As many of you are aware, Global Climate Strike activities are taking place around the world this week including an event in Nanaimo this Friday, September 27. VIU recognizes that many members of our community are deeply concerned about the climate crisis and want to make their voices heard.
Those who wish to participate in these activities are welcome to do so and should do the following:
Students who plan to participate should arrange with their instructors to make up any missed coursework, assignments or quizzes scheduled during the time of their absence.
Faculty members are encouraged to facilitate this participation by working with students on alternate arrangements for any missed work. Faculty are free to cancel classes or to participate in the activity if it fits within the description of their course or program. If faculty members have scheduled classes to teach during the event and plan to attend the event, they should approach their Dean to request a vacation day.
All other employees wishing to participate in these activities during work hours must arrange with their supervisor to use vacation time, time in lieu or unpaid leave.
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your supervisor.
VIU understands the unique and troubling challenges the climate crisis will create locally, regionally, nationally and globally. Our students, faculty and staff are committed to addressing this through:
- Supporting the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
- Student-led activities such as the Local Solutions to a Global Problem symposium and student participation in the Building Resilience in Coastal Communities Program,
- Faculty-led research and scholarly activity through the Coastal Hydrology and Climate Change Research Lab, the Canada Research Chair in Shellfish Health and Genomics, the Applied Environmental Research Lab, and participation in the Inspiring Climate Action Project in partnership with Royal Roads University.
- Reducing our carbon footprint through the development of the Geo-Exchange Energy System and other sustainability initiatives.
We need to continue to do more. Please stay tuned to VIU’s communications channels to learn more about these and other initiatives.
Sincerely,
Dr. Deborah Saucier
Vancouver Island University
President and Vice-Chancellor
The VIU community acknowledges and thanks the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun and Tla’amin, on whose traditional territory we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.
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