Qualico Bridge to Success Program

Due to ongoing COVID-19 considerations, program plans are subject to change

Supporting first year Indigenous student success

The Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) is pleased to offer the Qualico Bridge to Success Program (QBTS). The goal of this program is to facilitate the transition of new Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit, Métis) students into post-secondary education at the University of Manitoba by offering pre-orientation activities, academic learning support, advising, peer mentoring and special events that will enhance the first year experience. There is no cost to participate in this program.

The QBTS Program nurtures the spiritual, physical, mental and emotional strengths of Indigenous students so they can be as successful as possible in their first year of study. 

Apply to the Qualico Bridge to Success Program
Fall 2020 applications are now closed.

  • Who is considered a QBTS student?

    Any student who applies to participate in the program and completes three or more activities between August to April is considered a QBTS student. The recommended core activities are to attend a boot camp, have a mentor through the Neechiwaken program and register for a QBTS section of ARTS 1110. These are the most popular program components. Being a QBTS student at the end of the academic year will qualify students for one of four $1000 tuition prize draws. There are also incentives offered throughout the year for attendance at workshops, advising programming and Indigenous Student Centre events.

    Activity examples (not a complete list):

    • Attend online Qualico boot camp sessions
    • Enroll in reserved lecture/lab section of ARTS 1110 (various options – to be announced)
    • Join the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program
    • Attend at least one appointment with our reading specialist
    • Attend a Career Planning Workshop organized for QBTS
    • Attend a Migizii Agamik Study Night
    • Attend March Motivation
    • Attend a wellness activity organized specifically for QBTS

ARTS 1110 (Introduction to University)

ARTS 1110 is designed to help students make the transition to university by imparting the knowledge, skills, and attitudes requisite for success in university study, including how to write an academic paper. In the Fall 2020 Term, there will be a reserved section(s) of this course that QBTS students can select. Registering for a QBTS section will require special permission. Please contact Carla at carla.loewen@umanitoba.ca or phone (204) 291-5257 to request permission once registration details are in Aurora. The benefit of the QBTS section is that students get to learn with the same group of students for the Fall Term during the lab portion and the QBTS facilitator will visit the class periodically to check in on everyone and keep track of progress. Writing retreats during the term will be offered to provide writing support for essay assignments in partnership with ARTS 1110 staff.

Qualico Boot Camp

Want a pre-orientation to university before university starts? Join a Qualico boot camp! This summer, the boot camp is organized into two online sessions (with multiple dates to choose from). In Part 1, students will get detailed information about Indigenous Student Centre and campus resources; virtually meet other new students, staff members and faculty; and learn tips about what to expect in the upcoming year. Part 2 focuses on community-building, cultural learning opportunities and information about the Neechiwaken program. There is no cost to participate and attendees will be sent login instructions prior to each session. This will be fun and informative, with prizes to be won!

How to apply to the QBTS:

Apply online! The application form is available each year on April 1.

Interested applicants are welcome to contact the Indigenous Student Centre at any stage of the admission process. There is no cost to join this program and all program components are free except for the associated tuition costs for ARTS 1110. 

  • Benefits of the Qualico Bridge to Success Program:

    • Be part of your student community
    • Dedicated student advisor support
    • Opportunity to access supplemental academic resources
    • Opportunity for financial wellness learning
    • Participation can be included on applications for scholarships, bursaries or jobs

  • FAQs:

    • Students can join if they are full or part-time students
    • Students can attend a boot camp in September even if starting classes in January
    • Students can be part of the program if they cannot attend a boot camp
    • A QBTS section of ARTS 1110 is not offered in the Winter Term
    • Students interested in applying for the QBTS in the Winter Term can request a paper application

     

Testimonials

Chloe Dreilich-Girard, Métis

Joining the QBTS program helped enormously with ensuring I had an almost seamless transition from high school to university, and enabled me to make connections [with fellow students and staff] before the school year even started. I would recommend this program to other Indigenous students because everyone is so welcoming, and it has a very large sense of community.

Zoe Quill, Cree

Joining the Qualico Bridge to Success program was the best choice I made as a first-year student because not only did it allow me to overcome my worries through this great milestone but helped me see this university as my second home. This program has given me tools to succeed and an unconditional support system from both the Indigenous Student Centre and the university. I have made friends who are driven like me and mentors who I learn from every day. I know that because of this program, I am able to go through the rest of my degree with confidence and success.

Colin Wiebe, Métis

My overall experience with the Qualico Bridge to Success Program was excellent. It really gave me a greater sense of confidence going into university. The [program] opened my eyes to all of the resources and aid that both the Indigenous Student Centre and the university offer.

If you have any questions about the Qualico Bridge to Success Program or would like to talk to a student advisor, please contact Carla Loewen at:

Indigenous Student Centre
Migizii Agamik - Bald Eagle Lodge
114 Sidney Smith Street
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2

Carla.Loewen@umanitoba.ca
(204) 291-5257