Education

8 SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2023 EDUCATION GUIDE S tarting university is a major milestone, and for many first-year students at the University of Manitoba, the transition can feel daunting. However, new students aren't alone. With UM's extensive resources, coupled with help from parents and supporters, they can confidently navigate this exciting journey. Below are eight things to keep in mind as you support your student through their first year. 1 UM ORIENTATION WILL EASE THE TRANSITION UM has a comprehensive orientation program, helping new students with everything from study skills to on-campus supports. In the past, orientation was a single day. Today, it unfolds as a series of events throughout the spring and summer. "What we know is that orientation is not so much an event as it is a process," says Ali Wood-Warren, director of student transition and suc- cess at UM. There is a body of research, Wood-Warren says, that highlights the importance of a student's first six weeks. This period often determines whether they will complete their first year, which is why orientation now provides extended support. "What we want is for students to become more comfortable on cam- pus. We want them to feel that it's not 'the' campus—it's 'their' campus," Wood-Warren says. 2 HELP WITH COURSE SELECTION IS AVAILABLE One of the first events to kick off UM Orientation was Get Ready to Register, an online session that introduces students to the First Year Planning Guide. The guide empowers students by helping them understand course selection and equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their academic journey. "We help students know what's expected of them in university and teach them the skills needed to meet these expectations during their first year," Wood-Warren says. Divya Sharma is a second-year bachelor of arts student and the vice-president of community engagement at the University of Manitoba Students' Union (UMSU). Last year, Get Ready to Register proved helpful in planning and regis- tering for her courses. "For a lot of first year students who don't have older siblings like my- self, it's really challenging to navigate all of these systems," Sharma says. "I was really thankful that the university did a session where they showed you how to sign up for courses and what sort of course load to take." UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA Navigating the first year A GUIDE FOR SUPPORTERS OF NEW STUDENTS AT UM SUPPLIED PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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