UM student supports and how to find them
Looking for health and wellness supports? Have questions about where to get studying tips? A breadth of resources have been developed for you to help with personal and academic needs and to help you stay connected. Whether you are physically on campus or learning remotely, all interested students can access these resources, services and supports.
Keep informed of your options and new opportunities, services and supports by regularly checking out the Student Weekly e-newsletter that will be delivered to your UM email each Tuesday (undergrad version) or Thursday (graduate student version) and by following the UM student Instagram and TikTok accounts for regular updates.
First year students are encouraged to check out UM Commons for tips and resources designed specifically for the first year journey and to follow the First Year Centre on Instagram.
Parents and supporters who want to know how to best support their students are encouraged to visit this page.
SUPPORTS FOR WELL-BEING
Health and wellness play a critical role in academic success and UM offers a wide range of services to support your well-being. Some of the resources available to students are noted below.
University Health Service (UHS) has clinics on both the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses. UHS offers a full range of medical supports and services and both campuses offer virtual and in person appointments.
The Student Counselling Centre (SCC) provides workshops, groups, and individual and couples counselling to support UM students dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems and more. Check their website to see what workshops and groups are being offered and to receive help with problems such as attention and concentration.
The Student Wellness Centre is a drop-in space located at 162 Extended Education on the Fort Garry Campus. Stop by to rest, recharge, connect and learn. Health and wellness professionals and trained peer educators from Healthy U will be available for consultation and support (on a drop in and appointment basis) and the space will also host health and wellness preventive and promotional initiatives.
Health and Wellness wants to support you in your health and wellness journey and their office is available to all UM students. In addition to coordinating resources and services in the Student Wellness Centre, they offer health education, run workshops and provide access to the university’s take-home naloxone program.
The Sexual Violence Resource Centre (SVRC) is available for UM students, staff and community members who are seeking information on sexual violence, or who are seeking support regarding an experience of sexual violence. Contact SVRC staff to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment.
The Spiritual Care and Multi-Faith Centre supports you as you navigate through the highs and lows of academic life, helping you piece together and make sense of the troubling, confusing, and exciting parts that make up your life. The Spiritual Care team includes chaplains and other spiritual care providers representing a variety of faith traditions. Spiritual health services are available to all; they recognize, affirm and work with your existing values and beliefs.
Student Accessibility Services is available to provide supports for students with disabilities and to encourage academic success. If you require academic accommodations or accessibility supports, they are available to help.
Student Services at Bannatyne Campus is a service hub for students and residents in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Staff provide supports and referrals for personal and academic success.
Feeling secure financially is important too – the Financial Aid and Awards office can help you make the most of the financial resources, scholarships and more available to you.
It is important for your mental wellbeing to stay active and keep moving. UM students have access to the available sport and recreation facilities at both campuses through the Sport and Rec fee. Please visit the Recreation Services for details about how to register for personal training, book a workout online, sign up for a class and more. Recreation Services also offers online options, resources and great workouts you can do at home through their Virtual Health and Fitness page.
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
There are a number of academic supports available to help you do your absolute best in your courses. If you are learning remotely, knowing how to thrive in the online learning environment is key to your success. It’s important to keep Academic Integrity top of mind, too.
Academic advisors are available to help you clarify your academic goals and then make decisions to reach them. Advisors can help you answer questions about requirements, develop a plan, assess progress and make changes, weighing options and identifying next steps.
The Academic Learning Centre is available to all students, and can help you improve your skills and learn concrete strategies to become an even better student. They offer workshops, tutoring and appointments to discuss options. Follow along with the self-directed resources to improve your skills in writing and study skills.
Libraries are open for individual student study space, to access the Archives collections and for a host of other services. They also offer workshops and events.
STAYING CONNECTED
Get involved at UM to bolster your Co-Curricular Record, and build your resumé. Visit UMConnect to find the database of CCR activities or to check out work-study positions.
Student Experience and Development (formerly Student Life) connects students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, and gain invaluable experience while giving back to the campus community. For example, there are a number of peer mentor programs available at UM, for both aspiring mentors and those who would like to connect with a mentor. From volunteer opportunities, to work-study, active involvement in student clubs and campus organizations, there are countless opportunities to become engaged and build career-related skills.
Community Engaged Learning programming teaches students about social justice, allows them to volunteer for change and relate classroom learning to community work. A number of programs are offered, including Community Leadership Development and Poverty Awareness.
The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) offers holistic and culturally-grounded resources and programming for Indigenous students at UM. Students can book an appointment with an Indigenous Student Centre Elder-in-Residence and join the Elders for weekly sharing circles and cultural learning activities like Fireside Chats. ISC also offers Full Moon Ceremony for women and a men’s group on Thursday evenings (Zongiigabowen). Métis programming takes place on an ongoing basis with events like Metis Awareness Mondays. All events can be found on the Indigenous events calendar.
ISC offers programming like the Qualico Bridge to Success Program, Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program, Blankstein Momentum Program, and the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment. ISC advisors and program coordinators are also available for advising appointments.
Career Services encourages all students to actively think about their career journey, whether you are just starting your degree, in the middle of your degree or graduating. There are a number of services and resources you can access to support you in career planning and job search. This includes assisting you in learning more about occupations, employment sectors and in finding opportunities in your field of interest such as summer/part-time work, experiential learning opportunities, coop and career/job fairs. Use UM Connect to learn more about workshops, employer sessions and get access to local, regional, national and international job postings.
The International Centre is offering a number of opportunities for international students to get connected and make the most of your time at UM. Students can take part in individual sessions with an International student advisor, or group options like Culture and Connection. Students can take part in Welcome Mentors, Intercultural Leaders, or the Language Exchange program as well.
Finally, check out the many student communities and clubs. Find out how to follow on social media, attend events, and become a member.