Student newsletter: November 13 edition

How is reading week going? Whether you’re looking for study resources, planning ahead for next semester (or next year) or curious about what’s happening on campus, keep reading! And don't forget about the library’s Long Night Against Procrastination happening Tuesday, November 19. Stop by for a variety of supports and resources – and pizza!

Need to know

Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 13 to 19 is Transgender Awareness Week. In recognition of this important week, the Progress Pride Flag will be raised at the Nanaimo campus from November 13 to 19. On November 20, the flag will be lowered to half-mast for Transgender Day of Remembrance to honour and remember those we have lost due to acts of anti-transgender violence and hate. On November 20 from 11 am to 1 pm, the VIU Positive Space Alliance will be in the quad on the Nanaimo campus inviting people to write messages of support. Please join us to honour those we have lost, share a message of support or inclusion, and learn about how we can use language to create more gender inclusive spaces. 

Severe weather closure procedures ⛈️ ❄️ 

It’s severe weather season. Wondering how VIU makes campus closure decisions and how you can expect to be notified? Review the Severe Weather Closure procedures. 

Next Steps webinar 

Calling all first-year students! In the Next Steps fall webinar on November 20 at 5 pm, academic advisors will cover how to finish your first semester strong and get prepared for the semester and year ahead. They will answer your questions about adding, dropping or switching courses, or adjusting your program or path. You'll also learn about enriching your experiences on campus and the supports and resources available. Click here to register. 

Student shoutout

Kudos to Leah Vaisanen and other students and faculty working on the No Hunger at VIU initiative. On November 5, the initiative fed hot meals to more than 100 students in Building 355, Room 211 over the lunch hour. The group has also been collecting donations for care packages, which are available on the third floor of Building 356. The next free hot meals events are November 19 and December 3.  

Congratulations to the VIU Mariners women’s soccer team on finishing fourth in Canada at the CCAA National Championships in Squamish! At the conclusion of the tournament, VIU’s Tori Hauptman and Olivia Guild were named Tournament All-Stars and VIU was awarded the Exemplary Leadership Award. We are incredibly proud of the team and of the grit and skill they showed over four games in four days and we thank the CCAA and host Capilano University. This puts the cap on an outstanding season for Bobbie Taylor’s crew: PACWEST regular season title; PACWEST conference championship; player of the year, coach of the year, and co-rookie of the year awards; and fourth place in the country. Heads high for your accomplishments and outstanding play this season! 

Connect

Noodles and doodles day 🍜 

Come celebrate the final day of the Wellness Peer program for the Fall Semester with us on November 28 from 11:30 am to 1 pm! Enjoy a creative and tasty session where you can express yourself through doodling while savouring warm noodle soup and other delicious snacks. 

Culture Couch 🛋️ 

The Culture Couch is a place to engage in cross-cultural understanding and learning. The couch symbolizes the casual, comfortable nature of this student-led initiative. Each session is uniquely crafted by student volunteers who take on the role of hosts and share aspects of their culture with their peers. Tuesdays from 5 to 6 pm in Building 255, first floor learning commons. 

Positive Space Alliance Socials ‍‍🌈 

VIU’s Positive Space Alliance socials are back! Join us for a fun, inclusive space open to everyone of any sexual orientation and gender identity. Come play games or just hang out and meet some new friends. The Positive Space socials take place every other Wednesday from 12 to 1 pm in Building 250, Room 402. The next one is November 20. 

Get published in Compass Rose 

Compass Rose is an undergraduate journal that explores timeless ideas in the liberal arts and addresses matters of importance to the human whole. You’re invited to submit your work for a chance to be published. The journal seeks submissions in various formats, including, essays, book reviews and creative works. Deadline for submissions November 18.  

Thrive info booth 

Stop by the upper cafeteria on November 20 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm and hang out with the VIU Thrive crew! The crew will also visit the Trades building on November 27 from 11:30 to 1 pm. Enjoy snacks, helpful resources, wellness bingo with fun prizes and engaging conversations about mental health. Don't miss out on these opportunities to connect and recharge! 

Thrive at Mariner’s game 🏐 

The Mariner's volleyball team will be hosting their game on November 22 starting at 6 pm, and the VIU Thrive team will be there to cheer on the athletes! Stop by for resources, engaging activities to share ideas to maintain and improve your overall well-being. 

BC Legislative Internship Program 

Gain experience in our parliamentary system and contribute directly to the work of the executive and legislative branches of government through the BC Legislative Internship Program, which offers a paid six-month employment opportunity. Register for the virtual information session on Thursday, November 21. Deadline to register is November 18. Learn more about the internship and access the application form. 

Supports and services

Calling all Exploratory Studies students 

If you are in Exploratory University Studies (EXPO) or unclassified programs, now is the time to firm up your educational plans and apply to other programs (BA, BSc, BBA and our many limited entry programs). Academic advisors are here to help you with this transition. If you are enrolled under EXPO, watch out for an email coming from a friendly academic advisor inviting you to explore your options with us! 

Important First Aid program updates 🩹 

VIU's Health and Safety department has updated the First Aid Program and is currently in the process of implementing changes. VIU First Aid information, including how to summon it, can be found on the Health and Safety Services website. Automated external defibrillators are currently being serviced and are not available for use at any VIU location. We will update the community once they are back in service. 

• Reminder – always call 911 first for all medical emergencies. 

Apply to graduate and attend Convocation 🎓 

Did you know you have to apply to graduate? And when you do, you choose whether you want to attend your convocation ceremony. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to get the tickets you want for your guests. Only three guest tickets are guaranteed for each grad and any additional tickets are allocated on a first-requested, first-given basis. So don’t wait! If you think you are on track to graduate this spring apply now and find out!  

Do you ever study alone at VIU?  

The VIU Safety App has a dedicated Work/Study Alone feature to automatically check in on you while you are studying alone. It is automatically triggered to a call to a family member or friend, “emergency contact,” if you fail to check in at the allotted time. Don’t have the VIU Safety App yet? Learn how to download it. 

Flu and COVID vaccine clinic 💉 

Human Resources and Health and Safety, in partnership with the Superstore Pharmacy, is offering a walk-in Flu and COVID Shot Clinic on Wednesday, November 20 from 11 am to 4 pm in the cafeteria (Building 300). The clinic will also offer other public covered vaccines such as Gardasil and Tetanus. Things to consider: 

• If you’re allergic to eggs, consult your doctor before receiving the flu vaccine as it could cause an allergic reaction. 

• The vaccination is given in the upper arm (shoulder) so please wear clothing with loose or short sleeves. 

• The process takes about 15 minutes. If you are suffering from a cold, fever, flu or any other respiratory illness you should postpone receiving a vaccination. 

Learn more at ImmunizeBC or Health Canada.  

Career Studio reduced hours 🧑🏽‍💻 

Please note that the Career Studio is adjusting its appointment hours to 11 am to 2 pm from November 12 through the end of the semester. Be sure to book early! 

Reading week at the library 📖 

During reading week the library and library services are still open. Come in for research help or just use the space to study. Struggling with procrastination? Come to the Long Night Against Procrastination on November 19 from 5 to 9 pm. Library services will be open late and there will be free pizza and hot drinks! 

Canada Revenue Agency webinars 🏦  

The Canada Revenue Agency is hosting a live webinar on MS Teams so you can learn about benefits, credits and services. Date and time: November 19, from 1 to 2 pm, CRA Benefits and Credits for Post-Secondary Students. Join the meeting. 

Post-grad work permit info sessions 

A successful post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application can be a key pathway for immigration to Canada. It's crucial for international students to understand the specific eligibility requirements for the PGWP, as failing to meet them can lead to application refusals. Let's go over these requirements together! There is an info session on November 27. Learn more. 

Shape VIU’s future by sharing your stories 

Share what you like about VIU and how you feel these experiences can help shape the future of the institution during the Provost’s Circle roundtable discussions. Sessions are continuing until December 10. We ask that you only register for one session to allow as many people as possible to take part. Register for a session. 

Private Teams chat messages will disappear after 30 days 

VIU is introducing a new 30-day retention policy for all individual Microsoft Teams chat messages. This policy will take effect on December 19, 2024, and will apply to all VIU Teams users. We suggest you review your chat history before the policy’s implementation. Save any important messages that you may need in the future, as messages deleted after 30 days cannot be recovered. Learn more. 

Mark your calendar

Career Month 

The Career Studio (Building 255, Room 204) is excited to host a variety of events in honour of Career Month. It starts with a Soup Series running daily next week from 12 to 1 pm to boost your career skills. Enjoy soup and buns while learning! Spots are limited, so register early.  

• Monday, Nov. 18: Career Exploration 

• Tuesday, Nov. 19: Job Search Strategies 

• Wednesday, Nov. 20: Networking 

• Thursday, Nov. 21: Resume Writing 

• Friday, Nov. 22: Cover Letter Writing 

Wrap up Career Month with our Open House on Monday, November 25, from 11 am to 2 pm, where you will have the opportunity to build your career readiness confidence and competence with fun challenges, coffee and snacks. 

Indigenous Speakers Series featuring Brandi Morin

Cree/Iroquois/French journalist Brandi Morin delivers a powerful keynote that transforms her personal story of survival into an urgent call for change. She shares her journey from a childhood marked by intergenerational trauma to becoming a leading voice in journalism. Through raw and honest storytelling, she challenges Canadians to move beyond superficial gestures of reconciliation and confront the ongoing impacts of colonialism. Details: Wednesday, November 20, 6:30 to 8 pm in the Malaspina Theatre or online via Zoom webinar. Get your free ticket.

Indigenous Sharing Circles 

VIUSU Indigenous Students Rep Leah Vaisanen is hosting a series of sharing circles for communication, sharing, connection and crafting. Snacks provided. Open to all Indigenous students. The events are all in the VIUSU clubhouse in Building 193, Room 217 from 4 to 6 pm on November 19 and December 3.  

Indigenous Crafting Series 

Learn about traditional Indigenous crafts and get a chance to try your hand at them on November 19 in Shq’apthut, 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Snacks and refreshments provided. Facilitated by Daisy Elliot and hosted by VIUSU.  

View Gallery presents Impress 

View Gallery (Building 330) presents Impress a printmaking exhibition by current and former VIU students and faculty. Impress runs at the gallery until November 28. The gallery is open Tuesday to Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm during exhibits.