opportunity for UM faculty to share their knowledge, research and success stories within the UM instructional community to empower learners. 

The Colloquium Series was designed “to provide an opportunity for faculty and higher education professionals to gather and talk about students’ support needs, barriers students may face in seeking help, and effective strategies for supporting and enhancing student learning,” says Dr. Matthew Quesnel, Colloquium Series Chair and Faculty Specialist – Science of Teaching and Learning, The Centre. 

A final session for 2024-2025 academic year, focusing on Metastereotypes and Help-seeking Among International Students, will take place in early March.

Register for Fostering Success: Addressing Basic Psychological Needs for Students with Learning Disabilities in Postsecondary Settings.

Location: Room 325, Education Building 
Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025 
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Session details: 25-minute presentation, followed by discussion and refreshments.

Running toward Reconciliation: Tréchelle Bunn’s journey from athlete to advocate

Law student Tréchelle Bunn is the founder and race director of the Reconciliation Run, which she created to honour her grandparents who attended residential school. This year, she’s using the funds raised to create a scholarship for Indigenous student athletes. 

Maya Turner: A trailblazer in U Sports football

In November, Maya Turner made history (again!) as the first female athlete ever to be named an all-star in U Sports football. Earlier this year, she reflected on the journey that brought her here.

The Rhode to 100

UM has produced more Rhodes Scholars than any other university in western Canada. Artist Joel Nichols, UM’s 100th recipient and the first ever from the School of Art, shares the creative complexities of his world.

Change through rematriation

Pahan PteSanWin was named a 2024 Vanier Scholar for her Indigenous rematriation and reparations research. Her work highlights the importance of envisioning what a future can look like past colonial violence.

From seeking Narcos to seeking peace at UM

As a marine in the Peruvian Navy, graduate student Omar Tejada saw the impact of narcoterrorism on children firsthand. Now he’s using his master’s thesis in Peace and Conflict Studies to draw attention to the situation in his home country of Peru and advocate for the youngest and most vulnerable victims of the drug wars.

Med student, inclusion advocate recognized by Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

Med student Tooba Razi says her identity as a Pakistani, Muslim woman has strengthened her commitment to creating safe spaces and mentorship opportunities for those who are underrepresented. In 2024, she was recognized for her hard work and dedication with a Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award.

Taking the stage at the global Falling Walls Lab in Berlin

UM Falling Walls Lab grand-prize winner Nolan De Leon made connections and represented the university at the global Falling Walls Science Summit this fall. He was in good company among 100 passionate thinkers and dreamers from various countries trying to face the world’s greatest challenges head on.

New graduate hopes to inspire other Inuit to pursue engineering

A love of tinkering with offroad vehicles and learning how to optimize them for the arctic led RJ Oolooyuk to mechanical engineering. Now he’s the first Inuk student to graduate from the Price Faculty of Engineering and has returned home to Rankin Inlet, Nunavut to inspire his community.

The intersection of genetics and advocacy

While working through her degree, fourth-year genetics student Witta Irumva noted a lack of representation of Black women in her field. She aims to change that by combining her passion for science with her drive to create a more-equitable world.

Shaping Education: 2024 Undergraduate Research Award Recipients

Six Faculty of Education students received UM’s undergraduate research awards this year. Their projects delve into critical educational issues like supporting refugee students, gender-based violence and sexual education.

UM’s librarians have worked hard to provide a plethora of resources for students. Whether they are first-year students getting used to the kind of work expected of them in the university, or graduate students grinding away at their dissertations, the library has helpful guides to guide students on the right track. UM Libraries have an online writing guide which explains the various aspects of academic writing, from identifying peer-reviewed sources to understanding the ins and outs of how scholarly information is communicated. This includes concise tips sheets to understand different kinds of assignments, especially unconventional or heavy assignments such as annotated bibliographies, theses and dissertations, and critical reviews.

Different faculties and disciplines will have different expectations regarding citation styles, formatting, or types of relevant sources. Navigating these aspects of courses and assignments and knowing where to find further information can be quite a feat. Fortunately, UM Libraries has subject librarians who can help students in specific disciplines. Students can consult with these librarians to get help understanding the expectations of their assignments, find relevant sources, and learn how to properly use those sources in their written assignments. University 1 Librarian Sarah Clark highlights the utility of meeting with subject librarians, “Student appointments are really important because often times, the initial question a student has can lead to related questions about their assignment, and deeper discussions about writing and research. This often provides an opportunity to mention services or resources the student may not have known about or considered before.” Visiting a subject librarian at the start of their assignment can help students work efficiently and avoid confusion or common pitfalls. For those seeking support, Clark points to the importance of consulting librarians directly: “if students have any questions about research or using the Libraries, I’d encourage them to contact their subject librarian either through email or by booking an appointment.”

In her capacity as a librarian, Clark supports the ARTS 1110 course by hosting in-class workshops to discuss information literacy. For new students, this exercise is crucial for instilling confidence and knowledge on how to navigate libraries. “There is often no way to know what students’ prior learning experiences look like,” stresses Clark. “Providing consistent information literacy instruction at an earlier stage of students’ university experiences can help set them up for success. They can become confident with resources, strategies, and techniques that they can apply and reuse in so many different courses and contexts going forward as their research needs evolve.”

The Elizabeth Dafoe Library offers Drop-in Study Sessions with librarians and writing tutors in the Brown Lab (Room 110) on Wednesday and Thursdays from 1:00-2:00 p.m. No registration is required, and these are opportunities for students to work on assignments and ask questions to hone both their research and their writing.

Students can find more information on writing and research skills through workshops offered by UM Libraries in the Fall and Winter terms. These workshops are divided in different series and students are encouraged to find the series that applies to them. For example, Library Essentials is for new students; meanwhile Graduate Student Research supports graduate-level writing and research.

UM Libraries are more than just study spaces or stacks upon stacks of books. UM’s librarians, and all the resources they have curated over the years, are key players in a student’s studies. Understanding that the library is more than just a place for research, but also a space to share knowledge and for students and librarians to assist students to succeed in their studies.