Student Pulse News: September 15, 2021

Now that we’ve been back for a couple weeks, we wanted to remind you to take advantage of all the supports, services and connection events available to you, some of which are detailed below. Not only will this help you academically, but it’s a chance to meet new friends, expand your network and enjoy a more fulfilling university experience.

Need to know 

Back to school photo contest 📸

To celebrate the start of the school year, all VIU students are invited to enter our back to school photo contest! How does it work? Take a picture of your favourite study spaces (on or off campus) and post it on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #VIUBack2School. All entries must be posted by October 1, 2021, at 12 pm to be entered for a chance to win a VIU hoodie.  

Frosh Outdoor Concert 🍔🍺

Hosted by your VIU Students’ Union, come out on Thursday, September 16 from 4-8 pm for a concert, barbecue and beer garden in the Royal Bank Plaza (outside Building 200 on VIU’s Nanaimo campus). A COVID safety plan is in place to maximize fun and safety. Learn more.

Hot Drinks in the Quad Sept 22 ☕️

Are you looking to get connected on campus? The Talk to Me program is a campaign to create a more connected VIU culture. Join us in the Quad on Wednesday, September 22 for Hot Drinks and Hot Topics!

Vaccine clinics on campus 💉

To support people in getting their vaccines, there will be a vaccine clinic on the Nanaimo campus, first floor of Building 255 in the multi-purpose room (170), from September 8 - 23, 10 am - 2 pm. There will be two drop-in clinics at the Powell River campus on Tuesday, September 28 from 10 am to 1 pm and Monday, October 4 from 11 am to 2 pm.

BC Vaccine Card: Instructions for out-of-province/country students 📱

If you were vaccinated out of province or out of country, here are instructions on how to get your BC Vaccine Card. 

Connect

Open Mic Night at the pub 🎤

The VIUSU Pub’s (@viusupub) Open Mic Night is back, 9 pm to 12 am every Thursday night, admission 19+ and two pieces of ID required. Entrance is currently reduced seated capacity due to restrictions. Proof of vaccination is required.

VIU Games 🏆

The VIU Games is an annual event where teams of 8-10 members are formed from clubs, faculties and VIU communities in an integrated competition of spirit, faculty pride and sportsmanship. Members of each team will compete in multiple events throughout the entirety of the one-day VIU Games in Sport, Team Spirit and Mystery Competitions. The winning team will have their name engraved on the Chassels Cup! Registration is now open. 

Live Showing: Phyllis Webstad’s Truths

Learn from Phyllis Webstad, founder of Orange Shirt Day, as she and her family share truths of their Residential School experiences through the new book – Beyond the Orange Shirt Story. Services for Aboriginal Students will be livestreaming the event at Shq’apthut – A Gathering Place (Building 170) on Monday, September 20 at 11 am. Due to limited capacity, you must register through Eventbrite.

VIU Mariners ⚽️

The VIU Mariners men's and women's soccer teams will offically kick off their seasons this Sunday, September 19. At noon, the women face the Langara Falcons at NDSS. Then, at 2:15 pm the men's team will face the Falcons. For those who can't make it in person, all games will be streamed live this season, thanks to a partnership between PACWESTBC and SportsCanada.TV.

A message from Elections Canada

Election day is coming up on September 20 so remember to bring your ID to your polling station with confirmation of residence in this electoral district. If you’d like to participate in this year's election as a poll worker or counter come down to 4900 Wellington Road and bring your SIN Card. Visit Elections Canada for more voting information. 

VIU Wayfinding Survey 💰

Have you struggled with finding your way on campus? Share your thoughts and win a prize! VIU is developing a new comprehensive and accessible wayfinding signage system. Fill out a short survey to let us know how we can improve your campus experience for the chance to win a $50 Campus Store gift card!

VIU Sustainability Bingo ⭐️

What do you know about sustainability at VIU? And how can you contribute? Play VIU Sustainability Bingo to find out and win nifty prizes. Download the bingo card at VIU’s Sustainability Bingo website. Email your completed form, five in a row, to sustainability@viu.ca by September 24 to be entered into a draw. If you fill in all the squares, you’ll be entered into a draw for one of three grand prizes.

Access & inclusion awards 🥇

Do you know a VIU community member – professor, staff member or student – who has been working hard to improve access and inclusion on campus and in the classroom?? Consider nominating them for a President’s Award for Enhancing Access and Inclusion, or a President’s Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education. Nomination forms are due by end of day September 22. Learn more.

Building Resilience virtual speed mentoring

The Women in Communications and Technology and Discovery Foundation are hosting a speed mentoring event to help them develop resilience skills and cope with challenges. The event takes place on Tuesday, September 21 from 6 - 8 pm. Register via Eventbrite. Email BC@wct-fct.com and a free code will be provided.

All Nations Feast: September 16, 2021

The Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement would like to invite you to come, witness and be a part of this traditional welcome for our Indigenous students, taking place at Shq’apthut, Building 170 at the Nanaimo campus. This feast provides an opportunity for representatives from our four Nations on Vancouver Island (Kwakwaka'wakw, Nuu chah nulth, Coast Salish and Métis) to provide a traditional welcome. More info.  

Student Life Fall Activity Guide now out 🍂

From outdoor adventures like waterfall hikes, surfing, trail running and white-water kayaking, to indoor fitness classes, intramurals, tournaments and other special events like paintball and escape room challenges, Mariners Athletics and Recreation has lots of activities to keep you moving. As a result of the recent public health announcements, registration for fall programs opened on September 13 at 9 am.

Supports and services

Don’t let university terminology get you down!

Hearing new words and terminology during your first week of classes? What does it all mean? Universities, like any other profession, have their own unique vocabulary such as “pre-requisites, majors/minors, grade point average (GPA) and Goal Planning System (GPS).” Review this link to expand your vocabulary and gain clarity on important university language. Education Advisors are available to meet students in person, on zoom drop in, by email or phone. Connect early, Connect Often.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction 🧠

Have you ever wondered what mindfulness means and how it might be beneficial for you as a student? Join the VIU counsellors for 8 weeks of mindfulness practice to help reduce stress and improve functioning. This group is free for all students. Learn more and register.  

Visit the new Peer Wellness Peers in the library 

Connect with a student volunteer through VIU’s Wellness Peers program as part of VIU Thrive, starting on September 20 in room 330 in the library. Reminder: if you haven’t yet already, make sure to set up your VIU ID card to get 24-7 access to the library as well as other perks like printing and photocopying! For any library-related questions, contact us.

GoByBike Weeks 🚴‍♀️

Commit to ride your bike this fall during GoByBike Weeks, which runs September 27 to October 10. Ride your bike to work, school or just for fun. Participants can enter to win a trip for two to France by entering on the Exodus Travels website. To register please visit, GoByBike’s website.

Accessibility Services info

If you are a student with a disability (learning disability, mental health, ADHD, physical, hearing/vision loss, chronic health, etc.) and the symptoms impact your learning, please reach out to Accessibility Services. You may be eligible for academic accommodations to reduce the barriers caused by your condition. 

Student Affairs extended hours ⌚️

Student Affairs is pleased to offer both extended hours and virtual hours this fall to meet the diverse needs of students. Extended hours of service will be available to students at the Nanaimo campus on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 6:30 pm in: Financial Aid, Counselling, Accessibility Services and the Student Health Clinic. View the details here.

Questions about off-campus housing? 🏠

Are you looking for a new housing arrangement and don’t know where to start? Reach out to Michael, in VIU’s Homestay and Off-Campus Housing team, at iehousing@viu.ca for tips and advice, including how to avoid scams and best places to search.

Thriving in Action

As the Fall semester gets underway are you looking for motivation, energy, well-being, and academic success? If so, we’ve got the program for you! Join our innovative new program where you can learn better, feel better, and do better. Check out Thriving in Action for more.

Thrive

Want to make this year your best yet? Connect with Thrive, VIU’s home for all things wellness! We’ve got lot of programming planned this fall.

Accessible Nanaimo campus map now available

Our new campus map is now printed and available for pickup at the Welcome Centre (Bldg 300)! The map provides information on how steep paths are and where people can travel without encountering stairs. Check out the Universal Access website to find downloadable Stair-free Building-to-Building routes, our Interactive Web Map, and more.

COVID updates

BC Vaccine Card Reminder 💉

As of September 13, the BC Vaccine card program is now underway. Proof of vaccination is required to participate in some discretionary activities or enter some discretionary areas on the VIU campuses. Familiarize yourself with where the BC proof of vaccination applies on our campuses and facilities.

Mask Protocol FAQ 😷

Do you have questions about the mask mandate introduced by the Public Health Office for all indoor public spaces on campus, including lobbies, hallways, stairwells, elevators, classrooms and labs? We have answers. View our mask protocol and FAQs.

Mark your calendar

Last day to drop a fall semester course

Monday, September 20 is the last day to drop a fall semester course without having to fully pay for it. Students who completely withdraw from all courses will be assessed the minimum semester fee of $200.