Student Life Newsletter - November 29

Hello NIC Students,

 

Welcome to the last week of classes for the fall term! A reminder that there are many supports available to students. Not sure where to start and feeling overwhelmed? You can self-refer to Early Assist and a member of the Early Assist Team will connect with you to go over supports on-campus and in the community specific to your needs.

As we wrap up the term, we are also preparing to welcome new and returning students in January 2022. We will be launching the Winter 2022 Orientation page today (Monday, Nov. 29) – check it out for more information about the winter orientation events and activities.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

  • Monday, Nov. 29 – Friday, Dec. 3: Last week of classes
  • Wednesday, Dec. 1: Opt-out period for NISU Health & Dental Benefits for 2022 Winter term
  • Monday, Dec. 6 – Thursday, Dec. 16: Fall Final Exams
  • Monday, Dec. 27 – Monday, Jan. 3: Winter Break - College Closed.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Library & Learning Commons Workshops. Citation workshops continue to run every week! Learn how to form and incorporate your citations and build your bibliography. We’ll also cover formatting your paper in APA or MLA style. Register online here.
  • BA in International Hotel Management Info Session. On Nov. 30 at 8 am (PST), join Royal Roads University for a Q&A session with a panel of current students, alumni, and faculty members from our BA in International Hotel Management. This webinar will include an overview of the application process and will be moderated by program head, Moira A. McDonald.

    So, bring your questions and join the conversation!

    Here is a sneak peek of just some of the questions we will explore:

    • What does the on-campus delivery look like?
    • Are there other opportunities for learning outside of the classroom?
    • What is the internship like?
    • As a graduate, what skills will I have learned?
    • Where are program grads working now?

Can't make it? No problem. Register to receive a link to the recorded session.

Click here to register for the BAIHM Q & A.

  • Living Library. Everyone has a story to tell! Have you had an unusual, exceptional, or relatable experience that you’re willing to share with other NIC community members in an informal and respectful setting? The NIC Living Library team is looking for NIC faculty, staff, and students who are willing to have open and honest conversations about a variety of topics and life experiences.

    Some examples of topics include:

    • Going back to school as a mature student
    • Studying / travelling overseas
    • Publishing a book or article
    • Overcoming any type of challenge
    • Any experience that was thrilling or chilling

What is the commitment required for a living book?

A book will be “checked out” for 30 minutes at a time. The conversations will all take place over BlueJeans. We are asking for a commitment of two hours between Feb. 14 - 18, 2022. You can decide if you want to be available in the afternoon or evening and whether to offer a single 2-hour block or to break it up over the week. There will also be a short orientation for all of the books a couple of weeks prior to the event.

If you’re interested in participating as a living book or would like to nominate someone please fill out an Expression of Interest form by Dec. 31, 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Evans (jennifer.evans@nic.bc.ca).

 STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

  • NIC Library Book Bundles. Looking for some good reads over the holidays and not sure just what to pick up? Let us introduce you to some great new titles and authors!

    Simply complete this form telling us what types of books you are interested in and then library staff will select titles from the collection to suit your tastes. We will contact you when we have your books ready for you to pick up at the campus most convenient for you. Forms are due before Dec. 10 and books will be due back by Jan. 10, 2022.
  • *NEW* Study Abroad Scholarships & Virtual Exchange Opportunities for NIC Students. NIC has successfully secured funding for study abroad scholarships totalling more than $500,000 CAD to be distributed between 2021 and 2025. With these funds, there are opportunities for students and faculty to engage in study abroad experiences either through the NIC Study Abroad Scholarship fund or through accessing funds provided via a consortium of five Canadian post-secondary institutions. Either way, students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities! Most eligible students can access around $5000 CAD, but, in certain circumstances, students can access up to $10,000 CAD. 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. These projects are funded by Global Skills Opportunity, the Government of Canada’s Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program. Check the Outgoing exchange webpage for more details.

    Interested in learning how you can participate? Contact NIC’s Office of Global Engagement at istudyabroad@nic.bc.ca to find out how!
  • Accessibility Supports. Are you or someone you know wondering about what kind of accessibility supports are available for persons with disabilities in post-secondary education? Learn more about accessibility services, assistive technology, accessible educational resources, and communication equity services by attending the free Community of Practice in Education (COPE) webinar series – Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9, 2021 from 10:30-11:30 am.

    To register for one or more of these sessions, please go to the Accessible Education: A Shared Services Model Eventbrite webpage.

    - Dec. 1:  Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training - Student Aid BC
    - Dec. 2:  BC Articulation - Disability Services and Vancouver Community College
    - Dec. 7: CAPER-BC - Centre for Accessible Post-Secondary Resources BC
    - Dec. 8: AT-BC - Assistive Technology BC
    - Dec. 9: ACE-BC - Academic Communication Equity BC

IN OUR COMMUNITIES

  • Campbell River Blood Donor Clinic. Please consider registering to become a blood donor. It’s simple to do and has life-saving results. We’ve included the steps to register below, along with information about the upcoming clinics.

Clinic Information:

Campbell River
Dates: Dec. 1 and 2, 2021
Location: Campbell River Community Centre (401-11th Avenue, Campbell River)
Spots available:  Wednesday, Dec.1 - 5:05pm, 5:10pm, and 5:15pm
                        Thursday, Dec. 2 - 5:05pm, 5:15pm, and 5:40pm

How to Register:

Make sure you are eligible to donate.  Take the 15-second quiz here: https://www.blood.ca/en/blood/am-i-eligible-donate-blood.

1. On your smartphone, go to the app store and download the GiveBlood app
2. Press ‘Sign in’ at the top of the page and create an account (if you already have an account, skip to step 4)
3. At the bottom of the screen, click on ‘Partners’.
4. Click “join an existing team”
5. Team name: North Island College or ID: NORT368728
6. Confirm your spot to donate by clicking book appointments and then select your preferred date & time!

  • COVID-19 Vaccination. The BC Government is encouraging all who are eligible to register for their COVID vaccine as soon as possible, this includes 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.

NIC SUPPORTS & SERVICES UPDATES

  • Library & Learning Commons. The Comox Valley Library & Learning Commons has increased face-to-face Writing Support and virtual hours on Wednesdays! Book your appointment here. Math Support has transitioned to online for the next couple of weeks. Book your drop-in or one-on-one appointment here. Are you looking for a space where you can get together to work on group projects or just a quiet place to study? The library has a room that’s just right for you. Book today.

GRATEFUL & THANKFUL

  • 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.

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

 – Confucius

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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