Graduation and convocation
If you’re on track to finish your program and graduate with your credential, then congratulations — we’re proud of you.
In order to graduate, you’ll need to complete our Application for Credential form and submit it to Student Services, either in-person or by emailing forms@nic.bc.ca.
Congratulations, class of 2026!
Check out the list of award recipients and graduates, or celebrate with us live online via livestream.
Celebrate our gradsAttending your convocation ceremony
Graduating is a big achievement — but convocation is about celebrating all your hard work. It’s also a chance to dress up, grab your grad cap and regalia and enjoy a day of photos, applause and hugs with your supporters.
Learn more about NIC's Convocation traditions here.
Applications for 2026 convocation ceremonies are now closed.
Applying for academic awards
All graduates are eligible to apply for the following awards through myNIC. If you have questions, get in touch with us at registrar@nic.bc.ca
Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation
A medal in the name of the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia is awarded annually to an NIC student. This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding contributions in support of inclusion, democracy and/or reconciliation on campus or in the community. Students must apply for this medal.
Convocation ceremonies
Regalia
NIC graduates wear either a stole or a hood, depending on the credential they have earned. Students graduating from certificate and diploma programs wear a stole, while students graduating with a baccalaureate degree wear an academic hood.
NIC stoles are distinguished by colour to represent the academic area through which the credential was earned. The four stole colours are inspired by NIC’s institutional brand colours:
- Gold and White – Arts, Science, and Management
- Green and White – Health and Human Services
- Blue and White – Trades, Technology, and Continuing Education
- Red and White – Indigenous Education
North Island College offers two distinct baccalaureate hoods. Hood colours are associated with graduate’s field of study.
North Island College Paddle Stand
The North Island College Paddle Stand is crafted from locally sourced fir harvested from K’ómoks First Nation territory, on land where NIC student housing now stands. Designed with a natural and traditional aesthetic, the stand was created to honour and showcase the four ceremonial paddles crafted by local Indigenous artists.
The stand was built by Eric Harden and Mike Androschuk, two journeyperson carpenters and valued members of North Island College’s Trades and Technology team. Positioned at centre stage during Convocation, it holds the ceremonial paddle used to open and close the proceedings, serving as a visible symbol of the journey, connection, and shared traditions that unite the college community.
Ceremonial paddles
Just as a paddle moves a canoe forward with purpose and direction, North Island College’s ceremonial paddles symbolize the journey of learning and the path that graduates will continue beyond convocation.
The four handcrafted paddles were created by Indigenous artists representing the First Nations connected to NIC’s campuses in Port Alberni, Campbell River, Comox Valley, and Port Hardy. Each paddle reflects the unique traditions, stories, and artistic expressions of the Nation it represents, while together they embody shared values of strength, resilience, empowerment, and growth—qualities that are also reflected in NIC graduates.
North Island College gratefully acknowledges the artists whose cultural knowledge, creativity, and craftsmanship brought these paddles to life:
- K’ómoks First Nation, Karver Everson
- Kwagu’l First Nation, Mervyn Child
- Tseshaht First Nation, Gord Dick
- Wei Wai Kum First Nation, William Henderson Jr.