Michael Lackmanec says, “Not learning should be the scary thing.”

Michael Lackmanec, Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration graduate

Michael Lackmanec’s council asked if he would like to take the Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration (CMMA) through UM Extended Education.

“Of course, I said yes,” says the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for Cartier, who now holds his CMMA.

“As a CAO, there are very broad-spectrum penicillin types of things that you do in your daily work commitments and that involves oversight,” Lackmanec says. “There is a what and a how to do things. And in the municipal world, you know the what is usually a construct of legislation, rules, policies, et cetera. But the how is everyone’s own special sauce. And I think it’s your own unique brand of how you get things done and that’s informed by your education experience and exposures.”

With Extended Education, he says, “Most instructors have the municipal boots on the ground experience and exposure to many of the concerns and issues affecting the municipal world. It was similar to the MBA I did because they wouldn’t allow professors to teach at the MBA unless they had their own business. Working with the Extended Education office was an absolute pleasure. It was definitely Brendan and the team that provided, we’ll call it the precursors to success for the studies.”

Working professional development programs and courses into a busy life is about time management, Lackmanec says.

“When has learning concrete skills, becoming more knowledgeable, and professionally developing one’s own toolkit ever been a detriment to you as an individual or your organization, or your family, or society as a whole? The idea is that learning is not something you should be afraid of. Not learning should be the scary thing.”

Employers recognize learning, and it can take you to unexpected places, he says.

“Definitely all astute employers realize change is the constant in the world, and those that are comfortable with change and have the skill sets to manage forward will ultimately be rewarded for their perspectives and successes. Education is a way to be able to traverse the woods and go through the hills and valleys, and you know, everybody’s life will be different, but the learning will definitely assist in whatever you embark upon.”

Derek Scott is working on his next certificate with Extended Education.

Derek Scott, Certificate in Program Development for Adult Learners graduate

Derek Scott started off as a power cableman for Manitoba Hydro, and now he is training people to be system operators who make sure the lights stay on.

Scott is graduating with his Certificate in Program Development for Adult Learners. It was a requirement for the position he holds.

“I think I was looking for some guidance on how to make our program better, and some tools and techniques that could elevate our training and get more return on investment in the training we provide to our system operators,” says Scott. “To just offer an all-around better program to the people we educate.”

In addition to the knowledge and skills he is learning with Extended Education, Scott says he has also come to realize that, despite being over 40, he could go back to school and be successful in his studies.

“The most important thing is that learning never ends. That you can continue on your journey of learning. And no matter what your age or your life or what’s going on, you can do it and you can still advance and you know you are not stuck where you are. You can always grow.”

To anyone considering taking a program or course to advance in their life and career, he says, “Just do it. Go for it. I was scared coming into this too, but you can get back in the swing of things and you can do it.

“I would absolutely recommend the continuing education here at UM Extended Education, to grow and to learn, and to use the knowledge you gain to advance in your career.”

Scott is happy to be celebrating his program completion but he is also now working on his next certificate with Extended Education, in Applied Management. “It’s nice to be graduating, to be finally done and see the completion at the end. But I am also enrolled in another program. So, I am continuing on my journey.”

Barakat Bamidele pivoted from tech to HR.

Barakat Bamidele, Certificate in Human Resource Management graduate

Barakat Bamidele didn’t know a thing about human resources or CPHR Manitoba, the province’s professional HR organization when she started to study with UM Extended Education. Now she’s working as a human resources coordinator with Canad Inns.

“My certificate is one of the reasons I got the job. It’s actually given me the experience, the certification I need to be able to practice HR here in Canada,” says Bamidele, looking forward to her Fall 2025 Extended Education Graduation. She is graduating from the Applied Human Resource Management program at Extended Education, with her Certificate in Human Resource Management.

“My family is all back in Nigeria. I have friends that I have made here. They will be there for me. To my Human Resource Management colleagues, I say congratulations to each and every one of us. I am very proud of us. I can’t wait for us to meet in the future, you know, being great, doing great in this profession we have chosen to go to do.

“I see myself being at the top of the chain of this profession, you know, being a human resource manager in the future. That’s a dream of mine.”

With a previous degree in computer science and certifications in Python and Java, Bamidele says she was ready for a change. “I know that I just got tired, you know, of sitting in front of the computer. And not having human interaction.”

Her best friend completed the same program before her and inspired her to do it. “Seeing her do well was actually the push that I needed to say sure I can do this. And here I am doing it.”

At Extended Education, she says, “I found community. I found a network. I found great instructors. I know that everything I was taught I still remember, from legislation to total compensation, to strategic human resource management.  I won’t forget the instructors and I won’t forget the way they made me feel welcome.”

In 2024, Bamidele made the Dean’s List and received a Student Excellence Award at Empowering Excellence, UM’s continuing education showcase. “It was actually something I was not expecting. So actually it was a push for me to keep going, stay on the right path.”

For anyone planning to go back to school and change careers, she offers her own push. She strongly recommends Extended Education, especially for anyone considering going into the HR profession without prior knowledge or experience. But no matter what you choose to pursue, she says, “You can actually do it. It’s not going to be easy. However, it is doable. You can do it. My advice is that you just start.”

Akhil Eldho Renji congratulates his peers on their graduation.

Akhil Eldho Renji, Certificate in Business Analysis graduate

Akhil is graduating from the Applied Business Analysis program with his Certificate in Business Analysis. Completing his studies has motivated him to want to go even further.

“Extended Education was really great. They have so many programs that could help people to move further in their careers. You are good here,” he says.

Now he has the business analysis concepts and how to approach a problem.

“Always ask questions. Whatever it is, always ask questions,” he says.

Working as a business analyst back home in India had become monotonous. He felt stuck and wanted something different so he came to study with UM Extended Education.

He completed his Industry Placement at Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “The people were wonderful and Manuela was always there to support us.

“The instructors were the real gift from Extended Education. They were really helpful for me.”

He congratulates all of his program peers on their graduation.

“They had been through a lot to earn a credential from a reputable university like UM. It takes lot of resilience and courage and hard work to complete the course and to move further in their life. It’s a win for everyone.”

Learn more about Extended Education programs and courses

With the SISF grant, we will expand the role of North American Fiddlers’ Hall of Fame member Patti Kusturok to that of DFOM Artist-in-Residence. As part of her role, Kusturok will be offering one-on-one fiddling lessons to DFOM students and to UM students outside of DFOM. She will also be teaching a 3 credit course in the Fall 2025 term titled MUSC 3830 (T49) Fiddling across the Country which will explore Canada’s diverse fiddling tradition by taking a look at the many fiddling styles practiced in Canada, listening to various fiddlers and discovering what makes them unique. In addition to using recordings, live fiddlers will be invited as guests in the course. 

In 2025-26, DFOM is also creating a fiddling outreach by connecting Patti Kusturok and some of our DFOM students with the Sistema program, run by Jeffrey Acosta for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. In addition to this link with middle school and high school members of the Sistema program, we will also host other outreach events, including a Fiddling Showcase at the Desautels Concert Hall on March 14, 2026, in partnership with the Red River Fiddle and Dance Society.

Complete registration information for Fiddling across the Country is below: 

MUSC 3830 (T49) – Fiddling across the Country 
3 credits 
CRN 26534 
Fall 2025 term 
Thursday 5:30-8:30  
Instructor – Patti Kusturok

Last September, as winner of the 2024 Aikins Memorial Trophy, Ari Hooker made his solo debut with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO), performing the first movement of his own Piano Concerto No. 1. One month later, he was back onstage with the WSO to play Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. “These performances were made even more meaningful by the fact that I got to perform alongside my dad, Yuri Hooker, who’s been principal cellist of the WSO for 25 years,” he explains.

Ari recently won the $3,000 first prize at the Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg’s scholarship competition. In August, his Piano Quartet will receive its premiere at the Rosamunde Summer Music Academy’s 2025 festival. He’ll be a soloist with the University of Manitoba Symphony Orchestra next season, and he dreams of one day composing a video game score.

To read the entire story, please follow the link to CBC Music.

Lisa Haydey , JD Class of 2025 Gold Medalist in Law

What do you wish you knew/ been told before your first day of law school? 

Practicing law can be incredibly people-centered and service-driven. If you love to read, write, problem solve, and help people through difficult times, you may find your passion in law! Also, the day-to-day practice of law looks very different from the content of first-year classes: don’t let your 1L experience be the deciding factor in whether law is the right path for you.

What is your favourite memory of Robson Hall? 

Meeting some of my closest, lifelong friends at Robson Hall is a memory I’ll always treasure. From collaborating on projects to supporting each other through challenges, those shared experiences made law school truly meaningful. Listening to Professor Irvine’s lectures is a close second!

What one piece of advice would you give to a new law student or person considering going to Robson Hall? 

My advice to a new student would be to uplift your peers, advocate for and support one another, and choose teamwork over competition. The relationships and values you build in law school can carry forward into your legal practice. We have the power to begin shaping the kind of profession we want to be a part of when we graduate!

Good evening, everyone.

Jordan Wagner, Valedictorian, Juris Doctor Class of 2025.

My name is Jordan Wagner, and it is an honour and a privilege to stand here tonight before you as your Valedictorian for the Law Class of 2025.

Unlike Mike Ross from Suits, we actually made it through law school. We didn’t fake it. Although if you saw our 3L final exams, that might still be up for debate.

I want to begin by expressing heartfelt thanks to our professors, faculty, families, and friends. Your support over the past three years has meant everything, and without it, none of us would be here tonight.

And to my classmates: oh, what a ride it’s been!

I want to take you back to that first day of law school back in September 2022. We were all packed into the Moot Court Room, not yet thinking about convocation or graduation dinners; those felt like light years away. Most of us were still wondering whether our outfits actually counted as business casual or if we’d already failed our first ungraded test.

Many of us, including myself, had this mix of excitement for starting a new chapter in our lives, paired with the realization that this was going to take a lot of work and that we’d have to make plenty of sacrifices.

And what we’ve seen over the past three years is that both of those feelings turned out to be true.

There have been moments along the way that brought out excitement in all of us, whether that was winning a high-stakes curling match on a Friday evening at the St. Vital Curling Club, doing well on an important exam that we poured countless hours into, going down to Grand Forks to cheer on our Robson Hall Jets and see yet another impressive championship, or just simply spending time with fellow classmates and seeing that relationship evolve into lifelong friendships.

But at the same time, there were moments when we were overwhelmed, studying for a 100% final exam or finishing a 7,500-word paper and submitting it at 11:59pm while quietly hoping there would be another grading snafu.

But when things felt like too much, we kept going. Not because it always felt possible but because it was necessary. Necessary because we came to law school with a purpose: To improve access to justice. To help the little guy. To fix what’s broken in the justice system. Each of us came here for something bigger than ourselves, and that’s what kept us pushing forward when things got tough.

Recently, I had the chance to speak with some of our transfer students about how their experience at the University of Manitoba compared to their previous law schools. The message was clear: what sets Robson Hall apart is the strength of its community.

Over the past three years, through every high and low, we’ve been surrounded by people who genuinely want to see us succeed. It’s unlike anything I had experienced before in my academic career, whether it was classmates sharing outlines and notes to make sure that we were ready for exams, or faculty members like Lisa Griffin and Trina McFadyen helping us get our ducks in a row from day one, the support has been constant. That sense of community has carried us from the beginning, and it’s one of the things I know we’ll remember and miss the most.

And that community extends beyond Winnipeg.

Whenever I meet lawyers from other provinces and mention that I go to Robson Hall, a smile appears. That reaction speaks volumes, whether they went here themselves, grew up in Winnipeg, or know a proud alum. That shared connection reflects the pride and enduring sense of belonging that this school fosters in everyone who passes through its halls. They know what it’s like to trudge through the winter roads to make a downtown networking event after a long day of contract and constitutional law. They’ve heard Lord John Irvine reflect on case law from centuries ago. And they share the immense pride that comes with being a graduate of this school.

If we look back to 1L, life moved fast, and we had to keep up. With seven courses per semester on our plates, we were constantly juggling readings and deadlines. As final exams rolled around, things got even more intense. Not only were we managing a busy exam schedule, but we also had to dodge the notoriously aggressive Canadian geese patrolling the front of Robson Hall like they were campus security. And through it all, we had Lord Irvine calmly delivering his lectures in full spring uniform: farm overalls and rain boots – only at Robson Hall. We were fortunate to have people like Lily Deardorff, who was always there to support us and ensure that our time at law school was as enriching and rewarding as possible.

And then came 2L. We started to find our paths. We chose classes that reflected who we wanted to become as future lawyers. Some of us leaned into criminal law. Others leaned into business, family, or Indigenous law. We heard names like Baker and Vavilov on repeat, but we also got the chance to see ourselves as future lawyers after conducting our own trials in Oral Advocacy.

By 3L, we were hitting our stride. Some of our classmates studied abroad in Sweden, the Netherlands, and England. Others stayed close to home and took part in legal clinics, where we saw firsthand how the law touches the lives of everyday Manitobans.

And we competed. And we won.

From a first-place showing at the Isaac Moot to success at the Gale, the Wilson, the Laskin, the Fox, the MacIntyre, the Sopinka, you name it, we proved that when it counted, we delivered on the national scale.

And then, something we thought might never happen, we were finally let back into the Fort Garry Hotel for our last Carbolic. We dressed to the nines, danced like no one was watching, and thanks to our incredible social committee, made memories that will last far beyond that night in March.

But this journey wouldn’t have been possible without the people around us.

To our professors: thank you for your patience, your thoughtful challenges, and your unwavering commitment to shaping us into critical thinkers and compassionate advocates. Thank you for treating us like future professionals, even before we felt like we were.

To Dean Jochelson, Associate Dean Schultz, and the entire Robson Hall team: thank you for guiding us through uncertain times. Your flexibility and steady leadership kept us moving forward, and we appreciate that.

To our families: thank you for being our foundation. For the late-night pep talks, the check-in texts that said, “You’ve got this; go crush your exam!” and for patiently listening to our endless rants about exams, grades, and the ever-complicated concept of standard of review. You saw us at our most tired, most stressed, most doubtful, and stayed by our side. I know that without the support of my brother, mom, dad, and grandma, I wouldn’t be standing up here today.

And to the Class of 2025: you are some of the most talented, driven, and generous people I’ve ever met. Thank you for the group chats, the shared outlines, the moral support, the TikTok and Instagram Reel therapy, and for never letting any of us feel like we were in this alone.

Each of us has our own version of what made these three years meaningful. It could be travelling the world with classmates. It could be getting involved in the community. Or it could be even as simple as realizing that in this profession, we have the power to evoke positive change.

These moments shaped us. And now, our paths will diverge. Some will clerk. Some will litigate. Some will stay far away from a courtroom. Some will write policy or fight for change. Others may leave the law entirely and find purpose elsewhere.

That diversity is something to be proud of. Because this degree wasn’t about fitting a mold, it was about discovering what we’re capable of and finding our place in something bigger.

We didn’t just survive law school. We built something meaningful. And now, we carry it forward into courtrooms, boardrooms, communities, and beyond.

From that first day in the Moot Court Room to this moment tonight, we’ve come full circle, and we’re ready for whatever comes next.

To the Class of 2025: Congratulations. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for everyone!

Below you will find essential information for any students taking classes in the Summer Term for 2025. Topics covered include important dates and deadlines, the registration revision period, fee payment deadlines, Photo ID cards, Registrar’s Office services, UM Achieve and helpful contacts.

Summer 2025 Important Dates and Deadlines

Refer to the chart below for important deadlines for Summer Term:
For a complete list of dates, please see our Important Dates and Deadlines page.

Irregularly scheduled courses

• Some Summer Term classes have irregular dates. Check your schedule.

Registration Revision Period (Add and Drop Courses)

The registration revision period is considered the ‘add and drop’ period, where you can make changes to your course or timetable without academic or financial penalty. Courses dropped during this period are not recorded on official transcripts or student records, and tuition charges will be reversed for dropped courses.

During the registration revision period, you can:

• Add a new course if you changed your mind about your courses, or if a course that was previously full is now available. 
• Register in a course for which you were waitlisted if you receive notification that space is available.
• Update your residency status in your Aurora account and receive a fee adjustment*

Once the registration revision period ends, you can still Voluntarily Withdraw from a class, however, a VW will be recorded on your transcript, and you will not receive a tuition refund.

Resources: Dropping a Course, Changing a Course, Cancelling your Registration, Registration Information, Aurora How-to Information

* If you have recently become a Permanent Resident, or Canadian Citizen, you can update your residency status and pay domestic tuition fees. Status updates received after the revision period will be accepted, but your fees will not be adjusted until the start of the next term.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee Deadlines for Summer Term 2025 (classes starting in):

• May-June and May-August courses: May 21, 2025
• July-August courses: July 16, 2025

Please note: After the published fee payment deadline, student accounts with an outstanding balance for the term will be assessed late fees and a Hold will be placed on those accounts restricting access to most administrative and academic services.

Viewing your fees

Each term, an official summary of your tuition and fees is posted in your Aurora account. To check your current balance:

1. Log into the Aurora launch page
2. Locate and select the “view account summary by term” card.
3. Review your account information
4. You can pay your tuition and fees by selecting the payment options at the bottom of your summary. 

Additional Resources: Fee Information, Fee Payment, Non or Late Payment, Sponsorship Information, Financial Aid & Awards.

Photo ID (Identification) Cards

Photo ID cards are issued in-person at the Registrar’s Office on the 4^th floor of UMSU University Centre.

• Hours of operation are:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• If you already have a Photo ID card you do not need a new one each year/term.
• Photo ID cards are required to obtain a U-Pass for Winnipeg Transit bus service. There is no U-Pass in the summer but keep your Peggo card! No one will be charged a U-Pass fee in their tuition during the summer session. If you remain a full-time student in the Fall term, your U-Pass Peggo card will stay active and automatically reload on September 1st. You can load your own product on your U-Pass Peggo card during the Summer Term. Visit the Winnipeg Transit website to view available Post-Secondary products. For more information visit the UMSU Service Centre, 101 University Centre or email umsu@umsu.ca.

More information about Photo ID cards can be found on our website, including service for students who are not studying on campus.

Registrar’s Office Services

The Registrar’s Office is a key information hub on campus. The Registrar’s Office coordinates information about enrolment, academic, and financial records. For more information, please visit the Registrar’s Office page.

1. Explore the Registrar’s Office website
2. If you have a question AskUmanitoba
3. Connect by phone at 204-474-9420 or toll free 1-877-474-9420
4. Check in to our virtual queue for in-person service

UM Achieve

• UM Achieve degree audits are your online degree planning tool
• At the click of a button, UM Achieve degree audits enable you to:
  • Track your academic progress
  • Map the requirements in your current degree program
  • Identify courses you need
  • Estimate your time to degree completion
  • Explore other degree programs
• Access UM Achieve through UM Achieve for students and through the UM Achieve card on the Aurora launch page.
• If you have questions about your degree audit, contact your Academic Advisor.
• Resources: UM Achieve Tutorials.

Please be advised:

• UM Achieve will not be available from June 9th-20th due to the annual maintenance of degree programs.

• UM Achieve will be live and available with the new 2025-2026 degree requirements on Monday, June 23rd.

Helpful Contacts

There are many opportunities to access supports during the Summer Term:

Your Academic Advisor

Academic Advisors are available to assist you as you enter university, navigate the options that are open to you, and will work with you to develop the skills and abilities needed for university success.

• Each faculty has their own resources. Find contact information at: Undergraduate Advisors or Graduate Advisors.

Cashier’s Office

The Cashier’s Office coordinates fee payments. If you have questions about making a payment, or regarding a payment you have already made, they can help! Note: If you have general questions about your fee assessment, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

• The Cashier’s Office is available by phone at 204-474-8716 and email at studentpayment@umanitoba.ca

International Centre

The International Centre supports international students studying at UM. Visit the International Student Resources page to learn more.

Indigenous Student Centre

The Indigenous Student Centre supports indigenous students to achieve their academic goals. ISC student advisors can help you by answering questions about admissions or registration, creating an academic plan, clarifying university policies, and by connecting you with important services, resources, programming. Visit the Student Support at Migizii Agamik page to learn more.

Financial Aid and Awards

The Financial Aid and Awards Office coordinates scholarships, bursaries and assists with student loan related matters. Visit the Financial Aid and Awards page for more information.

We wish you good health and best wishes in the Summer 2025 Term!

This is a preliminary version and updates will appear as the Senate approves changes in May and June. The final version will be available July 2, 2025.

The Academic Calendar is a comprehensive publication  that outlines what is needed to get a degree. Inside, you will find:

· UM’s policies and procedures

· Academic regulations

· Important dates

· Information on all programs and faculties

· Important resources and contact information

· Course descriptions, including pre-requisites, mutually exclusive courses and equivalent course information

There are three versions of the Academic Calendar— undergraduate, graduate and one for programs and courses offered through Université de Saint-Boniface. Look at courses for both Fall and Winter Terms and plan registration for both.

Every Freeze Is Different will provide an opportunity to experience music in new ways, incorporating multimedia, narration, visual art, and singing, outside the norms of traditional classical performance. This music will not only bring people together, but will stimulate the senses and the imagination. It is a highly collaborative event, with participation of the Winnipeg Chamber Winds Collective, directed by Jacquie Dawson, including local musicians, students, and faculty from both the Desautels Faculty of Music and the School Art.

The title of the inaugural concert, Every Freeze Is Different (2017) is from a composition on the program by Yellowknife-based composer, Carmen Braden. Braden was inspired to write the work as she watched snow falling and noticed ice forming on lakes, while some leaves fell from trees and others remained clinging, still green, to their branches. She realized how the repeating cycles and seasons of all parts of life have infinite variations to be explored and celebrated. Also on the program is Stone’s Throw (2018), by Manitoba-born Jocelyn Morlock, who was one of Canada’s leading composers. This piece was inspired by Ann Southam’s music, much of which refers to the repetitive nature of so-called women’s work—such as weaving and washing dishes—with a joyful, sunny nature. The Great Flood (2024) references the Cree Creation story and is part of a body of oral literary stories of the Northern Cree, shared with Metis writer and Indigenous Culture Carrier Joyce Clouston by Elder Stanley McKay. Clouston’s text was set to music by Manitoba-born composer Karen Sunabacka. This work was commissioned for the opening of the Desautels Concert Hall and is the most recent of a series of works created by the mother-daughter team of Clouston and Sunabacka. The concert will open with American composer Paul Lansky’s Threads (2005), featuring DFOM students in the UofM Percussion Ensemble, directed by Victoria Sparks, along with the UofM eXperimental Improv Ensemble (XIE), directed by Gordon Fitzell.

The Desautels Faculty of Music is deeply committed to community engagement and sharing stories and musical experiences. The Sharing Our Voices series will welcome the local community into DFOM’s state-of-the-art facilities at the UofM campus and will also bring music to more remote communities. Upcoming programs in the Sharing Our Voices series include Tales from the North, student outreach concerts that explore stories from Korea to Canada and Turtle Island. These performances will take place on campus on January 29, in St. Laurent on February 3, and in Selkirk on February 10, 2025.

Every Freeze Is Different, created as part of the ReSound Community Concerts in partnership with Winnipeg’s New Music Festival, starts at 7:30pm and will be held at Desautels Concert Hall at 150 Dafoe Road. A reception will follow. The event is free of charge but your seat must be reserved. For more information, see: https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/music/event/re-sound–every-freeze-is-different/.