Education

4 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS - THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2018 THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA By Jim Timlick for the Free Press It's estimated that between 10 and 14 per cent of Canadian students will drop out of university during their first year of studies or soon after. While that number is a cause for concern for students, families and educators alike, University of Manitoba First Year Centre co-ordinator Ali Wood-Warren says the real issue is determining the factors leading to this decision — and what can be done to help students address them. The good news, Wood-Warren says, is that help is readily available to students who need it during their first year of studies. One of the most valuable resources students can tap into is an academic advisor, who can help them learn more about the courses required for their program of choice, as well as resources and supports available to students. "Talking to an advisor can go a long way in ensuring a student doesn't make a hasty decision about their academic future," Wood-Warren says. "There is so much help available to students; financial aid information, counselling, accommodations for students with disabilities, academic support, career services, just to name a few. We want students to have the tools and information to make good decisions about their future." The school's faculty members and instructors are also available to help. Wood- Warren suggests first-year students meet with their professors on a regular basis as part of a proactive approach to keeping up with their studies. "Don't let things get away from you. It can happen pretty quickly. It's just good practice to keep up on your studies," she says. Another invaluable resource for first- year U of M students is the Student Life office located in UMSU University Centre. It connects students with numerous learning opportunities including peer mentorships, leadership development and volunteer opportunities. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently told Maclean's magazine that his advice to first-year university students is to take a lot of morning classes because it will teach them discipline and prevent them from wasting time by sleeping in. While joking that she doesn't want to contradict the PM, Wood-Warren says there is no such thing as a "one-size-fits-all" solution when it comes to helping students cope with the pressures of first-year life at university. In fact, she says it's important that students come up with a schedule that is tailored to their own particular needs and interests. "We want students to think about themselves as a whole person when developing their plans for first year," she says. As part of that holistic approach, Wood-Warren stresses that students should schedule time for self-care, whether it's hanging out with friends, watching a movie or participating in an organized sport, in addition to focusing on school. "It's important to be realistic when it comes to planning your schedule," she says. "We want students to consider social activities, keeping active and finding a healthy school- life balance so when it comes time to do the academic work, you have the ability to do that more easily because you've engaged in self-care." One new tool the U of M is introducing this year is an online orientation program for incoming students. As part of the program, students will be able to view a series of videos, created to give them a glimpse of what first-year life is like on campus and answer some of the questions they may have about what to expect. Wood-Warren says the online program has been designed to complement in- person orientation rather than replace it and help students feel more confident as they transition into university. This year's in-person orientation day at the U of M is scheduled for Sept. 4. For more information, visit umanitoba.ca/ orientation. ❚ Our Open Education program allows eligible students to take additional on campus or online programs - tuition free! Business • Healthcare • Legal • Media • Technology Limit your Tuition, Not your Education HERZINGOPENEDUCATION.CA 2 0 4 . 7 7 5 . 8 1 7 5 wpg-info@herzing.ca Career focused • Convenient • Caring | Be part of the difference cmu.ca New for 2018 Bachelor of Science CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY apply now Three- and four-year degree options URBAN CIRCLE TRAINING CENTRE INC. Professional Career Training Opportunity "A Learning Centre that Makes a Difference" Urban Circle is looking for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Status/ Non-status) applicants who are willing to commit to quality training that includes life skills and will lead to employment and offers the following programs: FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER/FASD PROGRAM – Dual Certified by Red River College (January-December) This course is a "stepping stone" into social work field. Unique learning environment! EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM – Certified by Red River College (Aug-June) This course is a "stepping stone" to a Bachelor of education degree. ADULT EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (Jan-June Apprenticeship Stream/July-Dec Academic Stream) – Allows you to obtain a mature Grade 12 Diploma - High School credits by Seven Oaks School Division offered twice a year & Employment Preparation or Furthering Education HEALTH CARE AIDE/HEALTH UNIT CLERK PROGRAM (NURSING ASSISTANT) – Dual Certified by Red River College (August - June) This course is a "stepping stone" into healthcare field. Call 589-4433 for more information OR come to 519 Selkirk Avenue, Winnipeg Website: www.urbancircletraining.com Funding Provided by The Manitoba Government SUPPORTING NEW STUDENTS Ali Wood-Warren is the University of Manitoba's First Year Centre co-ordinator. Photo by Darcy Finley "We want students to consider social activities, keeping active and finding a healthy school-life balance so when it comes time to do the academic work, you have the ability to do that more easily because you've engaged in self-care."

• Cover