North Island Students' Union

06/02/2026

Living off-campus? Don't let a bad landlord ruin your semester! 🛑🏠

Finding a place to live can be stressful, but knowing your rights under the BC Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) gives you the upper hand. The Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) outlines the exact laws that protect you, and we’ve broken down the biggest ones you need to look out for:

1️⃣ The Deposit Cap: Your landlord can NEVER demand more than half of one month's rent for a security deposit. Period. If they ask for "first and last month's rent" upfront, that is illegal in BC!❌💰

2️⃣ Sudden Rent Spikes: Landlords can only raise your rent once a year, they must give you 3 months' notice on an official form, and the percentage must stay within the legal limit set by the BC government. 📈

3️⃣ Surprise Visits: Your rental is your home. A landlord cannot just drop by or show up unannounced. They must provide a minimum of 24 hours written notice detailing the time and reason for entering. 🔑🛡️

4️⃣ Essential Repairs: If your heat cuts out, the pipes leak, or the locks break, it is your landlord's legal obligation to fix it safely and promptly. Keep all your requests in writing! 🛠️📱

💡 Pro Tip: TRAC offers a free online course called Renting It Right to help you ace your tenancy, plus template letters you can use if you ever have a dispute with your landlord.

Check out tenants.bc.ca for deep-dive resources, or reach out to us at NISU if you need a hand navigating campus housing questions! 🤝✨

06/01/2026

June: Exams, Deadlines, and Success! ☀️

The summer season is heating up, and so are the academic deadlines! June is a pivotal month for both our Intersession students finishing up their courses and our full Spring term students looking ahead to August.

Swipe through to stay informed on:
✍️ When to check the Spring term (May-Aug) exam schedule.
🏁 The final day of classes and exam dates for Spring Intersession.
🛑 The final withdrawal deadline for full Spring term classes.
📲 How to join the NISU Discord for community support.

We are rooting for you as you tackle those intersession finals! Don't forget to use the resources available to you and reach out if you need support. 🎓

What’s your favorite way to de-stress after a long day of studying? Share it in the comments! 👇

05/28/2026

Check out Seaweed Cinema next week!

North Island College’s Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation (CARTI) researchers are inviting the community to dive into the fascinating world of seaweed at a special Seaweed Film Night on June 3 at the Tidemark Theatre, presented as part of Ocean Week Campbell River.

This engaging evening will feature a curated lineup of short films celebrating the beauty, science, and cultural importance of seaweed along our coastlines. From kelp forest ecosystems to innovative research and restoration efforts, the films aim to spark curiosity and conversation about the vital role seaweed plays in ocean health and coastal communities.

In addition to the film screenings, attendees can expect a lively, festival-style atmosphere with opportunities to connect with researchers and learn about the variety of different seaweed locally and its various roles in the ecosystem, as well as enjoy free popcorn with special popcorn seasonings designed by Chef Jonathan Frazier from NIC’s Culinary program and more.

You'll find a link to the ticketing page on our events calendar at nic.bc.ca/events

05/27/2026

We had an incredible time at the BCFS 41st Annual Skills Development Symposium at Sun Peaks! 🏔️✨

Local 15, your North Island Students’ Union was proud to have representation bringing so much energy, ideas, and dedication to the symposium. 🦅🔥

Over the weekend, our team connected, learned, and collaborated on strategies with other locals from all across the province. Together, we explored the crucial changes needed to build a more accessible, inclusive, and student-centred post-secondary education system. 🤝📈

We are fully committed to continuing the work, growing our advocacy skills, and ensuring the North Island student voice is heard loud and clear. We are in this fight together. We are stronger together. 💪🏽🌟

Huge shout out to for making this phenomenal weekend happen! 🫶🏻

BCFSSkills StrongerTogether StudentLeadership

05/11/2026

The challenges colleges and universities face shouldn't be surprising. Education has been underfunded for years, leading to reliance on international students and the high tuition they pay. As a society, we have to live up to our values by budgeting for accessible, rationally planned post-secondary education. Contact your Member of Parliament to advocate for funding support from the federal government, and contact your Member of the Legislative Assembly, asking for education to be well planned and supported.

05/01/2026

🗓️ May: New Beginnings & Essential Deadlines! 🌸

Spring has officially arrived at NIC! As we kick off the Spring term and Intersession classes, we want to make sure you have all the dates you need to succeed—from registration changes to tuition deadlines.

Swipe through to stay informed on:
🚀 Orientation and the first day of classes.
📝 Important add/drop and waitlist dates.
💰 Tuition deadlines and NISU Health & Dental opt-outs.
🛑 The Victoria Day long weekend closure.

Your NISU team is rooting for you! For real-time updates and to connect with your student community, don't forget to join our Discord! 📲

What is one goal you've set for yourself this Spring term? Share it in the comments! 👇

04/30/2026

Today, April 30 is the final day to apply for awards with North Island College Foundation, finish that application and press SEND!

If you haven't pressed SUBMIT on your application for awards from the NIC Foundation, this is the final reminder that the deadline is approaching! You have until 11:59 pm today. Yes, you read that right. TODAY.

Visit foundation.nic.bc.ca/ to submit your application.

04/27/2026

Every year, on April 28, workers, families, employers, and others come together at events held around the province to remember those who have lost their lives on the job, and to renew our commitment to creating safer workplaces.

NISU offices close to attend the City of Courtenay event at Lewis Park, outdoor stage, 10 - 10:30.

Last fall, our colleague Max Poley, died while walking home from work. NISU has attended April 28 events as acts of solidarity for workers for many years, this year we also stand for Max.

All NISU staff are members of Construction, Maintenance and Allied Workers Canada, Local 2020.

Every year on April 28, we pause to remember those who have lost their lives due to workplace incidents.

The Day of Mourning is a time to reflect on and honour the workers, families, employers and communities affected by these losses. It’s also a time to renew our shared commitment to workplace health and safety.

In 2025, 138 B.C. workers died from a workplace injury or disease. Each loss has a lasting impact.
Join us at the Lewis Park outdoor stage from 10 to 10:30 a.m. for a public ceremony, including remarks, a wreath-laying and two minutes of silence.

All workers, employers and community members are invited to attend, regardless of their role or place of work.

Learn more: https://dayofmourning.bc.ca/

04/24/2026

Just one application is the doorway to hundreds of financial awards, available to new and continuing students. The application closes April 30.

It's the final month to apply for awards from the NIC Foundation.

Only one application is required to be considered for all NIC Foundation awards which range in value and type of award.

Apply before April 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm to be considered.

Get all the details at https://foundation.nic.bc.ca/students/