NIC @ Home Student Newsletter - Jan. 18

Published on Jan 18, 2021

Hello NIC students! We hope you had a good first week back and are settling into your classes. If you missed the Winter Orientation sessions last week, don't fret you can still access the session recordings on the Virtual Winter Orientation web page!

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

  • Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021:Last day to opt-out of NISU Health & Dental Benefits for Winter term.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • NIC Library and Learning Commons are conducting various workshops, including APA and MLA style citation and several writing workshops in the upcoming weeks - perfect for preparing your first writing assignments!

  To register, please visit https://library.nic.bc.ca/home.

  • NIC Student Technical Servicesare available on Monday-Thursday from 8 am to 6 pm, Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Student Technical team has also scheduled virtual drop-in hours from Monday to Saturday for the month of January. To learn about the drop-in times and how to contact the team, please visit https://library.nic.bc.ca/studenttech.
  • North Island Students' Unionis back with Virtual Office Hours. This is an opportunity to ask questions, receive swag, and build connections. To access the link, download the NISU app.
  • North Island Students' Unionis offering Weekly Zoom Yoga on Fridays starting Jan. 15. To access the link, download the NISU app.
  • Student Life is continuing the Brave Spaces sessions from the fall and will be exploring the existence of racism and white privilege through a panelist talk on Thursday, Feb. 25 from 12 - 1:30 pm.   

Email studentlife@nic.bc.ca for a meeting link to join the discussion.

What is a Brave Space?

A brave space is a place to come together to have healthy yet challenging dialogue around important issues facing students and global citizens today A brave space is a place for the respectful sharing of thoughts so we can all gain a better understanding of each other’s perspectives, encourage critical thinking, and to learn from each other.

UPCOMING IN THE COMMUNITY

  • YM/YWCA and Comox Valley Family Services are facilitating Y-Mind (a mental wellness group for youth aged 18-30 experiencing anxiety) starting February. The sessions will run for 7 weeks on Wednesdays from Feb. 3 – March 17, from 4:30-7 pm and will be held in small in-person groups or online.

Anyone who is experiencing mild to moderate anxiety may benefit from these group sessions. If you are interested in this group, the first step is to attend an information session which will be held through Zoom.

Wednesday, Jan. 20 at 4:30 pm

Registration forms and additional information can be accessed at https://www.comoxvalleyfamilyservices.com/ 

 

ONGOING SUPPORTS AND SERVICES

  • NIC Student Technical Services are available on Monday-Thursday from 8 am to 6 pm, Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Student Technical team has also scheduled virtual drop-in hours from Monday to Saturday for the month of January. To learn about the drop-in times and how to contact the team, please visit https://library.nic.bc.ca/studenttech.
  • North Island Students' Union is back with Virtual Office Hours. This is an opportunity to ask questions, receive swag, and build connections. To access the link, download the NISU app.
  • Student photo ID card: To get your ID, you will need to email,from your North Island College email address, a jpeg headshot between 10-2500 KB and a clear copy of another photo ID (driver’s licence, passport, BC ID, etc) to photoid@nic.bc.ca. Once student services have received your jpeg headshot, they will produce your ID card and mail it to the current address on your NIC student record. If you have moved and not updated your address, you must do so or the card will be sent to the wrong address.
  • Have a quick question? Need an answer from educational advising at term start? Email advising@nic.bc.ca and an advisor will get back to you asap. Be sure to leave your student number, email and phone number with your request.
  • Printing/Computer Bookings/Study Spaces/ Borrowing Books, Videos, and Laptops are available at the Library

Computer and Study spaces are available at the Library & Learning Commons from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Click HERE to book your spot or call your campus library. (Access the library directory for the phone number). Printing and scanning is available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Printing is $0.10 for black and white printing and $0.20 for colour. Scanning is free. Access to the printer is available by booking a computer space online or phoning your campus Library & Learning Commons.

For more information about your printing account, visit Student Tech Services.

Bring an Elder or a support person: The NIC Library & Learning Commons invites you to bring an Elder or other support member to your Research, Writing and Math Support sessions. Let the Library know when booking your appointment if you wish to bring someone with you.

  • Learn Anywhere 

NIC’s Learn Anywhere website is geared to provide a collection of information that will help you to be a successful digital learner by covering topics such as: What is digital learning? and How can I use NIC-supported technologies during your studies?

Students can also access a list of key skills and knowledge all students should have for successful learning in today’s world, knowing your rights and responsibilities and Technology Readiness Checklists. More details can be found at https://learnanywhere.opened.ca/.

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, please email studentlife@nic.bc.ca with their name and the reason for your nomination. We will send the nominee a thank you card on your behalf including your comment(s). Please note – you will remain anonymous.
  • Gratitude Journal - practicing gratitude in our daily lives is a great way to help manage stress, be present, and find joy! Try writing 3 things down daily that you are grateful for - they can be big, small, or simple.  You can even put this down in your NISU planner, personal journal, or express daily gratitude with your loved ones.

STUDENTS OF NIC CAMPAIGN

  • Do you or does a friend have a story worth sharing with others about their journey to North Island College?We would like to invite you to participate in our Students of NIC Campaign. Examples of previous students who have participated can be accessed here.
  • The purpose of this campaign is to share stories of students and their journey to NIC in their own words. Normally, we would do this with an interview, which can be set up through BlueJeans. Another option would be for you to write your story out and send it to us via email at studentlife@nic.bc.ca.  The story is intended to be raw and authentic, so we do not do much editing.
  • We would then share your story on NIC's Facebook and Instagram pages. Let us know if you are interested and send us an email with your story or requesting an interview through phone or BlueJeans. If you have any questions, please send us an email at studentlife@nic.bc.ca.

WEEKLY WELLNESS

  • As the new term starts we often feel a mix of emotions ranging from excitement to anxiety. You may be starting classes and feeling overwhelmed about upcoming work and managing all assignments. Below are some ways to help plan out your semester and reduce your academic stressors!
    • Connect with NIC Counselling services and get tips on study strategies
    • Write down all your assignments for the term in a physical calendar - you can put due dates on the monthly view to map out when you may be busier and make a plan for completing assignments on time. NISU provides free planners to NIC students!
    • Connect with your Library & Learning Commons - there are tons of workshops and tutoring options to support your learning! Engage with these supports early to get comfortable and familiar with the services.
  • NIC Counselling is available to all NIC students! You can find information on NIC's counselling services, along with links to community supports, including 24-hour crisis lines, on NIC'sCounselling page.
  • We encourage you to join ourNIC Student Life Facebook group to connect with us, share your views and stay updated on events and information on student life at NIC. Go to the NIC Facebook page and click on 'Groups.'
  • Tell us how you are taking care of yourself at home. Share on social media and tag NIC onFacebook and Instagram OR send us an email at studentlife@nic.bc.ca and we will share on your behalf. #WeAreNICe #Thrive #NICatHome
  • Setting Intentions can be a great way to support your wellbeing. Now you might wonder, what is the difference between a goal and an intention? Goals tend to be focused on the future and on a specific achievement while intentions are in the present moment, are lived each day and are more focused on your relationship with yourself and others.
  1. Write down an intention for this day, week, term or even year.
  2. Next, write down 3 things that you can do that will support your intention - think about specific actions that you can take.
  3. Place this note somewhere you will see often, just as in your planner, mirror, fridge, or laptop.

    ex) This term I intend to "Live Well" daily by…
  • Being active through joyful movement
  • Meditating or having tech free time
  • Getting outside and experience mother nature

You are STRONG, SMART and you GOT THIS!

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

If you wish to respond or have any questions, please click here.