The U of M’s faculty of graduate and postdoctoral studies welcomed newly admitted graduate students to its annual all orientation on the Fort Garry campus. Held at the St. John’s Robert B. Shultz Theatre, the event served as both an official welcome and a resource hub, equipping students with the tools they need to begin their new academic journeys.
The day’s program opened with remarks from Kelley Main, dean of graduate studies, who stressed the importance of the supports available to students as they navigate graduate life. Timilehin Oluwajuyitan, president of the Graduate Students’ Association, also addressed attendees, outlining the value of the orientation. “Today’s orientation is to shed more light on what we do at [the University of Manitoba Graduate and Postdoctoral Society] and also the kind of opportunities new graduate students get,” he said.
Workshops formed a central part of the orientation, offering students practical advice on topics such as completing scholarship applications, working effectively with advisors, understanding student rights and career networking. According to Oluwajuyitan, the sessions were meant to be transformative. He explained that the workshops provided opportunities that could be impactful for both returning and new graduate students.
While the orientation conveyed important academic information, it also created space for students to connect with one another and begin building their community. Among those in attendance was Andrea Chandler, an incoming student in the biological sciences program. “I’m pretty excited to be here,” she said.
Chandler described her first impressions after arriving in Winnipeg. “So far, it’s really beautiful here […] very vibrant.” For her, the U of M stood out because of the faculty she wanted to work with. “I actually found my advisor, Dr. Ken Jeffries, before I found the school,” Chandler said. “I really liked [his research], and he had funding.”
Chandler encouraged prospective graduate students considering the U of M to visit the campus before committing. “It was really useful in gauging what the campus looks like [and] the general atmosphere,” she said. She also urged international students to plan ahead. “Get your study permit figured out early,” Chandler advised.
Another new graduate student, Avni Samuel, who is starting her master’s program this fall, also found the orientation to be a valuable experience. She described the event as “helpful,” particularly because of the chance it provided to meet peers.
For Samuel, the orientation was not only about information but also about motivation. Sharing her aspirations, she said, “I would like to meet deadlines […] learn new things and make my advisor proud.”
The event’s organizers acknowledged that not all incoming students could attend. For those who missed the session, the Graduate Students’ Association committed to ensuring they would not be left behind. “For those that registered and couldn’t make it, we are definitely going to send all the slides of each of the presentations,” said Oluwajuyitan. He added anyone who did not register or attend this event is welcome to come to the winter orientation.
In addition, speakers mentioned the importance of balance in graduate life. With the demands of research and coursework often intense, Oluwajuyitan encouraged students to prioritize well-being. “As much as you get involved in your research, we also want you to have fun,” he said.
By the close of the orientation, the atmosphere reflected both the weight of the academic journey ahead and the excitement of new beginnings
For more information about graduate studies, students can visit the faculty of graduate and postdoctoral studies office at Room 500, University Centre, or online at umanitoba.ca/graduate-studies/
