
Qualico Bridge to Success Program
What is the Qualico Bridge to Success Program?
The Qualico Bridge to Success program (QBTS) helps 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, one-on-one advising, peer mentoring and special events that will enhance the first-year experience.
QBTS recognizes the importance of the whole student during their educational journey, and aims to nurture the spiritual, physical, mental and emotional strengths of Indigenous students so they can be as successful as possible in their first year of study.
A QBTS student who completes three or more components of the program between August - April will be entered to win 1 of 4 $1000.00 tuition prizes at the end of the academic year.
What can I expect as a QBTS student?
Eligibility
Any Indigenous student who is starting their first year at the University of Manitoba in either a full-time or part-time basis is eligible to apply. Students in any faculty and discipline are welcome to apply.
Students who are starting in winter term are encouraged to email the program facilitator to inquire about space in the program.
Program Components
Students in QBTS can expect a wide variety of opportunities that they can choose from to enhance their first year experience. There are no requirements to maintain a spot in the program, and students may pick and choose which program activities to participate in. Activities will be focused on supporting the students in building a sense of belonging on campus and engaging their strengths on academic, cultural and personal exercises that will enhance their learning and well-being. The activities throughout the year may include:
- Attending Orientation sessions in August
- Attending QBTS Culture Day in August
- Joining the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor Program
- Attending a one-on-one midterm check in meeting in Fall term and/or Winter Term
- Attending a QBTS monthly academic success workshop
- Registering in the QBTS lab section of ARTS 1110: Intro to University
- Attending at least one appointment with our Learning and Reading Strategist
- Attending a financial wellness workshop through the EmpoweringU Financial Wellness program
Qualico application form
Summer Orientation Events and Support
Summer Orientation Information
Once a student has applied to QBTS, they will be encouraged to meet with one of the Indigenous Student Advisors at the Indigenous Student Centre throughout the months of May - August to discuss course selection, registration, funding related topics like sponsorship, scholarships and bursaries, as well as an introduction to student supports to ensure they can feel as prepared as possible for their first month of university.
In addition to one-on-one support, an in-person summer orientation day during the month of August will be offered as an opportunity for students to meet others in the program, learn various academic and soft skills prior to their first day of classes, and engage in fun activities to kick off the year. Other events may be offered throughout the summer to engage students in the university community early on. All orientation activities will be communicated to the students by email when more information is available.
Arts 1110: Introduction to University
Students in QBTS have the opportunity to take ARTS 1110: Introduction to University. This course 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.
This section of ARTS 1110 is offered in the Fall term only, and those students who choose to register in this course will be placed in a lab section that consists of students who are in the QBTS program.
Registration in the QBTS section of this course requires special permission, and the permission form will be provided to each student after they have applied to the QBTS program. This section will be open for registration until all spots are filled.
Testimonials
Rochelle (First Nations), Faculty of Science
"The QBTS program was an amazing support during my first year of studies. It helped implement a sense of community, and the workshops provided me with helpful tips and introductions to many supports that I utilized as a first-year student. My favourite parts of the QBTS program were the Neechiwaken Indigenous Peer Mentor program and the dedicated study nights."
Gabriel (Métis), Asper School of Business
"The QBTS program was foundational in my transition to university. Being able to explore campus with fellow first-year students made me feel a part of a community before classes even started. The workshops the program held equipped me with skills and knowledge that, without being in the program, I wouldn't have learned elsewhere."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does applying to QBTS count as applying to the University of Manitoba?
No, you must still apply for acceptance into the University of Manitoba. QBTS applications that are received that do not have an application started at the institution will be encouraged to apply first before being accepted into the program.
When do applications for the QBTS open?
Applications for QBTS typically open the first week of May to accept applications for the upcoming academic year.
What is the application deadline?
There is no application deadline for this program. Applications are accepted until the program reaches capacity.
How many students are accepted into the program?
Approximately 65-70 students are accepted into the QBTS program each year. It is recommended to apply early on to ensure you can secure a spot in the program.
Is there a cost to join this program?
There is no cost to join the QBTS program, however university tuition rates and other fees will still apply. Students are encouraged to have a plan to pay their tuition by September of the academic year they are attending.
I'm interested in joining my desired Faculty's Indigenous student support unit (Pathways to Indigenous Nursing Education, Wawatay, Indigenous Business Education partners, Engineering Access Program, Access Program), can I join QBTS too?
Students are encouraged to access as much support as they would like throughout their first year, however some Faculty support units have requirements that may conflict with QBTS programming. To avoid confusion around any requirements these support units may have, students can connect with the QBTS program facilitator to inquire information.
Please note that many of the deadlines for the support units mentioned are in May and prior to when QBTS applications open.
I'm returning to school after some time away. Do you recommend that I join QBTS?
QBTS is recommended and designed for Indigenous students who have little or no experience in post-secondary. If you have some experience in post-secondary education or identify as a mature student who would like to engage with other mature students, you might also be interested in the Blankstein Momentum Program as another option for support throughout your first year.
Contact us
Do you have more questions about the QBTS program? You are welcome to contact the program facilitator for more information or to book a meeting to discuss the program further.
Bailey Hendry (Métis), B.H.Ecol
Student Advisor and Program Coordinator
Bailey.Hendry@umanitoba.ca
Indigenous Student Centre
Migizii Agamik - Bald Eagle Lodge
114 Sidney Smith Street
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
isc@umanitoba.ca
(204) 474-8850
1-800-432-1960 ext. 8850 (toll-free in Manitoba)
You may also want
-
The Indigenous community at UM
The Indigenous campus community works together to build and expand our presence and visibility at UM while creating a safe environment for students and staff to work and learn.
-
Be part of a diverse Indigenous student community
Study with us. The University of Manitoba is home to a strong, vibrant, and dynamic Indigenous community with more than 2,600 students in attendance-and our numbers are growing. Many of our Indigenous graduates now enjoy successful and rewarding careers in their home communities, throughout Manitoba and beyond.
-
Student experience
Staff, faculty and Elders are well-equipped to ensure your university experience is as beneficial, accessible and successful as possible.