The Bisons+ Program: Academic Support for Student-Athletes

Driven by our partners at UM's First Year Centre, Bisons+ is our unique academic support program designed with Bisons coaches to help student-athletes balance their academic and athletic responsibilities. 

We understand the unique challenges student-athletes face, and our team of dedicated academic advisors are here to work with each student-athlete to ensure a successful transition to university studies. Supporting and empowering student-athletes to reach their academic potential is our top priority.

What does the Bisons+ program offer?

• Dedicated academic advisors for each Bisons team, offering group and one-on-one developmental advising
• Resources customized for student-athletes to aid in academic planning and decision-making, including the First Year Planning Guide
• Free tutoring on writing skills, study skills, and content in common first-year courses
• Specialized Bisons workshops in study skills and time management  
• Dedicated Bisons study halls with tutor supports
• Referrals to UM supports and services, including program-specific advisors 

 

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Did you know? The University of Manitoba consistently ranks among the country's top 10 universities for producing the most athletes who achieve an academic standing of 80% or better while playing on one of their university's varsity teams, and are awarded with Academic All-Canadian recognition. The largest number in schools history, 149 student-athletes accomplished this standing in 2019-20.

 

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The home of the Bisons+ program is the First Year Centre (FYC), where academic advisors specialize in helping first-year students with the transition from high school to university. Each Bisons team has a dedicated academic advisor from the FYC for support and guidance, but student-athletes can also connect with an academic advisor in their home faculty or their target faculty.

Student-athletes are responsible for:

• Browsing degree programs and choosing their courses using the First Year Planning Guide
• Building a timetable (PDF) that works with their practice and game schedules
• Registering themselves in courses on Early Athlete Registration Day

Team advisors are responsible for:

• Providing support and answering questions related to academic decisions
• Creating resources and programming specifically for student athletes
• Referring student athletes to helpful university resources

 

Connect with your team's academic advisor:

	Gretchen Derige Hockey		Liza Haines Basketball Golf
	Ramona Donaldson Football Women's Volleyball Men's Volleyball		Amanda Angus Cross-Country Track & Field
	Robyn Tully Soccer Swimming

 

#WEAREALLBISONS