Orientation marks the beginning of the academic year for 糖心vlog传媒 every fall.

This September, Orientation returns with a smaller, more focussed event to better support new students as they settle into campus life. In Port Alberni this year, the events take place at two locations.

Date/time: Sept. 4, 9:30-11:30 a.m. (Roger) and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Tebo)

Location: Port Alberni campus, Roger Street (morning) and Tebo Vocational Centre (midday)

Cost: Free

The drop-in events will welcome new and returning students to their studies and to a vibrant, evolving college community. The Office of Student Life organizes Orientation, and this year鈥檚 events will look a little different. Based on student feedback, organizers have restructured the programming to be more focused, less overwhelming and more meaningful.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge transition for them,鈥� says Mez Jiwaji, Associate Director, Student Life & Housing. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e entering a new environment with different expectations. Orientation helps them build confidence, meet staff and see themselves as part of the 糖心vlog传媒community from the start.鈥�

Dual credit students鈥攖hose taking college courses while still in secondary school鈥攁re especially encouraged to attend Orientation.

Orientation 2025 also coincides with two major milestones: the opening of NIC鈥檚 first-ever student housing in Comox Valley and the kickoff of the College鈥檚 50th anniversary. A celebratory atmosphere will be woven throughout Orientation, including refreshments, cookies and music.

鈥淭he start of a term can be overwhelming, especially when students aren鈥檛 sure where to turn,鈥� said Hope Lewis, Student Life & Outreach Liaison. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why Orientation matters鈥攊t connects students to people who care, and to programs like Early Assist that are here to support them early, before small struggles become big ones.鈥�

This year鈥檚 Community Marketplace, which in the past included booths from many community partners and businesses, will be scaled back for NIC鈥檚 own services and support teams to be highlighted in more accessible and compact spaces. This will make it easier for students to engage and get the essentials.

A virtual orientation session, Start Strong: Student Life at NIC, will also be held on Thursday, Aug. 28 from noon to 1 p.m. (PDT). This online session offers an engaging introduction to college life, for students that study digitally and for those who cannot attend in person. The virtual session is also a great option for dual credit students or anyone easing into college life for the first time.

The Office of Global Engagement is also hosting mandatory sessions specifically for new international students on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, Aug. 27, 9 a.m.鈥�1 p.m. (virtual event 鈥� live session)
  • Thursday, Aug. 28,10 a.m.鈥�1:30 p.m. (in-person at the Comox Valley campus)

Further details, including the virtual session link and additional instructions, will be shared directly with international students.

Orientation sets the tone for a busy and exciting September, as classes begin on Tuesday, Sept. 2, and 糖心vlog传媒continues rolling out anniversary activities across the region. More details on the 50th anniversary will be shared soon.

鈥淥rientation is a window into what makes 糖心vlog传媒unique; our deep care for students, our commitment to equity and inclusion, and the strength of the communities we serve. It鈥檚 where students begin their journey, and where we get to show them that they鈥檙e not alone in it,鈥� said Kathleen Kuhnert, Vice President, Students & Community Engagement.

Anyone with questions about Orientation can email orientation@nic.bc.ca.