Group of first year students talking among each other

Student Success Month

October 2022

If you are a new student or learner… this is when all of the information you heard at your orientation becomes relevant. It is critical that you access the academic and personal supports to help you build the skills you need to be successful in your first year and beyond.

If you are a returning student or learner… now is the time when those familiar academic and personal responsibilities start to mount up. It is vital that you reflect on your previous years’ experience and identify the areas you will need to improve on in order to meet your goals.

Student and learner success is about more than a grade on your transcript. Your success is dependent on your academic, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.

UM is proud to feature a range of events hosted by support units across campus. These events include topics such as:

  • Career preparation
  • Stress management
  • Academic writing
  • Research skills
  • Cultural adaptation and identity
  • And more!

October 1 - 31, 2022 Student Success Month Schedule

Week 1 | October 3 - 7

October 3, 2022

1:00 PM - 2:00 p.m. (online)(CST) Sharing Circles with ISC Elders-in-Residence - For Women  | Register 

Female students, staff, faculty and community are welcome to join in on virtual Sharing Circles with ISC Elder Wanda Joy Murdock at 1:00 p.m. on Mondays.


October 4, 2022

2:30 - 6:30 p.m. CST - ASE Career Fair (Agriculture, Science and Engineering focus) - Second Floor UMSU University Centre

The annual ASE Career Fair at the University of Manitoba is coordinated by Career Services, the Faculty of Agriculture Student Organization (FASO) and the University of Manitoba Engineering Society (UMES). The last time this fair was in-person, in 2019, more than 70 exhibitors participated and over 1300 entered the career fair.

International Student Exchange - Advising appointments start. For more information visit the Student Exchange page


October 5, 2022

12:00-1:00 p.m. CST (online) - The Libraries’ Workshop Series - Introduction to Zotero | Register

This hands-on session will give participants an overview of Zotero reference management software. In this session, participants will: practice adding references to Zotero organizing Zotero ...

1:30-3:30 p.m. CST (online) - Resumé and Cover Letter Workshop  

Attend this workshop and learn tips on how to format your resumé and cover letter and what you should and should not include. Your cover letter and resumé are marketing tools, the "door opener" to a job interview, so take this opportunity to sharpen your resumé and cover letter. For event details and registration visit UMConnect

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. CST - Reading Academic Texts  
Learn more from reading academic texts with the ACED method.  
(Register)


October 6, 2022 

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Spill the Tea About Sexual Health!  | Second Floor UMSU University Centre

 Join UM's Health and Wellness to chat about sexual health and harm reduction, grab some tea and enter to win a UM bookstore gift card. 

12:00-1:00 p.m. (online) - Searching Like a Pro | Register

This hands-on session will give you the skills you need to search for research and information like a pro. Using a variety of search techniques (Boolean, truncation, phrase searching, etc.), you will search more effectively and efficiently in the library catalog, scholarly databases, and in even in Google.

12:00-1:30 P.M. (in person) - Setting up for success with Research Data Management | Register 

This session will be ideal for researchers who are just beginning a new project, but is open to all. No prior knowledge of RDM is required. A sample research idea will be provided, although attendees are welcome to work through examples with their own projects in mind. 

3:00 - 4:00 P.M. CST (online) - Preparing for Midterms
This workshop introduces the top study strategies that successful students use to prepare for tests and exams, as well as tips on time management and self-care so you can head into midterms feeling prepared and confident. Register here

Week 2 | October 10 - 14

October 11, 2022 

1:00 - 3:00 p.m. CST - Interview Preparation Workshop
Need interview practice? Not sure how to prepare? Join this interactive online workshop to learn what employers are looking for and to practice your interview skills with other job seekers. Learn about the types of questions that might be asked in an interview and how to best answer them. Discover different methods of evaluation and how to follow-up after the interview.

For event details and registration visit UMConnect


October 12, 2022 

9:30 A.M. - 11:30 a.m. CST (online) - Leveraging LinkedIn in Your Career 

LinkedIn is much more than just a social media site.  It can be integral in supporting your job search, occupational research, and networking. Please come to the workshop with a basic profile already created. You will be invited to enhance your profile and navigate the site during the workshop.

In this interactive workshop you will learn about the components of a strong personal profile, enhance and optimize your profile, identify strategies to research career pathways and find and engage with relevant professional connections. Register here. 


October 13, 2022 

1:00 - 3:00 p.m. CST  (online) - Job Search: Building a Strategy & Identifying Employers 

Job search is a process and one that can take a lot of time, energy and intention. Attend this interactive workshop to learn effective job search strategies and begin to identify potential employers. From first year to final year of study, this session is appropriate for any student who is seeking part-time, summer or full-time work.  Students will also develop knowledge and access resources specific to their industries of interest.

For event details and registration visit UMConnect

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. CST (online) - Introduction to EndNote 

This UM Libraries session will provide an introduction the reference management software EndNote. EndNote allows you to track, collect, and annotate references, as well as create bibliographies and add formatted citations to your papers. Register 

2:30 - 4:30 p.m. CST - Small Talk Strategies for the Classroom | Please register by email: elc@umanitoba.ca.

This free 2 hour workshop will support UM students for whom English is not a first language. 'This is a great chance for students entering degree study in a Canadian university to learn how to connect with classmates.  

3:00 - 4:00 p.m. CST (online) - Using Academic Sources in Writing
Clarify the when and how of using sources when writing in APA style.
Online via WebEx (registration deadline, Oct 13, 2022 3:00 P.M. CST)

 

Week 3 | October 17 - 21

October 18, 2022 

1:00 - 2:30 P.M. CST (in person) - The Libraries’ Workshop Series - Introduction to Zotero | Register

This hands-on session will give participants an overview of Zotero reference management software. In this session, participants will: practice adding references to Zotero and more.

Resumé and Cover Letter Workshop  - 2:30 - 4:30 P.M. CST (in person - 474 University Centre)

Attend this workshop and learn tips on how to format your resumé and cover letter and what you should and should not include. Your cover letter and resumé are marketing tools, the "door opener" to a job interview, so take this opportunity to sharpen your resumé and cover letter.


October 19, 2022

2022 International Day of Action Against Contract Cheating

UM Academic Integrity: No Shortcuts

This year's theme for International Day of Action Against Contract Cheating (IDoA) Addressing Contract Cheating and Beyond in the New Learning Environment, and will be focusing on how each of us has a role to play in supporting academic integrity. For more information, visit their website

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. CST - UM Academic Integrity: No Shortcuts
Come visit our booth outside Elizabeth Dafoe Library to learn about academic integrity. There will be free activities, give-aways and a chance to win prizes!

12:00 - 1:30 p.m. CST (online) - Setting up for success with Research Data Management | Register 

This session will be ideal for researchers who are just beginning a new project, but is open to all. No prior knowledge of RDM is required. A sample research idea will be provided, although attendees are welcome to work through examples with their own projects in mind. 

2:30 - 4:30 p.m. CST - Small Talk Strategies for the Classroom | Register

Many EAL Students attending university in Canada would like to meet other students, but have a hard time connecting with their classmates. Sometimes, it's because they don't feel confident enough to start up a casual conversation with other students. To help you gain confidence talking with other students, we've designed this 2-hour interactive workshop. If you attend, you will:

  • Learn cultural norms and expectations around small talk
  • Practice strategies and specific phrases to help you connect with other students
  • Increase cultural knowledge and confidence to start informal conversations.

Space is limited, be sure to register today!

October 20, 2022

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. CST - Culture & Connection: A series for new international students (session 2)

These interactive advising sessions, hosted by International Centre advisors, help new international students make sense of their new life at the U of M and prepare for life in Winnipeg. Session 2 will discuss Academics in Canada.

Please contact international@umanitoba.ca for details. 

Week 4 | October 24 - 28

October 24, 2022

10:30 - 12:00 p.m. CST (online) - Discover Mentoring: An Effective Strategy for Exploring Options and Building Networks 

Join us for an interactive workshop where we will explore the value of mentorship, learn about on and off-campus mentorship programs including the UM Café, learn how to maximizing the mentor-mentee relationship. Register here.

3:00 - 4:00 p.m. CST (online) - Revising, Editing and Proofreading
Learn strategies for crafting essays that are cohesive, coherent and easy to understand. Register here 


October 25, 2022

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. CST October 25-27
Canadian Career Symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows (online) - Register

Each year, the GPDN hosts a career symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows aimed at professional development and career exploration. Presentations by GPDN members and invited experts cover topics including inspirational keynotes, career self-assessments, resumes, informational interviews, and networking.

October 25 - November 17 - 3:00 - 4:15 p.m. -  Charge Ahead

Charge Ahead is a program designed to help you meet your individual goals. As a participant in the program, you will have the support of professional staff and upper-year students who will lead you through researched-based tips and tricks to promote your success - inside and outside the classroom. Register here! 


October 27, 2022

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. CST

First Year Centre Advisor Pop-Up (in person) - UMSU University Centre

Stop by the FYC Pop-Up in UMSU University Centre to grab a treat (no tricks here!) and say hi to the Academic Advisors.

Student Advocacy tips for success

As a member of the university community, you are expected to demonstrate behaviour that upholds academic integrity and is appropriate and respectful. Check out the tip clips from Student Advocacy and recommended resources to avoid academic misconduct. Student Advocacy is a safe place for students to get help navigating the university processes and advocate for your rights as a student at UM.

Exam Monitoring Software

Students often express anxiety over being ‘falsely accused’ of academic misconduct when writing exams that are invigilated using monitoring software like “Respondus”.

For more information, see the links below, and speak to your instructor about your concerns or questions.

Note Sharing Websites

Many students have been turning to websites such as Chegg, Course Hero, or Quizlet to ‘help’ them with their courses and exams. However, these sites should be used with caution, as they may result in an allegation of academic misconduct. We recommend using legitimate and approved resources on campus to help you succeed in courses and exams, such as the Academic Learning Centre or Libraries.

Open-book Online Exams

Sometimes students find themselves accused of academic misconduct for misunderstanding the expectations and rules surrounding ‘open book exams’. Clarify the expectations with your instructor, and follow the rules around citing, referencing, and plagiarism when writing essays and exams.

International Day of Action Against Contract Cheating

graphic for the ICAI

Speak up & out against contract cheating

October 19 is the International Day of Action Against Contract Cheating. There are two key events on this day. Register to join and listen in with the global community.


UM Academic Integrity: No Shortcuts
Come find our table outside Elizabeth Dafoe Library
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join us for some fun activities with give-aways and chances to win prizes! Learn about how you can take action to avoid contract cheating on this International Day of Action Against Contract Cheating. 

IDoA Expert Presentation & Panel
This year's International Day of Action Against Contract Cheating (IDoA) falls on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. The theme is: IDoA 2022: Addressing Contract Cheating and Beyond in the New Learning Environment, and will be focusing on how each of us has a role to play in supporting academic integrity.

Get creative and enter the IDOA Tik Tok contest 

The International Center of Academic Integrity (ICAI) is sponsoring the 7th International Day of Action (IDoA) Against Contract Cheating, Student TikTok Contest. The purpose of the contest is to generate short reels to raise academic integrity awareness and provide students the opportunity to share their opinions and ideas on how everyone can support academic integrity. Students can win up to $150 USD in Amazon gift cards for their TikTok submission - see Contest Rules. The deadline is October 19, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. EST. 

What is Contract Cheating

Studying with the values of academic integrity (honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, courage) can help to protect your academic credential. Acts of academic misconduct give some students an unfair advantage, jeopardize the value of the work that you do, and place you at risk. One specific form of academic misconduct is contract cheating.

Here are some frequently asked questions about contract treating, including tips to avoid it.

This work was adapted from Miron, J., & McKenzie, A. (2020, Oct 5). Avoiding contract cheating student tip sheet and licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike2.5 Canada License.

What is contract cheating?

  • Outsourcing academic work (e.g., essays, assignments, tests) to pay-for-profit sites (e.g., homework sites, essay mills, tutor sites) OR personal acquaintances (e.g., friends, family or classmates).

Is contract cheating a problem?

  • Contract cheating is an act of academic misconduct
  • You can face serious consequences at the University of Manitoba, including expulsion
  • You risk being blackmailed or having your personal information shared by pay-for-profit sites

Are homework or tutor sites OK?

  • Some sites ask you to upload course presentation slides, notes, assignments, tests, or course outlines that are copyright protected and are not yours to share
  • Accessing the solutions or answers from a tutor site does not help you learn the course content
  • Beware that information provided on such sites may be incorrect and cannot be validated

What if I see an ad on my social media feed (Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook) for a contract cheating service provider?

  • Contact the owner of the account to ask them to take the posting down
  • Consider posting your own message to alert other students about the risks of contract cheating

What if a friend asks me for my answers to a test, my old assignments, or a copy of an essay?

  • You run the risk of your work being copied, which puts you at risk for being accused of academic misconduct
  • Talk to your friend about how you completed the assignment or how you approached studying
  • Refer your friend to the professor/teacher/TA for help

How can I avoid contract cheating?

  • Plan your schedule -time crunches can lead to increased pressures and bad choices
  • Reach out to experts at the University of Manitoba that can help you –look at the website and talk to your professor, instructor, or TA about resources that might help (e.g., library services, school tutors, writing centres, accessibility services, international student services)

Beyond Student Success Month