Back to school 2024-25: Six NAIT services every student should know about

A variety of services for all aspects of the student journey

If you’re a student, Erin Saiko may know how you feel.

“When a new student arrives at NAIT, they're nervous, they’re excited – it's a brand new experience for them,” says the director of Student Success.

“So we have a variety of services to help support them, whatever their journey looks like.”

To help you have the best NAIT experience possible – and a great year on campus, be it your first or your fourth – we talked to Saiko and her staff and colleagues about how they can help. Here’s a look at what they offer.

Overcome barriers – Learning Services

For a student who encounters a barrier to their education, a learning adviser may be able to help remove it.

“Accommodations look different for everybody,” says Saiko, “but they can range from needing a sign language interpreter to needing extra time on your examinations to needing a note-taker with you in classes.”

The door to the Learning Services office is open, adds Saiko. Students can simply drop by, or book an appointment.

Learn more about what Learning Services offers

Plan your education (and beyond) – Academic and Career Advising

What might your long-term journey as a NAIT student look like? Are course corrections needed along the way? What comes next? How will you reach your goals?

These are the types of questions the academic and career advisers are equipped to answer. They’ll even review your resumé and LinkedIn pages, if you like. After all, there’s no need to leave that sort of planning until graduation, Saiko points out.

“You can come and see a career adviser at any time.”

Here’s what an adviser can do for you

Maintain all aspects of health – Counselling

A growing number of students are treating visits to NAIT’s registered health professionals as a routine and important part of maintaining their wellness, says Dr. Tanya Spencer, student counselling and mental health lead.

“They are looking to ‘get ahead’ of the stress of the semester and look after their general well-being the way one might get a regular dental checkup or medical physical.”

Counselling team clinicians include psychologists, social workers and a nurse, and are available by appointment or, in urgent situations, by drop-in. Wait times are low, Spencer adds, and meetings are free and confidential.

Here’s how student counselling can help

Get things done – Library Services

What can’t the library do? To sum it up, director Carmen Reems says her team “supports the student journey by helping to ensure that all students, regardless of background or experience, have the foundation they need to succeed.”

In addition to supplying learners with good old-fashioned books, that includes providing:

• loanable technology such as laptops, webcams, 3D printers, cameras and microphones
• learning supports, including tutoring at NAIT’s Writing Center
• bookable quiet solo study areas, audiovisual booths for content creation, and collaboration rooms
• access to a makerspace featuring 3D printers, a laser engraver, vinyl cutters, a water-jet cutter, CNC mills and more
• all manner of course materials
• photo and portfolio printing, report binding, scanning and other project-finishing services
• research and citation support from specialized subject librarians

Explore the Library at NAIT

Feel at home – International and Intercultural Community Centre

Heather Nally views the International and Intercultural Community Centre (IICC) “as a safe landing pad for international students … that can allow for empowerment and further engagement and success throughout their studies at NAIT,” says the acting director of International Student Experience.

The IICC offers programming and events to support students’ transitions, build community and create a sense of belonging. Staff also meet with students individually and through workshops to support them with issues related to education, immigration and settlement. The office also features a student lounge.

Stay active – Recreation

Wondering how you’ll fit in physical activity among your classes and coursework? Campus Recreation staff are eager to suggest ways.

“Staying active is so important for overall well-being and we're here to help students do just that,” says recreation coordinator Sandy Babiuk. “Our goal is to provide students with experiences to last a lifetime and have a positive impact on their personal and academic growth.”

Recreation programming ranges from fitness classes and intramurals to esports and outdoor events, says Babiuk. Stay active, meet new people, and – this is very important – take a break from studying.

Find a fun activity

Tell us what you need

Overall, says Saiko, “we are here to support you.”

In exchange she asks for just one thing: tell her how NAIT is doing. Services are ready to evolve with the changing needs of students. Saiko recommends students direct their suggestions to Learning or Academic advising services.

“We're always looking to hear from them to make sure that the services we're offering are what they need,” says Saiko. “We’re always open to feedback.”