When: Friday, May 10 to Jun 01
Where: Muir Gallery, Courtenay
Cost: Free
Join students, staff, graduates, and members of the public on Friday May 10, 2013 at the Muir Gallery for the opening night of Prismatic, the 2013 NIC Fine Arts Diploma Grad show. Graduates Jeanne MacGrotty, Kelly Davidson, Chelsea Brennan, Kaylene Johnstone, Lia Sommer, Trish Smith, Natasha Ouimette, Maryia Vancheva and Taryn Goodwin will be in attendence to share their vision and creations. Doors open at 7 pm, and visitors will enjoy a wonderful evening of food, art, and an opportunity to meet the artists.
The exhibit will run from May 10 to June 1. All are welcome to visit Prismatic at the Muir Gallery, located at 440 Anderton Ave in Courtenay. The gallery is open from 11 am to 4 pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays.

When: Saturday, May 25 at 1:00 PM
Where: Nature's Way Farm
Cost: $36
Course Code: GENI-7912
Are you interested in growing your own food? Are you keen to learn more about gardening, farming and/or local food? Do you want to support Campbell River in producing more of its own food? Learn about self-sufficient gardening, mason bees, year-round vegetable growing, plant propagation, and more with the Lettuce Grow Workshops.
During Organic Pest Management and Tour, visit Nature's Way Farm and discuss the control of common garden pests without the use of chemical pesticides. This workshop will take place on May 25 from 1 to 4 pm, and costs $36.
For more information or to register, please contact Julia at 250-923-9724 or jpeters@nic.bc.ca.
To register online, visit Continuing Education and use the course code GENI-7912 in the Keyword box under Search Courses.
Students and staff: get ready to participate in Bike to Work Week (BTWW), from May 27 to June 2 in the Comox Valley. Dust off your bike, plan your route and start pedaling for a healthier lifestyle and a better environment.
Everyone is welcome to join the Kick off Breakfast, which will be held on Wednesday, May 29 from 7:30 am to 8:30 am in front of the totem pole at Discovery Hall.
If you’re looking for some good reasons to participate in Bike to Work Week (BTWW), pick from the following motivational reasons to hop on your bike, put on your walking shoes, ride the bus, or join a car pool. It all counts!
- Do it for the environment. For every mile that you cycle instead of driving your car you will reduce your carbon footprint by one pound of carbon dioxide.
- Do it for your wallet. You will save 54 cents in gas and maintenance costs for every kilometre that you leave your car in the driveway and cycle instead. So a five-kilometre round trip for five days will save you $13.50 per week.
- Do it for your health. The Canadian government guidelines for a healthy lifestyle recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day to maintain personal health. By cycling to work, you get in your daily workout and won’t have to spend any extra time going to the gym.
So, are you ready to bike to work? Why not establish a buddy system and some positive peer
pressure by encouraging your co-workers to bike to work as well? If you're interested in joining the North Island College team, contact Sharon van Heyningen at 250-334-5203. All bikers, walkers, carpoolers, rollerbladers, and bus riders are welcome to join the team, and there's no need to commit to participating every day -- just what you can manage or what your schedule permits.
For more information on Bike to Work week, visit www.biketowork.ca/comox_valley.
When: Tuesday, May 28 at 1:30 PM
Where: Room 104, Puntledge Hall, Comox Valley campus
Cost: Free
Meet NIC Faculty and learn about your options in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) certificate program at a FREE Information Session, held in Room 104 Puntledge Hall, at the Comox Valley campus. The session begins at 1:30 pm. For those unable to attend, a second session will be held on Wednesday, May 29 at 5:30 pm.
NIC's full-time certificate program in Early Childhood Care & Education begins in September, and takes 10 months to complete. Students work with children in a variety of settings, focusing on children between the age of 30 months and school age. Upon completion of the program and with 500 hours of satisfactory work experience under a Licensed Early Childhood educator, graduates receive a license to practice from the Community Care Licensing Board. Plus, on completion of the certificate program, students are eligible to begin the NIC ECCE diploma program.
If you're interested in entering the ECCE Certificate program in September 2013, attend this session to meet faculty, learn about course details, and ask questions.
When: Tuesday, May 28 at 6:30 PM
Where: Campbell River campus
Cost: Free
Course Code: GENI-5110
Hospital Unit Clerks play a vital role in information management, administrative support and services in hospitals, medical offices, and care facilities. North Island College's Hospital Unit Clerk Certificate program prepares graduates to step directly into this busy, rewarding career. For more information, visit Hospital Unit Clerk Certificate program.
You can also find out more about the Hospital Unit Clerk program at a FREE information session Tuesday, May 28 at the Campbell River campus. Ask questions, meet the instructors, and speak with student advisors to see if the Hospital Unit Clerk program is right for you.
This Information Session is free to attend, but registration is required. Register in person or visit the course page, click on "Online Registration Available", and use the course code GENI-5110.
When: Wednesday, May 29 at 5:30 PM
Where: Room 104, Puntledge Hall, Comox Valley campus
Cost: Free
Meet NIC Faculty and learn about your options in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) certificate program at a FREE Information Session, held in Room 104 Puntledge Hall, at the Comox Valley campus. The session begins at 5:30 pm.
NIC's full-time certificate program in Early Childhood Care & Education begins in September, and takes 10 months to complete. Students work with children in a variety of settings, focusing on children between the age of 30 months and school age. Upon completion of the program and with 500 hours of satisfactory work experience under a Licensed Early Childhood educator, graduates receive a license to practice from the Community Care Licensing Board. Plus, on completion of the certificate program, students are eligible to begin the NIC ECCE diploma program.
If you're interested in entering the ECCE Certificate program in September 2013, attend this session to meet faculty, learn about course details, and ask questions.
When: Saturday, June 01 at 1:00 PM
Where: Campbell River campus
Cost: $26
Course Code: GENI-8050
Are you interested in growing your own food? Are you keen to learn more about gardening, farming and/or local food? Do you want to support Campbell River in producing more of its own food? Learn about self-sufficient gardening, mason bees, year-round vegetable growing, plant propagation, and more with the Lettuce Grow Workshops.
During Healthy Hens: The Backyard S-Coop, learn all you need to know about choosing the right breed, building a coop, and getting started with your own flock of chickens. You'll be enjoying fresh, delicious eggs in no time! This workshop will take place on June 1 from 1 to 3 pm, and costs $26.
For more information or to register, please contact Julia at 250-923-9724 or jpeters@nic.bc.ca. To register online, visit Continuing Education and use the course code GENI-8050 in the Keyword box under Search Courses.
When: Saturday, June 08 at 1:00 PM
Where: Campbell River campus
Cost: $35
Course Code: GENI-7914
Are you interested in growing your own food? Are you keen to learn more about gardening, farming and/or local food? Do you want to support Campbell River in producing more of its own food? Learn about self-sufficient gardening, mason bees, year-round vegetable growing, plant propagation, and more with the Lettuce Grow Workshops.
During Plant Management (Pflanzenverwaltung), join Hans Rhenish on a tour of his innovative operation. Discover a philosophy of plant management that encourages farmers, growers and gardeners to work with the natural laws of the universe. This workshop will take place on June 8 from 1 to 4 pm, and costs $36.
For more information or to register, please contact Julia at 250-923-9724 or jpeters@nic.bc.ca. To register online, visit Continuing Education and use the course code GENI-7914 in the Keyword box under Search Courses.
Congratulations to our 2013 NIC graduates! NIC's Mt. Waddington Regional Campus Graduation Ceremony will provide a memorable occasion for proud family members and friends, and allow graduates to celebrate their accomplishment with faculty and classmates. The event begins at 6:30 pm, at the Mt. Waddington Regional campus.
For more information, contact Darin Bellham at 250-334-5038.
When: Monday, June 17
Where: Comox Valley campus
Cost: $795
Course Code: AET 020
Gain the knowledge and skills necessary in an emergency to help sustain life, reduce pain, and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness in a pre-hospital setting with this 2-week course. Learn CPR level HCP and AED. If you are in a career which provides emergency response, such as firefighters, law-enforcement officers, workplace responders, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, this course is for you. (Note: as a pre-requisite, students must hold a current Standard FA & CPR C certificate [FAC 021].)
For more information or to register, please visit Continuing Education, drop by the Student Services at your local campus, or contact Susan Murray at 250-334-5092.
Congratulations to our 2013 NIC graduates! NIC's Port Alberni Graduation Ceremony will provide a memorable occasion for proud family members and friends, and allow graduates to celebrate their accomplishment with faculty and classmates. The event begins at 2:00 pm, at the Alberni Athletic Hall.
For more information, contact Lorna Crowshaw at 250-724-8704.
Congratulations to our 2013 NIC graduates! NIC's Comox Valley Graduation Ceremony will provide a memorable occasion for proud family members and friends, and allow graduates to celebrate their accomplishment with faculty and classmates. The event begins at 1:00 pm, at the Comox Valley Sports Centre.
For more information, contact Darin Bellham at 250-334-5038.
When: Monday, June 24
Where: Comox Valley campus
Cost: $360
Course Code: FIN 010
Explore the possibilities of salt, soda and reduction firing techniques with instructor Gordon Hutchens, a world-renowned potter whose work has been displayed in major exhibitions in Canada, the US, Korea and Japan.
During this week-long course, participants will learn about soda compounds, kiln loading considerations, clays and glazes, as well as colour development and surface enrichment techniques. Participants will then fire their work in the large gas-fired Car Kiln, the smaller gas-fired kiln, and the gas-fired Soda Kiln located in NIC's Shadbolt Studios.
This course, which runs from June 24 to June 28 at the Comox Valley campus, will focus on cone 10 and cone 6 reduction firings. All glaze work and surface embellishment will be done with bisque ware supplied by the participants.
For more information, contact Alan Burgess at 250-334-5056. Register online for this Continuing Education course or in person at the NIC campus nearest you.
Congratulations to our 2013 NIC graduates! NIC's Campbell River Graduation Ceremony will provide a memorable occasion for proud family members and friends, and allow graduates to celebrate their accomplishment with faculty and classmates. The event begins at 2 pm at the Tidemark Theatre, 1220 Shoppers Row, Campbell River.
For more information, contact Lee-Ann Bainbridge at 250-923-9709.
When: Saturday, June 29 at 1:00 PM
Where: Campbell River campus
Cost: $36
Course Code: GENI-7911
Are you interested in growing your own food? Are you keen to learn more about gardening, farming and/or local food? Do you want to support Campbell River in producing more of its own food? Learn about self-sufficient gardening, mason bees, year-round vegetable growing, plant propagation, and more with the Lettuce Grow Workshops.
During Irrigation & Water Saving Techniques, learn how you can keep a lush lawn or vibrant veggie garden with proper irrigation. This workshop will take place on June 29 from 1 to 4 pm, and costs $36.
For more information or to register, please contact Julia at 250-923-9724 or jpeters@nic.bc.ca. To register online, visit Continuing Education and use the course code GENI-7911 in the Keyword box under Search Courses.
When: Friday, July 12
Where: Campbell River campus
Learn new skills and techniques from a variety of talented designers and artists, working with both traditional and contemporary materials, during NIC's summer Jewellery and Metal Design courses. Take one course or all five! Courses include:
Wire Jewellery
When: July 12 to 14
Instructor: Joan Irvin
Cost: $295, plus supplies
Course Code: JMA 014
Create wonderful wearable art using simple hand tools and a touch of imagination! Learn the basics of wire manipulation, including straightening, bending, wrapping, twisting, and forging to make earrings, pendants, neck hoops, and more.
Fine Silver Clay
When: July 15 to 18
Instructor: Joan Irvin
Cost: $385, plus supplies
Course Code: JMA 011
Experience a different approach to working with metal! Create silver jewellery with metal “clay” -- an innovative material that can be modelled, molded, and worked similar to potter’s clay.
Chain Making
When: July 19 to 21
Instructor: Cheryl Jacobs
Cost: $295, plus supplies
Course Code: JMA 010
Explore the world of chain making, an ancient art that's as popular today as ever! Create one-of-a-kind chains using hand tools and basic soldering techniques as you create a unique chain bracelet.
Metal Forming & Hammering
When: July 22 to 25
Instructor: Wayne Mackenzie
Cost: $395, plus supplies
Course Code: JMA 013
Explore the plasticity of metal with silversmithing techniques. Learn the basics techniques used to forge and stretch barstock into bangles, rings or spoons, and to sink and raise shallow bowls in sheet metal and shell construction.
Low-Tech (Primitive) Casting
When: July 26 to 28
Instructor: Wayne Mackenzie
Cost: $295, plus supplies
Course Code: JMA 012
Casting is as important to jewelers today as it was thousands of years ago. Learn a variety of low-tech casting methods, including ingots, cuttlefish, and sand casting, as well as how to create a low-tech kiln.
Check our supply list for a list of required materials.
For more information or to register, contact Julia Peters at 250-923-9724 or Student Services at your nearest NIC campus.
When: Monday, August 19
Where: All four campuses
Cost: $64.95
Course Code: UST 101
Starting college or university this fall? University Boot Camp is for you!
This popular course aims to get you the grades you want, with far less effort. In only 12 hours, you'll learn and practice the critical skills that instructors have identified as essential to your success. Discover how to manage stress and balance work, fun and family.
You'll also learn how to recognize your learning style to use your time more effectively. Make sure your papers are on time, take better notes before you get to university, and ensure you have the study time you need to get the best grades possible this year.
All courses run from August 19 to August 22 at the times listed below:
Port Alberni Campus
Time: 9 am to Noon
Comox Valley Campus
Time: 9 am to Noon
Campbell River Campus
Time: 1 pm to 4 pm
Port Hardy Campus
Time: 9 am to Noon
Registration and fees are due before the start of the first class. For more information, call 1-800-715-0914 or register at Student Services on any NIC campus.
When: Thursday, August 22 at 6:30 PM
Where: Comox Valley campus
Cost: Free
Course Code: GENI 8020
With NIC's Animal Care Aide Certificate program, graduates gain the practical skills and knowledge needed for employment in veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, and kennels.
If you're interested in becoming an Animal Care Aide, find out more about the program and meet your instructor at a free information session on Thursday, August 22nd at the Comox Valley campus. Attendees must pre-register for the session.
To register, visit
Continuing Education and use the course code GENI 8020 in the Keyword box under Search Courses.