Did you know that showcasing your research and creative activity projects at the CREATE conference can get you in the running for more than $16,000 in cash prizes? The conference takes place April 7 to 11 and registration closes this Friday! Learn more and register.
Need to know
VIU budget information website 🖥️
Like other post-secondary institutions, VIU faces budgetary challenges such as shifting enrolment trends, regulatory changes and rising costs. The multi-year deficit mitigation plan includes strategic adjustments across academic and service units, operational efficiencies and revenue growth opportunities. Do you have questions about VIU’s budget, the status of capital projects and measures being taken to reduce the deficit? VIU’s budget website includes a frequently asked questions page. Have a question that’s not on this page? Email UniversityRelations@viu.ca. While the road ahead is challenging, VIU remains committed to a balanced budget, guided by our values of understanding, connection and commitment – building a stronger future together.
Extended library hours ⏱️
To support academic success, library hours on the Nanaimo campus will be extended from March 31 to April 25. The building will be open from 7 am to 1 am seven days a week during this time. Read more.
Pre-exam fun 🥳
Join Fun@VIU and Malaspina Theatre for two pre-exam wellness events designed to help you physically and mentally prepare for the busy exam season! Part one is on March 25, 11 am to 2 pm in the quad, and focuses on physical wellness with outdoor games, fresh air and exciting prizes. Part two is on March 26, 3:30 to 5 pm, and shifts to mental health and wellness, offering valuable tips to navigate the exam season with a healthy mindset. Don’t miss this opportunity to relax, recharge and set yourself up for success with a Movement for Wellness Workshop in the theatre lobby!
Transgender Day of Visibility call for participants
Join the Positive Space Alliance in recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility through a creative showcase about gender identity and expression on March 31 from 12 to 1:30 pm in the Royal Arbutus Room. Take part as a presenter in this showcase and open mic style event. Email PositiveSpace@viu.ca to sign up and for more information.
Calling Campus Security and First Aid 📲
Until further notice, if you are at the Nanaimo campus, Security and First Aid can be called directly at 250.740.6512 and 250.753.3812. Both numbers are 24-7 and answered on-site. For serious medical issues, call 911, then follow up by calling one of the two Campus Security numbers so that security can assist prior to medical responders arriving. Calling 250.740.6600 may cause delays at this time. VIU is working to correct the issue.
Get prepared for an earthquake
The first sign of an earthquake may be a loud bang, roar or an alert on your phone, TV or radio. You may then feel the ground shake and roll for several minutes. Aftershocks, or smaller earthquakes, can continue for many hours, even days. Learn more about preparing for an earthquake. When an earthquake is 5.0 magnitude or higher, notifications to the public will automatically be sent through the National Public Alerting System. The Alert Ready system did not function as expected on February 21. The federal government is aware of the inconsistencies and is working to improve the system for future events.
Online Student Record System outage
From 2 pm on March 31 until April 1 at 7 am, your Online Student Record will be inaccessible due to financial year-end processing. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Student shoutout
🏆 Congratulations to the Work-Integrated Learning Student of the Year award recipients for 2024! These exceptional students have showcased dedication, skill and impact in their WIL experiences across diverse fields, from firefighting and early childhood education to business leadership and student engagement. Congratulations to our winners:
⭐ Adrienne Bender (Tourism Management) – BC Wildfire Service
⭐ Alison Kuenzig (Tourism Management) – The Wine Works
⭐ Audrey Lamprecht (ECEC) – Jolly Giant Daycare (Selby)
⭐ Esteban LaPointe (WEST Program) – VIU Student Affairs
⭐ Loretta Hanson (ECEC) – Tla’amin Child Development & Resource Centre
⭐ Muskan Chadha (MBA) – Trane Technologies
⭐ Sitayesh Malik (MBA) – VIU Centre for Experiential Learning
👏 Check out the Career Studio LinkedIn page for full profiles!
Spotlight on: Hyla Mcquaid, scholarship winner
Hyla Mcquaid, Lugil Wilaaysm hanaa, an Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies student, received the Dr. Ralph and Suzie Nilson CLB Award this year. She’s working towards her BA, with the long-term goal of pursuing a master’s degree and working as an advocate for Indigenous communities, so the support is key for her journey ahead.
"It is truly an honour. This support not only represents a financial contribution but also signifies a belief in my potential to create a meaningful impact in our community."
Her advice for other students: "Apply for every scholarship. Frankly, many scholarships end up being awarded to individuals who may not meet the exact criteria simply because they were the only ones who applied."
Fill out your online Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries profile by Sunday, March 30 at midnight to get in the running for hundreds of VIU scholarships and awards. To complete your profile, go to your student record.
Connect
No Hunger at VIU 🥗🥪
No Hunger at VIU will provide free hot meals for students on March 26 in Building 355, Room 211, starting at 11:30 am. The meal will be an end of semester spring feast. No Hunger at VIU is a student initiative to fight food insecurity. Care packages will be available.
Graduating this year? Apply to be a valedictorian
At each ceremony, a student is chosen to give a congratulatory address to the graduating class and guests, called a valedictorian speech. Voting takes place between April 8 and 13. Read more and apply to be a valedictorian.
Nutrition Month at the lower cafeteria 🍎
Join the Thrive team on March 26, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the lower cafeteria to celebrate Nutrition Month! Discover how healthy eating supports mental well-being and enjoy snacks and conversation.
Noodle and doodle 🍜
Take a break and doodle with us on April 3, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Wellness Lounge inside the library. Enjoy free noodle soup, connect with others and get creative in a cozy, relaxing space!
Take part in a study on anxiety
The GAYA Study is exploring how genetics influence youth anxiety across Canada. If you or your child is between 10 to 19 years old, speaks English and can use a smartphone, participation is fully remote, takes less than 45 minutes and includes a $15 thank-you gift. Interested? Contact GAYA@bcchr.ca or complete the survey online.
March madness in the Campus Store 🛍️
Looking to update your VIU swag? Come into the Campus Store until March 21 for 40% off select items.
New CREATE category for WIL this year! 🎉
We’re launching a brand-new Work-Integrated Learning category at VIU’s CREATE Conference and there’s a $250 cash prize up for grabs! Have you participated in work-integrated learning at VIU? Share your experience with a SLAM presentation or infographic and showcase how WIL has helped you grow professionally and academically. Need help determining if your experience counts? Reach out at cel@viu.ca! Register.
Campus Store gift card winners! 🛍️
The Facilities Services and Campus Development team would like to thank all students and employees who attended the Transportation Demand Management study open houses in the cafeteria last week. The open house shared the results of the survey and asked people what strategies might work to get more of our community choosing sustainable transportation options. Winners of the $50 Campus Store gift cards were chosen randomly and are: Tim May, Daniel Fwogos and Luigi Borean.
Supports and services
Naloxone kits on campus
Do you know where you can find naloxone nasal spray kits on campus? At the Nanaimo campus, they are next to the AED machines in buildings across campus (see the Nanaimo campus map and select “First Aid” to see where the kits are) as well as in every residence building and in the Gathering Place. At the Cowichan campus, kits are at the main desk and in the hallway near hairdressing at the Cowichan Trades Centre.
Naloxone and harm reduction training
Learn how to save lives with Heather of AVI Nanaimo during a free Naloxone and Harm Reduction training session. Session is March 28, 11 am to 12 pm at the VIU Students’ Union (Building 193). Advanced registration is required. Learn more.
Physiotherapy services coming soon
Physiotherapy services are coming to the VIU Health and Wellness Centre! Bookings open March 24 for appointments starting March 31. Each 30-minute session is $50, payable at the time of the session. Invoices can be submitted to VIUSU Greenshield Health Benefits for full reimbursement! Further details will be shared soon.
Racist Incident Helpline
Call the helpline (1.833.457.5463) if you have experienced or witnessed a racist incident, no matter how much time has passed. The helpline is accessible Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (PT). It’s available to everyone in British Columbia, regardless of your immigration status.
The Racist Incident Helpline is not for emergency calls. If you are in immediate crisis or danger, please call 911. Learn more about the Racist Incident Helpline.
Rhodes Scholarships info session
The Rhodes Scholarships for Canada Information Session for British Columbia is April 2, 4 pm EDT. The scholarship allows people from anywhere in the world to study a postgraduate degree at Oxford University. Register for the session.
Connect with an educational advisor
Are you a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science student who has not chosen a major or minor yet? If you are still undecided, feel free to chat with an educational advisor by email, phone or Teams. You can contact your degree advisors directly if you are ready to declare your major or minors.
Student art displays at library 🖼️
Did you know the VIU Library Nanaimo campus has student art on display throughout the term? Check out the current display on the top floor (read more about the display and the student behind it here). And while you are in the library remember that we can help with research and assignments!
International supports and services
Need help navigating medical insurance or BC MSP? Visit VIU International reception on the second floor of Building 255 Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm or email Support.International@viu.ca.
VIU Off-Campus Housing 🏡
Are you leaving your rental accommodation soon?
- know when and how to give notice
- leave your accommodation correctly cleaned
- book a move-out inspection
- know about move-out times and forwarding addresses
- ask for a reference
Make sure you follow a few simple steps to end your tenancy well and help ensure the return of your full deposit. Read the VIU blog post for more details.
Mark your calendar
Spring Career Fair 👩🏽💻
Looking for employment opportunities? Join us at the Spring Career Fair on March 28 in the VIU gym! This Career Fair is for all VIU students, alumni and members of the public to find employment. Employers will be offering part-time, full-time, volunteer and work-integrated learning (co-op, internship and more) opportunities for various industries. Register for the Spring Career Fair. Want to brush up on your networking skills and elevator pitch before the Career Fair? Book an appointment with a career peer today or drop by the Career Studio on March 27 from 11:15 am to 12:50 pm!
Cultivating Safe Spaces workshop
Jen Greenway, host of Go Smudge Yourself podcast, presents Cultivating Safe Spaces: Building Inclusive and Supportive Communities. This workshop on anti-racism, reconciliation and DEI strategies is for business leaders and community members. Sign up on Eventbrite.
SafeTALK Workshop 🛑
Learn how to recognize and support someone in distress at our SafeTALK workshop on April 4, from 9 am to 1 pm. Open to all VIU staff and students, this session will teach you essential skills to help prevent suicide. Free registration!
ASIST Workshop 🆘
Gain life-saving skills at the ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) workshop on April 24 and 25. This two-day training, open to staff and students, provides the confidence and tools to support someone at risk of suicide. Free registration!
Workplace ready: Health, safety and your rights
Gear up for success in your work-integrated learning experience! This interactive workshop on April 3 starting at 11:15 am covers essential topics like employment standards, WorkSafeBC guidelines, and tackling workplace bullying and harassment. Register for the lunch and learn.
How women leaders inspire panel
Join us for Breaking Barriers: How Women Leaders Inspire & Empower! hosted by the Student Leadership Circle. This engaging panel discussion and networking event will feature influential women leaders from arts, advocacy, business and beyond. Speakers include:
- Sukhi Sangha, founder of Vancouver Island Bhangra, and recipient of the 2025 Women of Influence Award in Arts and Culture.
- Kerri Isham, certified sexual health educator and founder of Nanaimo Women Helping Women.
- Roberta Bowman, Executive Director of Downtown Nanaimo Business Association and Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce.
Date: Thursday, March 27, from 5 to 7 pm
Location: VIU Nanaimo campus, Building 210, Room 245.
Lunch and Learn: Interview Preparation
Learn how to showcase your transferrable skills and gain confidence through a better understanding of typical and specific interview questions and how to prepare to answer them. Come join us in the Career Studio (B255, R204) at 11:15 am on April 9. Lunch to start. Register early on the Experience Hub as seats are limited!
Clippers hockey game 🏒
Grab your friends and watch the last regular season Nanaimo Clipper’s home game against the Surrey Eagles! Game is on March 29, 7 pm at Frank Crane Arena. Get discounted tickets ($8 off regular pricing!).
VIU exam accommodations 📖
Hey VIU students with exam accommodations! The deadline to request accommodations is March 31 for April finals starting April 14. How to book?
- Step 1: Find your classes in the ‘Select a final exam’ area of the exam request tab.
- Step 2: The exam date and time will be pre-filled.
- Step 3: Click submit!
Need help booking? Email: Accommodatedexams@viu.ca or visit the exam centre in Building 255.
Trish Shwart exhibit 🎨
VIU’s View Gallery is hosting IRL an exhibition by Trish Shwart. The exhibit runs until April 4 at the gallery (Building 330). The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm during exhibits.
Soup and Bannock with Dr. Kimberly Coleman
Dr. Kimberly Coleman is VIU’s 2025 Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Studies and an Associate Professor at the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. She’s researching how communities can work together to manage outdoor recreation, specifically mountain bike trails, in a way that respects Indigenous lands. The Soup and Bannock Lunch and Learn is March 25 from 11:30 am to 12:50 pm at Shq’apthut, Building 170. Visit Eventbrite to register.
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