Updates | Events | Tips | Community 

August-September 2024 | Edition 14

The International Centre Student Newsletter is delivered in the third week of each month.  

The International Centre

International Student Advisors (ISAs) are available for in person and virtual appointments. To book an appointment with one of our student advisors visit our Waitwell booking site. For more information on our drop-in advising schedule, please check our website.

In this issue

• Immigration Updates
• International Centre Events & Programs
• Tips & Reminders
• UM Community Updates

Immigration updates 

Returning to Canada

Are you planning on travelling outside of Canada during summer? If you are planning on returning to Canada for the start of classes in the Fall 2024 term, then IRCC has some important information that you should review for international students travelling outside of Canada and then re-entering. In addition, the International Centre has some more specific information on our Immigration Information page regarding documentation that we recommend you travel back to Canada with to prepare for your arrival at the port of entry.

Thinking about your course load for Fall 2024 & Winter 2025?

It’s very important for each study permit hold to stay in compliance with the study permit conditions listed on the IRCC website. To learn more about how UM defines full-time student status and the immigration impacts of part-time studies, review our Understanding your enrollment status page for details. Note that being on waitlist doesn’t mean you have already registered in the course!

Application Processing Times

Estimated processing times for permits and visas are reported on the IRCC website. You can find the processing time for a specific application here. Processing time estimates are updated weekly. As of August 13, 2024, the estimated processing times are as follows for online applications:

• Study Permit extension: 61 days
• Work Permit (co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit): 111 days
• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): 25 days

You may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) with your application. The processing times do not include additional time to give your biometrics.

International Centre Events & Programs

Tony TK Lau Global Lounge

541 UMSU University Centre

Come visit our new Global Lounge in the IC Office, 541 UMSU University Centre. Available to hang out, study and connect. Take advantage of the nice weather and take a break on our rooftop patio!

Tips and Reminders

Important Dates 

• Aug 27, 2024 - Graduate Studies Submission Deadline* for students graduating Fall 2024
• Sept 2, 2024 - Labour Day (University Closed)
  
• Sep 3, 2024 - Welcome Day (Fall Term Orientation)
• Sep 4, 2024 - First day of Classes
• Sep 4, 2024 -Sep. 18, 2024 - Registration Revision Period
• Sep 17, 2024 - Last date to drop Fall Term classes and Fall/Winter Term Part A classes without penalty
• Sep 17, 2024 - Deadline to declare February graduation
• Sep 18, 2024 - Last date to register for Fall Term and Fall/Winter Term classes
• Sept 30, 2024 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (University Closed)
• Oct 2, 2024 - Fall Term fee payment deadline

View more dates online.

Things to do in Winnipeg

• Beaches/Paddling/Golf - As the forests and fields come alive, Manitoba’s spring turns to summer, bringing the promise of perfect beach days, camping, and heading out on the water for a canoeing adventure. Long days of sunshine and average temperatures of +26°C make Manitoba the perfect place for your summer vacation. Check the link for activities.
• Cycle in one of Winnipeg's nature trails! Did you know that Winnipeg was one of the first cities in Canada to pilot Google’s bicycle layer, with some help from local Winnipeg Trails Association volunteers? Check out this resource for Bicycle Trails and Maps. Don't forget to ride safely! Click here to check out the MPI Bike Safety booklet
• Check out the calendar of events at Fort Whyte Alive.
• Visit the Amaze in Corn and Sunflower Expo. The corn maze opens Friday, August 23, 2024 @ 11:00 am. The sunflower expo will OPEN Saturday, August 24, 2024 @ 11:00 am.

Clearing out old winter clothing?

Winter is coming! If you have any gently used winter clothing that you would like to donate to a new international or exchange student, please drop off at International Centre office during office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30 pm 541 UMSU University Centre.

Mental Health Supports for International Students

There are many supports available for international students, free of charge in a variety of options. Student Counselling and Wellness at the University of Manitoba is available to provide support and services to all University of Manitoba students, including international students. All of our services are free and international students can choose from a variety of options to receive help.

Vaccine Awareness

Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective health interventions and a primary response against vaccine-preventable diseases. Students are encouraged to review their immunization records with their health care provider as it is never too late to be vaccinated. Please consider the information below to inform and empower your own health and medical decisions. Not all vaccines are mandatory nor recommended for everyone. Consider your current health status, risk factors, and in consultation with your health care provider – move forward in a way that best supports your individual and community health. Click here for more information.

Community Updates

Fogolar Association of Winnipeg, Premio Campo 2024 Awards

Established in 2016, the Premio Campo Fogolâr is an award recognizing students who maintain excellent academic standing and achievement, and who are community service oriented. The annual Award is granted to a student (age 17-35) with origins from either Friuli-Venezia-Giulia or Veneto and who is enrolled in post-secondary studies or participating in a recognized cultural/academic program in Friuli Venezia Giulia/Veneto. Apply before October 31st , two individuals will get $1000.00.

For more details and to apply please visit - Premio Campo Fogolar Award

Regulation Station

Student Wellness Centre – 162 Extended Education.

Join other Autistic Students in an open space where you can feel like yourself! Come meet and connect in a place where you can be just as you are. Know that you are always welcome! Diagnosed, self-diagnosed, and questioning/curious are welcome.

Upcoming dates: 

• Wednesday, September 25^th , 1:00PM – 2:30 PM
• Wednesday, October 30^th , 1:00PM – 2:30 PM
• Monday, November 25^th , 1:00PM – 2:30 PM

Residential School History and Legacy 101 Workshops

September 10, 2024, 7:00 Pm – 8:30 PM, Virtual

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation team is now offering free monthly Residential School History and Legacy 101 webinars on an ongoing basis.
These virtual workshops address topics relevant to people who are already familiar with residential schools and those completely new to the subject matter. The Residential School History and Legacy 101 webinars are open to all and free to attend. Register in advance for this webinar.

Plan for Career Success

Attend this 3-part workshop series for an overview of how to succeed in the Canadian workplace! This workshop is designed for undergraduate students. Each session is 2 hours in length, running Wednesdays (Sept 18, Sept 25, Oct 2) from 1:30PM to 3:30PM in person in Career Services, 474 University Centre.

Attendance is required for the full length of all sessions. Space is limited.

Please register in advance to reserve your spot. The facilitator will reach out one week prior to confirm your attendance.

Men In Dialogue Program – Sexual Violence Resource Centre

The Sexual Violence Resource Centre (SVRC) is pleased to announce they are now accepting applications to participate in their new Men in Dialogue (MinD) program. MinD is a new peer program, designed to engage male students in sexual violence prevention initiatives. A diverse group of 8-12 male students will meet regularly during the academic year, engaging in topics such as consent, positive masculinity and accountability, while supporting each other through experienced challenges in living these values in a campus environment. Information on applying for a spot in this program is available on UMconnect or by emailing sveducation@umanitoba.ca. Deadline for applications is Tuesday, August 27 at midnight. Students who self-declare as men and/or gender non-binary are encouraged to apply.

Student Wellness Centre 

The Student Wellness Centre has a variety of events coming up on both campuses.

Fort Garry:

• Monthly pet therapy
• Health and wellness core programming including presentations on sleep and rest, food and mood, move and mood, and resilience
• Regulation Station in collaboration with Karla Penner from the Student Counselling Centre
• Wellness group workshops in collaboration with Michelle Pearson from the Student Counselling Centre: mindful digital media practice, imposter syndrome, happiness and laughter, the power of optimism
• Healthy U Peer Support
• Body Project offerings
• Drop in / lounge area for students
• Mindful campus calm space that is breastfeeding and pumping friendly
• Wellness resource library which includes free harm reduction supplies (safer sex supplies, self-testing HIV kits, take home naloxone program)

Bannatyne

• SWC monthly pop ups
• Sept 24^th: Mindful Campus Room in collaboration with Student Supports at Bannatyne
• October 24^th: Mindful Campus and Pet Therapy in collaboration with Student Supports at Bannatyne