Four students gathering outside the Taylor Institute

Neurodiversity Immersive Campus Experience (NICE)

NICE Days is an on-campus experience for incoming undergraduate students who identify as neurodivergent.

Get acquainted with campus life, supports and neurodivergent peers

Neurodiversity Immersive Campus Experience (NICE) is a free two-day UCalgary initiative to help incoming first-year undergraduate students who self-identify as neurodivergent. By participating in workshops, tours, and discussions, this experience provides students with a supportive environment in their transition from high school to university.

Participating students will also be engaged in ongoing sensory-friendly and supportive learning environments that benefit students’ learning needs and support their wellbeing. Students will be introduced to other neurodivergent peers, helpful campus supports and programs, and provided with information on university life. 

Quality Money logo

A Quality Money project, brought to you by your Students’ Union.

What is NICE Days?

The Neurodiversity Immersive Campus Experience (NICE) is a free program for neurodivergent students to help navigate their first year at UCalgary. Students will participate in a two-day, on-campus program that will introduce them to other neurodiverse peers, helpful campus supports and programs, and provide information on university life. 

This experience provides students with a supportive environment in their transition into university.  

NICE Days is on-campus program that takes place on Monday, August 26 and Tuesday, August 27 from 9am to 4pm.  

Applicants must: 

  • Be entering their first year of undergraduate studies 
  • Be beginning studies in the fall of 2024 
  • Self-identify as neurodivergent

When: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday, August 26th and Tuesday, August 27th  

Arrival Time: Arrive at 8:45 a.m. as sessions will start at 9:00 a.m.

Where: UCalgary, MacEwan Hall (specific location details will be emailed) 

Why attend NICE Days?

“NICE Days is a welcoming program that eases the transition into university for neurodivergent students. It provides sensory-friendly supports and a safe environment to meet other neurodivergent peers!”

Victoria Lye

(NICE Days student, 2023)

Nice Days FAQ

NICE Day is a free program for students who identify as neurodivergent. This program will take place on Monday, August. 26 and Tuesday, August 27 from 9am to 4pm. NICE Days will be held at UCalgary main campus, MacEwan Hall, 402 Collegiate Blvd NW. Please arrive by 8:45am, more details will be sent via email. Lunch will be provided, and breaks are built into the schedule.

How many students will be attending?

There will be approximately 20 students attending. 

Where can I drop off or park when I arrive at MacEwan Hall? 

Drop off: 402 Collegiate Blvd NW.  Parking: Lot 3, directly behind International House. It also has accessible parking spaces. Please note that there is an hourly rate to park.

review the UCalgary Find Parking map

What meals are provided? What if I have dietary needs? 

Lunch will be provided for each day. You can provide dietary needs within your application to the program. 

Are parents or guardians permitted to stay with the students for NICE Days? 

Although sessions are designed for students, program coordinators are happy to talk with parents about any specific needs prior to the event (please see contact information for how to reach coordinators).

Contact Us

Jess Lopez

Neurodiversity Support Advisor, Student Wellness Services

jess.lopez@ucalgary.ca

Heather Thompson

Academic Development Specialist, Neurodiversity and Access to Learning, Student Success Centre

heather.thompson1@ucalgary.ca

Kirstin Kot

Neurodiversity Support Advisor, Student Wellness Services

kirstin.kot@ucalgary.ca