March is a busy month on campus! While we know you're probably busy with projects and assignments, don’t forget to fill out your scholarship, award and bursary profile in your student record by March 30 to get in the running for hundreds of VIU scholarships.
In this issue of the student newsletter:
- Student loan questions? See advice below.
- Vancouver Island Leadership Conference: register now!
- Spring Career Fair
- Career Studio lunch and learn sessions
Need to know
Money worries? You’re not alone.
At this time of year, finances are tight for many of us. You may have received both student loans and are now stretching your budget. VIU Financial Aid and Awardscan help you plan and manage your budget. There are some important deadlines to know about, too:
- There’s still time to apply for your second Student Loan disbursement. Get in touch as soon as you can if you need advice.
- Scholarships, awards and bursary applications need to be in by the end of March.
- Taking summer classes? You can now apply for your student loan.
And if stressing over finances is impacting your well-being or studies, VIU Counselling, Thrive and VIU Academic Advising are here for you, too.
International Women’s Day
VIUFA’s Women’s and Gender Equity Committee is hosting an event in recognition of International Women’s Day. Seeding Revolution: Feminist Organizing in Fascist Times is March 7 from 10 am to 1 pm in the Royal Arbutus Room (Building 300, Room 401). Faculty panelists include Collette Jones, Finn Meyer Cook, Imogene Lim, Sarah Lovegrove, with music by Sonnet L’abbé.
Sexpo
Get ready for a day of sex positivity, exploration and empowerment. Organized by your students’ union on March 10, 2 to 5:30 pm. Sexpo After Dark starts in the pub at 7:30. More details.
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. Take part as a presenter in this showcase and open mic style event. Email PositiveSpace@viu.ca to sign up and for more information.
Have your say on the budget
The Budget Advisory Council wants to hear from you again! In fall 2024, VIU asked students, faculty and staff for input on budget priorities for the draft 2025-26 operating budget. Now we’re seeking your feedback on the Student Services fee and Student Activity fee as they relate to the 2025-26 draft operating budget report. Your input will help shape recommendations on how these fees will be allocated for the 2026-27 academic year. Take the survey.
Student shoutout
Way to go, Mariners! The VIU women's basketball team claimed the PACWEST BC conference championship with a 69-59 victory over the CBC Bearcats.
Mackenzie Cox was named VIU's player of the game and a tournament all-star. Fifth-year guard Makayla Kimble was also named a tournament all-star while Harriette Mackenzie, with two massive games, was named tournament MVP.
The men’s basketball team claimed silver! Kam Bender, named a PACWEST tournament all-star, led VIU with 21 points while Kai Leighton scored 16-9 of those in the fourth quarter.
Connect
March madness in the Campus Store 🛍️
Looking to update your VIU swag? Come into the Campus Store between March 10 and 21 for 40% off select items.
Noodle and Doodle 🍜
Need a moment to unwind? Join us on March 5, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, for a cozy, creative and delicious break! The Thrive team will be at the Wellness Lounge inside the library, waiting for you with free noodle soup and connections.
Nutrition Month at the upper quad 🍎
On March 12, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, join the Thrive team at the upper quad in front of the library to celebrate Nutrition Month and explore how healthy eating supports positive mental well-being.
Vancouver Island Leadership Conference 2025
The Vancouver Island Leadership Conference is happening March 22 at VIU’s Nanaimo campus. This year’s theme is Navigating Sustainability and this conference features inspiring speakers, networking opportunities and a chance to connect with students from different programs. Student tickets are just $15! Learn more and register.
International experiences
If you're a Canadian citizen aged 18 to 35, you can work and travel abroad through International Experience Canada. With more than 35 countries to choose from, this is your path to a work permit or visa that allows you to work and explore. Or, explore our exchange program at VIU!
- Student Exchange Support Sessions. Drop in on Tuesdays from 11 am to 12 pm
- Contact InternationalMobility@viu.ca for more information.
Community interpreters needed
Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society is hiring a community interpreter. The position is casual (on-demand), starting at $35/hr, as needed, depending on requests (within Nanaimo). Training will be provided to successful candidates. Send your resume to: outreach@cvims.org.
Become a student ambassador 🗣️
Do you enjoy being part of the VIU community? Want to help future students feel at home at VIU? Join our team as a student ambassador! Help create unforgettable experiences for future students! As a student ambassador, you’ll gain leadership and event-planning experience, share your journey with prospective students and boost your resume with official recognition on the Co-Curricular Record. New opportunities are coming soon. Check the Experience Hub for updates.
Supports and services
Spring Career Fair
Looking for employment opportunities? Join us at the Spring Career Fair! This Career Fair is for all VIU students, alumni and public members 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.
Date: March 28, from 11 am to 2 pm
Location: VIU Nanaimo gymnasium
Workplace ready: Health, safety and your rights
Gear up for success in your work-integrated learning experience! This interactive workshop covers essential topics like employment standards, WorkSafeBC guidelines, and tackling workplace bullying and harassment. Workshops on March 5 and April 3. Come join us in the Career Studio (Building 255, Room 204) at 11:15 am to start with lunch. Register for the lunch and learn.
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.
Help shape future transportation options to VIU 🚲🚗
We want to hear from you! In January, VIU surveyed students and employees about their travel methods to and from the Nanaimo campus. We want your feedback on the proposed actions before finalizing the strategy. Come to an open house on Wednesday, March 12 or Thursday, March 13 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm in the upper cafeteria. Participating gets you in the running for a $50 Campus Store gift card.
Get assignment help at the library 📚
It’s getting to that time of the semester. Hang in there! VIU library has got your back. We have many different options for getting help with research and assignments: one-on-one appointments with a librarian, live chat, email and phone. But don’t forget, you can also come and see us in person at the service desk!
Free naloxone and harm reduction training
Learn how to save lives with Claire Dineen of AVI Nanaimo during this free naloxone and harm reduction training session on March 11. This is your chance to gain essential knowledge on how to respond to an opioid overdose and potentially save a life. Advance registration required.
Prevent, recognize and respond to an overdose
The street drug supply in BC is more toxic and unpredictable than ever. Any street drug can be poisoned, not just opioids. It can be hard to know what’s in the substances you’re taking. Even if they came from a source you trust, like a friend or roommate. Even if you only take a little, or if it’s your first time, the risks are real. It’s important to know how to prevent, recognize and respond to an overdose.
- Do you or someone you know need support with substance use or addiction?
- Want to get trained to safely administer naloxone?
Visit the province’s respond to overdose website to learn more.
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.
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.
Student employment information session 👩🏽💻
Come to the Centre of Experiential Learning and Student Engagement Student Employment Information Session. March 5, 3:30 to 5 pm, Building 355, Room 211. Learn about opportunities for impactful work on-campus this Summer and Fall Semesters! Register at CEL Student Employment Information Session. We are hiring for the following:
- Thrive
- Peer Supported Learning
- Career Studio
- Office of Co-Curricular Engagement and Learning
Mark your calendar
Register for CREATE
Early bird registration for CREATE 2025 closes on Friday, March 7! Don’t miss out on your chance to showcase your project at VIU’s largest student knowledge-sharing event. Practice your communication skills and compete for prizes. More than $16,000 in cash prizes will be awarded at CREATE 2025! Learn more.
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!
Learn how to move from researcher to entrepreneur 🧑🏾🔬
The Canada Foundation for Innovation is hosting the webinar Future You: Transforming research instincts into a successful business on March 20, 1 pm EDT (10 am PT). Meet researchers who turned their curiosity and ambition into thriving new companies. And find out how you can do it too! During the webinar you’ll learn about the challenges and opportunities for launching a business, access expert advice and discover how to find a mentor. The webinar will be conducted in French with simultaneous English interpretation. Learn more and register.
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). An opening reception is on Thursday, March 13 from 4 to 6 pm. An artist talk is Friday, March 14 from noon to 1 pm. The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm during exhibits.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream 🎭
A night of comedy, an enchanted forest and mischievous magic is coming to VIU’s Malaspina Theatre. The Theatre department presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The play runs at Malaspina Theatre from March 6 to 15, starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10 on Showpass plus a processing fee, or $10 at the door. Students can attend for free by using the code VIU on Showpass.
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.
Soundin’ Canaan Colloqium talk
Dr. Paul db Watkins’ new book Soundin’ Canaan: Black Canadian Poetry, Music, and Citizenship examines the contributions of key Black Canadian poets. His book includes an accompanying soundtrack, which Watkins says invites the readers to “immerse themselves in the interplay between text and sound.” Watkins’ presents his VIU Arts and Humanities Colloquium talk Soundin’ Canaan: Remixing the Remix on March 7, 10 to 11:30 am at Malaspina Theatre (Building 310) Free to attend. Learn more.
“Fine” is a 4-letter word
Calling all caregivers! Do you worry about your child’s mental health and well-being? Wondering what you can do to help? Come to a keynote talk and interactive discussion with mental health expert Dr. Shahana Alibhai on March 11 at 6:30 pm. CKNW radio host Jas Johal will moderate an audience Q&A following her talk. Register via Eventbrite.
Date: March 11, 6:30 to 8 pm, doors open at 6 pm
Location: Malaspina Theatre (Building 310), VIU’s Nanaimo campus
Networking Lunch and Learn
Prepare to get out there and talk to people! Gain confidence with a strong elevator pitch and understand the value of connection for opportunities! Join us for a lunch and learn on March 10 in the Career Studio (Building 255, Room 204) at 11:15 am to start with lunch. Register early on the Experience Hub, as seats are limited! Register for the lunch and learn.
WIL Career Fair
You will have the chance to connect with up to 30 employers within the hospitality, culinary and baking industry for potential employment opportunities. Register at WIL Career Fair.
Date: March 11 from 11 am to 2 pm
Location: Building 300 (main cafeteria)
UBC Medical School Information Session
Are you interested in earning your MD on Vancouver Island? Learn about the UBC Doctor of Medicine program and the UBC Island Medical Program (IMP) from the IMP admissions team. Register at UBC Medical School Information Session.
Date: March 12, from 4 to 5 pm
Location: Building 356, Room 109
ITAS Labour Market Round Table
The Career Studio will be hosting the ITAS Labour Market Round Table in partnership with the ITAS faculty. Join us at this session to learn where your diploma can take you. VIU Alumni and industry professionals in Information Technology and Applied Systems will share info about their day-to-day work tasks, company culture and more! Register at ITAS Labour Market Round Table.
Date: March 19, from 2:30 to 4 pm
Location: Building 300, Room 401
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