North Island College has released an update on its five-year strategic plan, BUILD 2026, saying year three has proven to be successful in achieving ambitious targets.

In terms of fiscal strength, NIC’s goal was to have a balanced budget within three years of the pandemic ending, which was achieved this spring.

The college says it is on track to establish a fully operational Student Housing Commons at the Comox Valley campus. Construction is currently underway and is scheduled to open in Fall 2025.

Additionally, in April, the project won the Carbon Leadership Forum of BC’s Embodied Carbon award for large buildings.

In addition, construction on the Centre of Excellence in Early Learning at the Comox Valley campus is anticipated to begin in summer of 2024.

Through funding from the Province of B.C., and support from the Government of Canada, the project will expand childcare spaces and enrolment in NIC’s Early Childhood Care and Education programs.

NIC has also introduced a new alumni-relations plan, aimed to support alumni and students through opportunities and activities that grow the NIC alumni community. Convocation in June welcomed graduates into the college’s new alumni network.

Approved by NIC’s Board last week, the college says it continues to work towards fulfilling the objectives set out in BUILD 2026 to meet students’ changing learning needs, cultivate healthy and productive workplaces, support truth and reconciliation and Indigenous-led learning and keep connected to the educational global community.

More information on the strategic plan, BUILD 2026, can be found at North Island College.