VIU Student News: November 27, 2024

We are nearing the end of the semester, which means final projects and exams are around the corner. Digital Media Studies student Becky Duarte has shared some of her stress busting strategies for this busy time on the VIU Blog. Read on to learn about all the services and supports available to assist you – and some ways to take a brain break!  

Need to know

WorldVIU Days 🌎 

WorldVIU Days are November 27 and 28. The annual celebration raises awareness and builds appreciation for the cultural diversity on campus, celebrates culture and recognizes the richness that diverse perspectives bring to our campus and community. Check out the schedule of events. 

Flu and COVID vaccine clinic 💉 

Get your flu and COVID shots for free on Thursday, November 29 from 11 am to 4 pm in Building 210, main floor atrium. Drop in anytime during these hours. The clinic will also offer other publicly covered vaccines such as Gardasil and Tetanus. Learn more. 

Severe weather closure procedures ⛈️ ❄️ 

We had quite the windstorm last week – a reminder that we are now in severe weather season. Wondering how VIU makes campus closure decisions and how you can expect to be notified? Review the Severe Weather Closure procedures. 

Black Friday specials 

VIU’s Nanaimo and Cowichan Campus Stores are participating in Black Friday this year! At the Nanaimo store, from November 25 to 29, enjoy 40% off select varsity hoodies. On Black Friday (November 29), select hoodies will be available for $19.99. In-store only. At the Cowichan campus, the sale takes place November 25 to 28 with 40% off select varsity hoodies all week and on Thursday, November 28, select hoodies are $19.99. Every cent spent supports your university! 

Holiday baking and flowers 

Looking for a poinsettia or Christmas baking items? Baking and Horticulture students have been busy preparing these festive goods. Order holiday baking. Order poinsettias. 

Student shoutout

Carol Seabra, a Graduate Certificate in Business student from Brazil, is helping other students write resumes and cover letters in the Career Studio. She has made friends from all around the world who have helped her with homesickness when it comes up: “Since I arrived, I’ve never felt alone because when I started feeling homesick, I told them, and they were present.” Read Carol’s story. 

Connect

Mt. Washington Ski Trip ⛷️ 

Join us for a day of skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing December 14 at Mount Washington, home to stunning views and Canada's deepest natural snowpack! Starting at just $139, your day trip includes: roundtrip transportation from VIU to Mt. Washington, lift or snowshoe pass and a friendly and fun tour guide. Rental equipment and/or lessons are also available for an extra fee. Limited seats available – don't miss out! Sign up now. 

Noodles and Doodles Day 🍜 

Come celebrate the final day of the Wellness Peer program for the Fall Semester from 11:30 am to 1 pm in the library on November 28! 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. 

Thrive info booth 

Hang out with the VIU Thrive crew at the trades building on November 27 from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Enjoy snacks, helpful resources, wellness bingo with fun prizes and engaging conversations about mental health. Don't miss out on the opportunities to connect and recharge! 

Positive Space Alliance Socials ‍‍🌈 

Join the  Positive Space Alliance 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 on December 4. 

Book your grad photos now! 🎓 

Learn all you need to know about getting beautiful grad portraits and book your session now. 

Supports & services

Research help and more at the library 📚 

'Tis the season, we’re all knee-deep in assignments! A reminder that library research help is available during the week. Remember to pace yourself and take breaks! Visit our Short Takes display to grab a quick read or watch a quick clip before you dive back in! Also come visit the Nanaimo campus library on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for the cute therapy dogs. Good luck with your assignments! 

Explore VIU’s expanded summer courses ☀️ 

Would you like to reduce your course load next semester and perhaps reduce some stress? Consider taking a summer course. VIU has expanded its summer course offerings. If you need help connect with the VIU Advising team. We take walk-ins, or appointments Monday to Friday, in-person at Building 200. Learn ways to meet with an academic advisor. 

Watch the Next Steps webinar 

Did you miss the Next Steps fall webinar? No worries, you can still watch it online. Academic advisors share tips on how to finish your first semester strong and get prepared for the semester ahead. Watch the webinar. 

Apply for scholarships, awards and bursaries 

VIU has a variety of scholarships, awards and bursaries available to help with the costs of your education. And to be considered for all of them it’s just one application – fill out your Scholarship, Award and Bursary profile in your student record. Information on how to apply is available on the Financial Aid and Awards deadlines and processes homepage. 

Immigration Information Session – Permanent Residence  

Join Mak and Mohammed, our Immigration Advisors, virtually on November 27 from 7 to 8 pm as they outline the steps for international students to gain Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada, focusing on federal programs. They'll discuss how to transition from temporary resident status to PR and review various immigration programs at both the federal and provincial levels that can facilitate this process. Learn more and how to join the meeting. 

Apply for Canadian UArctic travel support 💸 

The University of the Arctic is inviting submissions for travel funding support. This fund supports northern Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, in engaging within the UArctic network. It provides up to $5,000 in travel support. Application deadline December 31. Learn about the application process and UArctic. 

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. 

Connect with an advisor at Shq’apthut 

Have you met with an academic advisor yet? They are here to help you with adding, dropping, switching courses, or answering questions you have about which programs might be a good fit. Advisors can meet with you every week in-person, online or by phone. Starting next week, drop-in appointments will be available at Shq'apthut (Building 170) during the following hours:  

• Wednesday, November 27, 10 am to 2 pm  

• Thursday, December 5, 10 am to 2 pm  

You can also meet the Shq'apthut team and learn how Indigenous Access Coordinators Kerry and Brittany can support you as Indigenous students! Learn more about their services in this blog post. 

Career Studio reduced hours 🧑🏽‍💻 

Please note that the Career Studio’s appointment hours are from 11 am to 2 pm through the end of the semester. Be sure to book early! 

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. 

VIU elects new board chair 

At its last meeting, VIU’s Board of Governors elected Jamie Cassels as Chair. This transition was prompted by the exciting news that George Anderson, VIU’s previous chair, was elected as MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville. Jamie brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the role, most recently serving as president and vice-chancellor of the University of Victoria. 

Coats for Christmas 2024 

YouthNetwork is hosting our annual Coats for Christmas clothing drive in Nanaimo. We are collecting new and gently used coats, hats, gloves and socks for women, men, teenagers and children in need. We will be at Maffeo Sutton Park on Friday, Dec. 13, from 3 to 7 pm and Saturday, December 14, from 11 am to 3 pm. Clothing donations can also be dropped off at Volunteer Nanaimo's Monthly Craft Market on Saturday, December 7, from 11 am to 4 pm at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on Departure Bay Road. 

Mark your calendar

16 Days of Activism 

The Vancouver Island University Faculty Association Women’s and Gender Equity committee is urging people to honour differences, hold space for each other and engage in meaningful conversations during 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. The campaign runs from November 25 to December 10. The committee is partnering with the VIU Students’ Union on several events throughout the campaign. Check out the schedule of events. 

Urban Issues Film Festival 🎥 

The 17th annual Urban Issues Film Festival is November 29 from 6 to 9 pm in Building 356, Room 109, at the Nanaimo campus. This year’s theme is ‘Oas-City.” Films will explore the meaning of city as oasis. Free admission, free pizza and free parking in Lot N. Learn more. 

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. Go to the VIUSU clubhouse in Building 193, Room 217 from 4 to 6 pm on December 3.  

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.