The University of Winnipeg faculty and staff are dedicated to your student experience and we look forward to meeting you. We offer a rich campus life and a broad array of services and supports – academic and financial advising, personal counseling, career services, health services, tutoring and mentoring, specific supports for Aboriginal students, adult learners, persons with disabilities, and new Canadians. These are just some of the people that you’ll meet during your first few weeks on campus.
Niromi Nishansala Hewawellalage – Student Central
Niromi Nishansala Hewawellalage – Student Central
You can find Niromi at Student Central. She provides you ongoing support with financial information and course registration. She accepts applications and answers your phone calls and emails.
Her advice is don’t be afraid to ask for help. Make use of all the different services/ resources UWinnipeg offers and get involved in the university community.
“What I like most is interacting with the students from different cultures and backgrounds,” said Niromi. “I assist around 70 students per day and I enjoy learning more about them.”
Favourite spot on campus: “Duckworth Gym. I go to the gym to relax after a stressful day at work.”
Favourite lunch/snack on or around campus: “I love Starbucks in the ANX. I enjoy caffeine and warm beverages. A cup of coffee gives me the energy I need for the day.”
When she is not on campus you can find Niromi at the mall.
Something that might surprises people: “I love social work. Helping others is something I really enjoy. I sponsor two kids in Sri-Lanka. It gives me immense pleasure to know someone is able to meet their basic needs and beyond from the little help I can provide.”
Favourite movie: “The Avengers”
Favourite book: “Pride and Prejudice”
Favourite word: “Brilliant”
Leanne Shumka – Awards and Financial Aid
Leanne Shumka – Awards and Financial Aid
Leanne is the Coordinator of the Awards and Financial Aid office with a decade of personal and professional experience in funding and budgeting to help you meet your educational goals.
Leanne says, “Part of your educational experience is learning to balance your priorities. Just like you need to make time to maintain your physical health and mental wellness, you also need to also take care of your financial well-being. When you learn to balance your studies, finances, and health, you reduce your overall stress and perform better.”
Leanne enjoys assisting students in making a worthy investment – in themselves through education.
Favourite spot on campus:” As a UWinnipeg student, CKUW 95.9 FM/the 4th Floor. I spent most of my time during my undergraduate studies in the library, computer lab, buffeteria or at the radio station, all of which are on the 4th floor of main campus. Currently, the Duckworth Centre is my favorite spot. I can work out, get physio and massage therapy, and cheer on our Wesmen teams all in one place!”
Favourite lunch/snack on or around campus: “The puff wheat squares from Diversity.”
When Leanne is not on campus you can find her at a local music, dance or art show.
Something that might surprise people: Most people assume I’ve lived in Winnipeg my whole life, however, I actually grew up in rural Manitoba and moved to Winnipeg to attend university after high school.
Barb Read – Study Skills Workshops
Barb Read – Coordinator of Adult Learner Services and Recognition of Prior Learning
Barb is the Coordinator of Adult Learner Services and Recognition of Prior Learning.
Barb advises that you get involved on campus. Be passionate about your studies. Meet interesting people who could become friends for life. University is rewarding and allows for personal growth. Have fun.
Favourite spot on campus: “The Chapel, because it is a place where I can reflect, relax and meditate.”
Favourite lunch/snack on or around campus: “Pangea’s Kitchen (at Riddell Hall) soups – yum.”
When she is not on campus you can find Barb at West Hawk Lake.
Something about yourself that might surprise people? “I am an adventurous and avid scuba diver with almost 300 dives.”
Favourite movie: “The Abyss”
Favourite book: “Can’t decide”
Favourite word: “Authenticity”
Lara Coombs – Accessibility Coordinator
Lara Coombs – Accessibility Coordinator
Lara is the Accessibility Coordinator in the Accessibility Services Department. Her role is to facilitate and promote the ongoing development of an accessible learning environment which provides students with disabilities or medical conditions the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of campus life.
“We support students with invisible/visible disabilities or medical conditions such as physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health issues, visual disabilities, deaf or hard of hearing students, chronic illness, and both temporary and reoccurring medical conditions,” explained Laura. “My specific role is to meet with students and assist students in facilitating their specific accommodations in the classroom and also with test/exam accommodations.”
Lara’s advises students with a disability or medical condition to register with Accessibility Services. They will assist you in providing you with the necessary accommodations to make your academic experience at the UWinnipeg as successful as possible during your transition from high school to post-secondary education.
“My favorite part of my job is meeting with students and helping them to succeed in a new and very different environment than high school, “expressed Lara.
Favorite spot on campus: “The green space in front of Riddell Hall… relaxing outside and eating my lunch on a beautiful summer day!”
Favorite lunch: “Stir fry in the Pangea’s Kitchen (Riddell Hall) …the coconut peanut sauce is heavenly!”
When she is not on campus you can find her with her family and friends outside walking or at the lake.
Favourite book: “I like reading action and adventure fiction books during summer vacation + Amy Tan novels.”
Favourite movie: “Fried Green Tomatoes”
Tessa Rogowski – Accessibility Services/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Tessa Rogowski – Accessibility Services/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Tessa is the coordinator for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. She facilitates and promotes the ongoing development of an accessible learning environment for deaf and hard of hearing students. She provides two types of services for deaf and hard of hearing students; American Sign Language ( ASL) and English interpreting and transcribing.
Tessa meets with you and assists you in facilitating your specific accommodations in the classroom, includes tests and exams as well as any other accommodations you may need while attending university. Once she receives your service request she coordinates the schedules for the ASL-English Interpreters and Transcribers.
“Find out about all the different services the University of Winnipeg has to offer you,” advises Tessa. “Never be apprehensive to seek assistance or ask questions. It is a wonderful feeling to assist students in achieving their academic goals.”
Favourite spot on campus: “In the summer…anywhere where there is green grass and sun!”
Favourite lunch/snack on or around campus: “LOVE the Ramen soup at Pangea’s Kitchen (Riddell Hall).
When she is not on campus you can find her Interpreting for the Winnipeg Deaf and Deaf-Blind community.”
Something that might surprise people: “I have a Brother and nephew that live in Fukuoka Japan!”
Favourite movie: “Any concert DVD of U2”
Favourite book: “Power of One and Tuesday with Morrie”
Favourite word: “Discombobulated, love the way it rolls of the tongue!”
