IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
- 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
- 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
- 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. Learn more about Black History month in Canada.
- NIC Library and Learning Commons offers various workshops to support your learning. This week you can attend citation and comma usage workshops through BlueJeans. To see the full schedule and to register, please visit https://library.nic.bc.ca/home.
- Connect with NISU. 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. Zoom Noon Yoga is also back every Friday at noon! To access the link for Makers Space or Yoa, download the NISU app or visit ca/onelink.
- Leadership Speaker Event – Student Life is thrilled to announce that on Thursday, March 18th from 2 – 3 pm NIC will be welcoming speaker Kwame Osei for a virtual presentation titled “The Power of Choice”. In this presentation, Kwame outlines how the decisions in his life no matter how substantial or minuscule they may have seemed be at the time ultimately played a role in determining his destiny. Kwame shares stories from his life to drive home this message. The decisions we make accumulate over time whether it means simply choosing to be positive in the face of adversity or embracing diversity and inclusion, the bottom line is we all have a choice. To register for this event email studentlife@nic.bc.ca
UPCOMING IN THE COMMUNITY
- 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.
- The Comox Valley Regional District is working to develop a regional Active Transportation Network Plan and would like to hear from those of you living in the Comox Valley! Active transportation has many advantages over vehicle travel—such as improved health, lesser environmental footprint, greater affordability, and social benefits on both a personal and community level. It can take many forms and is continually evolving as new technologies emerge.
You are invited to complete the online survey and mapping exercise. Want to talk to the project team? Register for one of the upcoming virtual open houses. All project and engagement information can be found here: https://connectcvrd.ca/activetransportation.
ONGOING SUPPORTS AND SERVICES
- NIC Bookstore Update – The Comox Valley Campus Bookstore is open from 10 am – 2 pm Monday through Friday for students. The store is now set up to allow for everyone to line up inside Tyee out of the rain where you can view some of the great merchandise and supplies the bookstore has available – including those cozy NIC hoodies!
- 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 an appointment online.
- 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.ca and an advisor will get back to you asap. Be sure to leave your student number, email and phone number with your request.
- NIC Library & Learning Commons is 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 supports are available online every day. Find out more at library.nic.bc.ca.
- Book a Peer Tutor through the Library & Learning Commons! Tutors are available for Nursing, Business, English, Math, Science, Digital Design, Psychology, Spanish & study skills. Book your Peer Tutor online now!
- 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.
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.
- Gratitude Walk - practicing gratitude in our daily lives is a great way to help manage stress, be present, and find joy! Take a study break and go for a quick walk – even 5 to 10 min. While you are walking, try to be present and observe everything around you (sights, sounds, smells, textures). In your mind express gratitude for what you are witnessing as well as anything else you are grateful for. Ex) I feel the rain hitting my jacket, I am grateful for rain as it keeps the island green and lush.
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 Counsellingis 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.
- NIC Student Life Facebook Group & Instagram– join nowto 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.' Share on social how your’re taking care of yourself 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.
- 10 Min with Mother Nature. Each day this week, challenge your self to get outside at least once a day, even if its just for 10 min! It is a great study break and important for your well-being to have some screen-free time. Maybe for a quick walk, or simply sit outside on those sunny days and just be.
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order
– John Barroughs
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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