STUDENT LIFE HANDBOOK

Revised December 2016

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1. STUDENT LIFE The Student Life department oversees all aspects of the Socio Cultural Activities, the Language Partner Program, the Student Volunteer Program, the Student Health Insurance, the Student ID, the Homestay Program, and a variety of other every day concerns in the lives of international and domestic students enrolled in English Language programs at the University of Winnipeg.

Contact information: We are located on first floor of Centennial Hall, at the office 1C18. Our email is elpstudentlife@uwinnipeg.ca. 2. SOCIO-CULTURAL ACTIVITIES Socio-cultural activities are planned in order to give you the opportunity to go outside the classroom and “live” the language that you are learning. The activities usually take place on Friday afternoons and normally you don’t have to pay extra for them. In organizing the events, the Socio-Cultural Coordinator tries to accommodate a variety of interests. We really encourage you to participate on the activities, as there are many benefits to be gained from these experiences: Linguistic Benefits:

• Practising your speaking kills • Learning new vocabulary related to different activities and sports • Talking to other Canadians and asking them questions about various subjects • Listening to different accents and practising your language skills outside the

classroom Cultural Benefits:

• Learning that there is a relationship between language and culture • Learning that understanding the culture makes language learning easier • Visiting different places in Winnipeg and learning about the customs of other

cultures Social Benefits:

• Feeling more comfortable using English in a social setting

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• Trying new sports and cultural activities • Getting to know other students in the program while enjoying an activity together

3. TO BE INFORMED ABOUT THE SOCIO-CULTURAL ACTIVITIES By e-mail Every week the Student Life office will email you with all the information about the weekly activities. Make sure you provide the office with the email address that you check regularly. The bulletin board Student Life has a bulletin board at Ashdown Hall. All the activities are posted weekly. To participate on the activities, please sign up the attendance lists. If you sign up for an activity, we will expect you to attend it. Student Calendars All students are provided with a calendar containing all the main activities for the term. Make sure you check it too. You can always ask us, or even your classmates. And make sure you are receiving the weekly email from elpstudentlife@uwinnipeg.ca. If you are not receiving emails from us please send us an email and we can add you to our list. 4. SOCIO-CULTURAL ACTIVITY POLICIES 4.1. We ask you to register to participate on the activities. You will always be informed on how to register. It can be a list for you to sign; or your registration has to be done through eventbrite.ca. It depends on the activity. Make sure, however, that you are registered if you want to participate. 4.2. Students must fill out the Release and Indemnity (waiver) form if they plan to attend any of the weekly activities. These activity waivers can be refused if a student will not be attending any of the activities. Unfortunately, students cannot attend any of the planned events if a waiver has not been filled out. 4.3. Socio-cultural activities are for current students. Friends and family may be invited to certain socio-cultural activities; however they will be responsible for their own transportation as well as for purchasing their own tickets. They will not be able to participate in the group ticket price. Please check with us for more details.

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4.4 For socio-cultural activities that require advance tickets (such as hockey games, the ballet), the Socio-Cultural Coordinator will circulate a sign-up sheet to all students. Students will choose to sign up for these activities that require advance tickets before the deadline date. If students sign up for a ticketed event and do not attend, they may be blocked from attending the remaining ticketed events. Tickets are non-transferable from student to student. Students may be asked to bring photo I.D. card (passport or Student I.D.) to ticketed activities. 4.5. Students who attend socio-cultural activities cannot consume alcohol during the posted hours for the activity. If students fail to respect this policy, the following process will be put in place:

• Students will be asked to discard their drinks. • If they fail to discard their drinks, they will be asked to leave the socio-cultural

activity. • If students refuse to leave the socio-cultural activity, they will meet with the

Program Director and may not be allowed to attend socio-cultural activities for the remainder of the term.

5. LANGUAGE PARTNER PROGRAM The Language Partner Program (LPP) gives students the opportunity to meet and practise English with a language partner volunteer. The volunteer is a member of the community who is interested in meeting someone from another culture and introducing her or him to life in Winnipeg. The partners can meet once a week to talk and to share activities of common interest. The purpose is to offer students the opportunity to practise their English through conversation with a fluent English speaker. Please keep in mind that Canada is a multi-cultural country with people of different cultural backgrounds that make it unique as a country. Students are expected to respect this diversity.

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Students who want to participate in this program have to attend an orientation session. They will be required to fill out a form and participate at the meet and greet meeting as well, which is the day when students and language partner swill meet for the first time. If students decide to enrol, they are required to meet their Language Partner for a minimum of 12 hours during the term. Students are responsible for scheduling times and places to meet with their Language Partners. If students decide to discontinue meeting their Language Partner, they must inform the Language Partner Coordinator by email. Students who enrol must be prepared to do the following:

• Meet the Student Life Coordinator at the Language Partner info session to enrol in this program on the specified date

• Fill out a Language Partner Application Form • Find a way to effectively communicate with the Language Partner • Be punctual for each meeting with their language partner • Inform their Language Partner one day in advance if they are unable to attend a

scheduled meeting • Inform the Student Life Coordinator immediately if problems arise with a

Language Partner • Pay for their own expenses (e.g., admission to movies, coffee at a coffee shop,

etc) 6. IDENTIFICATION – STUDENT ID CARD Every student at the University of Winnipeg will be able to get a student ID card. Students will be able to claim these cards at the beginning of the program. Students can use their student ID card to buy a reduced fare post-secondary bus pass at the Info Booth (on main campus), to access gym facilities and Library resources. To get a student ID card, you have to go to Student Central. You will be asked to show a valid photo ID (e.g. passport) and your RGST (confirmation of registration). Then your photo will be taken and a card produced. Your first card is FREE. There's a $25.00 fee for a replacement card. Returning Students: continue to use your same student card.

Student Central: 1st floor, Rice Centre - 489 Portage Avenue Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm - Friday 8:30 am to 4:15 pm

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7. COMMUNICATION You will need to find a way to effectively communicate with your family and friends back home as well as with friends, Language Partner and Homestay family here while you are in Canada. You have some options: • Applications such as WhatsApp – it requires internet, which you have while you are

in campus • Messenger/messages – it requires internet • Buy a local SIM card from a local telephone carrier such as Rogers, Bell, Koodo,

Fido, Tellus, Virgin Mobile etc. For this option, your phone has to be “unlocked” from its original network.

• Skipe – especially if you want to communicate with your family or friends in your home country, this is a very good option. Please refer to www.skype.com/en/ to learn more about the features and how it works. Some of the features of Skype are:

• Skype to Skype calls Call anyone else on Skype for free, anywhere in the world.

• Calls to mobiles and landlines Call mobiles and landlines worldwide at low rates.

• Group calls Get a group of people together on one call – you can add up to 25 people.

• Skype Number Your friends call a number and you pick up on Skype wherever you are in the world.

• Forward calls Not on Skype or can’t pick up? Simply get your Skype calls forwarded to any phone.

• Skype To Go Call international numbers from any phone at low calling rates.

8. MEDICAL ISSUES All international students at The University of Winnipeg have to purchase International Student Health Insurance. This insurance – Guard Me - will cover emergency medical costs such as visiting the doctor if you get sick or injured, going to the hospital and purchasing some prescription medication. A couple of weeks after purchasing this insurance you will receive your health insurance card in your classroom. If you are sick or have a minor injury the best place to visit is a walk-in clinic. There are several walk-in clinics in Winnipeg, however there is one walk-in clinic downtown located near the main campus called

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Boyd Medical Clinic 384 Portage Avenue

Phone: 204-942-7434

You can find other clinics at guard me website at http://guard.me/clinic-search.php. If you have an emergency and must see a doctor on a Sunday or evening after the clinics are closed you can go to a hospital emergency room. You may have to wait a long time to see a doctor unless you are dangerously ill or hurt. When you go to see a doctor always take your health insurance card with you as well as your student ID card. In some cases you will have to pay the doctor. If you are asked to pay, keep all the receipts and then you can claim the money back from the insurance company. Some clinics will charge a fee for filling out an insurance form and some will not. This charge is not covered by insurance so you may want to check before you go and plan to go to a clinic that does not charge for this service. If you need a doctor’s note to justify your absence at school, please be aware that most of the clinics charge for it (usually $20 to $50, depending on the clinic). 9. PERSONAL SAFETY Winnipeg is a safe city but you should at all times use your best judgment and remain cautious. If you are on campus and feel threatened please contact the Security Services office (room 1C36) by the entrance into Centennial Hall or call 204. 786-9272. The University of Winnipeg has a safe walk program available to students. The program normally operates Monday to Friday, 6 pm to 11:30 pm during the fall/winter sessions from room 1C36. When the Safewalk program is not operating, Security Services will provide safe walk services (24) hours a day on request. Emergency Contact Information Fire, police, and ambulance - 911 or 8-911 from University phones Security Services - 204. 786-6666 First Aid - 204. 786-9272 Lost and Found - 204. 786-9272

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Safewalk - 204. 786-9271 Saferide - 204. 786-9272 Counseling Services - 204. 786-9231 Sexual Misconduct Services - 204. 786-9099 10. SECURITY TIPS

• Do not leave valuables unattended anywhere in the University • Stay aware of your surroundings • Walk in well-lit areas at night, preferably in groups • Wear headphones or ear plugs in one ear only, so you are still attuned to your

surroundings • Report unusual or suspicious activities to Security Services • Mark your books and valuables with a personal identifying mark • Make sure you read and understand the Campus Security brochure, included on

your folder. 11. CLIMATE AND CLOTHING Winnipeg has a continental climate, which means we experience extremes in both hot and cold. Winnipeg has four distinct seasons:

• Spring, which occurs in March, April and May, with temperatures approximately from -5 to 20 degrees Celsius,

• Summer, which occurs in June, July and August, with temperatures approximately from 15 to the low 30s,

• Autumn or Fall, which occurs in September, October and November, with temperatures approximately from 15 to -20 and

• Winter, which occurs in December, January and February, with temperatures approximately from -10 to -35.

It is always important to prepare for the weather. In the summer, wear sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn and mosquito repellant if the mosquito population is high. In winter, dress in a warm jacket, extra pants, scarf, hat and gloves or mittens. If the temperature is very cold, it is important to protect extremities (nose, ears, fingers, toes) by keeping them covered and not staying outside too long. In winter our weather forecast will include “windchill”. This is the effect the wind has in combination with the temperature. For example, if it is –20 and there is a strong wind the weather station will

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say that there is a –30 windchill factor. That means that even if the temperature is –20 outside, it will feel like –30. It is important to be informed (internet, radio or TV) to find out what the weather is like before leaving home so that you can dress appropriately.

Photo credit: http://indiraprabhakaran.com/blog/winter-eh/

12. TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS The Winnipeg Transit system (Transit bus) is widely used and is very reliable and reasonably priced. For schedules, maps and information regarding monthly bus passes please see http://winnipegtransit.com/en and to plan your trip please visit http://winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo Conditional students are able to buy a reduced fare Post-Secondary bus pass. You can purchase your bus tickets or your bus pass at the Info Booth, on the first floor of Centennial Hall. 13. DRUGS AND ALCOHOL Canada has strict laws regarding the use of alcohol and illicit drugs. Drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroine, LSD and crystal meth and others are illegal and anyone found selling, using or possessing such drugs will be subject to arrest by the police.

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Alcohol consumption is legal within fairly strict boundaries. People must be 18 years and over to buy, possess and consume alcohol. It is illegal for anyone (except parents) to supply alcohol to people under 18 years of age. Alcohol may only be consumed in a private home or in a licensed restaurant, bar, pub, or social gathering such as a wedding or social. It is illegal to drink alcohol in a public place such as a park or shopping mall. It is illegal to drink alcohol in a car or even to have open bottles of alcohol in a car. There are very strict limits as to how much a person can drink before driving. When friends go to a bar for an evening they often decide on a “designated driver”, one of the group who has agreed not to drink that evening so that he or she can drive the rest of the group home safely. 14. STUDENT GYM MEMBERSHIPS All ELP students are able to use the Duckworth Centre (main campus fitness centre). The membership at the Duckworth Centre includes access to the fitness equipment, weights, gymnasiums (to play basketball, volleyball, etc.), and the squash and racquetball courts. Each term students who are interested need to go to the Duckworth Centre with their student ID card and Registration Confirmation to be eligible for this membership. 15. SPORTS AND LEISURE In addition to the opportunities at the sports facilities at The University of Winnipeg Duckworth Centre, students can participate in sports and leisure activities around the city. For a list of activities available at community clubs, arenas and swimming pools see the City of Winnipeg Leisure Guide: http://www.winnipeg.ca/cms/recreation/leisure/leisureguide.stm For additional information about what to see and do while in Winnipeg, please check the following websites http://www.where.ca/winnipeg http://www.winnipeg.ca http://www.destinationwinnipeg.ca and http://www.travelmanitoba.com 16. CANADIAN HOLIDAYS Refer to your term calendar for the dates of Canadian holidays while you are attending the University of Winnipeg. School will be closed on statutory holidays only. For a

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list of Canadian holidays and their dates and histories visit http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1454353213978 17. CULTURAL CENTRES If you are interested in any cultural centre, please refer to the University of Winnipeg website where you can find a comprehensive list of the cultural centres in Winnipeg: https://www.uwinnipeg.ca/student/intl/docs/Cultural%20Associations.pdf 18. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Check the following link for a listing of current volunteer opportunities at the Volunteer Centre of Winnipeg. http://www.volunteerwinnipeg.mb.ca and search under the heading Be a Volunteer. 19. CULTURAL TIPS Dressing up

• Comfortable, tasteful clothing is the norm. • Make sure you dress according to the weather. • During their leisure time, Canadians dress casually, it is fine if you are dressed in

jeans, t-shirts, sweatpants, shorts, and running shoes. These are acceptable in public.

Welcome Topics of Conversation

• The weather is usually a good conversation starter and staple of "small talk." • Sports--popular sports include hockey, football, baseball, basketball, golf, and

tennis • Business and Travel • Movies • Books

How to behave in public

• During a conversation, if you want to convey interest and sincerity, you can maintain eye contact that is not too intense.

• The standard distance between two people who are conversing should be two feet. "How are you?" is a popular greeting in Canada.

• Canada is a very open society, exercising maximum social tolerance. It is considered impolite to boast or talk loudly.

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• It is unusual to display emotions in public in Canada. Most Canadians try to be tactful when dealing with other people. It is impolite to argue or create a scene in public.

• It is considered rude for people to speak in a foreign language in the presence of others who do not understand what is being said.

• If you see an acquaintance at a distance, a wave is the appropriate acknowledgement.

• If you need to point, use the index finger. Pointing at other people, however, is often considered unacceptable.

• The "O.K." sign, and the "thumbs up" sign are two popular gestures used for expressing approval.

• Smoking is restricted in most public places and homes. • Most Canadians prefer to sit in a casual manner. For example, you may observe

them sitting with the ankle of one leg over the knee. However, it is considered impolite to rest your feet on chairs or desks.

20. HOMESTAY STUDENTS If you are a homestay student, please make sure you read and understand the Homestay Student Handbook. It has important information about homestay rules and also some good tips for your stay.

We hope you enjoy your stay and your studies. If you ever have a question or comment, please come to the

office or send us an email.

Room 1C18 – first floor – Centennial Hall elpstudentlife@uwinnipeg.ca