Semester end celebrations coming up 🎉

CREATE, the University’s largest student knowledge sharing event, is just finishing up. Congrats to all of the students who took the time to showcase their work! You can also watch the SHORTS virtual film fest videos online.
 
Also in this issue:VIUSU end of year celebrations

• Long weekend closures
• Leaving your rental accommodation tips

Need to know

Happy Endings 🥳

Join your VIU Students’ Union for the annual year-end party on April 13. The live music and free barbecue will kick-off at 4 pm in parking lot Q (outside the VIUSU building).

Last Class Bash @ the VIUSU Pub 🍻

Get ready to party at the Last Class Bash on Friday, April 14 from 9 pm to midnight. Enjoy one last hurrah before exams and the end of the semester. There will be a live jazz funk trio, all-day happy hour and drink specials.

Reminder: VIU closed this weekend 📅

A reminder that VIU campuses are closed from Friday, April 7 to Monday, April 10 due to the long weekend. The Nanaimo campus library remains open 24-7 and accessible with your student card. Enjoy your weekend and see you on Tuesday!

Connect

Language in the Library 🗣

Do you know what the hul’q’umi’num word for a rainbow is? thukul’shunum’! Join Language in the Library on Fridays from 12 to 1 pm and learn to speak introductory hul’q’umi’num’ with Jane Alcorn and a bright community of peers. Enjoy free snacks and refreshments too. Please register ahead of time. Our next gathering is April 14 in the Madrona Room (Room 332) in the library (Building 305). We hope to see you there!

Going on a trip this summer? 🚗

Did you know your health and dental benefit coverage includes travel insurance for trips of up to 90 days? If you’re planning on taking a trip this summer, make sure your account is active and registered. For more info on your plan, visit the website or email healthanddental@viusu.ca.

Student Leaders Colloquium 👥

Do you enjoy debating solutions to today’s most pressing challenges? The Fraser Institute’s Student Leaders Colloquium is June 15 to 18 in Vancouver. Selected participants will engage with the institute’s expert policy analysts and speakers, learn and debate policy, and enjoy networking events. Apply by April 23.

Culture Couch: Tuesday evenings 🌎

The Culture Couch Series is a place to engage in cross-cultural understanding. The symbol of a couch reflects the casual and comfortable nature that we come together with in this student-led weekly series. Tuesdays, 5 to 6 pm, in Building 255, Room 170.

• April 11: Patio Party! The final Culture Couch of the semester. Join us for a non-alcoholic drink and snacks on the patio. Take your mind off studying and exams.

2SLGBTQIA+ student bi-weekly gatherings 🏳️‍🌈

Connect with peers in a safe space to chat, share food, do fun crafts and celebrate diversity. There will be an additional circle offered for 2S students. Brought to you by VIU’s Positive Space Alliance and the Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement. Come out on Thursdays from 3 to 4 pm. Upcoming dates: April 6. Email positivespace@viu.ca or Sheena.Robinson@viu.ca for location details.

ImpAct-Cimate Challenge 🌎

Colleges and Institutes Canada is asking everyone on every campus across Canada to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They are looking for creative solutions and offering big incentives. Share your ideas until May 31 and you could receive money to turn ideas into reality. Students and employees are welcome to participate.  

Supports and services

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

Want to switch programs? ↔️

Are you thinking about switching to a different program at VIU? Many programs have extended their application dates. Explore your options with an Educational Advisor.

Grants Program 💰

Are you attending a conference over the summer? Applications for the VIU Students’ Union grant program are open throughout the summer semester. Apply for funding now.  

Student Advocacy 👥

On February 28, 2023, the BC Government announced that the 2023 provincial budget would include $119 million over three years to fund free prescription contraception across the province as of April 1! This was a victory of the hard work done by Access BC, a campaign that students in BC supported to fight for free prescription contraception in BC. Learn more about this victory.

Beedie Luminaries SPARK program

Through the SPARK (Single Parent Award for Resilience and Knowledge) Award, you could receive up to $44,000 towards your studies. The Beedie Luminaries SPARK Program recognizes the challenges and dreams of single parents who want to further their education and provide more opportunities for their families but are facing financial adversity. Deadline to apply is April 21 at 9 am.

The Rhodes Scholarship 💸

Have you always wanted to study at the University of Oxford? The Rhodes Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity. Rhodes House is holding a national info session on May 24, from 1 to 2 pm ET. Register here. 

Avoid tax season scammers 🌸

🌷Spring is in the air and you know what that means. That’s right, it’s tax season! Make sure you don’t fall for any tax season scams. And with classes coming to an end maybe take a minute to learn how to Stay Secure While Job Hunting.

Career Studio 💼

Calling all VIU students! If you’re looking to secure a summer job or volunteer position in the coming months, stop by the Career Studio in Building 255, Room 204. Our team can assist with resumés, cover letters, interview prep and all other career-related needs. Drop-in for an appointment between 9 am and 3 pm or visit our website for more info.

Mark your calendars

Exam period: April 17 to 26 📅

Good luck on your exams! Don’t forget that VIU supports and services are here to help! Visit the Student Affairs or Library for more.

Deals

Did you know that as a VIU student you have access to exclusive discounts in your community and across the province? Download the Deals App, administered by the VIUSU and the BC Federation of Students, to learn more. Featured deal:

• Baby Salsa Mexican Restaurant: 10% off your meal.