North Island College (NIC) recognizes that mental health and well-being are core components of success for both individuals and communities.
Launched in May 2022, the Care2 Plan: Student Mental Health and Well-Being at NIC is a snapshot of who and where we are at this moment and our aspirations for the next five years.
Guiding Principles
CARE AND COMPASSION
Care and compassion are central to this plan. Student supports, services, kindness and interpersonal connections influence academic and personal success.
EDUCATION
Education is at NIC’s core. We believe that NIC has the opportunity and responsibility to provide learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, and to create supportive learning environments in which students can thrive.
ENGAGEMENT/CONNECTION
Social connection and engagement are fundamental human needs and contribute significantly to mental health and well-being.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Addressing diversity, equity and inclusion is essential to the health and well-being of our college community. This includes awareness and consideration of the historical, social and cultural factors that impact mental health and well-being.
RESILIENCE AND CAPACITY-BUILDING
In addition to providing supports for those in distress, developing resiliency, coping skills and the ability to self-advocate are all vital to on-going, life-long health and well-being.
A Strength-Based Approach
The CARE2 Plan takes a strength-based approach to supporting student mental health and well-being. Historically, health and well-being support has taken a deficit-based approach; when a person is unwell, we treat them. In recent years there has been a move towards a strength-based approach, focused on enhancing personal resilience and agency. This means that in addition to providing supports for students in distress or crisis, NIC recognizes the importance of resilience, capacity-building and self-advocacy as vital tools for developing and sustaining mental health and well-being.
Student Supports
CARE Initiatives
CARE Grants
CARE Grants provide funding for initiatives at each of NIC’s four main campuses. Since 2022, over $10,000 have been awarded to NIC faculty and staff to support innovative projects on each of the four main campuses.
Thrive at NIC
Thrive Events are held each year across all NIC Campuses. The goal of Thrive is to celebrate community, encourage self-care and promote mental health literacy. We also have a Thrive at NIC webpage for students to explore resources and events to help them thrive at NIC.
Early Assist
At NIC we know that the earlier a student gets connected with appropriate supports, the better chance they have to sustain and improve their academic success and overall well-being. Early Assist is a one-stop-shop for all types of supports – personal or academic.
Okanagan Charter
As a demonstration of NIC’s commitment to promoting and enhancing mental health and well-being, in July 2020, NIC formally adopted the Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting Universities and Colleges. The charter has two calls to action:
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Embed human and environmental well-being into campus administration, culture, academics and operations
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Lead human and environmental well-being promotion action locally and globally
