Back to School: NAIT Services Every Student Should Know About

How to get the support you need for a great year on campus.

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 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.

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. The department believes all NAIT students have the right to spaces, tools and supports that help them reach their full potential.

Learning Services works one-on-one with students to assess needs, develop strategies and arrange implementation or accommodations. "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.

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 provides resources and programming, including Indigenous Student Orientation, and connects students with additional supports. Staff members also foster the acknowledgment and inclusion of traditional ways of knowing in NAIT classrooms, creating conditions where students feel empowered to "use their voice," says Louis. "It's about reclaiming space."

Dept. of All Kinds of Healthy: Counselling

NAIT's Counselling team of regulated mental-health professionals 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.

Students can book free and confidential appointments or drop in at W111PB if it's urgent. There's no need to wait for pressures to mount. "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."

Mental-wellness support is also available through Greenshield+ The platform complements on-campus services with three free hours of 24/7 assistance by video or phone.

"When people feel heard and supported, then they're able to do well," says Seade.

Dept. of Connection: Centre for Community and Belonging

Daley Laing wants all students to know that "your story is welcome across NAIT." The Centre for Community and Belonging, which Laing manages, reflects the polytechnic's diverse backgrounds and identities.

Located on Main Campus, the centre is a place for students to gather, explore and celebrate their stories. "Belonging isn't everyone being the same," says Laing. "Belonging is, How do we find connection across difference?"

Students can learn about one another, participate in events and connect with other relevant NAIT services. In some cases, they may also consult a gender-based violence specialist, who can take a disclosure at the centre.

The overall aim is to foster inclusion and show people how they can build it at NAIT and elsewhere. "It's a key skill in any industry, in any workplace, and in life," says Laing.

Dept. of Getting Stuff Done: Library Services

What can't the NAIT Library do? 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 books, Library Services provides:

• Loanable technology such as laptops, webcams, 3D printers, cameras and microphones
• Learning supports, including tutoring at NAIT's Writing Center
• Bookable quiet study areas, audiovisual booths and collaboration rooms
• A makerspace with 3D printers, a laser engraver, vinyl cutters, a water-jet cutter, CNC mills and more
• Course materials, photo and portfolio printing, report binding, scanning and other project-finishing services
• Research and citation support from specialized subject librarians

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 director of International Student Experience.

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

Dept. of Movement: Campus Recreation

Looking to connect, have fun and take a break from classes and coursework? Campus Recreation has something for everyone.

"Campus Recreation is about so much more than physical activity," says recreation coordinator Sandy Babiuk. "Our goal is to create experiences and connections that contribute to students' overall well-being. We want them to find opportunities to move, connect and belong."

Programming includes fitness classes, intramurals, esports, outdoor events, learn-to programs, social activities and more, all designed for participants of every skill level. Take a moment to put down the books and connect with the NAIT community through Campus Recreation.

Suggestion Box

"We are here to support you," says Erin Saiko, director of Student Success. In exchange, she asks for one thing: tell her how NAIT is doing.

Services are ready to evolve with the changing needs of students. Saiko recommends directing 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."