The Liaison staff are here to help answer any questions that you might have about attending University. The liaison team would love to share their Nipissing experiences with you, so check out the School Visit section to see when they'll be visiting your school! The Assistant Registrar and Associate Registrar are also available to answer questions and you can drop them a line at nuinfo@nipissingu.ca, or on facebook and they'll be happy to assist you.

Nipissing Liasons

Name: Josh Bimm
Hometown: Petawawa, ON
High school: Bishop Smith Catholic High School
Degree: Honours Sociology, Minor Psychology

Why did you choose Nipissing University?
I chose Nipissing because of the small class sizes, the residence, the city of North Bay's reputation and by speaking with people who had loved being a student here. Although it was not my initial choice, I found my way to Nipissing and do not regret one minute of it!

What did you learn from your Nipissing experience?
I learned that there is an entire world that needs to be explored! At Nipissing, I met a diverse group of people from different backgrounds whom I may never have had the privilege to get to know had I not chosen Nipissing University. There is, in fact, more to a Nipissing experience than "just a degree".

What is your favourite Nipissing memory?
My favourite memory is residence. I met some amazing people while living on campus! For two years, I was a Residence Don, during which I met and worked with some of my best friends. When people refer to it as a "home away from home" they describe it perfectly! The many social and academic programs that go on will create memories that will last forever!

What are some of your favourite activities to do in North Bay?
North Bay is not too big and not too small. It is what I consider to be a "perfectly-sized" city. I love going to the ski hill at night before the snow flies and looking over the entire city. I love to explore the downtown core in all its wonder. I enjoy visiting the different venues throughout the city for concerts, shows and study breaks! The campus itself offers great hiking trails and, of course, Duchesney Falls!

 

Name: Tiffany Connell
Hometown: Bruce Mines, ON
High school: Central Algoma Secondary School
Degree: Bachelor of Arts: Mathematics and Psychology, Bachelor of Education

Why did you choose Nipissing University?
After my first visit to North Bay I knew that Nipissing was for me. The tour of the school was wonderful, everyone was so friendly, helpful and welcoming. I met Ted Chase, who was one of the members of the Mathematics Department, and it was evident that he had a passion for his area. He spoke so highly of the program, and the University as a whole, I was excited to learn from him and the others that he spoke of.

What did you learn from your Nipissing experience?
Through my experience at Nipissing, I found that learning never ends. There is so much knowledge to be gained from the world, why settle for one area? Every person that I met during my time as a student as Nipissing shared taught me a lesson of some form. With an open mind, it is amazing what you can find!

How does the theme “One Student at a Time” apply to your experience at Nipissing?
One student as a time meant that it was all about me. When I went to my professors for help, they cleared time to sit and talk with me. If they couldn't give me their undivided attention at the time, we would reschedule so that they could. When I was in class, there was time for questions, and you felt the desire to speak-up, in case you weren't the only one with that question.

What is your favourite Nipissing memory?
This is a tough question. I have so many memories from University, each one building and contributing to who I am today. Sometimes I think life began in first year, because I have such a hard time remembering past that for all the new experiences I gained.

 

Name: Stefanie Hancock
Hometown: Huntsville and North Bay, ON
High school: Huntsville High School and West Ferris Secondary School
Degree: Bachelor of Arts - 3 year general in Administration Studies; Bachelor of Education - Primary/Junior

Why did you choose Nipissing University?
I chose Nipissing because it was close to home. I absolutely adore North Bay, and can not imagine leaving it. My long term goal was the Consecutive Education Program. Also, I had known some of the professors from living in the community and all of them impacted my choice to attend Nipissing. I love the people, the environment and the community. It was and still is the perfect fit for me.

Any suggestions/tips for students considering Nipissing University.
I recommend Nipissing for anyone who loves to lead, participate and get involved. You are not just a number here. People know you and you can be a very "big fish in a small pond!" Make sure you give your experience at Nipissing your all! Take advantage of the incredible support network Nipissing can offer you in individual growth as well as academic. Give 100% and you will get back much, much more! Learn and grow from as many people as possible. Use Nipissing's size, community and continuity to your advantage.

What did you learn from your Nipissing experience?
Simply put...I grew here. I discovered who I am, influenced by who I want to be (based on some of the courses I took, the surrounding environment and culture of the University). I feel like I diversified into many areas through my program, and attained the necessary transferrable skills for future employment. My student-athlete experience taught me how to organize and prioritize a very hectic work schedule...I carry my agenda everywhere! I also grew as a teammate and I am so fortunate to still be a part of the Nipissing team.

How does the theme “One Student at a Time” apply to experience at Nipissing?
I think the neatest thing about Nipissing is "one student at a time." I met our (previous) president first year, and he always waved and smiled at me in the hallways. Dennis would stop and talk to me (often making me late for classes!) There is a genuine respect and care for each student. How many students outside Nipissing can say that they hugged their University President at graduation?

What is your favourite Nipissing memory?
Outside graduation, because that's an immediate and natural feeling of reward, I would have to say anything and everything to do with being a Laker on the women's volleyball team. I will remember endless road trips, smiles, the team as a family, the support from coaches and teammates, the passion to win games and the intention of pushing each other to be better. Winning an all Ontario championship (2007), and hosting Nationals (2009) were definitely highlights, but it's only because of the people those memories are shared with.

 

Name: Heidi Robinson
Hometown: New Lowell, ON
High school: Jean Vanier Catholic High School (Collingwood, ON)
Degree: Honours B.A in Geography of Regional Planning and International Development

How does the theme "One Student at a Time" apply to your experience at Nipissing?
Everywhere I went at Nipissing, from academic services to the computer labs and library, I wasn’t just another number. From the beginning, professors are genuinely interested in helping you succeed. They know who you are, and classes are small and very comfortable learning experiences.

Any suggestions/tips for students considering Nipissing University?
Definitely take the time to come and visit the school. It’s a short drive, and worth it to check out the place you are considering living for the next four or more years of your life. Also, ask questions! There were so many I was afraid to ask, and really should have. And take a wide range of courses in your first year, it really keeps your options open.

What did you learn from your Nipissing experience?
Academically, I learned how to learn, which sounds corny, but really is the most important thing that I think you get out of University. Now I know how to find the answers to almost anything andhow to develop my thoughts and form a reasonable opinion. As for what I learned personally, for me this was the first time I’d been on my own for an extended length of time, so I learned how to do all of those independent things I hadn’t had to worry about before, like grocery shopping or remembering which day is garbage day.

 

Name: Jennifer Szabo
Hometown: Harrow, Ontario (near Windsor)
High School: St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Secondary School in LaSalle, Ontario
Degree: BA Honours English with minors in Psychology and Religions & Cultures BEd – I/S English & Religion

Why did you choose Nipissing University?
After vacationing in the North Bay area for many years, Nipissing seemed like the natural next step in my education. I was attracted to the natural beauty of the campus and the idea of being on my own in a place so far from home. With further research, I discovered that Nipissing offered excellent entrance scholarships and one of the most renowned Faculties of Education in the country!

What are some of your favourite activities to do in North Bay?
I enjoy taking full advantage of the North Bay arts scene: checking out new exhibits at some of the many local galleries (including the White Water Gallery and the W.K.P. Kennedy Gallery), attending performances at the Capitol Centre and singing along at concerts at The Wall and other local establishments. I also like biking on the Kinsmen Trail, hiking to Duchesnay Falls, walking the Waterfront, and going to see movies at the cinema ($4.20 general admission on Tuesdays!)

How does the theme "One Student at a Time" apply to your experience at Nipissing?
Nipissing’s “One Student at a Time” theme reflects my entire educational experience. I really enjoyed the many small, intimate class settings of which I was a part; there were many opportunities for in depth classroom discussion in which each student was invited to participate. Professors were accepting of individual opinions and truly listened and reflected upon issues raised in class. It is evident that the Faculty is truly invested in the success of each student. I remember receiving graded essays and assignments with paragraphs of personalized comments and suggestions for improvement. Also, every one of my professors made themselves available outside of classroom hours for private discussion.

Any suggestions/tips for students considering Nipissing University?
Nipissing is an ideal setting for a wide variety of university experiences. There are countless opportunities both on and off-campus to pursue your personal as well as academic interests. Developing a balance between study time and social pursuits, be they athletic, artistic, group-oriented, volunteer-based, or just taking the time to relax, is the key to success throughout your post-secondary career. Over the course of your studies you will meet people from all over Ontario, Canada, and the world, allowing you to build a network of friends in a variety of disciplines that can share their personal insights and experiences to further enhance your time at Nipissing.