IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
- Tuesday, Jan. 4 - First day of classes for some trades programs*
- Wednesday, Jan. 5 – Friday, Jan. 7: Winter 2022 Orientation
- Monday, Jan. 10 – First day of Winter term, winter classes begin
- Friday, Jan. 14 – Last day for waitlisted students to claim seats; waitlists will be cleared at 4 pm
- Wednesday, Jan. 19 – Last day to register, apply for a refund, change from credit to audit
- Monday, Jan. 31 – Last day to opt-out of NISU health and dental benefits for the winter term
*For trades programs, please log in to myNIC to view your registration status and schedule in Student Planning.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Winter Orientation 2022. Join us for various orientation sessions planned for the month of January to support your transition into the new term. These sessions are a great opportunity to learn about the academic and personal supports available and meet fellow NIC students. To learn more or view the full list of sessions, visit the Winter 2022 Orientation page.
Examples of upcoming sessions are:
- Supports for Success. 10-11 am, Jan. 5: Learn about all the personal and academic supports available to you as an NIC student, including counselling, the Library & Learning Commons, the department of accessible learning services, financial aid, advising and more! To register send an email to Studentlife@nic.bc.ca.
- Navigating NIC’s Digital Learning Platforms. 1-2 pm, Jan. 5: Learn how to access and navigate various learning platforms including myNIC, NIC email, Blackboard and more! To register, send an email to studentlife@nic.bc.ca.
- Virtual Peer Drop-in. 6:30-7:30 pm, Jan 5: Learn tips and tricks from fellow NIC students. Our student Campus Life Assistants will lead this session, which will be a great opportunity to meet other NIC students! To register, send an email to studentlife@nic.bc.ca.
- Welcome to NIC. 10-11 am, Jan. 6: Join us for a fun and engaging session to welcome you to the NIC community. At this session, you will have an opportunity to meet other students, receive a brief recap on important information previously shared in our Let’s ConNICt Orientation, win fabulous prizes and more! To register, send an email to studentlife@nic.bc.ca.
- North Island Students’ Union Info Session. 1-2 pm, Jan. 6: Join NISU staff as they outline the supports and services available to you as NIC students, including information on health & dental plans. To register, send an email to studentlife@nic.bc.ca.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Student Survey Alert!! WIN $150 JUST FOR SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS! Please help us to help you! The survey should only take 5-6 minutes to complete, and all responses will remain anonymous. The goal of this survey is to gather feedback to help us improve the student career preparation, coaching and work-integrated learning services we currently provide to all NIC students and alumni. Any students who complete the survey will then be eligible to enter a draw to win a $150 prize at the retailer of their choice – Walmart, Superstore or Winners. The survey will close on Jan. 17, 2022 at 5 pm. Here is the link for the survey, https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/INTO2022
- Student Leadership Team. NIC’s Student Leadership Team supports and develops skills in emerging leaders in a fun, dynamic and engaging way. The student leaders explore many aspects of leadership, acknowledging that everything we do has impacts locally and globally. Student leaders take part in leadership workshops and retreats, network with community, help with college events and gain volunteer hours. Learn more about the NIC Student Leadership Team by emailing studentlife@nic.bc.ca.
- *NEW* Study Abroad Scholarships & Virtual Exchange Opportunities for NIC Students. NIC has successfully secured funding for study abroad scholarships totaling more than $500,000. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities! Most eligible students can access around $5,000, but in certain circumstances, students can access up to $10,000. These funds will prioritize encouraging students that traditionally have not engaged in outbound mobility to travel and learn abroad: Indigenous students, low-income students, or students with disabilities.
NIC Study Abroad Opportunities for 2022:
- Exchange Opportunities. These are available for most program areas. Possibilities include Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, France, Romania, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam. Check the Outgoing exchange webpage for more details.
- Virtual Exchange Opportunities. NIC students will be connecting with instructors and students located in Costa Rica, Japan, and Belgium. Students will be able to work in culturally diverse teams, improve their intercultural communication skills, experience culturally diverse work environments.
- Field Schools. Opportunities include the Field School Jordan: Town of Nebo Archaeological Project, Costa Rica, Japan (follow-up to above virtual exchanges) and Hawaii - Indigenous Language Revitalization.
Interested in learning how you can participate? Contact NIC’s Office of Global Engagement at istudyabroad@nic.bc.ca to find out how!
NIC SUPPORTS & SERVICES
- Library & Learning Commons. Visit the Library & Learning Commons (LLC) this semester for a quiet place to work, access academic supports, or just sit back and take a break. At the LLC you can:
- Find your perfect spot. A window seat, a study room, or a table with friends
- Borrow a laptop. Daily and weekly lending options
- Print & scan. Copies are $0.10, and scanning is free
- Drop by and say hi. Check out our open hours
Academic Supports at LLC. Reach your goals this semester with help from our outstanding academic supports — available in-person and online!
- Research Support. Learn to build effective search strategies, choose and evaluate resources, cite and avoid plagiarism.
- Writing Support. Work one-on-one with NIC faculty to develop your writing skills and receive feedback on your writing assignments.
- Math Support. Spend time working on all levels of math problems with support from NIC math faculty.
- Peer Tutoring. Discover new approaches to studying and learning from highly trained NIC peer tutors.
- Student Technical Services. Helping students understand and utilize technologies to support their studies.
- Register in a variety of workshops to improve your research, writing, math, and tech skills.
- Emergency Assistance Funds. Sometimes emergencies happen that are outside our control. NIC may be able to assist with financial support in the form of a bursary to help with costs. This funding does not need to be paid back and may be available to assist with books, transportation, childcare, supplies, groceries and other essentials. Contact a financial aid advisor to find out more. Book online here.
- NIC Bookstores. NIC bookstores will be open for extended hours in January. The Comox Valley and Campbell River bookstores will be open from Jan. 4 -21 from 9 am to 4 pm. The Port Alberni bookstore will be open from Jan. 4-14 from 9 am to 4 pm. After these dates, the stores will be going back to our regular posted hours of operation.
- Learn Anywhere. NIC’s Learn Anywhere website is geared to provide a collection of information that will help you to be a successful digital learner by covering topics such as: What is digital learning? and How can I use NIC-supported technologies during my studies? Students can also access a list of key skills and knowledge all students should have for successful learning in today’s world, as well as student rights and responsibilities and Technology Readiness Checklists.
IN OUR COMMUNITIES
- COVID-19 vaccination. The BC Government is encouraging all who are eligible to register for their COVID vaccine as soon as possible, including both domestic and international students. Visit the government website for information on eligibility and the registration process.
- COVID-19 restrictions. You can view the latest public health orders here. Masks in public indoor settings are now mandatory – this includes NIC campus buildings.
GRATEFUL & THANKFUL
- Fall 2021 Student Readiness Survey. Thank you to all students who participated in our Fall 2021 Student Readiness Survey. Your feedback provides us with an invaluable source of information that helps us improve our services and enhance the student experience. Here is a summary of your feedback which we will be including in our planning as we work toward areas of improvement for current and future NIC students.
- Has an NIC instructor or staff member made a difference in your life as a student? Perhaps someone’s expertise, support or kindness has made all the difference to your success, or maybe just made you smile. If you would like to recognize the contribution of an instructor or staff member, fill out our recognition form. We will send the nominee a thank you on your behalf, including your comment(s). Please note – you will remain anonymous.
WEEKLY WELLNESS
- Thriving in Action Weekly Workbook. Each week of the academic year comes with its own unique challenges. The Thriving in Action Weekly Workbook was designed to provide you with at least one exercise that has proven to be effective in increasing life satisfaction, happiness and resilience. Download the Student Weekly Workbook here.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
If there is information you'd like to see included in upcoming communications, or would like to share, please let us know at studentlife@nic.bc.ca.
Enjoy your week and stay well!
Student Life Team
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