Organizations and Opportunities
This page highlights organizations, programs, and scholarships available to students at the University of Winnipeg, emphasizing inclusion related opportunities and organizations. Many of the organizations listed below will also interest graduate students and faculty.
Biology or Science Student Organizations at U of Winnipeg
Biology Students Association (BSA)
The University of Winnipeg Biology Students' Association (UofW BSA) is a student-led group open to all University of Winnipeg students who are interested in Biology.
Canadian Indigenous Science and Engineering society
.caISES is The University of Winnipeg Chapter of a national and international organization of students interested in science and engineering. Indigenous students interested in STEM and professionals gather, connect, offer support, and create long-lasting relationships.
Students of Science Association (SOSA)
SOSA is the collective group for all U of W science students. We host a variety of fun and educational events throughout the year!
UWinnipeg Chapter of The Wildlife Society (TWS-UW)
TWS-UW is a student group for University of Winnipeg students interested in Ecology, Conservation, Environmental Science and getting outdoors. This group is a Chapter of the International organization The Wildlife Society.
Summer Scholarships or Programs for Biology and Science Students at UWinnipeg
Undergraduate Student Research Programs, specifically summer research awards
NSERC USRA (deadline is typically late January each year)
NSERC (Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada) offers USRA (Undergraduate Student Research Awards) to support students to conduct summer research in science. Applications are reviewed based on students’ academic record, evidence of research potential and interest in research. The minimum GPA is stated to be 3.0, but in practice is higher. Students must work with a supervisor whose research is supported by the relevant agency (NSERC, CIHR, or SSHRC). Students must have completed at least 30 credit hours of their Bachelor’s degree.
Importantly, NSERC offers additional USRA awards for Indigenous and Black students. Students identifying as belonging to either of these groups are strongly encouraged to apply for this award.
Interested? Students should contact a potential supervisor who will work with the student to complete the application.
CIHR USRA (deadline is typically mid-March)
CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) offers a USRA that is specifically for students who identify as Black. Students must work with an established researcher in health science, but the researcher is not required to hold CIHR funding currently.
Students must be either a Canadian citizen or Permanent Researcher of Canada. Students must have completed at least 30 credit hours of their Bachelor’s degree.
Interested? Students should contact a potential supervisor who will work with the student to complete the application.
SSHRC USRA (deadline is typically mid-March)
The SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada) offers a USRA-HSS (USRA in Humanities and Social Sciences that is specifically for students who identify as Black. Students must work with an established researcher in social sciences, but the researcher is not required to hold SSHRC funding currently.
Students must be either a Canadian citizen or Permanent Researcher of Canada. Students must have completed at least 30 credit hours of their Bachelor’s degree.
See this link for additional information and who to contact for more information.
Interested? Students should contact a potential supervisor who will work with the student to complete the application.
USRA-I (USRA-International) (deadline is typically mid-March)
This is a new award (as of 2024) for International Students studying at UWinnipeg. Students may work with an established researcher in any field.
Students must be full-time international students at UWinnipeg and have completed at least 30 credit hours of their Bachelor’s degree.
Interested? Students should contact a potential supervisor who will work with the student to complete the application.
Pathway to Graduate Studies (P2GS) (deadline is typically mid-March)
P2GS offers summer research opportunities for Indigenous students in STEM at UWinnipeg. P2GS is open to Indigenous students who have declared a major in a natural science and engineering field.
If you are interested in participating in this program, contact Dylan Jones at d.jones@uwinnipeg.ca
Indigenous Summer Scholars Program (ISSP) (deadline is typically mid-March)
The goals of the summer ISSP program are: 1) to strengthen the pathways for Indigenous students to move into advanced study and, ultimately, into leadership in the academy and in all sectors of society; 2) to re-affirm the significance and centrality of Indigenous peoples, ways of knowing, and experiences at the UW; and 3) to create a network of Indigenous scholars and allies on campus. Students can hold both a NSERC-USRA and a ISSP concurrently.
If you are interested in participating in this program as a student or a supervisor, contact issp@uwinnipeg.ca.
Other student-focused organizations and services focused on inclusion and antiracism at U of W
Aboriginal Student Services Centre
A safe, educational and culturally sensitive environment for all Indigenous students (First Nation, Métis and Inuit).
Accessibility Services
Provides students (with disabilities, mental health concerns, medical conditions and temporary injuries) the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of campus life.
HR Human Rights and Diversity Office
Supports equal opportunity, equity, social justice, mutual respect, diversity and dignity for all people. Supports all members of the UW community: students and staff.
Indigenous U Winnipeg
Programs for students and community members offered through the Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre, UW faculty receive support through the Indigenous Academic Lead.
International, Immigrant and Refugee Student Services
Provides advice, workshops and resources for international students.
One Book UWinnipeg
Helping build the conversation about Indigenization at UW through a common reading experience.
Rainbow Lounge
A meeting place for persons identifying as 2SLGBTQ+.
U Winnipeg Pride
Supports students in the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
UWinnipeg BIPoC Lounge
A library, study, and hang-out space for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour to gather and find community.
University of Winnipeg International Students Association
Celebrates cultural diversity and works towards establishing equality and rights for international students.
UW Student Mentor Program
A place for new or continuing students at The U of W (including International, Visiting & Exchange students) to meet people and learn about UWinnipeg, or transitioning to studying online.
UW Student Services
A portal to numerous student support services.
Women Trans-Spectrum Center
A safe space on campus that offers free resources, events and support.
UW Students Association
Links to student groups active on campus: (Black Student Union, Indigenous Studies Students Association, UW Biology Students Association, UW Chapter of the Wildlife Society, UW Indigenous Students' Association, UW Students of Science Association) .
Inclusion related organizations and initiatives in the City of Winnipeg, elsewhere in Canada, or research initiatives based at U of W
Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+)
Online certification teaching an analytical process used to assess how different women, men and gender diverse people may experience policies, programs and initiatives.
Integrating sex and gender in health-based research
Canadian Institutes of Health Research training modules on integrating sex & gender in health research.
Black Space Winnipeg
Black Space Winnipeg is a grassroots organization that creates safe spaces for people of colour through hosting community events, artist demonstrations and workshops. Black Space Winnipeg challenges anti-Black racism and discrimination, building inclusivity across all sectors in Winnipeg for Black people.
Congress of Black Women of Manitoba
Members work to create space for Black Women to thrive in Manitoba. This organization offers two $1,000 scholarships for students living in Manitoba who are accepted or enrolled in a post-secondary program. Applicants must self-identify as a member of the Black, African, or Caribbean diaspora.
Critical Race Network
Supports BIPOC students, faculty, and staff at the U of Winnipeg - Organizing our campus and community to help eradicate racist and white supremacist ideologies.
Canadian Black Scientists Network (CBSN)
Increases the public visibility of Black STEM researchers, role models and mentors in Canada. This organization welcomes new members who are faculty, graduate students and other people who have an advanced degree and conduct professional work in STEM. Although undergraduate students are not eligible to become full members, CBSN offers many programs for Undergraduate students and elementary/secondary students.
Canadian Center for Diversity and Inclusion
Offers a range of courses that show how diversity and inclusion create a better workplace.
Canadian Race Relations Foundation
Online and virtual Anti-Racism programs dedicated to eliminating all forms of racial discrimination.
Diversity Essentials
Education and training in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Identities, and Allyship.
Manitoba Start
Provides diversity and intercultural training as well as newcomer services and professional connections.
Red Tent
Offers a 2SQTBIPOC led course to create safer spaces within organizations.
Spence Neighbourhood Association
Engaging neighbours to work together build community connections.
Winnipeg Boldness Project
Community working to alleviate poverty, homelessness and racism in the Point Douglas area.