Student Pulse News: April 4, 2024

You're so close! The end of the semester is just around the corner. Next Friday is the last day of classes, then exams, then ... ??? If you're looking for a new job opportunity this summer, check out the career fair happening on April 26 in the VIU gym, details below. If you need some help with exams or destressing, keep reading to learn more about events and activities planned.

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! Also: We have some important details coming your way next week – voting on your valedictorian and gown rentals. We’ll be sending that information to the email address on file in your student record – don’t forget to check it!

Happy Endings 🍪🍩

Come celebrate with free food, music and games during Happy Endings – VIUSU’s annual year-end outdoor party for students on April 11! Enjoy an afternoon barbecue with beef and veggie burgers with Caesar salad for free. Live music from Frankie Hidalgo and the MVP’s. Tasty Treats from One Cool Cookie and Harbour City Donuts. 

Program phase outs

Four programs at VIU will no longer accept new students after this year as the university works to align program offerings more closely with regional demand and to support fiscal responsibility. Learn more on the VIU program changes homepage.

Engaged Citizens Speaker Series

We need to talk about bad leaders – and bad followers. Join Dr. Michael MacKenzie, VIU’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, on April 15, along with CKNW Radio host Jas Johal, Shachi Kurl, President of the Angus Reid Institute, and Lisa Helps, former mayor of Victoria, to discuss good and bad leadership in a healthy democracy. Join in person at the Malaspina Theatre (Building 310) or online. Register for this free event via Eventbrite. 

Vancouver Island Leadership Conference 🌟

Join students from across British Columbia for a day of keynotes and empowering workshops designed to inspire the leaders of tomorrow. The theme for this year’s Vancouver Island Leadership Conference is Beyond Boundaries. The conference is on April 5 and 6 in Nanaimo. Apply for a sponsored seat.

VIU budget update

Vancouver Island University’s Board of Governors has approved the university’s 2024-2025 Budget. VIU’s forecast deficit budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year has decreased to $8.9 million from $12.6 million. Additionally, the projected budget deficit for 2023-24 is currently tracking to meet the Board-approved budget. Read more. 

Connect

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 5: Abyss Trail
• April 12: Cable Bay Trail
• April 19: Westwood Lake

Noodles and Doodles Day 🍜

Express yourself by doodling while enjoying a warm noodle soup on April 4, from 11:30 am to 2 pm at the VIU Library, Nanaimo campus. Wrap up of the Wellness Peer program for this academic year.

Apply to graduate

Want to attend convocation in June? Apply to graduate now so you don’t miss it. The deadline was February 29 and late applications will not be accepted after May 1, 2024. Email convocation@viu.ca to complete the process.  

VIU Dance Team showcase 🤩

Come out to this year’s Showcase! See all the VIU Dance Team's routines from the year and some favourites from last year’s event. The showcase is on Saturday, April 6 at 6:30 pm at Malaspina Theatre, Building 310. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for general admission. The event is a fundraiser for the team. Every ticket sold gets them one step closer to our trip for regionals. 

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 🚙

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 6: Salt Spring Island
• April 13: Footgolf
• April 20: Tofino surf trip

Indigenous Sharing Circle

Join Indigenous Sharing Circles hosted by Leah Vaisanen, VIUSU’s Indigenous Students’ Representative. All Indigenous students are welcome. This safe and inclusive gathering provides a supportive space for sharing, connecting and strengthening our Indigenous community on campus. Snacks and refreshments provided. The final sharing circle is on April 4, from 3 to 5 pm, in Building 193, Room 217.

Trades and Tech Showcase 🔧⚒️

Are you interested in learning about different trades? VIU is hosting a Trades and Tech Showcase on April 6 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Trades Discovery Centre, Building 108, at the Nanaimo campus. All 20 trades will have booths so you can learn more about the different trades and career outcomes. Sign up to join.

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. 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!

Looking to volunteer?

Want to give back in a meaningful way to your community or for volunteer hours? Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank has volunteer shifts seven days a week, including evenings and weekends. Learn how to get involved.

Supports & services

Canine cuddles 🐶

Ruby the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog came by the research help desk earlier this week. Come visit Therapy Dogs like Ruby in the Nanaimo campus library – organized by VIU Thrive. Canine cuddles are available Tuesdays from 3 to 4 pm, Wednesdays from 2:30 to 3:30 pm and Thursdays from 1 to 2 pm. 

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. 

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 1 to 12, breakfast and lunch, available from Monday to Friday.
• 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 

Stay cyber safe this tax season 🏛️ 💸 

Learn how to be cyber safe this tax season. Threats and intimidation to pay your tax bill? How to spot tax season scams. Keep your money safe, watch out for these other cyber scams this tax season.

Mark your calendars

Shq’apthut well-being Wednesdays

Access services in Building 355, Room 211 every Wednesday from 10 am to 2 pm. Services include advising, Elders-in-Residence, Writing Centre, therapy dogs, library research assistance, reiki, Bannock, math tutoring and smudging.