Education

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Certificate in Management and Administration (CIMA) Manage higher expectations: Become more effective in managing human and physical resources, and qualify for the "Certified in Management" (C.I.M.) designation. Follow umextended on By Jim Timlick for the Free Press You don't have to be a Rhodes Scholar to understand there is a learning curve when starting university or college. Not only do you have to adjust to a new school, new teachers and whole new set of academic standards, there's also the challenge of developing a new social network and trying to squeeze in a little "you" time. The transition from high school to university can be so tough, in fact, that a study conducted by the Canadian Organization of University and College Health suggests almost 90 per cent of students will feel overwhelmed at some point during their post- secondary studies. You won't get any argument on that count from Ali Wood-Warren, advising services co-ordinator at the University of Manitoba's University 1 First Year Centre. Apart from graduation, Wood-Warren says first year is probably the most stressful time for most university students. "Making that transition from high school to university can be overwhelming for some students," she says. "You are in a different environment and it can be hard to find a familiar face. "Expectations are also quite a bit different from those in high school. A typical first-year student in university will be in class for 12-15 hours a week. But the expectation is that for each hour in class they will need to study on their own for two or three hours. Students often underestimate the workload." But don't despair, Wood-Warren says. There is plenty of help available to assist students in coping with the challenges they may encounter during their first year of studies. One of the most valuable resources available to new students is an academic advisor. Advisors are available to assist students to explore and clarify goals, make choices about programs and courses, while considering students' interests and strengths. "Checking in with an academic advisor in first year is really important. Having the support of an advisor can make such a huge difference," Wood-Warren says. Another invaluable resource for first-year U of M students is the Student Life office. Located in University Centre, it connects newcomers with other more experienced students and offers them numerous learning and personal growth programs including peer mentorships, leadership development and volunteer opportunities. "We know that students who are engaged in their academic community are more likely to be successful," Wood-Warren says. "Providing opportunity to connect with other students creates a sense of community which is a key factor to a student's success." While meeting with a professor might be an intimidating prospect for many first-year students, it doesn't have to be. In fact, a prof can be a student's most powerful ally, says Wood-Warren, and engaging with them can help students prevent their academic year from spiralling out of control. "Don't let things get away from you. It can happen pretty quickly," she says. "It's just good practice to keep up on your studies. Cramming doesn't work, especially when you have a full course load, which can require the same number of hours as a full- time job." Even if you think you already know which area of study you want to specialize in, Wood-Warren suggests it's a good idea for first-year students to remain open to other possibilities rather than piling all their academic eggs in one basket. "Have a goal in mind but be flexible," she says. "If it doesn't work out the way you thought it would, that's OK." As important as it is for first-year students to focus on their studies, Wood-Warren cautions that they shouldn't forget about themselves. That means finding the right balance between school, family, a healthy social life and work. "It's important to find a balance. If you like to play hockey, play hockey. If you like dance, do that. You can't just shut everything else out. You can't just not talk to your friends or go to a movie. You've got to find a balance that works for you." ❚ BALANCE VITAL FOR FIRST-YEAR SUCCESS Ali Wood-Warren is advising services co-ordinator at the University of Manitoba's University 1 First Year Centre. Photo by Darcy Finley '' Don't let things get away from you. It can happen pretty quickly. It's just good practice to keep up on your studies. Cramming doesn't work, especially when you have a full course load, which can require the same number of hours as a full-time job." THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

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