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Student Services FAQ

Contact professors, admissions, advisors

Housing, structure, fees, registration

MSC Students

Advisors

Permission forms, auditing

Majors

Employment

Education and other degrees

Contact professors, admissions, advisors

How do I get contact information for a professor?

Please contact the College receptionist at 204-953-3855, or see the page for Staff & Faculty.

How do I get contact information for the University of Winnipeg Admissions?

Their phone number is 204-786-9159, or Admissions can be reached through the University of Winnipeg website.

How do I get contact information for the University of Winnipeg Academic Advising?

Their phone number is 204-786-9257, or they can be reached through the University of Winnipeg website.

Housing, structure, fees, registration

Does Menno Simons College have on-campus housing or recommend places for students to rent?

At this time Menno Simons College does not have a student housing department. However, students have housing options through both the University of Winnipeg (call student housing, 204-786-9900 or visit their website) and Canadian Mennonite University (call student housing, 204-487-3300, or visit their website).

How does this Menno Simons College, Canadian Mennonite University and University of Winnipeg arrangement work?

Menno Simons College is a college of Canadian Mennonite University and is affiliated with the University of Winnipeg. This means Menno Simons College offers courses at the University of Winnipeg, and to take the courses, you register through the University of Winnipeg and pay all fees to the University of Winnipeg. Menno Simons College faculty and staff are administered and paid by Canadian Mennonite University.

What are the fees for courses at Menno Simons College?

Fees include those administered by the University of Winnipeg, plus a course fee for Menno Simons College courses. For current course fees, please contact the University of Winnipeg Accounting department (fees subject to change).

How do I register for classes?

After you have applied to the University of Winnipeg and have been accepted, the Admissions department will send you a letter informing you of your registration date and time. All registration is through the University of Winnipeg. If you have not received any communication from the University of Winnipeg Admissions department, and you sent in your application a while ago, please contact Admissions. Registration for Fall and Winter courses generally begins at the end of May and runs through the summer. Winter registration occurs in December and the beginning of January. Spring term registration is in March.

MSC Students

I've noticed posters and announcements for events for MSC students. Am I an MSC student?

If you are taking a class in Conflict Resolution Studies (CRS) or International Development Studies (IDS), you are invited to all MSC events.

But what does it mean to be an MSC student? Are there fees? Do I have to be Mennonite?

Being an MSC student means that you are taking one or more CRS or IDS classes, which includes minimal course fees. It also means you are part of a community of faculty, staff and students who believe in the processes of IDS and CRS and want to make our world a better place. You do not have to belong to any particular religious group.

What are the benefits of being an MSC student?

There are a number of benefits to being an MSC student. Firstly, you will be part of an intentional community of students, faculty and staff who are interested in issues of development and conflict resolution. You will be invited to participate in or help organize a variety of events planned throughout the year. These include community lunches, where students talk about practicum experiences or listen to guest speakers, a faculty/student winter retreat (usually in January), workshops and conferences hosted by the College, and opportunities for students to attend conferences in places such as New York and Ottawa (with costs subsidized by the College).

You will also have the opportunity to be active in the MSC Students Association, which is open to all CRS and IDS students without fees. The Students Association is involved in various projects, such as raising money for Doctors Without Borders and UNICEF, participating in Landmine Awareness and other social and political issues, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, and more. They participate in organizing the annual Social Justice Fair, which brings together local organizations working in the areas of peace, justice and development. The Students Association also represents the MSC student body to the faculty, board, and Canadian Mennonite University senate, giving voice to student issues and concerns.

MSC students can choose to be involved in as much or as little as they want!

Advisors, coordinators

When should I speak with a Menno Simons College advisor?

Before you make an appointment with an advisor, please read the program requirements on this website, in the MSC Handbook, or in the U of W Academic Calendar. If you still have questions about the IDS or CRS programs, need to declare your major, or have questions about MSC scholarships or bursaries, please email the MSC Academic Advisor.

When should I speak to a University of Winnipeg Academic Advisor?

You should be in regular contact (at least once a year) with a University of Winnipeg Academic Advisor. The advisors are busy, so phone (204) 786-9257 to make an appointment. Talking to an academic advisor before registering for your final year of classes is well worth your time, as it will ensure you meet all the requirements for graduation.

When should I speak to the IDS or CRS Program Coordinator?

Before talking to a Program Coordinator, make an appointment with the MSC Academic Advisor. The Program Coordinators are busy people, and the academic advisor will direct you to a Program Coordinator if needed.

When should I speak to the MSC Student Services Coordinator??

The MSC Student Services Coordinator can review program requirements with you, but it is best to first consult the U of W Academic Calendar or the MSC Academic Advisor. The Student Services Coordinator is your main contact person regarding the Menno Simons College Students' Association, many of the student events hosted by Menno Simons College, information about MSC alumni, and is available to discuss academic or personal concerns.

But the Calendar says I need to speak to someone in the program about the courses I want to take before I register. Isn't that the Program Coordinator?

It could be. However, the MSC Academic Advisor can go over the requirements for the major which are in the U of W Calendar. You may also need to speak with a Program Coordinator if you are registering for Honours or 4000-level courses and need to have the paperwork filled out before you register.

If Program Coordinators or Student Services can help me with my major requirements, why should I see an Academic Advisor?

The Academic Advisors will help you with your entire degree program, of which the major is only a small part. Always see an Academic Advisor to ensure you meet your degree requirements.

What classes should I take?

Some general advice is, if you have interest in a specific program, take the prerequisite courses in your first year. Introductory courses provide a good overview and can often pique an interest. Then think about the courses you want to take for your major. Always consult the U of W Academic Calendar or the MSC Academic Advisor to make sure you take all the courses required for the major.

It is also a good idea to get an early start on your required courses in Science, Academic Writing, Social Sciences, and Humanities. The last thing you want is to apply for graduation and discover you are one or two courses short. If you meet with Academic Advisors regularly — at least once a year — you should avoid any such problems. To make an appointment with a U of W Academic Advisor go to this web site or call 204-786-9257.

Permission forms, auditing

Will you sign a permission form for me so I can take a course without the pre-requisite?

First, plan ahead. Please do not come to Menno Simons College the day you are scheduled to register expecting us to complete a permission form. You need to contact the professor offering the course, rather than the Program Coordinator, and this can take a couple of days. For contact information, go to Faculty & Staff Page on the MSC website.

We strongly discourage students from taking courses without the necessary pre-requisites. Introductory courses cover theory and terminology that guide you in subsequent classes. That being said, there are a few circumstances in which a professor will grant permission to take a course without the prerequisite. You need to talk to the professor, but don't expect to automatically receive permission. If you do receive permission, it is only for that specific course. You still need to take the introductory course to complete the major.

Will you sign a permission form for me so I can register for a course that is already full?

If the course is full, you can register for the course and your name will be put on a waitlist. You will be notified via email if and when a spot becomes available. You are strongly encouraged to attend the first week of classes. This will increase your chances of getting in, but admission is not guaranteed. The professor decides whether or not students will be admitted over cap; this is not the decision of the Program Coordinator. Most professors will not complete a permission form for registration over cap before the first week of classes.

I am interested in auditing a class, what do I do?

For detailed application and admission information on auditing, please contact the University of Winnipeg Admissions department; phone (204) 786-9159. You need to have professor's permission, so plan ahead as contact with the professor could take a few days.

Majors

When should I declare a major?

We encourage University of Winnipeg students to declare a major once they have completed 30 credit hours of study. If you change your mind, you can always change your major later.

How do I declare a major?

Declaration of Major forms can be obtained from the University of Winnipeg Student Records Office in Graham Hall or online at http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/services-rcdsforms.

To declare a 3- or 4-year major in CRS or IDS, complete the top part of the form, check the box by the major you wish to declare, and take the form to the MSC Academic Advisor or Program Coordinator of the appropriate department for a signature.

To declare a 4-year Honours IDS major, contact the IDS Program Coordinator/Honours Advisor. He will discuss with you the courses you have completed and advise about the remaining courses required for the Honours major.

After your Declaration of Major form has been signed, the Academic Advisor will keep a copy and the you will submit the original form to Student Central (Centennial Hall).

If you are declaring a double major, you will need to complete and submit a separate form for each major.

What about a flexible major or a combined major?

For information on what the flexible major or combined major are and how to declare them, please consult the University of Winnipeg Academic Advisors: phone 204-786-9257, website.

What is the difference between a 3-year, 4-year and Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree?

The 3-year BA provides students with general introducation to a particular discipline, whereas the 4-year degree is more focused on the theoretical and practical applications that prepare students for employment in the field. In the case of the 4-year CRS major, students are prepared to enter a Master's level program; the 4-year Honours IDS major is designed to prepare students to enter a Master's program in IDS or a related discipline.

The 4-year major in CRS and IDS includes a Senior Seminar course, which students typically complete in their last term of studies. In the Senior Seminar, students integrate and discuss a majority of what they have learned in their previous coursework and their practicum experience. Students are then required to write and present a mini-thesis, which helps them focus what they have learned and provides them with a sense of what they intend to pursue beyond graduation.

Most universities with graduate programs only accept students with a 4-year or Honour's level degree. It is sometimes the case that, if a student does not have sufficient education for a particular program, s/he will be asked to complete a pre-Master's year prior to being accepted into the Master's program.

Employment

What kind of employment can I get with a CRS degree?

First of all, graduating from university with a Bachelor of Arts degree prepares you for many careers. A BA provides skills and knowledge that are invaluable in any career. These include the ability to do advanced research, communicate ideas successfully, work independently or in groups, meet deadlines and manage time effectively.

What kind of employment can I get with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree?

First of all, graduating from university with a Bachelor of Arts degree prepares you for many careers. A BA provides skills and knowledge that are invaluable in any career. These include the ability to do advanced research, communicate ideas successfully, work independently or in groups, meet deadlines and manage time effectively.

Why should I consider a major in Conflict Resolution Studies?

Taking a major in Conflict Resolution Studies will give you skills that apply to any work situation. This is because conflict is everywhere, not just in the field of Mediation. Conflict Resolution skills are highly marketable in fields such as management, human resources, education, insurance, sales, criminal justice, law, counseling, social work among others.

If you plan to take Conflict Resolution Studies, combine it with another compatible major. For example, you might want to take Conflict Resolution Studies with International Development, Psychology, Sociology, Business Administration or Politics.

Employers may not specifically ask for a degree in Conflict Resolution Studies, but consider whether the skills you have match those they value in an employee. Contact the employer, chat with him or her, talk about yourself and the skills you have. Sell yourself and the merits of your degree. Where you look for work and how assertively you present yourself will make a difference.

What are graduates of the Conflict Resolution Studies degree doing now?

Several are studying for a Masters degree in Peace Studies or Conflict Management. Several are running their own businesses as Mediators or training employees in basic Conflict Resolution skills for the workplace. Some graduates have taught anger management courses or worked with prisoners as they plan to leave the prison system. Graduates are working as Ombudspeople, mortgage consultants, project managers, employment officers, drop-in centre program coordinators, overseas peace workers, writing curriculum for school peer-mediation programs, social workers, lawyers, mediators for the Manitoba Human Rights Commission and as employees in the field of health care.
There are many career opportunities available to you. What you do with your degree is up to you.

What kind of employment can I get with an IDS degree?

First of all, graduating from university with a Bachelor of Arts degree prepares you for many careers. A BA provides skills and knowledge that are invaluable in any career. These include the ability to do advanced research, communicate ideas successfully, work independently or in groups, meet deadlines and manage time effectively.

Why should I consider a degree in International Development Studies?

A major in International Development Studies equips you with skills that apply in any work situation and you gain skills for specialized work in developing communities and countries. Moreover, International Development Studies provide you with a new perspective on politics and economics that helps you understand society and relate to other cultures.

What you do with an IDS degree is up to you, but we can make a few recommendations. If you take International Development Studies, combine it with another compatible major. A double major is great preparation for graduate studies. For example, you might want to take International Development Studies with Conflict Resolution, Politics, Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, History, or Geography.

The career you find may not be advertised in the local newspaper or posted online. Employers may not specifically ask for a degree in International Development Studies, but look at the skills you have and decide whether or not they match the skills they are searching for. Contact the employer, chat with him or her, talk about yourself and the skills you have. Sell yourself and the merits of your degree. Where you look for work and how assertively you present yourself will make a difference.

What are graduates of the International Development Studies program doing now?

There are several who are studying for a Masters degree in International Development and Environmental Studies. One of our graduates was co-director of a refugee camp in Rwanda. Others are working for the United Nations or Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Several of our graduates are working overseas for non-governmental organizations in fields such as agriculture, economics, education, human rights and water purification. Some are working in Thailand or Ghana helping women develop skills in the handicraft market so they can leave the sex trade. One of our graduates is the Director of Student Housing at the University of Manitoba.

The field of International Development is vast and varied. What you do with your degree is up to you. .

I am looking for a job, can you help me?

The best recommendation we can give to assist in your search for employment is to check the University of Winnipeg Career Resource Centre in Graham Hall and the Job Bank computers next to the Buffeteria (fourth floor, Centennial Hall). Unfortunately, Menno Simons College Student Services cannot serve as an employment agency, but you can receive notices of employment opportunities by reading the College bulletin boards or joining ListServ (contact the Student Services Director)

Education and other degrees

Can I take IDS or CRS and do an Education degree?

Yes you can, if you take Education as an after degree. This means that you get your 3-year BA and then apply for two years of Education. You can take IDS or CRS as a part of your 3-year BA, but you also need to take at least one teachable subject. Please contact the University of Winnipeg Education department for more information.

I've already taken courses at University/have a University degree. Do I still have to take the first year courses?

Yes. Introduction to International Development Studies and Introduction to Conflict Resolution are prerequisite courses for the respective degrees.

I already have a University degree, how can I get a degree in CRS or IDS?

Apply to the University of Winnipeg as a second degree student. Please contact the University of Winnipeg Admissions department for more information, phone 204-786-9159, website.

Why should I take a double major?

A double major will broaden your knowledge and understanding of your chosen subject area. Having differing perspectives on issues, particularly those pertaining to IDS and CRS, will make your classes more interesting. It also makes you more marketable when you look for work. In addition, a double major may be important for grad school as few universities offer inter-disciplinary programs. You may likely pursue a Masters degree in a traditional, discipline-based department.

If you are taking a double major, you must meet the full requirements for both majors. A flexible or combined major is a way of having a major and a "minor" with fewer requirements for the "minor."