# Dash for North Island College students

> Dash is an AI sidekick students at North Island College (Courtenay, British Columbia) text over iMessage and SMS for deadlines, Brightspace, campus answers and admin. Independent; not affiliated with North Island College. Start at https://textdash.ai/start

Page: https://textdash.ai/british-columbia/courtenay/north-island-college
Checked: 2026-10-14

## Key dates at NIC

- Thu, Oct 15, 2026: Fall exam schedule posted ([source](https://calendar.nic.bc.ca/content.php?catoid=32&navoid=13565))
- Fri, Oct 30, 2026: Last day to withdraw from Fall classes without academic penalty ([source](https://calendar.nic.bc.ca/content.php?catoid=32&navoid=13565))
- Wed, Nov 11, 2026: Remembrance Day — college closed ([source](https://calendar.nic.bc.ca/content.php?catoid=32&navoid=13565))
- Thu, Nov 12, 2026: Fall Study Break begins — most programs ([source](https://calendar.nic.bc.ca/content.php?catoid=32&navoid=13565))
- Fri, Nov 13, 2026: Fall Study Break ends — most programs ([source](https://calendar.nic.bc.ca/content.php?catoid=32&navoid=13565))
- Tue, Dec 1, 2026: Winter NISU Health and Dental Benefits opt-out period begins ([source](https://calendar.nic.bc.ca/content.php?catoid=32&navoid=13565))
- Fri, Dec 4, 2026: Last day of Fall classes ([source](https://calendar.nic.bc.ca/content.php?catoid=32&navoid=13565))
- Mon, Dec 7, 2026: Fall final exams begin ([source](https://calendar.nic.bc.ca/content.php?catoid=32&navoid=13565))
- Fri, Dec 18, 2026: Fall final exams end ([source](https://calendar.nic.bc.ca/content.php?catoid=32&navoid=13565))
- Fri, Dec 25, 2026: Winter Break begins — college closed ([source](https://calendar.nic.bc.ca/content.php?catoid=32&navoid=13565))

## Tools and offices

- Learning system: Brightspace (https://mycourses.nic.bc.ca/)
- Student portal: https://mynic.nic.bc.ca
- NIC Counselling: Free, professional and confidential support for registered students, offered online, in person or by phone. Book through Student Services. Includes crisis intervention, academic success coaching and referrals. (https://www.nic.bc.ca/supports-and-services/wellness-and-safety/counselling.html)
- Vancouver Island Crisis Line: Call 1-888-494-3888 if experiencing suicidal thoughts and counselling services are not immediately available. For immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, call 911. (https://www.nic.bc.ca/supports-and-services/wellness-and-safety/counselling.html)
- Here2Talk — 24/7 counselling: Free, confidential, single-session counselling and referral services for BC post-secondary students by app, phone or online chat, available 24/7, as reported in April 2020. (https://campbellrivermirror.com/2020/04/20/24-7-counselling-service-available-to-nic-students/)
- Early Assist: Free help connecting with financial aid, career advising, counselling, tutoring and other campus or community resources. Email earlyassist@nic.bc.ca or submit a referral through NIC's Service Desk. (https://www.nic.bc.ca/supports-and-services/wellness-and-safety/early-assist.html)
- Office of the Registrar: Service requests for student records, admissions, registration, student billing and grades. A general request form is available for additional help. (https://northisland.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/78/Portal/Requests/ServiceCatalog/Category/633/Office-of-the-Registrar)
- Financial Aid and Awards: Advisors help with student loans, grants, awards, budgeting and emergency assistance. Financial aid advising appointments can be booked through myNIC. (https://www.nic.bc.ca/supports-and-services/financial-aid-and-awards/index.html)
- Accessible learning services: Contact campus Student Services for information about accessible learning services, academic advising, registration and transcripts. (https://www.nic.bc.ca/supports-and-services/index.html)
- Student Technical Services: Help with student email, Wi-Fi and learning platforms such as Brightspace. Student technical guides cover myNIC access and account troubleshooting. (https://library.nic.bc.ca/studenttech/myNIC)

## About NIC

- Founded in 1975, NIC began as a small network of learning centres. ([source](https://www.nic.bc.ca/about/about-nic/history.html))
- NIC used the Samarinda II, a former whaling vessel, to bring education to coastal communities inaccessible by road. ([source](https://www.nic.bc.ca/about/about-nic/history.html))
- NIC reports an average class size of 18 students. ([source](https://nic.bc.ca/_resources/pdf/future-student-resources/publication-nic-future-student-guide.pdf))
- NIC’s convocation paddle stand was built from local fir harvested on the land where its student housing now stands. ([source](https://www.nic.bc.ca/supports-and-services/student-records/graduation-and-convocation.html))
- Q̓ə pix ʔidaʔas, Campbell River’s Indigenous Gathering Place, offers space for cultural celebrations, events and art displays. ([source](https://www.nic.bc.ca/about/news/stories/campbell-river-indigenous-gathering-place.html))
- The Indigenous Gathering Place houses the Elders in Residence program and student support services. ([source](https://www.nic.bc.ca/about/news/stories/campbell-river-indigenous-gathering-place.html))
- NIC opened its new on-site student housing, tul’al’txw, in September 2025. ([source](https://www.nic.bc.ca/about/news/stories/50th-anniversary.html))
- At convocation, certificate and diploma graduates wear stoles, while bachelor’s degree graduates wear academic hoods. ([source](https://www.nic.bc.ca/supports-and-services/student-records/graduation-and-convocation.html))

## Questions

### What learning system does NIC use?

North Island College uses Brightspace (mycourses.nic.bc.ca). Dash can read your courses and deadlines there once you sign in on Dash's secure page; Dash never sees your password.

### When is fall break at NIC?

NIC's fall break is Nov 12–13, according to the school's academic dates. Dash can text you a heads-up the week before.

### When is the last day to withdraw from a course at NIC?

Last day to withdraw from Fall classes without academic penalty (Friday, October 30, 2026). Always confirm the deadline for your own courses with the registrar.

### When are final exams at NIC?

Fall exam schedule posted starts Thursday, October 15. Dash builds study plans around your own exam dates once it has them.

### How do I contact the registrar at NIC?

Office of the Registrar: Service requests for student records, admissions, registration, student billing and grades. A general request form is available for additional help.

### Where do I get financial aid help at NIC?

Financial Aid and Awards: Advisors help with student loans, grants, awards, budgeting and emergency assistance. Financial aid advising appointments can be booked through myNIC.

### Is Dash affiliated with North Island College?

No. Dash is an independent AI sidekick made by Dash Inc. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by North Island College.

### How do NIC students start using Dash?

Text Dash from textdash.ai and tell it you're at NIC. Dash sets you up over text right away, no app to download.