Traditionally, the industry relied on pen-and-paper design before being introduced to Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) for easier drafting and design visualization. While BIM shares many similarities with CAD, it goes far beyond, serving as more of a process for creating and managing information rather than just a software to build it. The technology keeps entire teams of designers, contractors, consultants, and clients updated in real time. Reducing the need for constant back-and-forth communication, as the design can be accessed and modified instantaneously by the team. The cloud-based nature of BIM also promotes virtual collaboration, allowing team members from around the globe to contribute, thus reducing costs and increasing the possibility for collaboration. BIM’s capabilities extend beyond 2D and 3D modelling into the 4D, 5D, and more, and this allows for dynamic tracking of variables such as time, cost, sustainability and safety as designs are updated. As BIM adoption increases, future engineers and architects will be called upon to understand new means of coordination and collaboration of design and construction, and new project delivery systems and technologies for integrated practice in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.

BIM has been changing the way construction projects are designed, built and managed. To keep up with these impressive advances in technology and the shift happening within the AEC industry, a pioneering Virtual Reality integrated BIM course has been recently introduced in the Civil Engineering program at the University of Manitoba. The new technical elective course “CIVL 4028 – Building Information Modeling in Construction” introduces students to cutting-edge immersive technologies and their applications in the AEC industry. Taught by Dr. Gursans Guven Isin, the course aims to equip the next generation of civil engineers with essential skills for using BIM in construction projects as well as for performing VR-assisted construction model coordination and digital model reviews. She recognized the need for this course as one of the most important barriers to BIM adoption is the lack of knowledge and training in BIM and this elective course helps to fill this critical knowledge gap, addressing this lack of training. Dr. Guven Isin hopes to enable her students with the necessary skills to be leaders in the change from 2D drawings towards 3D digital models. As more emerging engineers enter the field with foundational BIM knowledge, companies will hopefully increasingly welcome this transformation. The Oculus Quest 2 VR headsets utilized in this course were acquired through the support of the Price Faculty of Engineering endowment fund and the Department of Civil Engineering. Dr. Guven Isin has also recently purchased Microsoft HoloLens AR headsets, again through the support of the endowment fund and will start introducing the students to the AR technology this upcoming Winter term.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Management certificate program
You can also learn about BIM project management processes and earn a UM certificate to add to your resume with Extended Education’s Certificate in Building Information Modeling (BIM) Management.  It’s focused on the process, not the software. Learn BIM concepts, principles and processes to effectively manage your part of a project’s lifecycle.

“EDIA goes beyond your job or your studies at UM. It also applies to your place in the world as a parent, sibling, friend, child. How do we make our world a better place?” says Usick.

The EDIA: Foundations course is for the UM Community including UM students, staff, and faculty. Offered by Extended Education in partnership with the Office of Equity Transformation and with the support of the UM President’s Office, it is part of the University of Manitoba’s efforts to improve equity and access across UM campuses, by educating and empowering UM staff, students, and faculty to contribute to individual and collective transformation. The course is the prerequisite for the new EDIA micro-certificate.

Brandy Usick completed the EDIA: Foundations course.

“It’s really about being a better human,” says Usick. “A key activity was drafting my own equity action statement. Now I have that to guide me into the future.”

The course reminded her to respect and celebrate diversity and the inclusion of all. “That’s important for me in my leadership role at UM. I want to ensure I do what I can to create an environment for others to feel welcome, valued and supported.”

Hearing and learning from others with different learned experiences was helpful and she says she looks forward to taking the EDIA program.  “It’s always important to reflect on what we are doing in our work. I recommend the course and encourage others to take it.”

Ifra Shami

Ifra Shami learned about the EDIA: Foundations course through her involvement with the Racial Equity and Inclusion Alliance student group at UM and knew she wanted to be a part of it.

 “It reflects core values I learned growing up, at home and in school. It’s important because this ties into every aspect of our personal, professional, and academic lives,” says the undergraduate Science student studying microbiology.

Shami describes the course as very fascinating. “We learned about the definitions of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and how they are all intertwined. The self-reflection activities showed us where we are confident and strong, and where we need to grow.”

One of the biggest things she learned was that there are many kinds of diversity. “Before the course, I understood diversity to mean diversity in visible characteristics. I learned I need to specify the type of diversity because there are also hidden identities.”

Knowing that people can be diverse in more than observable ways encourages her to dig deeper and seek to better understand people, she says. “I love to ask people about themselves. I prefer to listen rather than speak. I love to hear about people’s differences and experiences.”

Her goal is to be a part of making the UM campus a better place. “If we all have this kind of appreciation, it can be a collaborative effort.”

Shami is eager to apply for the new EDIA micro-certificate and deepen her knowledge. “I want to continue to learn. This is a wonderful opportunity.”

Stephanie Chesser completed the EDIA: Foundations course.

Stephanie Chesser

Stephanie Chesser also participated in the first offering of the EDIA: Foundations course.

Chesser, an assistant professor in Kinesiology and Recreation Management, says she learned things she had not expected including new and diverse ways to present ideas. She appreciated the opening exercise, where learners shared a poem created from their answers to questions about themselves in a creative personal introduction. “They shared memories and life moments, and it provided us with awesome snapshots to learn about people in a meaningful way.”

She also loved creating an identity map, presenting herself in a visual way that she could share with others. “I loved the creative opportunities in this course. Many default to the written word. This challenged us to be creative in diverse ways.”

Chesser recommends the experience. “There are always new things to learn, little gems to take with you.”

Most importantly, she says, she created her EDIA statement. She plans to add it to her tenure package, as she continues to move forward in her career.

“It’s beautiful that we live in such a diverse society. It is important to understand subjective experiences and barriers so we can all feel like we belong. We must use power and privilege to chip away at the barriers and create a more equitable campus,” says Chesser.

“As an educator and a parent, I remind others that not everyone experiences the world like you do. See what you can do to create change.”

Learn more about EDIA: Foundations

 “My university path has loops, bridges, trap doors, and fallen trees, but I learned more about myself with every change I made. If I had stuck to the first thing I chose, I know I would not be happy and I would have missed out on learning everything that I have,” she says. 

Booker graduated from the School of Agriculture in 2021 with a diploma in agriculture. Now, post-graduation, she says she’s happy with how everything turned out because she’s found a career in agriculture that suits her skills and interests. 

“The program allowed me to network with a lot of different groups and exposed me to various careers. I learned about ag tech, marketing, sales and agronomy so it gave me the experience and knowledge to decide on a career I like and am interested in.”  

Before settling on ag, Booker followed her interests in geography and environmental studies, architecture and design, as well as psychiatric nursing. While working her summer job with the department of soil science, she realized that concepts of agriculture resonated with her values and allowed her to make deeper connections to her family and their family history. 

“I’m curious and I want to try things before I rule them out, so I’m going to continue to keep all my doors open in ag,” she says. “I’m now working on my Certified Crop Advisor certification, which is more on the agronomy side of ag so I can add that knowledge to my buying and sales background as well.” 

Booker admits that jumping around and trying different career options and not finding something you like can be discouraging, but for her there was always an element of optimism and hope that the next thing she tried could be the one to stick. And now she’s excited to take the time to celebrate her jump into ag at UM’s 2020 and 2021 Convocation Celebration. 

“I’m excited to celebrate with people I’ve built connections with and for my family to see me walk the stage and really take in that moment.” 

Post-graduation, Ganetsky still maintains that belief and remains in contact with the people on the WE (Wind Energy) Design team in the Price Faculty of Engineering. During his time at UM, he was the first Team Lead so he enjoys the opportunity to provide insight, participate in design reviews and serve as an advisor to the current team.  

“For me, going to school wasn’t really about my classes or getting my degree,” he says. “Of course, that was important, but I spent most of my time doing UMES (student council) or WE Design things. So, on top of getting my engineering degree, I also got experience in team building, management, event planning, communication, all of which I use in my job every day.” 

These skills are also useful to him in his participation in the Young Friends of Engineering group and in volunteering with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba. He often jokes he has a team management and event planning degree that just happens to also be mechanical engineering. 

“The really great thing about university, and the Price Faculty of Engineering specifically, is that you can be a part of a team that’s building cool things. But even if you don’t want to be the one doing the actual building, there are roles on that team for management, social media, financial planning, sponsorship, which leads to you getting a well-rounded education.” 

Because community is so important to Ganetsky, he says it was really a no brainer for him to attend UM’s 2020 and 2021 Convocation Celebration. 

“I attended the Price Faculty of Engineering reception last year, which capped off my time in the faculty. But I also want to attend a convocation ceremony to hear my name called and get to walk across the stage in my cap and gown to bookend my time at university.” 

But she persisted and graduated in 2020 from UM with a Bachelor of Social Work. She then moved to Vancouver to work as an Academic Program Facilitator at Pacific Community Resources Society where she is currently leading a tutoring program for youth in downtown Vancouver.  

“One of my courses in the UM Inner City Social Work program focused on large metropolitan cities in Canada and the social issues that people are facing in areas considered to be low-income. It opened my eyes to what area of social work I want to be in.” 

Now, three years post-graduation, Deng has even bigger aspirations. She says her next step is to get her master’s in public policy, which will help her get into politics or academia. The program will also provide her with the opportunity to work with people who share her interest in social policy, immigration and human rights.  

“I was never taught by a Black professor, and I thought why is that. I know people who are educated and who can be in those positions, but the opportunity is not there and that is where we need to start making changes. I want young women who look like me to dream that they can come to Canada as a refugee and make it.” 

Deng says she wants to be an active minority, someone people can see and relate to and have a say in decisions. She believes representation matters and says her lived experience as a refugee, Black woman combined with her educational background can work together to help further her cause at the decision-making table. 

“Any marginalized person who has a dream, who has ambition shouldn’t have these barriers put on them that prevent their contribution to society. Even though I just have one perspective to add to the conversation, it has the possibility to serve a reminder for others and create possibilities for positive change.”   

While many of these goals are still a few years out, Deng is excited to take a step back and celebrate the accomplishment of her UM degree at the 2020 and 2021 Convocation Celebration. 

“It was always my mother’s dream to see me walk the stage. I also want to show my kids that if I can go to school with four kids at home while also still working full-time, there’s no excuse for them not to get an education. And for all the young immigrant and refugee women who think they can’t get an education, my walking across that stage shows them they can.”  

“What I love about teaching is that you get to work with so many different people throughout the day,” she says. “And being a substitute right now, I get to work with band students, which I love, but I also get to work with students in math or English.” 

Malenko is a self-proclaimed people-person. She enjoys talking to her students about their various passion areas and takes every opportunity to learn from other staff members and mentors. She plans to take all these experiences to become the kind of teacher she wants to be: one who instills musical passion and knows the importance of music in a child’s life. 

“I started taking piano lessons when I was five, and I took lessons all through school. Growing up in music, I got exposed to various instruments and brass, especially trombone, really spoke to me. Music shaped my life and the person I am, and I want to inspire other kids to pursue music too,” she says. 

Malenko followed her musical passion to UM where she not only developed her skill as a musician but also fully discovered a new passion area of becoming a teacher. What she loves most is that she still gets to learn while she’s teaching. 

“I think what’s cool about getting a degree is that you learn a variety of skills, and you can use those skills to become specialized in what you studied, or you can branch off and try something new.” 

The music community is tightknit in Manitoba, and Malenko likes that she can easily stay connected to her professors and classmates and be part of UM even though she’s not a student anymore. It’s this connection and opportunity to celebrate that prompted her to attend UM’s 2020 and 2021 Convocation Celebration. 

“We didn’t get to have anything in-person in 2020, so I’m looking forward for the chance to see the other people I would have graduated with and celebrate the success of my classmates. It really is going to be a once in a lifetime experience.” 

“Since graduating I’ve been given the opportunity to come back to UM and teach a plant science course to first year agriculture diploma students,” he says. “It was challenging at first, but I really enjoy it.” 

Giesbrecht’s interest in plants stemmed long before he decided to come to UM. He grew up on a farm and has always enjoyed the ag lifestyle. He’s been building his own plant-breeding business for the past 13 years, which he has now turned into his full-time job. 

“Protein Industries Canada helped fund a project which enabled me to expand my business into a commercial space with an indoor growth facility where I’m working to develop new field pea varieties.” 

Prior to UM, Giesbrecht worked for almost 20 years in the ag industry. He says it was early on in his career when he worked for a company that was heavily involved in research and variety development that sparked his interest in where he wanted his career to take him.  

“That interest only grew as time went on. I’m a very curious person, and I like doing research and exploring the intricacies of nature and creation so ag was just a natural fit for me.” 

Coming back to UM as a teacher feels full circle for Giesbrecht, as being in the program himself has helped him understand his students. While it was great to complete his diploma, the most valuable thing to him is the connections and relationships he’s built. He’s looking forward to the opportunity to celebrate that at UM’s 2020 and 2021 Convocation Celebration. 

“My wife really encouraged me to attend, and I want to celebrate with her and my kids. It will be a special moment for me and my family.” 

The account will give you yet another perspective of life at the University of Manitoba through students’ eyes. Our TikTok ambassadors are current UM students who will create entertaining and relatable content for the UM student community. They’ll keep up with current trends and translate them to the UM experience.

You’ll see posts about UM hot spots – from events, tours, and other inviting experiences or celebrations. Iconic campus spaces and buildings will also make an appearance. Ambassadors will highlight fascinating facts about UM and show different ways students can get involved in the university community. Overall, the posts will revolve around what it’s like to be a UM student and around tips for self-care, studying, and other topics that apply to university students in general.

Yet what you might find most interesting may be references to memes and inside jokes that only UM students would really understand. Have you seen a trending TikTok or audio that you thought would definitely fit with something you experienced as a student? It’s a great way to not only engage with our TikTok ambassadors but also enjoy some light-hearted fun with other UM students in the comments.

Make sure to follow @umstudent on TikTok to see future posts the next time you’re scrolling down your FYP and watch for upcoming contests!

@umstudent Welcome to the official #tiktok account for the #universityofmanitoba ! Follow for all things student life! #lifestyle #university #fyp #foryoupage #comedy #student #studentlife #snow #fun #winning #wpg #manitoba #umcommunity #gobisons #bisons #tour #campus #study #studyhacks #education ♬ Sunrise – Official Sound Studio

Post a photo on Instagram of how and what you are celebrating this year and use our hashtag #umReasonToCelebrate for a chance to win a $25 gift card to the UM Bookstore! 

Our UM community is rich with diversity and we know that there are so many different ways to celebrate – we can’t wait to see what you’re celebrating!

And what are we celebrating this year? This one is easy – for us here at @umstudent we are celebrating YOU, our UM community! We are continually amazed by all of you, and we hope you can take a moment to celebrate yourself too. 

RULES AND REGULATIONS

This Instagram Photo Contest (#umReasonToCelebrate) runs from 9 a.m. CST on Monday, December 14, 2020 to midnight CST on Sunday, January 3, 2021 on www.instagram.com/umstudent.

To be entered to win, follow @umstudent on Instagram, post a photo or video adhering to the monthly theme, and use the contest hashtag. PRIVATE Instagram accounts must be PUBLIC during the contest in order to qualify for entry.

Images depicting dangerous behaviour or the consumption of alcohol, cannabis or illegal substances will not be eligible. All other entries posted during the contest period will be considered and one winner will be chosen. You may enter as many times as you like. The winning photo’s account owner will receive a gift card from the UM Bookstore 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 will be mailed to winner.

Contest is open to all residents of Manitoba, and the prize must be picked up at the UM Fort Garry campus. By using the contest hashtag, you are agreeing to allow the UM 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 terms of use.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

This Instagram Photo Contest (#umMaskUp) runs from 9 a.m. CST on Monday, November 9, 2020 to midnight CST on Friday, November 20, 2020 on www.instagram.com/umstudent.

To be entered to win, follow @umstudent on Instagram, post a photo or video adhering to the monthly theme, and use the contest hashtag. PRIVATE Instagram accounts must be PUBLIC during the contest in order to qualify for entry.

Images depicting dangerous behaviour or the consumption of alcohol, cannabis or illegal substances will not be eligible. All other entries posted during the contest period will be considered and one winner will be chosen. You may enter as many times as you like. The winning photo’s account owner will receive a gift card from the UM Bookstore 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 will be mailed to winner.

Contest is open to all residents of Manitoba, and the prize must be picked up at the UM Fort Garry campus. By using the contest hashtag, you are agreeing to allow the UM 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 terms of use.