NIC @ Home Student Newsletter - Feb. 1

Published on Feb 1, 2021

Hello NIC students! We have hit February and apparently winter finally decided to show up with the snow last week – we hope you enjoyed some study breaks outside and had some fun in the snow.

Did you know February is Black History Month? We are also kicking off this month with Healthy Relationships Week from Mon, Feb 8 – 12th. See below for more details!

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

  • Fri, Feb. 12, 2021: Last day to register in ABE continuous entry/exit
  • Fri, Feb. 12, 2021: Last day to register for flexible distance courses
  • Mon, Feb. 15, 2021: Family Day – College Closed
  • Tues, Feb. 16 – Fri, Feb. 19: Winter Reading Break
  • Thurs, Feb. 18, 2021: Winter exam schedule posted
  • Fri, Feb. 26, 2021: Last day to withdraw without academic penalty

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • February is Black History Month and the NIC Library & Learning Commons has created an online guide to provide the NIC community with the opportunity to explore and learn more about a variety of issues related to Black history in Canada. The guide includes a curated collection of print and ebooks, streaming videos, and online resources. You can also visit the Campbell River and Port Alberni campuses to view our Black History Month book displays.  
  • On Feb 11th take part in the annual Moose Hide Campaign Day and together, in solidarity, we show our commitment to ending violence against women and children. Due to COVID this year's event will be held virtually. On the day you can attend a virtual ceremony, hear from Elders and keynote speakers, and attend workshops.
  • Feb. 8 -12 is Healthy Relationships Week at NIC! During the week, Student Life and members of the college community will be offering a series of virtual events for students to promote healthy relationships

To see the full schedule of events, and learn how to register for workshops, visit the event webpage.

  • To mark NIC’s Health Relationships Week, the NIC Library & Learning Commons are inviting you on a Blind Date with a Book! Answer a few questions about your likes and dislikes. Are you looking for adventure? Does a romance make you swoon?

Visit library.nic.bc.ca/blinddate and we’ll put together your perfect match that’s yours to unwrap when you get home. You can order your book bundle now and pick it up the week of Feb. 8 – 12.

  • NIC welcomes artist Sonny Assu for the next Artist Talk on Tuesday, Feb 9 at 7 pm. Sonny Assu is an interdisciplinary artist whose diverse practice is informed by Kwakwaka’wakw and Western principles of art making. His work is often autobiographical and explores his family's history as a way to shed light on Canada's treatment of the First People.

For the full schedule and link to attend the Artist Talk Online Series, visit https://nicart.tickit.ca/

  • NIC Library and Learning Commons are offering various workshops on citation and writing throughout February - perfect for preparing your first writing assignments!

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

  • Zoom Noon Yoga is back! North Island Students’ Union hosts yoga every Friday at noon, with instructor Suzanne Jolly. Take a bit of time to take care of yourself. To access the link, download the NISU app or visit  ca/onelink. 
  • NISU has launched its’ new Virtual Makers Space! Every Tuesday night from 5 – 7 pm join NISU as they get crafty – bring any project you’re currently working on and chat with other crafty folks. For a link to the Zoom meeting visit 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. A brave space is respectful place to come together to have healthy yet challenging dialogue around important issues facing students and global citizens today, so we can gain a better understanding of each other’s perspective and learn from each other.

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

We are also looking for students to join the discussion panel for the Brave Spaces chat on Climate Change on March. 25th from 12 – 1:30 pm If you are interested, please email studentlife@nic.bc.ca

UPCOMING IN THE COMMUNITY

  • Join students across BC universities and colleges at the Sweater Dance for Climate Change! The Sustainability Office at Thompson Rivers University is hosting a virtual living-room dance part to support climate change on Friday, Feb 5th from 9 – 10:30 pm. During the dance, please turn down your thermostat (0.5 – 2 degrees) and put on a sweater to stay warm (or dance it up)!

Register by Feb 1st at midnight, email sustain@tru.ca and put in subject line “Sweater Dance”. To join, you need an official email domain from your university, institution or college (your NIC student email). You’ll receive a link to the dance event with all details by midnight on February 3.

  • The Vancouver Island Regional Library is pleased to announce that they have added the test prep and study database SOLARO to their eResource collection. Students can access SOLARO with their Vancouver Island Regional Library card by heading to: https://libraries.solaro.com/VIRL. They are then given a randomized username and password that can be entered into the SOLARO app for Android or iOS. SOLARO will be featured under the Kids and Home Learning section on virl.bc.ca.

ONGOING SUPPORTS AND SERVICES

  • Emergency Assistance Funds - sometimes emergencies happen that are outside a student’s control or the best advance planning. NIC may be able to provide financial support in the form of bursaries to students dealing with emergencies, particularly those that would prevent students from completing their studies.  Funding support may be available to help with books, transportation, childcare, supplies, groceries or other essentials.  Contact a Financial Aid Advisor to find out more.  Book online here.  
  • 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. Would you like a Student Planner? Available by mail, connect with your Students’ Union at theoffice@nisu.ca to learn more. 
  • 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? Email advising@nic.bc.caand an advisor will get back to you asap. Be sure to leave your student number, email and phone number with your request.
  • The Library & Learning Commons open for students to pick up holds and laptops, book study rooms, use the computers, and print. Visit nic.bc.ca/AboutUs/Hours/ to find out what hours your library is open. Research and Writing support is available online every day. Find out more at library.nic.bc.ca. 
  • 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.

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 Notes - practicing gratitude in our daily lives is a great way to help manage stress, be present, and find joy! Expressing gratitude for others is not only a great way to improve your happiness but that of others. Take a few min and write a note of gratitude for someone in your life and leave it somewhere they will find throughout their day. You can also write notes to your self and put them throughout your planner so you get reminders throughout the semester!

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 authentic 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. We would then share your story on NIC's Facebook and Instagram pages. If you have any questions or are interested in participating, please send us an email at studentlife@nic.bc.ca.

WEEKLY WELLNESS

  • 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's Counselling page. 
  • We encourage you to join our NIC Student Life Facebook groupto 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 and tag NIC on Facebook and Instagram or send us an email at studentlife@nic.bc.ca and we will share on your behalf. #WeAreNICe #Thrive #NICatHome

5 Tips to Self-Love

  1. Start each day by telling yourself something really positive. How well you handled a situation, how lovely you look today. Anything that will make you smile.
  1. Take time out to calm your mind daily. Breathe in and out, clear your mind and just be – try listening to a free guided meditation online.
  1. Nourish your body. Fill your body with food and drink that helps you thrive!
  1. Do something you’re good at. Self-esteem and self-love often go hand in hand and participating in a hobby you're good at will not only boost your endorphins but will bring out the best version of you. If you love to cook, then cook! If you love to run, then grab those sneakers, head outside, and run.
  1. Try a gratitude body scan. Starting at the top of your head, working your way down express gratitude for each body part. Ex) I am grateful for my brain and its ability to communicate with my body. I am grateful for my eyes for letting me see beautiful landscapes. I am grateful for my lungs for letting me breathe in the fresh ocean air.

 

“You are imperfect, but you are worthy of love and belonging.”

 – Brené Brown

 

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.