Resources for Supporters

parents and a student posing in front of the pond

We are very happy to welcome you and the student in your life to the Laker Community!

We want your student to experience a seamless transition to Nipissing University, and you have an important role to play.

Through Support-Your-New Laker! Orientation Programming, you’ll be introduced to university support services that you can tell your student about right when they need it most.

Our Supporters Mailing List Launches Soon!

Check back with us soon! We're preparing to launch a mailing list for supporters to share key information about important dates and events throughout the first year experience. Connect with us to continue to remain informed about how you may support and encourage your student throughout different points in the academic year.

Why do I need orientation information? I'm not the student.

Great question! We know you are our best referral, and we know you want the best for the student in your life! By sharing information about support resources and services with you, we're giving you institutional knowledge you can give your student right when they need it most

Resource Corner

We've carved out a little corner of the internet to house all the supports and services relevant to new students in one place. We know that students can sometimes be reluctant to access the resources available to them, so we're sharing this information with you so you can feel empowered to refer them to supports if/when they need them! Check it out here.

Academic Skills Resources

It’s easy to forget the academic support that’s available when you’re stressed about school. This is where you, the student’s trusted supporter, come in! We know you’re the best referral we could ask for, so we’re asking you to take some time to review the Student Learning & Transitions Academic Skills Resource Page, so you know what’s available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Office of Indigenous Initiatives

1. What type of programs and services does OII offer to students?
OII offers a broad range of personal, academic, and cultural support activities and special events.

2. Are OII programs and services for Indigenous students only?
OII programs and services are designed for Indigenous students, but all students are welcome.

3. Do I have to register for services and programs delivered by OII?
Students reaching out to OII for the first time can fill out an online registration form at www.nipissingu.ca/indigenous and click on Student Success.

Residence Life

What happens if our student doesn't get along with their roommates?

We encourage students to approach roommate relationships with an open mind, recognizing that each person will have different expectations of the household, and roommate relationships. Students are provided with tools to help them get off to a good start by creating a roommate agreement that addresses expectations for common household points of consideration. When conflict arises, we have escalating conflict mediation steps in place, with the support of our peer leadership team to help address the concerns. Spaces permitting, reassignment may be made available as a last resort.

How can I set my student up for success outside of the classroom?

The obvious answers are things like household management skills – things like cooking, cleaning & laundry. In addition to these, it is helpful to remind students that new experiences help us grow and that navigating change can be difficult but that they can do hard things! Getting involved in activities helps student to make connections and combat common early feelings of loneliness. Making connections early also means that students will have identified supports if a concern arises, or at a time when they need help.

Student Intervention Services

1. What is the role of the Student Intervention Specialist?
Act as a service navigator and case manager for students who have complex mental health concerns or minor conduct issues. The service is voluntary to help get students connected to the most appropriate services on or off-campus.

2. What if my student has to leave campus due to mental health concerns?
Your student can have a faculty or staff contact the Student Intervention Specialist to help the student navigate the appropriate services needed.

Student Accessibility Services

What types of disabilities do you support?

SAS provides support to students with permanent and temporary disabilities. The disabilities we accommodate include but are not limited to: Learning Disabilities, Mental Health, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Medical, Physical, Acquired Brain Injury (including concussions), Deaf/Deafened/Hard of Hearing, and Blind/Low Vision. For more information, please visit www.nipissingu.ca/sas

What documentation is required? Is an IEP sufficient?

Although the IEP contains helpful information, we require current documentation of the disability which has been completed by registered health care provider with specific expertise in that disability (e.g. an audiologist for hearing disabilities; a psychologist for learning disabilities, a psychiatrist or physician for mental health disabilities: etc.) For more information, please visit www.nipissingu.ca/sas

When is the best time to register with SAS?

Students may register with SAS at any point in the year; however, it is recommended that they register with SAS prior to or at the beginning of the school year. This way, accommodations will be in place prior to the beginning of classes, and students can begin requesting accommodations right away, as certain accommodations can take a period of time to be set up (alternate format textbooks, note takers, closed captioning, etc.). For more information, please visit www.nipissingu.ca/sas

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Does Mental Health and Wellbeing provide therapy online?

Yes. Telus CHR is Nipissing University’s exclusive video support platform. For the best experience, we encourage students to download the app called CHR Connect. More information is available here about how to get the app: Setting up TELUS CHR Connect.

Alternatively, you may schedule an appointment by clicking on the ‘Book an Appointment with Us’ link on the Mental Health & Wellbeing webpage and completing the associated registration and consent forms. While engaging in an online appointment, the expectation is to see you during your appointment. Please ensure your video remains on. We require a private space with minimal distractions. If you have any concerns, please let us know prior to your appointment. Note that virtual Counselling appointments with Telus are only available for students living in Ontario. For distance or international students living outside of Ontario who require support, please refer to these available services: Distance & International Students | Nipissing University

Mental Health and Wellbeing provides a variety of therapy services (group therapy, brief individual therapy, Dibaadan Supports, E- modules, specialized referral, peer support). How do I know what service(s) my student will receive?

Each student with meets with a counsellor to discuss their unique needs, desires, and goals. Students then review the services options available with the counsellor and select what is most fitting for them. If students decide later that the service, they have selected does not fit their needs, they can speak with the counsellor to change to a more different option.

How much does therapy cost?

All therapy costs are covered by the student’s ancillary fee payments. Students will not be asked for more money at the time of services and your medical insurance will not be billed.