Supports for all aspects of the student journey
If you’re a student, Erin Saiko probably knows 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 can do for you.
Dept. of Removing Barriers: Learning Services
The work of Learning Services is based on the principle that “people deserve an equitable opportunity for learning,” says manager Gifty Amakye. She and the department’s staff believe all NAIT students have the right to spaces, tools and supports to ensure they can strive to reach their full potential.
That is, they’re entitled to having barriers to learning removed.
To do that, Learning Services will work one-on-one with students to assess needs, devise strategies and help with implementation or accommodations as needed. “For some people, that is ensuring that they have extra time for exams or it could be using technology,” says Amakye. Solutions are tailored to each student’s circumstances.
Have questions? Make an appointment to speak with an adviser on Main Campus or drop-in at E105 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn more about what Learning Services offers
Dept. of Reclaiming Space: Nîsôhkamâtotân Centre
The doors of the Nîsôhkamâtotân Centre are open to anyone who wants to participate in and celebrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture. For Indigenous students, it’s “somewhere on campus that they can go and feel safe, represented and heard,” says centre manager Camille Louis. A knowledge keeper is frequently on site for conversation and consultation.
The centre is also an active partner in the educational experience, providing resources and programming – such as the recent first-ever Indigenous Student Orientation – and connecting students with additional supports as needs arise.
Outside the centre, its staff members seek to have an impact in NAIT classrooms, fostering acknowledgment and inclusion of traditional ways of knowing, and creating conditions where students feel empowered to fully take part and “use their voice,” says Louis.
“It’s about reclaiming space.”
Learn about services from the Nîsôhkamâtotân Centre
Dept. of All Kinds of Healthy: Counselling
The NAIT Counselling team – comprising psychologists, social workers and a nurse – aims to create a safe space for students to share their feelings, says acting student counselling and mental health lead Juliet Seade.
“Life is already stressful – now [they’re] adding school,” she says.
She invites students to book free and confidential appointments to come and talk things through, or drop in if it’s urgent. There’s no need to wait for pressures to mount, Seade adds. “If a student is thinking, ‘Is this issue too small? Do I really need to bring it forward?’ Book an appointment – no issue is too small.”
To Seade, that’s just a practical, healthy approach to the school year. “When people feel heard and supported, then they're able to do well.”
Here’s how student counselling can help
Dept. of Connection: Centre for Community and Belonging
Daley Laing (at left in the photo) wants all students to know that “your story is welcome across NAIT.” The polytechnic hosts a diversity of backgrounds and identities. The Centre for Community and Belonging, which Laing manages, seeks to reflect that.
Located on Main Campus, the centre is a place for students to gather to explore and celebrate those stories.
“Belonging isn't everyone being the same,” says Laing. “Belonging is, how do we find connection across difference?”
That means learning about one another, participating in events, and sometimes being directed toward other relevant NAIT services.
(In some cases, it may mean consulting a gender-based violence specialist, who can take a disclosure at the centre.)
Overall, the aim is to foster a feeling of inclusion, and to show people how they can do the same at NAIT and elsewhere.
“It’s a key skill in any industry, in any workplace, and in life in general,” says Laing.
Learn more about the services available at the Centre for Community and Belonging
Dept. of Getting Stuff Done: Library Services
What can’t the NAIT 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
Dept. of Feeling 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.
Dept. of Movement: Athletics and Recreation
Wondering how you’ll fit in physical activity among your classes and coursework? Campus Athletics and 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
Suggestion box
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.”