students chatting in the Welcome to the herd event

Fall Orientation

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.

Campus Tours

Sponsored by Recycle Everywhere.
Tour the whole Fort Garry campus or specific buildings.
Find the tour that's right for you, login to UMConnect and register today!

  • Recycle Everywhere logo - Tour Sponsor of UM Orientation 2023
  • Below are tours available through July and August for new UM students. Registration is through UMConnect, the UM experiential learning, career and event portal for students.

    To register, click the tour you want to attend.
    A new tab will open to log into UM Connect, enter your UM Email and password (if you do not have your email address yet, follow the steps on the Claim ID page).
    Click the blue 'Register for this event' button.

    Prospective students consdering UM can check out these in-person and virtual tour options.

Summer skill building

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

Open now 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 | 3 - 8 p.m. 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.

Join us at the Fort Garry campus on August 9 for the first University of Manitoba Orientation event designed for newly admitted UM students starting this fall. Students are invited to bring parents/supporters or a friend for an evening of sessions and tours to help navigate the beginning of their university adventure. 

WHEN:               August 9 | 3 – 8 p.m. CST (first session starts at 3:30 P.M. CST)
WHERE:             Check in at Fletcher Argue Building
PARKING:          Check our website for visitor parking options before 4:30 P.M. CST (map). 
Free parking is available in B Lot after 4:30. If you plan to come before 4:30, we recommend pay parking lots ACW and AC. 

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 (sponsored by Recycle Everywhere) with one of our upper year students and find all the best places to eat, study and have fun on campus.
  • Attend four sessions to experience a university lecture, meet professors, and get tips from upper-level students.

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

Read the full UM Today Story

Session Schedule | Welcome to the Herd

Eight to be Great includes proven academic success strategies, and is delivered by the Academic Learning Centre.  Find out what successful students have in common, and what you can do before, during, and after class to see the best results.   


** Mini Lectures include a sample lecture followed by a short discussion between the instructor and a student which will include:
1. how to identify important information during lectures
2. practical tips for learning different types of material
3. effective ways to communicate
4. how (and when) to ask questions if you need help

Time

Event Name & Details

Location

3:30 - 8 P.M. CST Information Fair (on-going)  Tier/Fletcher/Dafoe Sidewalk
3:30 P.M CST

Campus Tours (sponsored by Recycle Everywhere)

8 to be Great

Mini Lecture

Mini Lecture

Differences between High School and University

Meet in front of Fletcher Argue

200 Fletcher Argue

206 Tier Building

200 Armes

231 Isbister

4:30 P.M CST

Campus Tours (sponsored by Recycle Everywhere)

8 to be Great

Mini Lecture

Mini Lecture

Differences between High School and University

Meet in front of Fletcher Argue

200 Fletcher Argue

206 Tier Building

200 Armes

231 Isbister

5:30 P.M CST

Campus Tours (sponsored by Recycle Everywhere)

8 to be Great

Mini Lecture

Mini Lecture

Differences between High School and University

Meet in front of Fletcher Argue

200 Fletcher Argue

206 Tier Building

200 Armes

231 Isbister

6:30 P.M CST

Campus Tours (sponsored by Recycle Everywhere)

8 to be Great

Mini Lecture

Mini Lecture

Differences between High School and University

Meet in front of Fletcher Argue

200 Fletcher Argue

206 Tier Building

200 Armes

231 Isbister

 

August 29 - 31 Prep Week

Prep week provides new students with an opportunity to participate in online prep sessions and to explore the UM Campus one week before Welcome Day and the commencement of the Fall Term.

From August 29 - 31, get some tips for understanding academic reading and writing, take a campus tour, get your student card and Winnipeg Transit UPass before the rush.

The University of Manitoba is strongly committed to equity and diversity. Accessibility accommodations and/or disability related supports are available for all events. Please contact Student Accessibility Services with two (2) working days’ notice with accommodation requests for Prep Week. Contact student_accessibility@umanitoba.ca or call 204-474-7423.

Prep Week schedule and session descriptions

Tuesday, August 29 sessions | Expand for zoom links

10:00 - 11:00 | Writing 1

Prepare to write academic essays by discussing example assignments and talking to experienced students about what they have learned about writing at the university.

Join the session via Zoom

11:00 - 12:00 | What I Wish I Knew

In this session students will hear from upper year students about their experiences at university, lessons they've learned, and what they wish they knew starting out. They will be sharing from their own personal experiences and offering a peer perspective so that new students can feel better prepared as they enter university.

Join the session via Zoom

12:00 - 1:00 | High school vs. university: The rules have changed (Responsibilities of UM Students)

Can I use AI? Is it okay to work with a friend? Do I need to cite my own ideas? There are a lot of expectations at UM that are different from high school, and some of them may surprise you. We will cover what you need to know for your assignments and how to avoid common mistakes that can set you back in your studies. 

Join the session via Zoom

4:00 - 5:00 | First Six Weeks: Your Guide to a Successful First Term

Did you know that the first six weeks of university are crucial to your success? Research shows that many university students across the world drop out after six weeks. That’s why we’re sharing our guide to the first six weeks with you. It’s based on research but it’s full of practical tips that you can use right away. This session will give you an understanding of the challenges that students often face and how to prepare yourself to meet those challenges. You can do it!

Join the session via Zoom

5:00 - 6:00 | Coping with Change: Developing a Solid Self-Care Routine

Starting university is a huge change no matter what you were doing before. It is absolutely crucial to develop a solid self-care routine in order to be a well-rounded person and a successful student. In this session, you will learn some practical tips and about all of the ways that UM services can help you support your well-being and get you through all of the changes you’re facing.

Join the session via Zoom

6:00 - 7:00 | Study Smarter Not Harder

Study skills need to be tailored to your specific courses and other commitments. There is no one-size fits all approach. That’s okay, though – we will teach you how to get started and share all of the awesome campus resources that are here to support you. Did you know your tuition fees have already paid for access to trained tutors? You will learn about tutoring services and more in this session.

Join the session via Zoom

Wednesday, August 30 visit the Fort Garry campus

There are many thing to do while you are on the UM Fort Garry campus during Prep Week. Take a self guided tour of our beautiful campus, book a timeslot to get your student ID card and U-Pass, find your classes before the Fall term begins or visit the Bookstore to get your textbooks and UM/Bison gear! You can also check out the great food on campus in UMSU University Centre. Get set to get fit this term at the Active Living Centre! There's also a great Art Exhibit happening at ARTlab, so check it out.

Prep Week Tours offer by Student Life

Personalized Tours

Tours will last about 30 minutes and run between 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Unsure where your classes will be for this Fall? Register for a personalized tour! Drop by between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm with your class schedule and a trained upper-year volunteer will show you where your classrooms will be. They will also provide you some information on what to do before the first day of classes, such as getting your ID, UPass, and more!

Register for Personalized Tours on UM Connect

Campus Tours

Tours take 1 hour and will depart every 15 minutes, with the last tour leaving at 1 p.m.

First time on campus? Register for a campus tour! Our Orientation Volunteers are here to welcome you to campus and help you find your way with tours! Campus Tours will be approximately 1 hour, and will take you around the main buildings you need to know for your classes, and resources that you might want to use. We will also provide you some information on what to do before the first day of classes, such as getting your ID, UPass, and more!

Register for Campus Tours on UM Connect

Thursday, August 31 sessions | Expand for zoom links

10:00 - 11:00 |

Coping with Change: Developing a Solid Self-Care Routine

Starting university is a huge change no matter what you were doing before. It is absolutely crucial to develop a solid self-care routine in order to be a well-rounded person and a successful student. In this session, you will learn some practical tips and about all of the ways that UM services can help you support your well-being and get you through all of the changes you’re facing.

Join the session via Zoom

11:00 - 12:00 | Writing 2

Get ready to write essays by learning how to bring out your own voice in your writing and how to use information from sources to support your ideas.

Join the session via Zoom

12:00 - 1:00 | High school vs. university: The rules have changed (Responsibilities of UM Students)

Can I use AI? Is it okay to work with a friend? Do I need to cite my own ideas? There are a lot of expectations at UM that are different from high school, and some of them may surprise you. We will cover what you need to know for your assignments and how to avoid common mistakes that can set you back in your studies. 

Join the session via Zoom

4:00 - 5:00 | Study Smarter Not Harder

Study skills need to be tailored to your specific courses and other commitments. There is no one-size fits all approach. That’s okay, though – we will teach you how to get started and share all of the awesome campus resources that are here to support you. Did you know your tuition fees have already paid for access to trained tutors? You will learn about tutoring services and more in this session

Join the session via Zoom

5:00 - 6:00 | First Six Weeks: Your Guide to a Successful First Term

Did you know that the first six weeks of university are crucial to your success? Research shows that many university students across the world drop out after six weeks. That’s why we’re sharing our guide to the first six weeks with you. It’s based on research but it’s full of practical tips that you can use right away. This session will give you an understanding of the challenges that students often face and how to prepare yourself to meet those challenges. You can do it!

Join the session via Zoom

6:00 - 7:00 | What I Wish I Knew

In this session students will hear from upper year students about their experiences at university, lessons they've learned, and what they wish they knew starting out. They will be sharing from their own personal experiences and offering a peer perspective so that new students can feel better prepared as they enter university.

Join the session via Zoom

Need help?

During Prep Week, connect with a Navigator at the Virtual Advising Help Centre (VAHC) if you have any questions or challenges connecting to a session.

The VAHC is a team of Student Service Navigators who can point you in the right direction. We’re here to help you find the answers you need, when you need them – seven days a week!

Connect with the VAHC

September 5, 2023 Welcome Day

Roam with us on 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! 

Welcome Day Schedule:

10:00 A.M. Join your Homeroom and hear all the most important tips for starting the year off strong. 

11:00 A.M. Make your way to Investor's Groups Athletic Centre for the Welcome Pep Rally hosted by QX 104 Host Brody Jackson and featuring the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers. 

11:30 A.M. The fun continues on The Quad with the UM Orientation Festival!! Enjoy free food, games, prizes, music, and our Info Fair where you can find everything you'll need as a UM student.

We can't wait to meet you new Bisons! 

AUGUST 1 - NOVEMBER 21, 2023 WaitWell App Contest

The WaitWell app is your personal UM appointment assistant! From event registration, to getting your Student ID Card, help from IST, or meeting with an Academic Advisor, Waitwell allows you to join virtual lines, so you can roam your way around campus and get a notification to head to your appointment location at just right time!  Need to cancel or re-schedule? No problem!  The WaitWell app lets you make changes easily and instantly Here's the deal:

  1. Download the WaitWell app on the App Store or Google Play
  2. Use the WaitWell app
  3. Have a chance to win Airpods!

Contest rules

  1. General Eligibility and How to Enter
    • The Contest is open to all University of Manitoba (“UM”) students 18 years or older at the time of entry, or if a student is under the age of 18, who enters with the consent of a parent or guardian.
    • All UM students who register for a UM event, join a UM service office line, or make an appointment with a UM staff person using the Waitwell app will be entered in a random draw to win one of 2 sets of Airpods (the “Prize” or “Prizes”). One Prize goes to Fall 2023 admits and one Prize goes to pre-Fall 2023 admits students).
    • The winners will be required to correctly answer a time-limited mathematical skill-testing question without mechanical aid before being declared a winner.
  2. Contest Period
    • Contest runs from August 1, 2023 to November 21, 2023.  There is no purchase necessary. All bookings, inclusive of the dates noted, will be included in the contest prize draw.  Winners will be notified by December 1, 2023. 
  3. Agreement to Rules
    • By participating in this Contest, the contestant (“You”) (or, if entrant is a Minor, such Minor’s parent or legal guardian) agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these Rules, and You represent and warrant that You meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, You agree to accept the decisions of the University of Manitoba as final and binding as it relates to the content of this Contest.
  4. Consent to Use
    • By entering into this Contest, You understand, acknowledge and confirm that if you win, the University of Manitoba may choose to announce your name or publish your likeness on the University of Manitoba website as a Winner without further obligation or compensation of any kind to You.
  5. Winner Selection and Notification
    • Winners will be selected through a random draw under the supervision of the University of Manitoba Student Engagement and Success department. The Winner(s) will be notified by email following their selection as a Winner(s). The University of Manitoba Student Engagement and Success Office shall have no liability for Winner’s failure to receive notices due to spam, junk e-mail or other security settings or for Winner’s provision of incorrect or otherwise non-functioning contact information.
    • If a Winner cannot be contacted, is ineligible, fails to claim the prize within 30 days from the time award notification was sent, or fails to timely return a completed and executed declaration and release as required, the prize may be forfeited and an alternate Winner selected. Receipt by Winner of the prize offered in this Contest is conditioned upon compliance with any and all federal, provincial, and local laws and regulations.
    • Each Tentative Prize Winner (or, if such Tentative Prize Winner is a Minor, such Minor’s parent or legal guardian) affirms they have read, understood and agreed to be bound by these Rules, grant all consents required and as contemplated by these Rules, and, in the event You win the Contest, authorize the University of Manitoba to broadcast, publish and disseminate Your name, likeness, voice, city of residence and biographical information in connection with any promotion, publicity, or news, entertainment and/or information purposes, without further consent and without compensation, and releasing the University of Manitoba, its affiliates, representatives, employees and agents from any and all liability of any kind whatsoever arising out of the Winner’s participation in the Contest and/or receipt and execution of any prize awarded. 
  6. Odds of Winning
    • The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.
  7. Limitation of Liability
    • The University of Manitoba, its affiliates, representatives, employees, agents, insurers and assigns shall not be in any manner whatsoever be liable or responsible for theft, loss, technical malfunctions, computer and/or telephone network malfunctions, software problems, online traffic congestion, any human or computer generated error, which may in any manner affect the receipt of Contest entries, the notification of winners, the awarding or distribution of any prize under the Contest.
  8. Indemnification
    • By entering the Contest, entrant releases and holds the University of Manitoba, its affiliates, representatives, employees, agents, insurers, and assigns, harmless from any and all liability for any injuries, loss or damage of any kind to the entrant or any other person, including personal injury, death, or property damage, resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, use or misuse of any Prize, participation in the Contest, any breach of the Contest Rules, or in any Prize-related activity. The entrant agrees to fully indemnify Releasees from any and all claims by third parties relating to the Contest, including without limitation any claims of infringement of rights to copyright, privacy and/or personality.
  9. Privacy
    • The University of Manitoba will not be collecting any personal information other than names, addresses and email addresses which will be used to notify the Winner(s) and showcase winning images. This information will not be kept any longer than required to notify the Winner(s).
  10. General
    • If for any reason the Contest is not capable of being completed as planned including, but not limited to computer virus, bugs, tampering, technical failures or other causes beyond the control of the University of Manitoba, the University of Manitoba reserves the right to cancel, suspend or modify the Contest.
    • The University of Manitoba, its affiliates, representatives, employees and agents assume no liability whatsoever for damage to any person, or to their computer or other property, arising from their actual or attempted participation in the Contest in any manner whatsoever, or in the awarding of any prize.

 
Best of luck!

Our Sponsors

Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors!
Your support helps to welcome new UM students to our campuses and set them up for success as they start their studies at UM.

More important resources for your first year

Questions about any Fall Orientation programming? Connect via email.

Orientation Team
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB Canada