UM’s Student Life office has ideas about how to get involved!
Student can development skills and grow in many ways. Engaging in different experiences adds meaningful dimensions to knowledge and the continuous learning process. At the University of Manitoba, Student Life supports and facilitates involvement in activities outside coursework, enriching the overall student experience.
Involvement in campus-based activities allow students to build many skills that employers are looking for. “Not all learning happens inside a classroom,” says Sarah Saunders, the Lead Coordinator of Student Life. “Other experiences that complement what you’re learning in the academic realm are just as important.”
Getting involved also has profound impacts on personal growth. Students can discover their passions and immerse themselves in topics and initiatives that inspire them. It promotes self-confidence, social interaction and enjoyment – all of which are integral to managing the stress associated with schoolwork.
Saunders adds: “It’s also about the sense of community and finding your place on campus. The value of connecting to other people and to things that are bigger than yourself.”
Many of these experiences can be recognized on your Co-curricular record (CCR). The CCR is a document that displays a student’s involvement in activities that further support their progress beyond their studies. CCR-approved activities can be separated into categories such as awards, foundational skill development, governance, leadership, service-learning, as well as volunteerism and participation.
Students can browse the Co-curricular Experiential Catalogue through Career Connect for over 160 experiences that can be claimed on their CCR. It’s a useful tool for students to find opportunities that exist on campus and explore the ones that interest them the most. This year, you can claim recognition for your CCR until May 15, 2021.
A wide range of peer mentoring programs remain available for students to participate in throughout the year. The New Student Peer Mentoring Program (NSPMP) pairs new undergraduate students with upper-year students to help them through the transitional time of beginning their undergraduate journey. Peer Mentor and New Student Applications for the NSPMP in 2021-2022 will be available soon.
Students can also volunteer at orientation events to represent the campus community and provide a welcoming space for new UM students. Student Life is currently offering a new position as Online Orientation Facilitators for this summer’s virtual orientation events. In addition, volunteers would be able to refine transferable skills such as event facilitation, public speaking, verbal and written communication, and more. To be considered as an Online Orientation Facilitator, submit an application by May 9, 2021.
Saunders takes pride in the work of the Student Life team. It’s evident that they enjoy encouraging and helping students find opportunities that fit each person’s goals and fuel their fascination. Information on other ways to get involved on campus and contact information for Student Life can be found here.