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
- It’s Healthy Relationships Week at NIC! During the week Feb. 8 - 12. There are various activities for you to participate in including workshops on healthy relationships with yourself & others led by the NIC Counselling team and our third year Bachelor of Science in Nursing students are hosting a session on how to navigate hard conversations with instructors. There will also be resources available for you to review and to wrap the week we will be hosting a Virtual Valentine Baking session and making some cookies. Learn more about the week’s schedule of events and to register.
- Moose Hide Campaign Day – Feb.11. Moose Hide Campaign Day is an annual event 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.
- 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.
- Artist Talk – Sonny Assu – Feb. 9th. 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. See the full Artist Talk schedule and register here.
- NIC Library and Learning Commons offers various workshops to support your learning. This week you can attend the Comma Usage Workshop on Tues, Feb. 9 at 7 pm through BlueJeans. 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 theNISU app or visit ca/onelink.
- 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.
- 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 support is 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 you’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
- Self-Appreciation. Self-appreciationis about turning the kindness you give to others inwards. Instead of blaming yourself for making mistakes or forget to do things, self-appreciation is about saying “thank you” to yourself for all the things you have done but taken for granted. Take a pause in your day and think back to something that you’ve done, something good that makes you feel proud. Tell yourself out loud. You may be surprised at how impactful it can be. If you bottle up your successes and don’t allow yourself a moment of joy, you will be less motivated to do great work in the future. Self-appreciation isn’t about ego – its about acknowledgment and expressing gratitude for yourself.
“To fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness.”
– Robert Morley
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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