Welcome to NIC! We are committed to providing you with a quality orientation experience to prepare you for the start of your studies at NIC. Whether you are a new student directly out of high school, a mature student returning to school after an extended absence, or a current NIC student wanting to better prepare yourself for another term, you will be provided opportunities to prepare you for a successful term.
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.
Orientation Overview
NIC’s Orientation program, Let's ConNICt, has been designed to prepare all students for the start or continuation of your studies. Whether your program/courses are being offered in person, digitally, or a combination of both, NIC’s Let's ConNICt Orientation will prepare you for the start of the term.
Let’s ConNICt consists of live virtual sessions, pre-recorded videos, and when safety protocols permit, in-person activities.
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Health & Safety
The safety of students, employees and visitors is a priority at NIC. NIC is committed to following the Public Health Orders issued by the province of British Columbia, and measures will be in place to ensure everyone’s safety. Please visit our COVID-19 Safety webpage for more information.
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Personal Supports
NIC offers many personal supports to assist you with any number of struggles you may encounter. Visit Student Life and Support Services for a list of personal and academic supports.
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Consent and Sexualized Violence Support
North Island College (NIC) is committed to providing all members of the college community with a safe and secure environment free from all forms of sexualized violence. NIC will ensure that survivors and those impacted by sexualized violence are supported when addressing any Disclosures or Reports under the Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response policy.
Examples of Everyday Consent
- respecting boundaries of your friends, colleagues, classmates, and partners
- respecting someone’s privacy and asking before sharing personal information
- asking to take or share a photo of someone other than yourself
- asking for clarification if you are unsure something should be done
Consent in an Online World
- all instructors must notify students that their lecture is being recorded before the beginning of class
- respecting someone’s preferred means of communication is a form of consent. Example, emailing instead of instant messaging
- sending unsolicited photos or videos without consent is a form of harassment
- sharing received personal photos or videos without consent is a form of harassment
- continuing to message someone when they are not returning your messages is a form of harassment
Learn more about:
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Indigenous Supports
NIC offers a variety of supports to assist Indigenous students on their college journey, including Elders in Residence, Indigenous Navigators, and the Aboriginal Scholars program. Visit https://www.nic.bc.ca/indigenous-students/ for more information.
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Healthy Relationships
Establishing and maintaining healthy relationships is an important part of college life, as well as life in general. The following videos will provide some tips and strategies on how to look after your own needs, as well as how to maintain good relations with instructors and substances.
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Yourself
- Your Instructor
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Drugs and alcohol
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Supports for Success Live Virtual Session
Join us for a live virtual session on Monday, April 25, 2022 from 12-1 pm. Learn all 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! Can’t make this session? No worries, this session will be recorded and placed here afterwards! Email studentlife@nic.bc.ca to register.
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Academic Integrity
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.
- Advising
Educational advisors can help you create an educational plan based on your specific education and career goals. Advisors have information about educational requirements for different college programs, courses, certificates, diplomas, and degrees. They are here to help you investigate programs and courses, explore financial aid options, make a university transfer plan, fill out applications and more. Visit our Advising website for more information and to book an appointment.
- Rights & Responsibilities
NIC is committed to fostering a culture of integrity, mutual respect, and responsible behaviours. When you become part of the NIC community, you can expect a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment. With that right – also come responsibilities – from being ready for learning to conducting yourself in a respectful and considerate manner. Visit our Rights and Responsibilities webpage for information on your rights and responsibilities, as well as information on NIC policies and procedures. It is also your responsibility to know the Key Dates of the Academic and Schedules and Deadlines.
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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.
- Learn Anywhere
Are all or some of your courses being offered digitally? If so, we encourage you to visit our Learn Anywhere website for a variety of resources to help you be successful in a digital learning environment.
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Navigating NIC’s Digital Learning Platforms Live Virtual Session
Join us for a live virtual session on Tuesday, April 26 from 12-1 pm. Learn how to access and navigate various learning platforms including myNIC, NIC email, Blackboard and more! Please email studentlife@nic.bc.ca to register. Can’t make this session? No worries, this session will be recorded.
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Supports for Success Live Virtual Session
Join us for a live virtual session on Monday, April 25, 2022 from 12-1 pm. Learn all 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! Can’t make this session? No worries, this session will be recorded and placed here afterwards! Email studentlife@nic.bc.ca to register.
- Student Engagement Opportunities
There are numerous opportunities for students to become involved at NIC. We encourage you to read the weekly Student Life Newsletter that is sent to your NIC email every Monday as it contains a wealth of information, including details on latest events and activities. We also encourage you to join the NIC Student Life Facebook group and follow the NIC Student Life Instagram account.
We are planning some wonderful events and activities for the upcoming term, including:
- Thrive Month (a month-long series of events and activities to promote positive mental health)
- Brave Spaces (a series of panel discussions on important societal issues)
- On-campus activities (movie nights, trivia, scavenger hunts, etc.)
Visit the Student Life website for more details on how to become involved.
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Student Leadership Team
Build your leadership skills through a series of workshops, volunteer opportunities and social activities. Email studentlife@nic.bc.ca for more details.
- North Island Students’ Union
As a student at NIC, you are a member of the North Island Students’ Union (NISU) and entitled to all the benefits of that membership! The Students’ Union offers services to support members while advocating for high quality, affordable, and accessible post-secondary education. Your Students’ Union also facilitate campus life events, continually working to make your time at NIC as rewarding as possible. For additional information, including health & dental plan details, visit http://nisu.ca/.
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Student Employment Services
NIC students can access a wide range of employment services and opportunities, both during college and after graduation. Our student employment services staff can help you with all things career-related including resume writing and interview skills. We can connect you with businesses and organizations that are seeking new employees and share tips on how to secure your dream job. Visit https://www.nic.bc.ca/student-life-support-services/student-employment-services/ for more information.
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Community Resources
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:
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Join our Live Virtual Peer Drop-in Sessions!
Join us on May 4, 2022 from 4-5:30 pm and 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! Email studentlife@nic.bc.ca to register.
Live Virtual Sessions
Here is a list of all the live virtual sessions that are part of our Let’s ConNICt Orientation. Can’t make this session? No worries, this session will be recorded and placed here afterwards! Email studentlife@nic.bc.ca to register. Please make sure you indicate which sessions you would like to attend, and if you are registering for the program introduction session, please let us know your program.
Date
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Time
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Title
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Description
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Category?
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Mon, Apr 25
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12pm – 1pm PT
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Supports for Success
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Learn about all the personal and academic supports available to you as an NIC student, including Counselling, Library & Learning Commons, Department of Accessible Learning Services, Financial Aid, Advising and more!
Email studentlife@nic.bc.ca to register.
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Getting Ready for Class / Health & Wellbeing
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Tue, Apr 26
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12pm – 1pm PT
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Navigating NIC’s Digital Learning Platforms
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Learn how to access and navigate various learning platforms including myNIC, NIC email, Blackboard and more!
Email studentlife@nic.bc.ca to register.
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Getting Ready for Class
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Wed, Apr 27
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4pm-5:30pm PT
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Virtual Peer Drop-In Session
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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!
Email studentlife@nic.bc.ca to register.
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How to Get Involved
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Thu, Apr 28
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12pm – 1:30pm PT
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Welcome to NIC & the North Island Students’ Union
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Join us for a fun and engaging session to welcome you to the NIC community and the North Island Students’ Union. 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, learn about NISU and health & dental plans, have a chance to win fabulous prizes, and more!
Email studentlife@nic.bc.ca to register.
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Welcome / How to Get Involved
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Wed, May 4
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4pm – 5:30pm PT
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Virtual Peer Drop-In Session
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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!
Email studentlife@nic.bc.ca to register.
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How to Get Involved
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Stay Connected
Each Monday, students will review the Student Life newsletter which outlines important upcoming dates, events and opportunities for students! Check your NIC email.
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:
International Student Resources
International students can also find more resources on our New International Student Orientation page.