Frequently Asked Advising Questions (FAAQs)

Advising & Registration Questions 

• Q: Do I need to see an advisor to register for classes? 

  A: New students and students returning to NIC after taking a leave and reapplying are required to meet with an advisor prior to class registration. This occurs through a simple, 3 step, new student advising program. Currently enrolled students are encouraged to meet with their advisor regularly, at least every semester, to re-evaluate their educational plan and make certain that they are on track to meet their educational goals. Adding and dropping classes is a function that students can do independently in Self-Service Student Planning.

• Q: Who is my advisor? 

  A: Newly admitted students who have not yet registered should contact Advising Services.  Currently enrolled students should use the Find My Advisor feature to get their advisor's name. Students should contact their assigned advisor directly to schedule an advising meeting (note that the Advising Services front desk schedules appointments for student success advisors).

• Q: How do I change my advisor?

  A: Contact Advising Services to inquire about identifying a new advisor or changing your advisor.  

• Q: What classes do I have to take to graduate? 

  A: AA/AS Degree Requirements are outlined in the college catalog. Current students can also check outstanding degree requirements in My Progress in Student Planning Self-Service. 

• Q: How do I register? 

  A: Follow these registration instructions.   

• Q: I'm not sure what to study or what I want to do career-wise after college. Help!

  A: Visit Career Services website for information and to sign up for a career workshop! 

• Q: I want to pursue the nursing program. What classes do I need to take?

  A: Visit the RN program website for a list of prerequisite coursework and program information 

• Q: How do I change my declared program (major)?

  A: Changing your declared program (major) is simple with our fillable and downloadable form. Fill out the form and return it electronically to Cardinalcentral@nic.edu or print and submit it to Cardinal Central. Consult with your advisor prior to changing or adding a program (major) to make sure everything is completed properly.

• Q: Do I have to declare a program (major) if I don’t know what I want to do?

  A: Students who know they want to complete an AA or AS degree but are unsure of an academic or career focus generally declare “General Studies.” The requirements for this degree generally satisfy general education requirements at most baccalaureate-granting institutions. However, it is wise for students explore potential programs and careers, as it maybe important for students to complete certain prerequisites prior to transfer.

• Q: If I just want to take classes and not declare a degree, can I do that?

  A: Students are welcome to take classes at NIC without seeking a degree, however, non-degree-seeking status will make students ineligible for financial aid.

Financial Aid & Scholarship Questions

• Q: What types of financial aid are available? How do I apply and know if I qualify?

  A: NIC offers financial aid in the form of grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.

  Apply here! Federal financial aid is awarded based on your income and need. The FAFSA form will be used to determine this. Scholarships can be merit-based, need based, or neither. Apply for NIC scholarships here! 

• Q: How do I know what my financial aid award is?

  A: Login to Self Service-Financial Aid in your MyNIC portal.

• Q: Can I qualify for financial aid if I am considered non-degree seeking? 

  A: No, only students who were admitted to NIC as degree-seeking are considered for financial aid.

• Q: How do I know what courses financial aid will cover?

  A: Financial aid only covers the cost of classes that are needed for a students' declared program (major) according to the student's degree audit in Self-Service Student Planning. There are additional factors; students should contact Cardinal Central with any questions. 

Cost Questions 

• Q: How much does it cost to enroll at NIC? 

  A: Visit Student Finance / Tuition & Fees for current costs. Remember, these costs are BEFORE financial aid. 

• Q: How do I pay for my classes?

  A: There are a variety of ways to pay for your classes at NIC. To find out what you owe, and your options for payment, log into your MyNIC > click on “Self Service” > then click on “Student Finances.”

  Here you will see what you owe for your classes, when payment is due, and your choices for making payment. Here you can also explore paying your full tuition, making payment plans, refunds, and how any form of financial aid will be used in your payment. Visit Payments for more information. 
  

• Q: How do I figure out my residency for tuition purposes?

  A: Visit Residency Requirements for the details. 

Academic Questions

• Q: What do the different instructional deliveries actually mean?

  A: Here is a website and video to help explain the differences. In a nutshell: 
  

  • “Online” means the class is fully online, with no set schedule, as well as the exams.
  • “Online Plus” means the class is online, with no set schedule, but exams must be taken at an approved testing center.
  • “Online on a Schedule” Means you will take the class online, but on set days and times.
  • “Hybrid Set” means classes will be held both on campus, and on set days and times online.
  • “Hybrid Flex” means classes will be held on campus on set days and times, but with an online portion you can do when and where is most convenient for you. 

• Q: How do I access my online classes?

  A: To access your online classes, log into your MyNIC and click on the button that says “Canvas.” This will take you to your classes. Please note: Your classes will not appear in Canvas until the first day of the term.

• Q: Do I need to take a math class in my first term? 

  A: It is most often advantageous to complete a math class during your first semester. Depending on the math requirements for your intended program (major), you may need to take many math classes, and it is best to begin as early as possible. Waiting to take math could result in a delayed graduation.

  In some cases, students benefit from using the ALEKS Prep and Learning modules to boost their math skills (and math placement) prior to taking a math course. 

Campus Life Questions 

• Q: How do I apply for on-campus housing? How much does it cost? 

  A: Visit our Residence Hall  to access the online application and to view costs. 

• Q: I would like to pursue accommodations for a disability, where do I start? 

  A: Visit the Disability Support Services website for more information. 

• Q: What is TRIO? 

  A: TRIO Student Support Services is a federally funded academic assistance program with the goal to help participating students to successfully complete their course of study at North Idaho College and transfer to the four-year college or university that will best meet their academic and career goals. Visit TRIO’s website for more information, program application, and qualification information.

• Q: Do I have to purchase a parking permit? How and where do I buy one?

  A: You do not have to purchase a parking permit, but there is very little public parking close to the campus. If you plan to be on campus Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:30am and 5:00pm, consider purchasing a permit. Parking permits may be ordered online and will be mailed to you. 

• Q: Where can I get my books and do I have to purchase them from the NIC bookstore?

  A: Many students opt to buy their books online and pick them up at the NIC  bookstore. The bookstore will match prices with other vendors. If you do choose to purchase your books from other sources, be sure to buy the right book!  Also, many books have a code to unlock online content, and a used book will not have that code. 

• Q: Does NIC have any military-affiliated student resources for Active Duty, Veteran, Military Dependents and Guard/Reserve personnel?

  A: Yes. Visit Veteran and Military Family Services or contact our Veteran & Military Family Services Advisor at 208.666.8027 or the Veteran Services Coordinator at 208.769.3281.