NIC @ Home Student Newsletter - Jan. 25

Published on Jan 25, 2021

Hello NIC students! With the start of the term well underway we encourage you to be mindful of your self care as schedules get busy. Check below for upcoming events to help stay connected to your community and ongoing supports.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • NIC’s Artist Talk is returning for the winter 2021 season with a new, virtual format. The series kicks off with artist, writer and arts educator Jim Holyoak, who will speak Monday, Jan. 25 at 6 pm. His practice is comprised of drawing, ink-painting, artists’ books and room-sized drawing installations.

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

  • 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.

  • 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 nisu.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.

UPCOMING IN THE COMMUNITY

  • Bell Let’s Talk Day is Thursday, Jan. 28th – join the world’s largest mental health conversation. On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell will donate more towards mental health initiatives in Canada by contributing 5¢ for every applicable text, call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, social media video view and use of their Facebook frame or Snapchat filter. You can also access the Bell Let’s Talk Toolkit for resources and information. 

  • The Vancouver Island Regional Library is hosting Indigenous relations expert and bestselling author Bob Joseph for a virtual talk about his book 21 Things you may not Know About the Indian Act on Thursday, Jan. 28th from 2 – 3:30 pm. Bob Joseph is a member of the Gwawa’enuxw Nation, Gayaxala (Thunderbird) clan.

For more information and to register visit: https://virl.bc.ca/

  • 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 is open Mon-Fri from 8 am to 4pm. You can access printing, borrow books, videos and laptops and even book study spaces! Student Technical Services is also available to support your digital learning. To learn more, visit https://library.nic.bc.ca/home 

  • 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

  • How To Motivate Yourself – 4 Tips
  1. Create a Positive Environment: Blast some upbeat tunes and move your body or light a candle to create a positive vibe to help kick start the day.
  1. Celebrate Your Small Wins: Take time in your day to celebrate small successes. Maybe have a cuddle with your pup, make a fresh cup of coffee, or go for a walk after reading that article or completing that task.
  1. Go for Five: Start working for five minutes. Often that little push will be enough to get you going.
  1. Get a Partner: Find someone to work with who will help you get going when you’re feeling lazy!

 

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain

 

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.