Smiling students walk on campus wearing backpacks.

Student Experience and Development

Who we are

Student Experience and Development (SEAD) connects students to meaningful experiences and provides programming that engages and supports self-development and self-discovery. Our programs and services are centered on four key areas: building experience, exploring leadership, developing skills/competencies, and connecting on campus.

Our team values and prioritizes:

  • Learning, growth, and development
  • Being student-centered
  • Accessibility, inclusivity, anti-oppression, and equity
  • Connection, collaboration, and teamwork
  • Creativity, playfulness, and exploration

SEAD is one of four offices in the Career, Community, and Experiential Learning Centre (CCELC).

What you can do with SEAD

  • Students in the New Student Peer Mentoring Program sitting in a lecture hall during a program event
  • Develop skills/competencies

    SEAD provides opportunities to develop skills, explore your identity, and grow personally through a variety of workshops and training sessions. These opportunities are great for UM student staff and student leaders, but we also offer these workshops by request for student groups, volunteers, and professional staff.

  • Connect on campus

    The Connection Desk is your link to all things related to Student Affairs and can bridge the gap between you and the resources you need. Learn more about campus and ask your questions at the Connection Desk.
    109 UMSU University Centre
    Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Student Training Series

The Student Training Series provides personal and professional development opportunities for University of Manitoba student staff and complements departmental onboarding processes. These sessions are also available by request for student groups, volunteer cohorts, and professional staff.

General information

Eligibility
All UM students are welcome to attend the Student Training Series workshops. 

Audience
Some target audiences for our workshops might include: 

  • Student staff in Student Affairs roles,
  • Student staff who work on campus in front-facing or peer support roles,
  • Student groups or clubs,
  • Individual students who are looking to develop skills and competencies in the given topic.

What to expect during workshops
Our workshops are developmental in nature, and are designed to help students explore and strengthen their skills. As such, our workshops usually require that attendees participate actively and engage with their peers/facilitator(s). The more that participants are willing to challenge themselves, the more they will get out of the material. 

Workshop topics

STS Fundamentals are recommended as a basis for all student staff.

  • Avoiding the ‘Goose Chase’: Practical Strategies for Making Better Referrals   

  • Inclusivity Foundations 1: Examining Power and Privilege  

  • Inclusivity Foundations 2: Inclusive Language  

  • Receiving Feedback: Turning Uncomfortable Conversations into Opportunities for Growth 

  • Finding and Maintaining Balance as a Student Employee / Leader 

STS Peer Support workshops are recommended for students in peer support roles.

  • Empowering Your Peers: Understanding Power Dynamics and Setting Boundaries 

  • Creating Conversation: Bids for Connection and Other Communication Essentials for Peer Support 

  • Developing Relationships in Your Peer Support Role: Principles of Active Listening and Empathy 

Additional topics could be the right fit based on the particular needs of your role or program.

  • Meeting Students Where They Are Using Student Development Theory 

  • Intentional Goal Setting: Using Reflection as a Tool for Personal Development 

  • Facilitation Fundamentals: Practical Tips for Effective Workshops 

  • Facilitation Elevation: Practicing Your Facilitation Skills  

  • From Planning to Execution: An Introduction to Student-Led Events   

  • Team Building: Understanding Team Cycles and Dynamics  

  • Team Building: Practical Strategies for Creating Connections in Your Team (sharing and practice) 

With enough notice, we may be able to combine or customize content for your group. Please reach out to SEAD@umanitoba.ca with your inquiries.

Upcoming workshops

We are currently only offering workshops by request.

Request a workshop

If the workshop you are looking for isn't listed under "upcoming workshops," you can request a personalized workshop for your group of six or more participants. Please review the Student Training Series Workshop Request Package before submitting your request. 

Once you have determined the workshop you would like to request, please complete our Workshop Request Form

If you would like a recommendation on which workshop might be the best fit for your group or if you have any questions, please book a consultation with our team. 

Upcoming events and workshops

Our team

Contact us

Student Experience and Development
225 UMSU University Centre - 65 Chancellor's Circle
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

204-474-9093
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday