Academic advisors are a great resource when you have questions about your options in university. Advisors will assist you as you enter university, as you navigate the choices that open up to you, and work with you to develop the skills and abilities that will help you make the most of your time at UM. Specialized advisors are available in each faculty, program or unit.

There are also other tools and resources that answer common questions from students, such as those related to course selection, registration difficulty, and more:

• New students: If you haven’t done so already, watch a video replay of one of our Get Ready to Register sessions which will show you how to use the First Year Planning Guide to select and register for your first-year courses. Be sure to browse UM Commons for all things related to the first year experience.
• Returning students: Run a degree audit on UM Achieve. Doing so will lay out your progress, show you how courses you’ve completed will fulfill requirements for your degree, and which courses you need to take in the future.
• Reach out to the Virtual Advising Help Centre (VAHC) for general questions about UM. The VAHC team consists of Student Service Navigators who can point you in the right direction and will help you find answers, seven days a week!
• These videos on How to Register Using Aurora outlines step-by-step instructions on how to create a timetable, register and waitlist for courses.
• Important registration tips and details including dates, as well as solutions to common registration errors are also provided by the Registrar’s Office.

If you still can’t find the answer you need, reach out to your advisor and follow the contact information in the links provided. A combination of virtual and in-person options are available to meet with an advisor. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Use your @myumanitoba.ca account for all communication with UM staff.
• Include your name, student number and a phone number where you can be reached.
• Be as specific as possible as you explain your questions or concerns. Describing as much detail as you can will help advisors give you the best answer.

Please remember to be patient. Academic advisors are happy to help you sort things out, and they want to see you succeed just as much as you do! Re-sending your email or emailing multiple people doesn’t help, instead it adds to the volume of inquiries to get back to and increases wait times.

Be sure to take advantage of the online resources listed above as your questions may have been answered there first.

“This is the first year we have offered specialized programming for students starting their academic career in the summer term,” says Brandy Usick, Executive Director, Student Engagement and Success.

“We are happy to provide welcome and transition programming at each of the three starts: fall, winter and summer. We want to offer an outstanding student experience, and that includes equipping students with what they need to be successful.”

Taking place this Thursday, May 6, Summer Welcome provides a number of activities planned to provide you with all the info you need to begin your university studies. This includes:

• Connecting you with advisors and other students as they share tips and tricks for starting classes remotely;
• Helping develop your academic writing, time management, and study skills;
• Introduce you to UM resources where you can find help and support;
• Help you explore all that UM has to offer, both inside and outside the classroom.

Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on May 6. To register and get access to Zoom links, visit the Summer Welcome page. We hope to see you Thursday!

In a year unlike any other, UM has created first year programming that will help students to connect with their classmates, prepare for the year ahead, and gain tips and strategies to help them thrive in a remote learning environment.

It is important for the newest members of our campus community to feel connected to their university and to their peers. We will be offering online events and programming all summer long to assist in the transition from high school to life at UM, and to help students feel ready for the fall, regardless of where they may studying – Winnipeg or anywhere in the world.

Throughout the summer students can win prizes by participating in First Year Experience programming and events, and will earn chances to enter draws to win cash prizes towards tuition. Students who complete specific requirements can apply to receive recognition on their co-curricular record.

Here are some of the exciting programs new students can participate in this summer. Students should stay tuned to their emails for the launch of UM Commons. More info will be posted there as event and programming details are added:

UM Commons
Available now

New this year, this online hub connects new students to UM, classmates, and the resources and tools they need to excel throughout their first year. From getting the latest information on what’s happening, registering for events, connecting with staff, services, peer tutor programs or finding a student community, UM Commons will be students’ first stop.

UM Essentials
Available now

This online orientation series will highlight the many supports and services available to support new students in all areas of their lives. Each module is carefully designed to support students, no matter their academic program, to gain key knowledge to help them feel prepared for the year ahead.

Students will learn what it means to join the UM community including the expectations about academic and personal behaviour. Strategies for effective learning will be shared and students will gain comfort in using our online learning platform, UM Learn, to help them prepare for fall course work. Students will also be introduced to opportunities to engage with the campus and to connect with peers and upper level students. UM Essentials will also offer synchronous sessions, so students can connect with campus staff and classmates to do a deeper dive on topics of particular interest.

Math Boot Camp
August 10 – 28

Students can boost their math skills to set themselves up for success before University starts, with this three-week boot camp. This program promises to make math exciting, and give students confidence in their math knowledge.

Prep Week
August 31-September 4

This will be a dynamic, engaging week for new students. Students can sit in on special lectures delivered exclusively to first years, learn strategies for academic writing and taking notes, participate in groups, and prepare for mid-terms and assignments. Professors, staff, and upper level students will provide key tips in succeeding during first year, and information about academic supports, tutors, and accessing help will be shared. Students can explore the many involvement opportunities available at UM, and meet up with other students who share their interests.

Welcome Day
September 8

A day not to be missed! Our new Bisons will be officially welcomed to the UM by university leaders and some of the key people who will walk alongside new students as they start their respective journeys. Welcome Day will be a celebration of the work they have done so far, and offer a preview of the exciting year ahead.