Get the support you need to succeed 📚

While classes are taking a break for students in academic programs this week, our student services and support staff are still at their desks! This week is a good time to make an appointment and get that help you’ve been meaning to get. Read on for more details.  

Need to know

PACWEST Volleyball Championships – February 21 and 22 

Don’t miss your chance to watch BC’s best men’s and women’s collegiate volleyball teams compete for provincial supremacy – here at the VIU Gym! The PACWEST Volleyball Championships is a Final 4 tournament that features four games per day and includes the nationally ranked VIU Mariners. Wear blue and get loud to support the Mariners in our opening games: Friday, February 21 at 5:30 pm (women) and 8 pm (men). Join other Mariners fans at the VIUSU tailgate party before these games! Ensure your seat by reserving a free tournament pass at Showpass. 

Black History Month at VIU 

February is Black History Month – a time to celebrate the history, culture, diversity and achievements of Black people in Canada and recognize the contributions of Black communities nationwide. See upcoming events at VIU:  

• Book Club: The Message, by Ta-Nahisi Coates - February 25
• Musical Performance - “My Black History Is Poetry, Is Jazz”  - February 26

A timely message from Student Affairs 

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. And – no surprises – money worries are a common cause of anxiety for our students. VIU Financial Aid and Awards can 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. 

No Hunger at VIU 

This student initiative to fight food insecurity will be serving free hot meals for VIU students on February 26 from 11:30 am until they run out in Building 355, Room 211. Care packages will be available for pickup as well. 

Study tips 

Want a break from studying during Spring Semester Study Days? Want to learn how to take lecture notes more effectively, how to manage time and concentration, how to prepare and take exams and learn more effective study skills and techniques? Learning Matters is a free digital collection of resources and includes videos, learning tips, study strategies and best practices. Take some time and learn some of these skills over your spring semester break. Connect with the advising team Monday to Friday in-person in Building 200, as well as online, by phone or email. 

Reduced operations in main cafeteria 

As students take a break this week, so are certain elements of the main cafeteria. The Green Mountain sandwich/salad/poke bar will be closed all week and dinner ends at 6 pm. 

Deal for Hullo ferries 

Book three or more trips, get 20% off. Applies to all service tiers and fare types, excludes seat selection, large luggage and sports bags. Book between February 3 and 23 for travel between February 14 and 23, 2025. Use promo code FAMDAY20. 

Student shoutout

Tarah Dowling created the art installation We Are the Change You Want to See, which she says gives a “brief glimpse into the world of living in foster care and how the Tuition Waiver program is changing lives.” The exhibit is currently on the fifth floor of the VIU library. Read more. 

Connect

The Centre for Experiential Learning is hiring! 

Are you interested in doing impactful work on-campus around student engagement this summer and fall? The Centre for Experiential Learning and Student Engagement is now hiring for the following teams: 

• Thrive  
• Career Studio 
• Peer Supported Learning 
• Office of Co-Curricular Engagement and Learning 

Opportunities are now live on the Experience Hub. How to apply. Any questions? Come to an info session on March 5, 3:30 pm in Building 355 Room 211 or email us at cel@viu.ca. Register for CEL Student Employment Information Session. 

Club Fair 

The Students’ Union Club Fair is your opportunity to discover the wide range of student-run clubs and organizations available on campus. As a service of the Students' Union, these clubs offer a chance to get involved, build connections and develop new skills outside the classroom. Thursday, February 27, 11 am to 2 pm in the quad. 

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! Drop in to a Student Exchange Support Session on Tuesdays from 11 am to 12 pm. Email InternationalMobility@viu.ca for more information. 

Become a student ambassador 🗣️ 

Do you enjoy being part of the VIU community? Want to help future students feel at home at VIU? 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 (CCR). New opportunities are coming soon – check the Experience Hub for updates. 

Culture Couch 🛋️  

The Culture Couch is a place to engage in cross-cultural understanding and learning. Each session is uniquely crafted by student volunteers who take on the role of hosts and share aspects of their culture with their peers. Culture Couch happens Tuesdays from 5 to 6 pm in Building 255, first floor learning commons. Open to all students, no registration is required. Upcoming sessions:  

• Talk to Me – Thrive: February 25  
• Welcome to the Philippines: March 4 

Travelling to VIU survey winner 

Congratulations to Krista Convey, winner of a $50 Campus Store gift card for completing VIU’s transportation demand survey. Thank you to the nearly 500 community members who told us how they commute to VIU. Next up: stay tuned for details about open house sessions on March 12 and 13 – another chance to help shape planning for commuting to VIU’s Nanaimo campus. 

Supports and services

Happening in the library 

Looking for your next fun read? Visit the Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover display at the Nanaimo campus library entrance. Pick a mystery book based only on its bio, check it out, unwrap it and enjoy! While you’re here, check out our Black History Month display by the service desk as well as our online display. Join us for Shqwultun on February 26 at 10 to learn Hul'q'umi'num introductions and practice pronunciation with Tumuhw Shqw'a'luqwa'! No experience necessary. Need research help? Get support in person, online or via live chat from 9 am to 4 pm during semester study days! 

Job search strategies seminar 🖥️ 

Many jobs are not advertised! Learn ways to get out from behind your computer, get organized and locate jobs of interest. Come join us in the Career Studio. Lunch provided. Register early on the Experience Hub as seats are limited!  

When: February 26 from 11:15 am to 12:50 pm. 

Where: Building 255, Room 204 or attend virtually on Microsoft Teams. 

Dealing with a difficult roomie?  

Tension and arguments at home cause stress, disrupt studies and can impact your success at university. We’ve collected some tips for avoiding and dealing with conflict. We’re also here to help with house hunting, temporary accommodation and tenancy issues. Visit Off-Campus Housing, email housing@viu.ca or book a meeting. 

Student Perceptions of Sexualized Violence survey 

As a VIU student, you are invited to participate in a survey to better understand student perceptions of sexualized violence at BC public post-secondary institutions. This survey should take you about 15-20 minutes to complete, depending on your responses. If you complete it, you have the chance to win one of 16 gift cards valued between $100 and $500. Take Survey. 

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. This is your chance to gain essential knowledge on how to respond to an opioid overdose and potentially save a life. Advance registration required. 

Winter weather at VIU 

A reminder that while Facilities Services does their best to clear snow and ice as quickly as possible, you may find some areas are slippery as you make your way across campus. Don’t forget to walk like a penguin. Report snow-covered or icy sidewalks and roadways to Facilities by calling 250.740.6500, Monday through Friday, calling Campus Security after hours at 250.740.6512 or by submitting a service request online. If you have injured yourself, because of a slip or trip incident, call Campus Security to obtain First Aid. If the injury results in a medical emergency, call 911. When you can, report the injury through the online health and safety incident reporting system. 

Safety salt available for VIU community use 

Create a safer path for our campus community. Look for the yellow bins around campus and spread safety sand on slippery areas using the scoop provided. Salt running low? Contact Facilities Services by phone 250.740.6500 or email: facility@viu.ca. 

ASIST workshop 

VIU Thrive invites you to join the ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) workshop on February 20 to 21! This internationally acclaimed two-day workshop will give you the skills and confidence to intervene and provide immediate support for someone at risk of suicide. Register.

VIU exam accommodations 📖 

Hey VIU students with exam accommodations! Here’s what you need to know for the 2025 April finals. The deadline to request accommodations is March 31 for April finals starting April 14. Stay on top of these dates to ensure a smooth exam season. We're here to support your success! 

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.  

Mark your calendar

Global Citizens Forum 

A two-day exploration of global perspectives and cultural diversity takes place at VIU February 25 and 26. From Taiko drumming and an afro dance workshop to spiritual cleansing and a cultural geography discussion, view the full schedule.

Marketing, law and engineering labour market panels 

Interested in learning more about careers in marketing, law or engineering from industry professionals? Come to the following labour market panels:  

• Marketing (February 24): Register. 

• Law (February 27): Register.  

• Engineering (February 28): Register. 

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. Come join us in the Career Studio (B255, R204) at 11:15 am to start with lunch. Registration link: Lunch & Learn - Workplace Ready: Health, Safety, and Your Rights 

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! When: March 10, 11:15 am in the Career Studio (B255, R204). Register.  

Wavemakers 

Wavemakers offers real-world virtual work-integrated learning, connecting you with top employers, industry mentors and a lifelong network of professionals. Upcoming cohort March 12 to April 9. 
✅ Gain hands-on experience 
✅ Build valuable career skills 
✅ Expand your professional connections 

 Learn more and apply now or attend a virtual info session on February 27. 

“Fine” is a 4-letter word 

Do you worry about your mental health and well-being? Wondering what you can do to ease anxiety? 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.  

• Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 
• Location: Malaspina Theatre (Building 310), VIU’s Nanaimo campus 
• Time: 6:30 to 8 pm, doors open at 6 pm 
• Register via Eventbrite.