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.

This accomplishment of 188 Bisons student-athletes represents the most ever in one season and is the fifth straight season that a new record has been set. It’s also the 11^th straight season that 85 or more student-athletes have achieved this national recognition.

The status is earned by maintaining a minimum grade point average of 3.5 (80 per cent) or better in their field of study at the University of Manitoba.

Some major academic highlights include seven Bisons student-athletes to achieve this U SPORTS recognition in five varsity years: Keziah Brothers (women’s basketball), Jenai Buchanan (women’s hockey), Déric Kornelson (men’s cross country / track and field), Sarah Millns (women’s cross country / track and field), Megan Neduzak (women’s hockey), Sheridan Oswald (women’s hockey) and James Wagner (men’s basketball).

In addition, eight Bisons student-athletes have achieved the recognition in four varsity years and 22 have achieved it in three successive varsity years.

“This is a remarkable achievement,” said Gene Muller, Director of Athletics and Recreation. “The last two years have not been short of adversity and challenges. The record number of Academic All-Canadians is testimony to the application, determination and potential of our student-athletes. They recognized the opportunity and worked so hard to excel academically — we are so proud of them.”

Other highlights include 92 Bisons student-athletes who had a 4.0 or higher mark (an A – 90%), making up 48.9 per cent of the total. Female and male athletes split the 188 student-athletes equally, with 94 men and 94 women qualifying for the honour.

2020-21 University of Manitoba Bisons – U SPORTS Academic All-Canadians

Women’s Basketball
Autumn Agar, Faculty of Science
Lauren Bartlett, Asper School of Business
Deidre Bartlett, Asper School of Business
Keziah Brothers, Faculty of Arts
Dana Inglis, Faculty of Science
Emily Johnson, Asper School of Business
Lauryn Manaigre, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Izabella Marquez, Price Faculty of Engineering
Emerson Martin, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Talia Peters, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

Men’s Basketball
Samuel Jensen, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Elijah Lostracco, Faculty of Arts
Isaac Miller-Jose, Faculty of Arts
Cameron O’Hara, Faculty of Science
Cieran O’Hara, Faculty of Science
Mark Tachie, Price Faculty of Engineering
James Wagner, Faculty of Science
Risto Zimbakov, Faculty of Science

Football
Cole Adamson, Price Faculty of Engineering
Jarrett Alcaraz, Price Faculty of Engineering
Marcus Colangelo, University 1
Stefan Conway, Faculty of Arts
Tristan Francis, Faculty of Arts
Liam Grace, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Tristen Hutter, Faculty of Science
Steven Koniuck, University 1
Collin Kornelson, Faculty of Arts
Colby Kyliuk, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Kai Madsen, Asper School of Business
Noah Paulic, University 1
Christian Phillips, Faculty of Science
Mark Rauhaus, Faculty of Science
Jack Shaffer, University 1
Kundanji Sinkala, Faculty of Arts
Brandon Slobozian, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Bojan Stevanovic, Faculty of Science
Jackson Tachinski, University 1* (also on men’s basketball team)
Nick Thomas, Faculty of Arts
Birhanu Yitna, Asper School of Business
Ndaba Zulu, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

Men’s Golf
Derek Benson, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Anthony Leicht, Faculty of Science
Cole Peters, Faculty of Arts
Connor Stewart, Faculty of Science

Women’s Golf
Dayna Dubnicoff, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Mckyla Poponick, Faculty of Arts
Bryn Todd, Asper School of Business

Women’s Hockey
Jena Barscello, Faculty of Science
Jenai Buchanan, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences
Kaitlyn Chatyrbok, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Madison Cole, Faculty of Arts
Brielle-Dacquay-Neveux, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Sarah Dennehy, Asper School of Business
Camryn Gillis, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Polina Goncharova, Faculty of Arts
Molly Kunnas, Faculty of Science
Émilie Massé, Faculty of Architecture
Megan Neduzak, Faculty of Arts
Sheridan Oswald, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine
Aimee Patrick, University 1
Meagan Relf, Faculty of Science
Samantha Sichkaruk, Faculty of Science
Lauren Warkentin, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

Men’s Hockey
Noah Basarab, University 1
Carter Doerksen, Asper School of Business
Mitchell Dyck, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Keaton Jameson, Asper School of Business
Geordie Keane, Faculty of Science
Nicholas Labossiere, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Jeremy Link, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Hayden Ostir, University 1
Brady Pouteau, University 1
Liam Schioler, University 1
Samuel Stewart, University 1
Dylan Thiessen, Faculty of Science

Women’s Soccer
Karina Bagi, Faculty of Arts
Britney Blunderfield, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Bianca Bucci, University 1
Haydn Burdeny, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Mackie Burdeny, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
Emma Burzynski, Faculty of Arts
Dalima Chhibber, Faculty of Graduate Studies
Jordan Cistarelli, Faculty of Science
Gabrielle Clark, Faculty of Science
Jaeleen Cox, University 1
Nicole Davis, Price Faculty of Engineering
Brea DeBettignies, Faculty of Science
Shaylyn Dyck, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Katelyn Isfeld, University 1
Jenna Kunkel, University 1
Hailey Lavarias, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Lauren Martens, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Katherine Meo, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Jessica Tsai, Faculty of Science
Rebecca Waterman, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

Women’s Swimming
Jamie Alexiuk, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Kara Dziadek, Asper School of Business
Sydney Glover, Faculty of Science
Dora Modrcin, Price Faculty of Engineering
Megan Mozill, Faculty of Arts
Georgia Pengilly, Faculty of Arts
Taylor Smith, University 1

Men’s Swimming
Daniel Boguski, Faculty of Science
Reid Glatz, Asper School of Business
Liam Rohatynsky, Faculty of Science

Women’s Cross Country / Track and Field
Keara Andrew, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Amina Ayoade, University 1
Abby Bestland, Faculty of Science
Jordan Charney, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences
Kaitlyn Clarke, Faculty of Arts
Courtney Friesen, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Shayna Giesbrecht, Faculty of Science
Darby Goodall, Faculty of Science
Donnae Gordon, Faculty of Science
Divyjot Grewal, Faculty of Arts
Asha Gurney, University 1
Amy Klippenstein, Asper School of Business
Angela Kroeker, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Madisson Lawrence, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Rachel Mann, University 1
Anna McConnell, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Sarah Millns, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Emily Morrison, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Chioma Nwagbo, College of Nursing
Nicola Odaisky, Faculty of Science
Eniola Odeleye, Faculty of Science
Danika Passler-Bates, Faculty of Science
Dinu Rajapakse, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Aspen Shier, Asper School of Business
Sarah Smith, Faculty of Science
Lily Staib, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Hayley Turner, Faculty of Science
Emily Watson, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

Men’s Cross Country / Track and Field
Tristan Allen, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
Justin Benjamin, Faculty of Science
Ethan Boyda, Faculty of Arts
Carson Cortvriendt, Faculty of Science
Quinn Desrochers, Faculty of Engineering
Luc Duleau, Asper School of Business
Derick Deleon, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Maxwell Dragojevic, Faculty of Science
Matthew Exner, Faculty of Science
Scott Friesen, University 1
Colin Harbeck, University 1
Noah Hoffman, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Quenton Hurdal, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources
Josh Joseph, Faculty of Engineering
Tristan Karuba, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences
Déric Kornelson, Faculty of Science
Dawson Mann, Asper School of Business
Miguel Morrison, Faculty of Science
Derek Onraet, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Robert Plischke-Graham, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Sébastian Régnier, Faculty of Science
Calvin Reimer, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Jesse Rosenthal, Asper School of Business
Jordan Soufi, University 1
Tallon Sparks, Asper School of Business
Jack Taylor, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Thane Tomlinson, Faculty of Science
Ryan Tran, Price Faculty of Engineering
Isaac Turon, Asper School of Business
Noah Wiens, Price Faculty of Engineering
Michael Wood, Faculty of Science
Graham Wright, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

Women’s Volleyball
Julia Arnold, University 1
Simone Crevier, Asper School of Business
Chloe Ellerbrock, University 1
Keziah Hoeppner, Asper School of Business
Julia Horne, University 1
Angela Lawrence, Asper School of Business
Olivia Schuster, Faculty of Arts
Light Uchechukwu, Faculty of Arts
Soleena Vasquez, Faculty of Arts

Men’s Volleyball
Joshua Bond, Price Faculty of Engineering
Matthew Campbell, Faculty of Arts
Ben Carleton, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Isaak Fast, Faculty of Science
Ted Glass, Asper School of Business
Darian Koskie, Faculty of Arts
Mathieu Lavoie, Price Faculty of Engineering
Kyle Martens, Faculty of Education
Connor Morphy, University 1
Eric Ogaranko, University 1
Amirali Paknahad, Faculty of Arts
Owen Schwartz, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management
Brendan Warren, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management

Indigenous UM students Robyn Chow, recognized for community volunteerism, along with Sondra Flett, and Westin Sutherland, recipients of the cultural awards, were honoured virtually on Feb. 25. UM Today sat down with Chow, a first-year Métis student studying geography at Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, to learn more.

UM Today: Tell us about your role in Junior Community and Volunteerism.

Robyn Chow at her Dakota Collegiate high school graduation in 2020.

Robyn Chow: I have participated with Habitat for Humanity, 30- hour Famine, Manitoba Possible, the Manitoba Marathon and countless hours on other initiatives through my high school career, including as student council president and valedictorian. I am a 2019 alum of the entrepreneurship Shad program, as well as an Encounters with Canada alum after participating in the medicine and health category. At Dakota Collegiate Institute, I was chosen as the student leader representative and participated in the Educating for ACTion conference in 2020.

My goal for the future is to have a lifestyle advocating for environmental sustainability with my continued passion of giving back to the community through community-building, education and volunteerism.

What was your initial response when you found out you were receiving the award?

When I first received the call that I was selected as the recipient of the Community and Volunteerism Award in the Junior category, I was both surprised and excited. It is an extreme honour to be the recipient of such an award. There are many youth leaders in the Indigenous community making such positive impacts for both a better present and future, all the while influencing other youth and serving as mentors. I am just truly grateful and humbled by the recognition.

What advice would you give to a prospective student considering a major in geography?

Follow your interests and your passions. Do not follow anyone else’s goals other than your own. This is an area of study that I absolutely love and want to continue learning about for the rest of my life. If you have a passion to grow and be inspired about the beautiful Earth we live in, then without a doubt I recommend this field of study. The faculty is amazing. They have great resources, great communication and absolutely incredible representatives and members. I would definitely recommend the Riddell Faculty.
 

On April 29, Access Program students Sandra Hart and Mackenzie Chartrand were recognized for their contributions and leadership in the area of health. Read more about their studies.

Congratulations to all the Indigenous UM students who are MIYAA recipients this year:
Community Volunteerism Junior – Robyn Chow, Métis, Red River Valley (Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources)
Cultural Female – Sondra Flett, St. Theresa Point First Nation (University 1)
Cultural Male – Westin Sutherland, Peguis First Nation (Faculty of Arts)
Health North – Sandra Hart, Norway House Cree Nation (Rady Faculty of Health Sciences/Access Program)
Health South – Mackenzie Chartrand, Pine Creek First Nation (Rady Faculty of Health Sciences/Access Program)

“Bison Sports congratulates the 145 exceptional Bisons that achieved Academic All-Canadian status. It is another record for the Bisons family, and we could not be prouder,” said Gene Muller, Director of Athletics and Recreation.

“Our student-athletes are a constant source of inspiration for our entire community and we admire their hard work, dedication and investment made to their personal success, the success of their teams and to the University of Manitoba.”

Other academic accomplishments during the 2019-20 season include four Bisons student-athletes who achieved U SPORTS Academic All-Canadians for 5 consecutive years: Football player Derek Dufault, men’s swimmer Anthony Iliouchetchev, women’s track and field athlete Erin White, and men’s track and field athlete Darian Hole.

In addition, 16 student-athletes achieved this recognition for the fourth time: Women’s basketball athlete Keziah Brothers, men’s basketball athlete James Wagner, women’s hockey athletes Jenai Buchanan, Megan Neduzak, Sheridan Oswald, Jordyn Zacharias, women’s soccer athlete Hayley Ward, women’s track and field athlete Sarah Millns, men’s track and field athletes Stefan Hreno, Bradley LeDrew, Jean-Luc Perron, Quinn Desrochers, Deric Kornelson, and women’s volleyball athletes Kearley Abbott, Allison Alcock, and Sydney Booker.

Visit gobisons[dot]ca for the full 2019-20 Academic All-Canadian list.

This accomplishment of 129 Bisons student-athletes represents the most ever in one season and is the third straight season that a new record has been set. It’s also the ninth straight season that 85 or more student-athletes have achieved this national recognition.

The status is earned by maintaining a minimum grade point average of 3.5 (80 per cent) or better in their field of study at the University of Manitoba.

Some major academic highlights include seven Bisons student-athletes to achieve this U SPORTS recognition in all five varsity years: Alexandra Anderson (women’s hockey), Daniel Heschuk (men’s cross country / track and field), Erin Kucheravy (women’s hockey), Bruna Mavignier (women’s soccer), Yvette Morgan (women’s track and field), Alanna Sharman (women’s hockey), and Tegan Turner (women’s track and field).

In addition, nine Bisons student-athletes have achieved the recognition in four varsity years and 23 have achieved it in three varsity years.

“Having 129 Bisons women and men achieve Academic All-Canadian status this year is a phenomenal achievement,” said Gene Muller, Director of Athletics and Recreation. “We are immensely proud of their efforts and we acknowledge the support given to them by their respective advisors, faculties, professors, and coaches. We consider this a team achievement.

In particular, we want to acknowledge the support given to these exceptional student-athletes by the University of Manitoba’s Enrolment Services, as well as Financial Aid and Awards.”

Other highlights include 62 Bisons student-athletes who had a 4.0 or higher mark (an A – 90%), making up 48 per cent of the total. Female athletes made up for 57 per cent (74 of 129) of this year’s list.

Since Academic All-Canadian stats started in 1990, 1,909 Bisons have earned the award.

An article up at gobisons.ca has a complete breakdown of our student-athletes who achieved Academic All-Canadian status for ’18-19.

Chemistry Skills

Chemistry Skills
When students prepare for university chemistry with Chemistry Skills, they are a step ahead of their peers who earned their prerequisite in high school or through an evening school program, says James Xidos, senior instructor, Chemistry at the U of M.  That’s because the Chemistry Skills course is designed by chemistry experts to prepare students specifically for Chemistry 1300. Also, during the fall and winter, the course is offered online so it requires students to practice the same time management skills required for success in their university studies. During the summer, it is offered in the classroom.

Chemistry Skills is designed specifically to lead to success in Chemistry 1300, says Xidos. “The course is taught as if you have never done any chemistry. We teach it from scratch, looking at the basics of the scientific process, atoms, the periodic table, basic reactions, naming, and basic math I call recipes.”

Math Skills can be the biggest barrier to success in chemistry, he says, because it requires problem solving skills. If a student needs to improve their math skills, they can also take the Math Skills program.

In Chemistry Skills, there are no lectures but an instructor with a PhD in chemistry and university teaching experience is available to help students on request.

“Students should not be shy to ask for their help. They should take advantage of it when they run into problems.”

Many of the programs at the U of M require first year chemistry, says Xidos. These include health sciences, engineering, agriculture, kinesiology, nutritional sciences, and dental hygiene. “To understand the human body, you need chemistry. To understand certain agricultural processes, you need chemistry.”

The Chemistry Skills course sets students up for success in university chemistry.

Physics Skills

Physics Skills
Physics is a branch of the natural sciences, says Andriy Yamchuk, Physics Skills instructor and technical support for the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the U of M. “We look at the natural world around us and try to explain the concepts, with mathematics and models.”

Students can prepare for university physics with Physics Skills, whether they have completed Physics 40S in high school or not. For those who will take Physics 1020, Physics Skills offers an early start as it uses the same textbook and covers the same materials, at a faster pace, and more. Both courses are algebra-based.

For those who will take Physics 1050, a requirement for engineering and physics programs, they will also prepare for some concepts, but this course is calculus-based and has a calculus co-requisite.

Students can also meet some technical program physics requirements with this course, says Yamchuk.

While physics is not just math, the Physics Skills course starts with a review of math tools including three fundamental dimensions (time, mass, length), algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and how to solve and manipulate equations and read graphs.

Students follow a reading guide and are encouraged to take their own notes as they read the textbook, working through its lessons to build their knowledge. Yamchuk is available to answer questions as they work through their problems. There are quizzes and assignments. Students work on group projects via an online forum. They do a simple experiment, share their results with the group, discuss and derive a formula. They submit their results together in one document, encouraging scientific collaboration.

The final exam is written in-person, requiring them to solve basic mechanical questions and understand basic physics concepts. The idea is to develop critical thinking or scientific literacy, visualization, to bring their math to a certain level, and to help understand basic mechanical concepts, says Yamchuk.

Math Skills

Math Skills
If you took consumer or applied math in high school, you may need a pre requirement course for calculus. Perhaps it has been a while since you last studied math. Or maybe, you did well in high school math but you may not realize your math skills are weak.

“There is an issue with the transition from high school to university,” says Michelle Davidson, associate head undergraduate, Department of Mathematics, U of M. “Students come with weak algebra skills. Students with very good high school marks in pre-calculus are not successful in calculus courses. You may not realize your math skills are weak.”

Whether you need a refresher, or a prerequisite, there is a Math Skills course for you. Math Skills includes two courses: MSKL 0050 – Basic Skills in Mathematics, and MSKL 0100 – Mathematical Skills.

“Math Skills 100 makes students calculus-ready,” says Davidson. “Any STEM subject needs math. All sciences, engineering need calculus. Everybody should take calculus. Calculus is the study of how things change over time. If you are concerned about your skills being up-to-speed, if you have been away from math for a long time, if you are coming to university without a pre-calculus credit or with consumer or applied math, if you want the skills needed for calculus, this course is for you.”

Students going into first-year university math course numbered 1200 or higher, including 1500- basic, 1510- for engineers, 1520- for management and social sciences, 1230- for math sciences, and more can benefit from Math Skills 100.

Students going into math courses numbered under 1200, including 1010, 1020- math and art, and 1080, 1090- mathematics of reasoning, for teaching, can tune-up their math skills with Math Skills 50.

Math Skills 50 is also a tool to prepare for Math Skills 100, if needed.

Extended Education offers a math skills diagnostic test. If a student passes it, they are ready for Math Skills 100. If not, they should prepare for Math Skills 100 with Math Skills 50.

As always, to ensure their most effective course planning, students should consult with their academic advisor.

Learn more about Prep Skills

Most recently, Lavallée was named a 2019 Indspire Award recipient. Indspire supports and celebrates Indigenous education and achievement, highlighting Indigenous leaders in Canada. Lavallée, along with 11 other First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, will receive his award at a nationally broadcast ceremony in February.

UM Today sat down with Lavallée to discuss his latest accomplishment and what the future holds in store for him.

UM Today: First of all, congratulations on your achievement. How does it feel to be named an Indspire youth award winner?

LAVALLÉE: It’s pretty crazy. I didn’t know I was nominated so it was kind of surprising – and very humbling, because the accomplishments of some of the other recipients are just unbelievable. It’s pretty cool that someone could think I was [within] those ranks.

How do you hope this award inspires other Indigenous youth across Canada?

I hope to start Indigenous paddling programs. I’m hoping this is going to be a really good platform to get out and promote the kind of things that I’m hoping to get going in the future.

James Lavallée photo by Hayley Plante.

And what would the paddling program entail?

In the past, you’ve mentioned paying homage to your Métis heritage on the podium. How have you integrated your culture into your sport?

Growing up, as a kid, being Métis wasn’t something that was super talked about. When I started paddling, I realized it was a really freeing experience. I started paddling because I was looking for a distraction from school – I have ADHD and dyslexia, so school was very challenging, especially as a kid. [Paddling] was kind of transformative. I didn’t realize until later that I was really just getting back to what my ancestors had done.

At the Canada Summer Games [in Winnipeg], I wore my sash on the podium and thought that was really important, because we’re on the homeland of the Métis Nation and in Treaty One Territory. I wanted to represent that it’s not just the city that is here – it is the birthplace of the Métis Nation and an important [place] for First Nations as well. I thought, ‘Bringing that out is important to me, but also important for everyone else to understand.’

What have been some of the proudest moments in your career so far?

I was super excited to have made the Junior World Team as a 17- and 18-year-old. The Canada Games were awesome – not every athlete gets to compete in their home city, let alone province, and win medals too. The Tom Longboat Award is another [accomplishment] I am excited about.

As someone who is actively involved with the Indigenous student community at the U of M, what advice would you give to other Indigenous students?

To not miss any opportunity. During my first few terms here, I think I went to every Fireside Chat…Everything that was happening here, I tried to attend to meet people and listen to stories. It was really interesting.

It is super cool because there are Indigenous people from all over here [at U of M] – it’s really a true essence of Winnipeg; we have so many Indigenous people from so many different places. We come to school and everyone is able to connect, share parts of our history and bond in the similarities and differences.

What is your favourite U of M memory so far, and how has the U of M helped shape your success as a student and as an athlete?

One of my most impactful [memories] has been the Zongiigabowen men’s group…and the creation of the Bison Local, which is a Manitoba Metis Federation local on campus. I also want to throw in Fireside Chats.

I feel like I can come to Migizii Agamik and it’s a really nice environment to study and it seems like everyone is supportive here – it’s nice to have a place that kind of feels like home. I also train at the Active Living Centre in a high-performance gym with the Canadian Sport Centre Manitoba, which is also on campus. That really helps with the student athlete part – I can do my weights and everything during the day, on my breaks, and that allows me to study and train more.

What does the future hold in store for you?

Hopefully a degree of some kind…it’s going to be some sort of science degree.

Also, the Indigenous paddling program and hopefully more international competitions and world championships – the Olympics are the highest goal, of course. [I would love] more opportunities to represent Canada – and Indigenous and Métis people – internationally.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Throughout all of my life, in sport and education, there has been a huge support team – my parents, too, and the people who work in Migizii Agamik – and I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for me. It’s been amazing.

This accomplishment of 123 Bison student-athletes represents the most ever in one season, previously set last season (2016-17) with 117. It’s the eighth straight season that 85 or more Bison student-athletes have achieved this national recognition.

The status is earned by maintaining a minimum grade point of 3.5 (80 per cent) or better in their field of study at the University of Manitoba.

“We are so proud of our 123 Academic All Canadians! This is a record for Bison student-athletes — and these exceptional young women and men embody athletic and academic excellence and show what is possible through sustained effort,” said Gene Muller, Director of Athletics and Recreation.

“We congratulate them for this remarkable achievement. Success like this does not happen by accident and in isolation. Bison Sports is grateful to our coaches, professors, university administrators, parents, and friends for their support in achieving this record.”

Some highlights include 54 Bison student-athletes who had a 4.0 or higher mark (an A – 90%), making up 44 per cent of the total. Female athletes made up for 54 per cent (66 of 123) of this year’s list.

Since Academic All-Canadian stats were taken in 1990, 1,780 Bisons have earned the award.

2017-18 UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA BISONS – U SPORTS ACADEMIC ALL-CANADIANS

(By sport)

Faculty of Science student-athlete, Derek Dufault.

Faculty of Engineering student-athlete, Chelsea Dubiel.

Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreation Management student-athlete, Kyle Martens.

THE BREAKDOWN OF STUDENT-ATHLETE NUMBERS BY FACULTY

Asper School of Business – 16

Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth & Resources – 6

Faculty of Agricultural & Food Sciences – 3

Faculty of Arts – 19

Faculty of Education – 4

Faculty of Engineering – 10

Extended Education – 1

Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreation Management – 20

Faculty of Science – 36

Rady Faculty of Health Sciences – 5

University 1 – 3

Head Start is an exciting opportunity for incoming students to get a sneak peek at the student experience and learn important information about registering and preparing to take classes at the university. 

“Whether a student has accepted their offer of admission, or still isn’t sure, Head Start is a great opportunity to learn more about what the U of M has to offer them,” says Melissa Warden Black, Orientation and Transitions Coordinator. “We often hear that after attending Head Start, students feel more confident in their decision to attend the U of M.”

Formal programming is specific to each faculty; a full agenda and check-in locations can be found on the Head Start website after May 28. Registered guests will receive a reminder on May 31 with details on where to arrive for their first session. Students are encouraged to check in 30 minutes before formal programming at their specified locations.

Head Start runs from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for University 1 (U1) students and 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for faculties mentioned in the table below.**

Additional activities include a 45 minute campus tour and the Info Fair. Find out more here.  

Don’t forget to register by May 28 to ensure a spot! For more information, please email orientation@umanitoba.ca

*If your faculty is not listed below, follow the U1 agenda.

**Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Faculty of Arts, I.H. Asper School of Business, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science, Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources.

Since starting classes at the University of Manitoba, you have likely heard someone say, “You should go talk to an academic advisor.” As the University 1 First Year Centre Coordinator, that sounds like great advice to me. But what does it mean to speak with an academic advisor? How can it help you?

There is so much more to advising than just talking about what classes you should take. In fact, we rarely tell you what you should do. Instead, we help you figure out what is right for you. It’s like the old “give a person a fish” versus “teach a person to fish” scenario. Advisors want to help you get to a place where you are able to determine the best course of action on your own. 

Advisors often take what is called the “developmental approach” to academic advising which uses a growth model to help you figure out what you want, why you want it and how you’re going to get there. This model focuses on exploring options, clarifying and communicating goals, and implementing realistic choices all based on your interests, values, abilities and motivation.

At the heart of good academic advising is the idea that you’re not just what you’re born with. Some things may not come naturally to you, but there are factors that will increase the likelihood that you will do well in courses – this is what advisors can help with.

During an appointment, your advisor will work through an issue with you to highlight your options and focus on how they will look in the real world.

Here are just three examples of issues advisors can help you work through in order to be successful:

• Identifying your goals: without knowing where you want to end up, developing a path to get there is impossible. Communicating your goals out loud to another person helps to solidify them in your mind and is integral to achieving what you set out to accomplish. 
• Figuring out your strengths (and weaknesses): knowing what you are good at – and not so good at – are equally important. An advisor can help to identify strategies that will enhance your strengths and minimize the impact of weaknesses. 
• Keeping yourself motivated: achieving your goals requires more than just desire. Motivation can be determining factor in academic success and keeping in mind why you want to achieve your goals is critical. Every student has a moment where they feel like they just can’t read one more chapter, or write one more paper. Talking to someone about why you started this journey in the first place is often exactly what you need to keep yourself going. 

Academic advisors will challenge your thinking and encourage you to consider many factors while sorting through the numerous possible paths that will help you achieve your goals.  We’re not here to tell you what to do. We’re here to get to know you so that we can help guide you to wherever you are headed – and celebrate with you once you arrive! 

For more information on academic advising, or to make an appointment with an advisor, visit the academic advising web page. 

Ali Wood-Warren is Coordinator at the University1 First Year Centre, the only office on campus dedicated to supporting first year students.