Get Started (Prior to the First Day of Class)
Prior to the first day of class, preparation for college life is essential.
This page will cover tricks of the trade, preparation and planning to help students proactively develop skills that will lead to a successful NC College experience.
About This Guide
- This guide is designed to support your success at Niagara College.
- Read this guide carefully to learn about all the people and resources available to promote your success at Niagara College.
- This guide will help you develop important academic, social and resiliency skills over your time at Niagara College.
- The guide is organized chronologically (according to weeks), so you can refer to it throughout your term. It is a companion guide as you journey through the term.
- Many links to the website and instructional videos are provided so you can easily access information and faculty as needed.
Review the Registration Checklist
- Every term a Registration Checklist will be published and posted on your MyNC page, under Announcements.
- Important information regarding key dates and selecting your timetable is included in the Registration Checklist.
- Use the handy list to keep track of everything you need to do before classes begin.
- It is critical that you pay attention to the key dates in this list.
Learn about the LauNCh Guide
The LauNCh Guide will:
- Connect you to important tools, tutorials, documents and habits that can help you get your studies off to a strong start.
- Help you become familiar with important systems, digital learning platforms, campus support services and all the resources to be successful at NC.
- Provide you with the answers to many questions that arise as you work through your program at Niagara College, especially in your first year.
The LauNCh Guide is divided into 4 areas of support: Introduction to Learning at NC, Brightspace Basics, Student Success (Academic Supports), Personal Wellness.
Review Your Academic Advisement Report
- Provides information on academic progression within your program and identifies remaining requirements for graduation.
- It is a critical tool to review and plan your pathway towards graduation.
- It lists required courses, grades earned, completed courses, current GPA, and required GPA for graduation.
- Students are responsible for checking their Academic Advisement report regularly.
- If you have questions or concerns about your Academic Advisement report, make an appointment with your Academic Advisor or International Academic Advisor.
Where can I find my Academic Advisement Report?
You can access your Academic Advisement Report through: MyNC > Dashboard > Manage Grades > Academic Advisement Report.
Apply for Transfer Credits
- Students with previous postsecondary education may be eligible to transfer credits towards their new program.
- Only courses that are very similar in content and match the learning objectives may be considered.
- You will need an official transcript from your previous institution.
- Niagara College doesn’t charge a fee for this service.
It is recommended to apply for transfer credits as early as possible within the applicable deadline.
To learn more, visit niagaracollege.ca/enrolmentservices/admissions/transfer/.
About Elective Courses
- A General Elective (gened) is a course from outside your main study area or program.
- The Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities requires you to take a General Elective(s) before graduating from programs leading to an Ontario College diploma.
- General Electives fall under 5 themes: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding and Science and Technology.
- If you are required to take a General Elective, you will be prompted to choose one when you select your timetable.
- Your Academic Advisement Report will also indicate if your program requires a General Elective.
- A list of approved General Electives will be provided to you when you select your timetable.
- General electives are also posted to the MyNC login page each term.
Learn How to Choose Electives
Timetable Selection
- Timetable selection begins on the first day of full-time registration. See Important Dates.
- Check the specific timetable selection dates for the registration date for your program. Dates will be posted on the announcement section of MyNC.
- You must pay the non-refundable $250 seat deposit before you can select your timetable.
- Log in to MyNC > Dashboard > Select/Manage Timetable (NICOLE) > select your timetable block
- You will find that all the courses in your level will be pre-assigned to days and times.
- If you wish to customize your timetable, you must wait until part-time registration opens.
Login to MyNC to manage your timetable
Meet with an Accessibility Consultant
- A Letter of Accommodation (LOA) communicates to faculty, your Academic Advisor and the Associate Dean the accommodations students are eligible to request and use.
- An LOA is similar to an IEP (Individual Education Plan) used in high school.
- To receive an LOA, students must meet with an Accessibility Consultant who will, with sufficient documentation, prepare the LOA and determine the specific accommodations.
- The LOA outlines the accommodations you require. It does not disclose your disability.
- Students must self-identify as a student with a disability and make an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant.
- Review the types of documentation and forms that will be required for your first appointment with a Disability Consultant.
Identify How Your Courses are Delivered
- Instruction at NC can be delivered in a variety of ways: On-Campus (In Person), Synchronous On-Line, Asynchronous On-Line
- Many courses may be a combination of two of the delivery formats
- To learn more about the different types of course delivery, see: Types of Course Delivery
Learn More About Your Timetable
The timetable plays an important part in a student’s success. Getting to know and understanding your timetable can help you to be organized and alleviate stress levels when you get busy with exams and projects.
Your TimetableAbout Online Courses
Niagara College always strives to meet student learning needs. We offer course delivery in a variety of forms including:
- In Class
- Hybrid
- Hybrid Online
- On Line
- Ontario Learn
The below video provides an overview of the various course deliveries as well as important information on how to access your online courses.
Purchase Textbooks, Materials, Uniforms and Technology
Textbooks, supplies, computer accessories, trade and reference books can be purchased at the NC Bookstore on the Welland Campus, DJP Campus and on-line.
- To shop on-line, use your student number or you can shop by course. You will need your course code and section number.
- To shop in-person, bring a hard copy of your timetable and staff will assist you.
- Check your student portal or your Program Coordinator to confirm if subject specific materials, uniforms, and technology are required.
There are a variety of ways to locate your course textbooks online via the Niagara College Bookstore. The below video walks you through the process.
Rent a Locker
- A limited number of lockers are available to registered students.
- Students can register for a locker in the Niagara College Locker Assignment system.
- Students need to complete the online process to register for a locker, based on availability.
- Lockers remain the property of Niagara College.
- Locker contents are the sole responsibility of the registered occupant of the locker.
Please visit the Locker Rental website for up-to-date costs and more information
Locker RentalPurchase a Parking Permit
- Purchase parking on a daily, weekly or monthly basis through the Honk Mobile app.
- No physical parking slips or permits are issued.
- Bylaw officers will patrol Niagara College lots.
Take a Campus Tour
Various tour options are available to help you get to know your environment, and to become familiar with the services available at Niagara College. Please visit the Explore page to learn what’s available. We can’t wait to show you around!
Contact your Academic Advisor or International Student Advisor
- Your Academic Advisor is listed on your MyNC Dashboard.
- You can email your Academic Advisor (AA) directly to schedule an appointment.
- The office location of your Academic Advisor/ISA can be found on the Find Your Advisor page. Please use the link below to look up your Advisor/ISA