Prep Week
Save the dates: August 31 – September 4, 2026!
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Prep Week Schedule
Session registration opens the afternoon of Tuesday, August 18
Prep Week sessions are designed to support your academic success, personal well-being, and transition into university life. Topics typically include study strategies, writing and research skills, academic integrity, student experiences, and ways to get involved on campus.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced staff, faculty, and upper-year students while discovering the many resources available to support you throughout your journey.
Prep Week sessions | Aug 31 to Sep 4
Monday, August 31
Attend a variety of sessions throughout the day, with multiple time slots and topics to choose from. Sessions will take place across campus and are designed to give you flexibility in building your own Prep Week experience.
| Schedule | 100 Fletcher | 200 Fletcher | Tier 206 | Tier 306 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 – 10:50 a.m. | Start Smart: First Year Essentials | Start Smart: First Year Essentials | Start Smart: First Year Essentials | Start Smart: First Year Essentials |
| 11:00 – 11:50 a.m. | Writing 1: Understanding Assignment Instructions | What I Wish I Knew | ||
| 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. | Developing a Solid Self-Care Routine | Study Smarter, Not Harder | ||
| 1:00 – 1:50 p.m. | Research & Writing in Libraries | Getting Involved: A Student Leaders Panel |
Tuesday, September 1
Continue exploring new sessions, connecting with peers, and gaining practical skills to prepare for your first term. Each day offers a unique lineup of sessions, so you can attend multiple topics that interest you.
| Schedule | 100 Fletcher | 200 Fletcher | Tier 206 | Tier 306 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 – 10:50 a.m. | Start Smart: First Year Essentials | Start Smart: First Year Essentials | Start Smart: First Year Essentials | Start Smart: First Year Essentials |
| 11:00 – 11:50 a.m. | Writing 2: Expressing Your Ideas Clearly | Study Smarter, Not Harder | ||
| 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. | Navigating University Relationships | Getting Involved: A Student Leaders Panel | ||
| 1:00 – 1:50 p.m. | AI squared: Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence |
Virtual Session, September 2-4 (TBC)
A virtual session will be offered to provide additional flexibility and accessibility for students. This session will focus on key academic skills and resources, and will include opportunities to learn from campus experts and ask questions.
Details about the virtual session topic, timing, and access links will be available closer to the event — stay tuned for more details.
Prep Week session descriptions
AI squared: Academic Integrity and Artificial Intelligence
Learn to make good choices about using generative Artificial Intelligence tools (such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, QuillBot, Google Gemini, DALL·E, etc.), while also following UM academic integrity policies. This workshop is aimed at undergraduate students.
Developing a Solid Self-Care Routine
Get well, be well, and stay well with UM's Student Wellness Centre. This session will introduce self-care practices, highlight supports available through Healthy U and other campus resources and share practical tips to help you succeed and flourish both inside and outside the classroom.
First Year Games
Two teams go head-to-head in a series of dynamic, skill-based challenges that test teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. Work in small groups, earn points, and celebrate a spirited start to the year.
Getting Involved: A Student Leaders Panel
Meet representatives from UMSU and faculty-specific student groups to learn how they support students, create community, and advocate for your needs. Discover ways to get involved, make connections, and enhance your university experience.
Navigating University Relationships
Starting university can bring a lot of changes to all of the relationships in your life. Learn how to build positive and healthy relationships during your university journey.
Research and Writing in University: What do new students need to know?
Starting university is an exciting time but can lead to a lot of questions about research and writing skills. What is a style guide and how do you know which one your instructor wants you to use? What does it mean when your sources need to be “peer reviewed”? What tips can help you stay on track with your assignments, and who can support you if you need help?
For answers to questions like these, join us for a panel discussion with UM librarians and writing tutors. In this session, you will have a chance to learn about key services and resources available through UM Libraries and the Academic Learning Centre and submit your own questions for our experts!
Start Smart: First Year Essentials
Get ready for your first term at the University of Manitoba. These sessions will introduce students to key academic skills, including how to read and use a syllabus, what to expect on the first day of classes, and how to prepare for success throughout their first year
Study Smarter, Not Harder
Study skills need to be tailored to your specific courses and other commitments. There is no one-size fits all approach. That’s okay, though – we will teach you how to get started and share all of the awesome campus resources that are here to support you. Did you know your tuition fees have already paid for access to trained tutors? You will learn about tutoring services and more in this session.
What I Wish I Knew
In this session students will hear from upper year students about their experiences at university, lessons they've learned, and what they wish they knew starting out. They will be sharing from their own personal experiences and offering a peer perspective so that new students can feel better prepared as they enter university.
Writing 1: Understanding Assignment Instructions
Prepare to write academic essays by learning strategies to understand the language of assignment instructions and break down the writing process into steps.
Writing 2: Expressing Your Ideas Clearly
Get ready to write essays by learning how to bring out your voice in your writing and how to use information from sources to support your ideas.
Faculty-specific sessions | September 1 afternoon
Register for concurrent faculty sessions below
Faculty of Arts session
Welcome to the Faculty of Arts
Tuesday, September 1, 1:30 pm -4:00 pm
Fletcher Argue building, Room 200
New to the Faculty of Arts? We invite direct and advanced entry Faculty of Arts students to join us during Prep Week for our welcome event. Discover what being a student in the Faculty of Arts is all about - connect with other new students, explore areas of study and unique opportunities and learn what to expect in your first year.
You will:
- Enjoy a free lunch
- Meet the Dean, connect with members of the Arts Student Body Council (ASBC) and fellow Arts students, learn about the differences in our degree programs, explore beyond the classroom opportunities and pick up helpful tips for a successful first year.
- Play trivia to win prizes
- Tour the Faculty of Arts buildings and learn your way around your new home away from home
- Visit the pop-up matcha bar
- Meet Faculty of Arts student groups
- Receive a free gift just for attending
- And more!
Price Faculty of Engineering sessions
Gear up for Engineering
Tuesday, September 1, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Engineering Information Technology Complex (EITC), Room E3-270
The faculty is holding an afternoon session during UM’s Prep week which is specifically for direct entry engineering students. This event will provide you with important information on the following:
- Faculty overview
- Important people to know in your first year
- First year 101
- Responsibilities and resources for engineering student
Faculty of Science session
Welcome to the Faculty of Science
Tuesday, September 1, from 1 - 3:30 p.m
Armes Lecture Building, Room 200
New Science students are invited to join us during Prep Week for an informative and engaging session that will get you on the right path to success as a new UM science student. Meet the deans, academic advisors, faculty leadership, and your Science Students’ Association (SSA).
What to expect:
- Hear from the science advisors, SSA leaders, deans and associate department heads in science
- Learn about degree programs and opportunities for experiential learning, how to get involved in the Science student community and get tips for being a successful student from the folks who teach first year courses
- Free swag, food, info tables, and a chance to meet fellow first-year Science students
- Ask questions in an informal, supportive setting. Meet, eat and explore!
We hope to see you there and look forward to meeting you!
Welcome to the Herd is generously sponsored by BMO

UM’s first-year student preferred banking partner.
Contact us
Questions about any Fall Orientation programming? Connect via email.
Orientation Team
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB Canada