Fall Welcome

The beginning of a new term is always exciting, but what makes Fall 2023 more special is that YOU are now joining us as a UM student! We’ve got a number of activities planned to provide you with all the information you’ll need as you begin your university studies. Discover all the great supports we have at UM, get academic prep and explore opportunities to connect with other UM students. 

We are so happy that you are joining us, new Bisons! Welcome to the University of Manitoba and welcome to the Herd!

Welcome day hero image

Fall Welcome

Get ready for the start of your academic journey

The University of Manitoba is strongly committed to equity and diversity. Accessibility accommodations and/or disability related supports are available for all events. Contact student_accessibility@umanitoba.ca or call 204-474-7423.

Summer skill building

Opportunities offered by different offices and faculties to help you develop specific skills in preparation for your first year at UM.

July 18, 2023 | open for the 2023/24 academic year UM Essentials

UM Essentials, along with other orientation activities, is intended to help you prepare for your studies at the University of Manitoba.

You’ve accepted your offer, registered for your classes, claimed your UM Net ID and now it’s time to complete UM Essentials! UM Essentials introduces you to the supports and resources available to UM students and through completing UM Essentials, you will:

  • Gain a basic understanding of the campus layout and important locations;
  • Gain experience with UMLearn, the course management system at UM;
  • Learn about the ‘university learning environment’ and know what your professors will expect from you in your courses;
  • Learn about key support services available to students and how to access them;
  • Find out how to get involved in the UM campus community;
  • Understand the rights and responsibilities that you have a student.
  • All new students are expected to complete UM Essentials.

You will receive an email to your @myumanitoba.ca email when you have been enrolled in the course. We do enrollments once a week.

All first year students must complete UM Essentials.

After completing UM Essentials you will be able to

  • Explain your rights and responsibilities as a new student joining the University of Manitoba community.
  • Locate resources for navigating all areas of life as a new student.
  • Identify and implement strategies for effective online learning.
  • Summarize expectations for academic work.
  • Recognize opportunities for personal skill development and community engagement.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in using UM Learn.

August 9, 2023 Welcome to the Herd

This UM Orientation event, designed especially for those who are new to the UM Fort Garry campus, offers activities that will introduce you to the spaces, places, opportunities and supports available to all UM students.

Be sure to:

  • Check out the Info Fair to find all the resources you will need when you are a UM student.
  • Take a Campus Tour with one of our upper year students and find all the best places to eat, study and have fun on campus.
  • Attend one (or more) of our sessions to experience a university lecture, meet professors, and get tips from upper-level students
  • Check out UMSU University Centre and stop by the bookstore to stock up on UM Bison gear!

Parking: Please check Parking Services visitor/casual parking table for rates during your visit on campus.

August 28 - 31 Prep Week

Prep week provides new students an opportunity to explore the UM Campus and participate in academic and faculty prep session one week before Welcome Day and the commencement of the Fall Term.
From August 28 - 31, get a preview of academic reading and writing, take a tour of campus, get your student card and UPass before the rush, and more.

The prep week schedule is being finalized and will be shared in the future.

September 5, 2023 Welcome Day

Find out who to know and where to go for answers to the most common questions new UM students have. We know you’re new to this, so we’ve got your back! You’ll hear from students, advisors and support staff, faculty members and more. We all are dedicated to helping you succeed at UM, so don’t miss out on September 5.

We have some great activities planned, but there will also be plenty of time in the day to connect with friends (old and new!), roam the Fort Garry campus, find your classrooms and have some fun, too! 

Don’t miss out! Check you @myumanitoba.ca email to find out when to arrive, where to go and how to get there.

Last minute questions? Visit the Virtual Advising Help Centre or call 204-474-8242.

More important resources for your first year

Co-Curricular Record

You can get formal recognition for all of your learning and start adding to your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) before you even start your classes! The CCR is an official document that summarizes each student's participation in university-approved activities that aren't for academic credit.

Three requirements are all that you need to qualify for Orientation co-curricular recognition

  1. Full participation in Prep Week,
  2. Completion of UM Essentials, and
  3. Participation in Welcome Day.

Full participation in Prep Week is defined as participating in a minimum of five sessions. Keep in mind the following:

  • streaming the live official Welcome Ceremony, and;
  • attending the “Ready, Set, Go!” session by the First Year Centre.

Once you view / attend, and reflect on these sessions, you will have completed the Welcome Day requirements for co-curricular recognition!

Questions about any Fall Welcome programming? Connect via email.

Orientation Team
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB Canada

Orientation@umanitoba.ca