Orientation marks the beginning of the academic year for North Island College every fall.

This September, Orientation returns with a smaller, more focussed event to better support new students as they settle into campus life. It takes place the first week of classes.

Date/time: Sept. 3, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Location: Campbell River campus, Student Commons

Cost: Free

The drop-in events will welcome new and returning students to their studies and to a vibrant, evolving college community. The Office of Student Life organizes Orientation, and this year’s events will look a little different. Based on student feedback, organizers have restructured the programming to be more focused, less overwhelming and more meaningful.

“It’s a huge transition for them,” says Mez Jiwaji, Associate Director, Student Life & Housing. “They’re entering with different expectations. Orientation helps them build confidence, meet staff and see themselves as part of the NIC community from the start.”

Dual credit students—those taking college courses while still in secondary school—are especially encouraged to attend Orientation.

Orientation 2025 also coincides with two major milestones: the opening of NIC’s first-ever student housing in Comox Valley and the kickoff of the College’s 50th anniversary. A celebratory atmosphere will be woven throughout Orientation, including refreshments, cookies and music.

This year’s Community Marketplace, which in the past included booths from many community partners and businesses, will be scaled back for NIC’s own services and support teams to be highlighted in more accessible and compact spaces. This will make it easier for students to engage and get the essentials, such as information on initiatives like Building Healthy Trades.

“When we talk about trades, we’re not just talking about tools and technique—we’re talking about people,” said Sierra Gale, Healthy Trades Liaison. “Orientation is a great time to remind students that their safety, health and well-being are part of what it means to be successful in a trade. That support starts from day one.”

A virtual orientation session, Start Strong: Student Life at NIC, will also be held on Thursday, Aug. 28 from noon to 1 p.m. (PDT). This online session offers an engaging introduction to college life, for students that study digitally and for those who cannot attend in person. The virtual session is also a great option for dual credit students or anyone easing into college life for the first time.

The Office of Global Engagement is also hosting mandatory sessions specifically for new international students on the following dates:

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (virtual event – live session)
Thursday, Aug. 28,10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (in-person at the Comox Valley campus)
Further details, including the virtual session link and additional instructions, will be shared directly with international students.

Orientation sets the tone for a busy and exciting September, as classes begin on Tuesday, Sept. 2, and NIC continues rolling out anniversary activities across the region. More details on the 50th anniversary will be shared soon.

“Orientation is a window into what makes NIC unique: our deep care for students, our commitment to equity and inclusion and the strength of the communities we serve. It’s where students begin their journey, and where we get to show them that they’re not alone in it,” said Kathleen Kuhnert, Vice President, Students & Community Engagement.

Anyone with questions about Orientation can email orientation@nic.bc.ca.