IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
- Wednesday, Dec. 15 - Virtual Peer Drop-in session for new and returning students
- Wednesday, Dec. 22- Virtual Peer drop-in session for new and returning students
- Monday, Dec. 27 – Monday, Jan. 3: Winter Break - College Closed
- Tuesday, Jan. 4 - First day of classes for some Trades Programs
- Wednesday, Jan. 5 – Friday, Jan. 7: Winter 2022 Orientation
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Virtual Peer Drop-in Sessions. Join the Peer Drop-ins on Dec.15, and 22 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm (PT). It's a great opportunity to meet other NIC students and to learn tips and tricks from fellow NIC students. To learn more, visit Winter 2022 Orientation page. To register send an email to Studentlife@nic.bc.ca.
- Winter Orientation 2022. To welcome our new and returning students in January 2022. We have launched the Winter 2022 Orientation page – check it out for more information about the winter orientation events and activities.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
- 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 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. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Evans (jennifer.evans@nic.bc.ca).
- *NEW* Study Abroad Scholarships & Virtual Exchange Opportunities for NIC Students. NIC has successfully secured funding for study abroad scholarships totalling more than $500,000 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 $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. 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!
IN OUR COMMUNITIES
- Heritage Air Park Christmas lights. Decorations on 19 Wing CFB Comox’s Heritage Air Park airplanes and the light show will be running until Dec. 31 (closed from Dec. 24 to 26) and is featuring multiple different planes with elaborate decorations. The Military Wives Choir will also be singing some Christmas carols at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 18. To learn more visit, https://comoxairforcemuseum.ca/christmas-lights-2021/
- COVID-19 Vaccination. The BC Government is encouraging all who are eligible to register for their COVID-19 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.
NIC SUPPORTS & SERVICES UPDATES
- Library & Learning Commons. The Library & Learning Commons is open until Dec. 24 for quiet study, computer and printing services, study rooms, or lending services for books. Visit https://library.nic.bc.ca/AboutUs/Hours/ for updated hours.
- NIC Bookstores. NIC bookstores will be open for extended hours in January. 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 regular hours of operation.
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.
“Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
– Albert Einstein
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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