Need a break from studying? 🍏

VIU wishes you best of luck on your exams! If you need a little extra support, check out this exam survial guide by Samantha Allen or visit some of the supports listed below. If you're looking for a summer job, VIU's Career Studio is hosting a large Career Fair in the VIU Gym on April 26. And before you go, check out these 10 tips to stand out at a career fair.

Need to know

Graduating? Send us a video! 🎓

Want to be part of a compilation video about the graduating class of 2024? Submit a short video sharing a message for your classmates, a favourite memory or your hopes for the future. Videos should be no longer than 20 seconds and should be submitted to convocation@viu.ca by May 1. We can’t wait to share these messages with your family, friends and fellow graduates at convocation this June!

Tips for paying for university 💵

Are you wondering about options for paying for university? VIU student blogger Becky Duarte interviewed the experts to produce this quick guide to the world of finances and navigating through it as a university student. Check out the blog.

Web registration

VIU web registration begins May 6 and continues through to early June. If you have any questions or need assistance, please connect with an educational advisor or attend a web registration and course selection session to work on your web registration with the support of Advising and Registration Services. It is not too late to apply to programs still accepting applications at VIU. Connect with an advisor with your questions.

Content warning: RCMP request for information about incident

Please note: this message addresses an incident that some students may find distressing. Please visit the VIU Counselling page for a list of supports, including supports available 24-7.
 
RCMP are investigating a report of a possible alleged gun sighting at Bruce Avenue and Fifth Street on April 14 around 4:30 pm. Two VIU students reported it to the staff at 7-Eleven but when RCMP arrived they were not on-site to provide details. If you have any information related to this incident, please contact RCMP at 250.754.2345 and reference file #24-11505. Or contact Mark Egan, VIU Security Manager, at Mark.Egan@viu.ca or 250.618.5244. 

Connect

Exam Pit Stops ✏️☕

Will you be on campus to write your final exams? VIUSU is hosting Exam Pit Stopsoutside the VIU gym before morning and afternoon exam sessions. VIUSU will have a big tent set up to keep you out of the rain and be handing out free coffee, tea, brain snacks and extra writing supplies to help boost your energy and preparedness. Runs from April 15 to 19 from 8:30 to 9:05 am and 12:20 to 1:05 pm outside the gym entrance, building 190. All students are welcome, regardless of if they have an exam in the gym.

April 26 career fair 💼

Just in time for summer, VIU’s Career Studio is organizing a large-scale career fair in the VIU gym from 11 am to 3 pm on April 26! Find a summer job or learn about exciting careers in a variety of industries, from health care to business. This event is open to VIU students, alumni, members of the public and local Grade 12 students, so please make sure to register to receive reminders and updates about this event. Want to get professional headshots done for your LinkedIn account? It's free but you need to register in advance.

Indoor soccer tournament ⚽

VIU Mariners men’s soccer is inviting VIU students and community members to take part in a two-day indoor soccer tournament at the VIU Gym on April 27 and 28. Teams of 10 are guaranteed a minimum of four games, five-aside, and can choose to compete in co-ed recreational or men’s competitive divisions for prizes and giveaways. Register your team today on Eventbrite for $350 plus fees with all proceeds supporting VIU men’s soccer.

2024 Soapbox Derby 🏎️

Join the VIU Engineering Club and participate in this year's Soapbox Derby at the VIU Nanaimo campus on April 26 at 1 pm! Teams will compete in gravity-powered soapbox cars, showcasing speed, style and control. For more details about the event or to register contact engineering.club@viusu.ca.

Rock for Cancer fundraiser 🎸

Local bands Danger Box, Sturdy Lemon and Insulam are putting on a Rock for Cancer fundraiser concert on April 20 at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre, Building 310. All profits go towards cancer research. Buy tickets on Showpass.

Road trips 🚙

Join the Cultural Connections Road Trips team on exciting adventures to awe-inspiring locations. Every semester a schedule of seasonal weekly activities is available to all registered VIU students. Sign up for Cultural Connections trips every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 1:30 pm in Building 255, International Education, on the second floor, beside the main lobby. Upcoming trips:

• April 20: Tofino surf trip
• April 27: Campfire cookout

Local hikes 🥾

Join Cultural Connections and explore some of the most scenic and awe-inspiring local hiking trails Nanaimo has to offer! The Local Hikes program is designed to encourage confidence and creativity in participants, while at the same time aiming to forge a connection with nature and a desire to protect it. Each hike is only $2. Upcoming hikes include:

• April 19: Westwood Lake
• April 26: Englishman River Falls

VIU Interior Design Showcase

Check out the work of graduating Interior Design students during a showcase event on April 27 in the Trades Discovery Centre. The open house exhibit runs from 2 to 5 pm and features guest speaker Connie Watts.

Progressions: Visual Arts celebration 👨🏼‍🎨

The Visual Arts department is hosting its year-end art exhibition and awards ceremony. Progressions on April 26. The celebration is in the Malaspina Theatre. Doors open at 6 pm and the ceremony starts at 6:30 pm.

Portal magazine launch

Portal magazine celebrates the release of its 33rd issue on April 26 at the Nanaimo Curling Club from 7 to 9:30 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm and tickets are $20, which includes a copy of the new issue. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by reaching out to Portal on Facebook, Instagram and X.  Or email Portal’s Publisher, Joy Gugeler, at Joy.Gugeler@viu.ca.

Omni VIU Graphic Design Show 👩🏻‍💻🎨

The VIU Graphic Design department is hosting its grad show, Omni, on May 2 from 6 to 8 pm in the Malaspina Theatre lobby. Features keynote speaker VIU alum Clair Forshaw.

Supports & services

Get support at VIU Library 📚

This semester has been a lot! But you are almost at the end! Check out VIU Library’s motivation wall on the main floor of the Library at the Nanaimo campus to get a little inspiration to stay focused. The building is open 24-7 to meet all your studying needs. Bring your ID card to scan in after hours. Are you still wrapping up some assignments? We can help you figure out how to find the best scholarly resources for your research. Just get in touch.

Resilience tips

Feeling the end-of-term stress? VIU Counsellor Albert Seinen has three habits that help people connect back into life after significant challenges. Read his tips on the VIU Blog.

Learn about VIU’s Safety App 📲

Check out the new VIU Safety App informational video. This short, one-minute video is a great resource to share with the entire VIU community.

Anonymous sexualized violence reporting tool now available

VIU has expanded the options available to members of our community who want to provide the institution with information about incidences of sexualized violence and misconduct. The anonymous report does not require a person to identify themselves to VIU while still helping to inform institutional strategies, safety planning and other sexualized violence and misconduct mitigation work. This joins the disclosure and formal report options. Visit VIU’s sexualized violence and misconduct webpage to learn more about supports available to you.

Canada Summer Job opportunities 💼

Over the next few weeks, the Canadian Government will approve funding for numerous employers nationwide to hire students through Canada Summer Jobs. These opportunities offer valuable industry experience for students while working toward their desired careers. The VIU Career Studio is sharing many of these amazing local opportunities in their LinkedIn Group for VIU Students Seeking Employment, so make sure to join that group to learn about these great opportunities to gain experience and progress in your career!

Welcome to the VIU alum community 🧑‍🎓

Are you graduating this June? You are now a VIU alum. Follow these steps to connect with the VIU alum community.

1. Download the VIU Alumni Perks App. Explore discounts from various businesses, along with alumni events, contests, job postings, and alumni-owned business and professional development opportunities on the app.
2.  Fill in the Get Connected form on the alumni website to update your alumni profile. You can choose how we contact you and what you want to see from us.
3. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and make sure you never miss out on alumni news, discounts, events and contests!

Secure your devices

Is your light bulb 💡 spying on you? Secure your Internet of Things devices! The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to internet-enabled objects that can exchange information. Smartwatches, fitness trackers, smart appliances, smart plugs and virtual assistants are all examples of IoT devices. And like any other internet-connected device, they can also give potential cyber criminals access to our information. 

• Make your smart home smarter. Follow these 7 tips for a safer Internet of Things. 🏡 
• Drive safe online - make sure your connected car is cyber secure. 🚗 

Summer gym schedule 🏋🏽

The gym floor is closed on weekends starting April 13 and is closed from April 15 to 26. The gym is also closed the week of April 29 and May 3 for maintenance and construction. The weight room is open April 15 to 24 from noon to 1 pm and 4 to 7:30 pm. Gym summer hours until September 3 are Monday to Friday 8 am to 7:30 pm, closed on weekends and for special events.

Advertising events in the Pulse

Are you a student club organizing an event that is open to all VIU students? Advertise it in the Student Pulse by emailing students@viu.ca. 

Cafeteria hours 🥗🥪

The upper cafeteria is closing from April 29 to August 16. Hours of operation from April 15 to 29 are 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. Food Services will offer grab and go items at the Campus Store from April 29 to August 16 from 8 am to 1 pm, Monday to Friday. The lower cafeteria will remain open until June 7:

• April 15 to May 20, lunch is available Monday to Thursday, closed on Fridays.
• May 21 to June 7, breakfast and lunch, Monday to Thursday, closed Fridays.

Adult Upgrading Grant changes

Good news for students hoping to access the Adult Upgrading Grant! The 12-month BC residency requirement has been removed. To be eligible, students must currently reside in BC, must continue to reside in BC while receiving the grant and must provide a BC address on the application, but you don’t need to have lived here a minimum of 12 months. Learn more about the Adult Upgrading Grant. If you need additional support, email FinancialAidInfo@viu.ca.

VIU Experience Hub 💼

Log in to your VIU Experience Hub account, using your VIU single sign-on credentials, to access several student services. If you have any questions about the Experience Hub, please email cel@viu.ca. The Experience Hub is where you can:

• book appointments with educational and immigration advisors
• book appointments with the Career Studio
• view a job posting board where external employers are posting employment and internship opportunities
• view on-campus employment opportunities

VIU Off-Campus Housing 🏡

Are you leaving your rental accommodation soon? Make sure you follow a few simple steps to end your tenancy well and help ensure the return of your full deposit (with interest!).

• Know how to give notice
• Clean your accommodation correctly when you leave
• Book a move-out inspection
• Know about move-out times and forwarding address
• Ask for a reference 

Read the VIU blog post for more details. Visit Off-Campus Housing, email housing@viu.ca or book a meeting.