Gilakas’la is the Kwak’wala word for welcome
Welcome to our virtual orientation for new and current North Island College (NIC) students. Similar to the fall term, the winter term is going to look different than usual, however, we are committed to providing you with a quality orientation experience to prepare you for the start of the winter term.
To begin our welcome, we are honoured to acknowledge the traditional territories of the combined 35 First Nations of the Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish traditions on whose traditional and unceded territories the North Island College campuses are situated.
Are you a new international student? Please go to the New International Student Orientation by NIC's Office of Global Engagement.
Pre-recorded sessions
The pre-recorded sessions are designed for you to participate and learn anywhere: at your own pace and in the comfort of your home. These sessions include a short video or presentation to help you discover all the people and resources to support your success here at NIC. Each session has been created by a member of the North Island College community and, although we may not win any Oscars, we are confident that you will find the content interesting and informative.
Please note that many of these recordings have been updated from those presented in the fall. We encourage everyone to watch the updated videos for the latest information.
New students starting in Winter 2021
Orientation Introduction
A brief introduction to our Virtual Orientation by Manager of Student Life, Dean Martin
Indigenous Welcome
A welcome from NIC’s Director of Indigenous Education, including territorial acknowledgements for all First Nations territories upon which NIC campuses reside.
View tours of each of NIC’s campuses. All NIC services and supports continue to be available for the 2020/21 academic year, although some are under alternate delivery. See Student Services for more details.
All Students
COVID-19: Health and Safety for Students on-campus
Health and safety are always a priority at NIC. This presentation highlights some of the protocols in place for ensuring the ongoing safety of our students and employees during this time of COVID-19.
Academic Integrity Module (AIM)
Academic integrity means behaving with honesty and truthfulness in all work presented towards an academic credential or other academic-related activities. In this session, we will outline common misunderstandings and useful strategies to avoid academic misconduct.
Community Resources for Students
In addition to NIC’s student services, our communities across the north island are home to some amazing organizations, businesses, and resource centers that provide additional services to support student success. Check out what services are available in the resource sheets below.
Welcome to NIC Student Services
Meet Kathleen Kuhnert NIC’s Associate Vice President Student Services and Registrar who will introduce an overview of the many student supports (both academic and personal) that we have on offer at NIC
Scheduling and Registration
Educational, Indigenous and Financial Aid Advising
Advising can be invaluable part of your time at NIC, whether you are just at the front end of making a decision about your program or preparing to graduate. Learn what services are available digitally or over the phone.
Aboriginal Scholars
This Video highlights NIC’s Aboriginal Scholars program. Being a student at North Island College is not just about academics, but also about addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Hear from Chris Scarlatti and David Dawson how the program enhanced their experience at NIC.
Academic Supports and using the Library & Learning Commons
Discover how to access the academic services and resources available at the Library & Learning Commons including research help, writing support, math support and peer tutoring.
NIC Student Technical Services
Technical Services are available for all NIC students. This session will show you how to contact us for support on all things technology-based. For more information and to book a one-on-one appointment or join a drop in session, please visit https://library.nic.bc.ca/studenttech
Accessible Learning Services at NIC
Learn about the supports and services available for students with diverse needs.
Counselling Services at NIC
As a student, challenges may arise that relate to college life or are from outside the college environment. To support you in your life and educational goals, our counsellors offer short-term counselling and coaching for personal challenges and unexpected circumstances, learning strategies and study skills, stress management, and conflict resolution.
Supporting Students in Distress and/or Crisis
Student life is not without challenges. Join Felicity Blaiklock, Director Student Affairs, Dean Martin, Manager Student Life, Carissa Wilson, NISU Organiser and Disha Salhan, Student Life Outreach and Liaison to hear about the services available for when you are facing challenges and need some extra support.
Student Employment Services
Our services are available to prospective, current, and graduated NIC students for all things employment-related. Whether you want to explore careers, need help with your resume, get nervous for interviews, or anything else, SES is here to assist you on your professional journey. Get in touch today!
Everyone has the right to enjoy a welcoming and respectful learning environment -- online or offline. At NIC, we have a number of policies and procedures which support and outline the rights and responsibilities of our NIC campus community. These are important for you to understand in your relationship to the College.
Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response
We all agree that student life should never include any type of sexualized violence or misconduct. However, we know that this isn’t always the reality. In this session, we will be giving you a brief overview of NIC’s Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response policy which includes options for disclosure and supports for survivors and those impacted by sexualized violence. We also include some short videos which define sexualized violence and explain consent.
Taking Care of Yourself
Tips to ensure you are taking care of yourself during your time at NIC.
You and Your Instructor
Tips for maintaining a positive relationship with your instructors
Healthy Relationships with Drugs and Alcohol
Tips to remain safe and healthy for those who choose to consume, as well as how to obtain assistance if you are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse.
Live Sessions
Navigating NIC Digital Learning Platforms
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A step by step orientation by Student Technical Services to all NIC digital platforms, including Blackboard, BlueJeans, and more. This session will also include a student’s perspective on how to successfully navigate.
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Wednesday, January 6, 2021 from 10 to 11:30 am PDT
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Click here to watch this session.
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Tips for a Successful Term
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Review of academic and personal supports; self-care and study tips from the perspective of counsellors, students, and faculty.
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Thursday, January 7, 2021 from 10 to 11:30 am PDT
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Click here to watch this session.
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North Island Students’ Union (NISU) Info Session
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Introduction to supports and services offered by NISU, as well as health and dental plan information.
Start of Term Welcome & Celebration
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Thursday, January 7, 2021 from 1 to 2 pm PDT
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Click here to watch this session.
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We highly recommend visiting NIC's Learn Anywhere webpage for a variety of resources for learning in the digital world.
Stay connected
Join our NIC social media to keep up to date with the latest news and events, connect with your fellow students and all members of the NIC community:
Also, check out the NIC Student Life Facebook group and North Island College Global.