The U of M Graduate and Postdoctoral Society (UMGPS) welcomed new and returning members with its annual welcome back event on Sept. 11 at the Fort Garry campus. Designed to reconnect students after the summer and introduce fresh faces to the community, the event blended games, conversations and shared activities to foster a sense of belonging.
Diwan Oulai, UMGPS vice-president of events and clubs, emphasized the importance of creating such spaces for students. “The event specifically is an opportunity for new and returning students to [connect] with their peers,” Oulai said. “It’s an opportunity for them to reconnect with each other, make new friends and be reminded that they are also not alone in their journey.”
The afternoon was filled with interactive activities aimed at sparking conversations and breaking the ice. Students from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds participated, making the event a representation of the diversity within the UMGPS community. While the programming focused on fun, its underlying goal was to help reduce the isolation that can accompany graduate and postdoctoral life.
Daniel Asante, a returning graduate student, was provided a much-needed pause from the pressures of coursework and research at the event. “I wanted to use this event as an opportunity to take a break from work, reconnect with friends and meet new graduate students,” Asante said. He described the event as both engaging and approachable. “Events like this are refreshing and motivating […] which is a great boost as we begin another term,” he explained. “The variety of activities helped spark conversations and made connecting with others feel natural.”
Other students also expressed this sense of relief and renewal. Mubaraq Olanyinka Ganiyu, who attended last year’s event as well, found the 2025 edition equally meaningful. “It reminds me that I’m not alone in this journey, and there are people and resources here to support us throughout the year,” he said. Ganiyu also noted that he learned about new opportunities on campus. “I found out about a few student resources I hadn’t explored […] which I think is really valuable.”
The event was also an avenue for practical learning and professional growth. Omowumi Banjo, a new graduate student, shared how the event offered her new insights for academic and social integration. “I got helpful tips that will help me in navigating in the community and promoting my academic network,” she said.
Oulai reaffirmed the broader role UMGPS plays in the lives of graduate and postdoctoral students. “The UMGPS is there to facilitate students’ transitions into the school environment,” he said. “Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.”
For anyone interested in networking, discovering resources or enjoying campus life, UMGPS updates are available through email and on Instagram @uofm_gps.
