What is Work-study?

The Work-Study program offers part-time, on-campus employment for students with financial need during the school year. Apply to the program to gain valuable work experience and skills related to your field right on campus!

Eligibility for Work-study:

• Have proof of a 2024 – 2025 government student aid package of at least $2,000; or, proof of 2024 – 2025 Indigenous band sponsorship, Metis Nation post-secondary funding, or disability funding.
• Be registered at the University of Manitoba as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in both terms (Fall 2024 and Winter 2025). Students must have a minimum 60% course load (i.e., 9 credit hours per term for undergraduate students). 
• Have achieved a satisfactory academic standing with a minimum 2.0 institutional grade point average in their previous academic session (not applicable for new UM students)
• Be residing in Manitoba throughout the Work-Study employment term

The Work-study program is a great opportunity in working towards your career goals. Whatever they may be, Work-study builds your experience and skills through on-campus opportunities.

We are proud to be offering a diverse range of positions again this year! The positions for the 2024-2025 school year included positions in social services, science, fine arts, sport, and more.

Some of our excellent positions can be found highlight below:

Research Assistant (VARIOUS) – There is a great selection of student research opportunities on campus this year, in faculties and organizations such as Faculty of Architecture, Department of Anthropology, and Recreation Services. If you are an investigative student, we recommend checking out this great positions.

Career Mentor Program Assistant (72655) – Are you interested in helping students in achieving their career goals? The Career Mentor Program through Career Services is an opportunity for UM students to meet with professionals of their desired career to find insight of what their future may look like. The CMP assistant helps the coordinator in making sure UM student can embark on their mentorship journey. This is a great position for students interested in liaison management and career development; however, we welcome all applicants to apply!

Machine Learning Data Annotator (72787) – The Department of Computer Science is looking for a student to join their TerraByte team! This position combines machines and agriculture for those that are interested in these fields. Those with experience in coding and data processing are a great fit for this position.

Alternate Format Assistant/Invigilator (72592) – Student Accessibility Services is looking for a student to join their team. If you have experience working with individuals with disabilities and are passionate about providing accessible formats for all, this position is one to apply for. Students interested in helping others may be excellent candidates for this position.

Waste Reduction Assistant (72755) – Are you passionate about sustainability and waste management? The Office of Sustainability is looking for a student to help in researching and improving the waste management programs around the Fort Garry campus. Students with experience and knowledge in environmental science can excel in this position!

Ceramics Student Assistant (72537) – The School of Art is looking for a ceramics student to assist their Ceramics Technician. The candidate for this role would be an organized individual who works well with others. Students applying to this position would be passionate and knowledgeable about ceramics!

The deadline to apply for the program is September 12, 2024!

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit our the work-study website.

If you have any questions, please contact work_study[at]umanitoba[dot]ca or the Career Services office.

Here are some recommendations as you focus on studying and writing your exams.

STUDY SMART

Here are some recommendations to maximize your effectiveness and efficiency as you focus on studying and writing your exams.

• Check your exam schedule and manage your exam conflicts and deferrals ahead of time. Make sure you know when and when you write your final exams.
• Create a study schedule by working backwards from the exam date and allowing extra time for courses and topic areas that are more challenging for you.
• Use your syllabus and course objectives to determine what you need to focus on most when studying.
• Find out what type of exam you are writing (e.g., multiple choice, short answer, essay, open book). Knowing the format will help you determine how to study.
• Gather and organize essential materials, such as assigned course readings, lecture notes, and practice questions.
• Study actively by creating something new. Just re-reading or recopying your notes is not effective and can lead to poor results. Instead, re-organize the information by creating charts, concept maps and/or timelines.
• Avoid cramming. Cramming overtaxes your memory—you will likely remember less and may even get confused about the material.
• If you’re short on time, read chapter summaries and chapter objectives. Focus on material that will be covered on the exam, but that was not covered during class. Review the material you don’t know well before reviewing material that is easier or more familiar.
• Test yourself. Complete the chapter quizzes. Create and answer your own test questions. Challenge yourself to write down everything you know about a course topic, concept, or section without looking at your notes or textbook, then fill in the gaps. Not knowing is part of learning, so don’t stress if you don’t know much the first time you do this. Your knowledge will improve!
• Do LOTS of practice problems, especially if you are in problem-based courses like Math, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering. Do the hardest questions. Approach problem solving in an organized way using the Academic Learning Centre’s GUESS method.
• Be proactive. If you have questions, your first step should be to contact the course instructor or teaching assistant. You can also find recorded Academic Success Workshops that can help you continue to succeed, or you can book an appointment with an Academic Learning Centre content/study skills tutor.

PRACTICE SELF-CARE

Focusing on your wellness as much as your studying during exam season can help ensure you are functioning at your best. Many resources can help you thrive and take care of yourself. Here are some suggestions:

• Find a balance. Consider eating foods that fuel you, get the rest you need, and move your body in whatever way makes sense to you! Take advantage of UM Recreation Services’ wide range of virtual workout sessions and the facilities and programs on both UM campuses.
• Get support. If you get anxious about exams, you are not alone. The Student Counselling Centre offers counselling services for students, including groups and workshops available throughout the year.
  • Enhance your coping abilities with SCC’s Stress and Wellness 101 . You can attend one, two or all three sessions in on of the two following series:
    • Series 5: In-person on Monday, March 25, April 1 and 8 | 10:30 to 12:20pm
    • Series 6: In-person on Thursday, April 11, 18 and 25 | 10:30 to 12:30pm
  • Join Mid-day Mindfulness meditation on Wednesdays at 12:30-1:30.
  • If you need help developing an action plan for a specific challenge, the SCC offers Single Session Therapy appointments to help you finish the term.
  • Looking for a place to study, rest, learn or connect? Visit the new Student Wellness Centre (SWC). The SWC can support you in getting well, being well and staying well during your time in university.
• Develop good habits. Connect with UM’s Coordinator of Student Health and Wellness Education to discuss health and wellness topics such as stress management or other ideas for healthier living. The Healthy U website also has multiple resources you can access at any time. 
• Take short breaks regularly. Getting up and moving when you’re studying can help prevent neck pain and headaches. Doing this also gives your mind a rest so you can return to your work feeling refreshed.
• Make time for things that bring you joy and help you relax. Enjoy a hobby, spend time in nature, tidy up your space or connect with friends and family.
• Remember to breathe. It’s easy to forget this when you’re feeling stressed. Simply close your eyes and count your breaths, focusing on inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply. Looking for  somewhere to take a moment and breathe, the Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Centre offers a meditation space for students and the Student Wellness Centre offers a “calm space” for students to disconnect from the chaos of campus.
• Remember that your self-worth and value as a person is not determined by one test score or one exam. No matter the results of your exams or course grades, you are worthy of living a good life. Acknowledge how hard you’re working, show yourself kindness and remember that you are doing the best you can.
• Celebrate all of your wins: Prepping for finals and finishing your course load can be a long journey. Waiting until the result of your exam or last class is certainly worth celebrating, but so is all of the work you are accomplishing along the way. Attending class, learning a challenging concept, or getting through your most recent study session are all your wins as well. Celebrate yourself as you go, you deserve it.

WHAT IS WORK-STUDY?

Work-Study allows on-campus units to acquire student help for departmental support and projects while providing students the opportunity to apply academic competencies and build skills. This program continues to support students with financial need (demonstrated by government aid, Metis Nation post-secondary funding, disability funding, or band sponsorship). Selected employers will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $1,700.00 per position at the end of the fiscal year. We are greatly interested in supporting the projects of staff across all faculties and departments on all University of Manitoba campuses! Apply to be a Work-Study Employer today!

WHAT DO OUR PREVIOUS EMPLOYERS LIKE BEST ABOUT WORK-STUDY?

• “Work-Study has allowed our office to complete the projects that we just never seem to have time for, including special projects that are important to our Dean at this time.”
• “We appreciate the diversity of the student’s educational background and the skill sets. They have always been eager to learn new skills and an asset to the office team.”
• “Student development and building relationships was great. It’s fantastic, as an administrative unit, to have the opportunity to work with the students who we provide our services to.”
• “It is a very good program, provides great opportunity for students, and work study office is very helpful, efficient, and supportive”

WHAT DO OUR STUDENTS SAY THEY LIKED BEST ABOUT THE PROGRAM?

• “Being a shy person, my work study position allowed me to improve my communication and networking skills. I met people I never would have otherwise and gained valuable skills that would be applicable in any workforce.”
• “I enjoyed working on campus in the field I’m interested in. It built valuable relationships and more engagement with my degree.”
• “I enjoy the Work-Study program overall since it allows me to develop new and current skills that are fundamental to the career that I would like to take on in the future. Moreover, I learn more about myself since I understand what type of work I do not like and what I enjoy, which usually takes years to figure out. I look forward to the next school year’s work-study program!”

HOW TO APPLY

For the upcoming Fall and Winter terms, student hiring commences early in September. Please refer to the Work-Study webpage for more information and further instructions. The employer application is now open, with new employer registration due Wednesday, July 19 at noon and applications due Friday, July 21^st at noon.

By supporting experiential learning on-campus, you are helping students develop skills and competencies that will contribute to their future careers and overall success.

If you have any questions about the program, reach out to Ilianna Hoople, Work-Study Coordinator or Lindsey Hiebert, Career Consultant at work_study@umanitoba.ca

The Lean Library browser extension provides quick and simple access to digital content purchased by UM Libraries.

Using Lean Library means you spend less time searching for research material and more time studying, reading, and writing. With a few simple steps you’ll have access wherever and whenever you decide to study or do research, whether you’re in a neighbourhood coffee shop or at home, during the day or in the wee hours of the morning.

Learn more about how Lean Library can extend your research.

How does the extension work?

The extension will automatically detect when you are on a website that contains content the library subscribes to. If you are off-campus, you may be prompted to log in with your UMNetID credentials.

Once you are logged in, the “LL” extension icon in the menu bar will turn an aqua colour if the library provides access to the article. A grey icon means that access is not available and Lean Library will automatically check for open access versions of the article or provide a link to interlibrary loan.

Download the Lean Library browser extension for quick and simple access to digital content purchased by UM Libraries.

UNPLUG ELECTRONICS: When you’re not using your electronics, make sure you unplug them to prevent phantom power or use a smart strip/power bar to prevent energy from being wasted. Phantom energy is when electronics use small amounts of energy even when they are turned off. According to Natural Resources Canada, phantom or standby power “can account for 5 to 10% of a household’s electricity bill.” In Canada, phantom power use totals about 5.4 TWh, which is the equivalent of the annual power use for 300,000 households (Hydro Quebec).

TAKE A BREAK: Take a break from electronics and screens! Try to take a break from your laptop, television and phone when possible. When you do so, make sure to power them down to reduce power consumption. Try reading a book, repurposing something in your house, making a craft, meditating, trying yoga or taking a walk (while social distancing). Having this small break in your day will let your mind refocus and in the end, help with productivity.

GO PAPERLESS: Even though classes are online and the majority of people are on the computer, it is still important to be mindful of your paper consumption. By reducing your printing and taking notes on your laptop versus paper, you can save trees, resources…and money! If you do have to print, make sure you always print in economy mode to save ink and double-sided to save paper. Make sure to recycle old ink cartridges – many office supplies stores will take them back or refill them for you.

BUNDLE UP: Spring is in the air, but it’s still a bit chilly out. Avoid cranking the heat in your house. Instead, try putting on a sweater, cozying up with a blanket, making your favourite hot drink and taking small activity breaks to increase blood flow. These cozy ideas will allow you to turn down the thermostat to conserve energy and money while still working comfortably. Also, try opening the blinds during hours of sunlight to naturally warm the house.

USE DAYLIGHT: Sunlight will not only save you from turning on lights and using excess power but also help to increase brain productivity. Natural light is proven to keep the human brain more alert. Open blinds to let the light in, and turn off any lights you don’t need. In the evening, ensure only the lights you are using are on.

POWER DOWN YOUR COMPUTER: By shutting off your computer at night, turning off the monitor when you’re away and setting your computer to turn your monitor or screen off after a set period, you can conserve power and save money on your electricity bill. In addition, powering down prolongs your electronics’ life, meaning you purchase less and save more of our Earth’s resources.

GO GREEN: Getting yourself a plant for your home office can help clean the air, reduce stress and even provide sustainable food for you if you choose to plant a vegetable. Having living green around you has health and wellness benefits.

“In a large, nationally representative sample of over 34,000 US adults, we found that binge eating was associated with posttraumatic stress disorder in both men and women,” said Dr. Joel Braun, a first-year psychiatry resident in the Max Rady College of Medicine who served as lead author. Dr. Natalie Mota, assistant professor of clinical health psychology, is the senior author on the study.

In both men and women, individuals who experienced more PTSD symptoms related to negative thoughts and mood in particular reported a greater number of binge-eating symptoms, the authors found. This association was independent of other mental health conditions.

There are well-known associations between PTSD and several health behaviors such as smoking and increased alcohol use. Much less research to date has focused on the association between PTSD and eating behaviors.

“It is possible that binge eating may serve as a way of coping with the distressing symptoms of PTSD,” said Braun.

The aim of the study was to contribute to existing literature related to the association between PTSD and binge eating and to address limitations in current research, according to Braun and Mota.

“Treatments for PTSD may benefit from including helpful and healthy coping strategies for managing these difficult symptoms such that unhealthy or harmful coping behaviors might be reduced,” Mota said. The researchers also hope that future research examines how binge-eating behavior may affect the physical health of individuals living with PTSD.

“Future research should clarify whether binge eating contributes to the higher rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease observed in those suffering from PTSD,” said Mota.

This research was supported by the B.Sc. (Med.) research program in the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba and by University of Manitoba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences Start-up Funds (Drs. Natlalie Mota and Renee El-Gabalawy)

The full study is available online: https://www.psychiatrist.com/JCP/article/Pages/2019/v80/19m12813.aspx

Rules and regulations

The January Instagram Photo Contest (#umstudyspot) runs from 12:00 pm CST on Thursday, January 5 to midnight CST on Tuesday, January 31 on www.instagram.com/umstudent.

To be entered to win, take a photo with the theme “study spaces on campus”, tag your photo with #umstudyspot and share the challenge # in your post. PRIVATE Instagram accounts must be PUBLIC during the contest in order to qualify for entry.

All entries between January 6 and January 31 will be considered and a favourite will be chosen. You may enter as many times as you like. The winning photo account will receive a U of M Bookstore Gift Card valued at $25.

The winning entry will be chosen by the Marketing and Communications Office and will be selected based on composition, creativity, quality and adherence to the theme. The winner will be notified by Instagram direct message and then announced publicly on the account.

Prize must be picked up from the Student Life Office in University Centre during regular business hours.

Contest is open to all residents of Manitoba, but prize must be picked up at the U of M Fort Garry Campus. By tagging #umstudyspot, you are agreeing to allow the U of M to share your photo(s) on our social media accounts and on our news site, UM Today.

Your photo(s) will not be used for commercial purposes. This contest is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram, Inc.

By entering, entrants confirm they are 13+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s term of use.