VIU Student Pulse News: December 2, 2020

The exam period is right around the corner at VIU, so this issue of the Student Pulse is focused on tips to help you prepare for taking online tests (and how they may be different), as well as stress-busting activities to help you stay on top of your game. You’re almost there, and we are so proud of each and every one of you!

Need to know

IMPORTANT: VIU's mask protocol update

VIU’s mask protocol has been updated to reflect changes recently announced by the BC Public Health Office. Effective December 1, 2020, face coverings are required in all indoor public spaces in all VIU buildings where people circulate freely. Read the full policy on the COVID-19 website.

Stress busting ideas from VIU students and employees

Feeling stressed? Check out these resources that VIU’s Student Wellness Promoters, as well as a handful of employees, have put together to help you get through the end of the semester. There’re simple recipes, pet videos, a colouring contest, a Spotify playlist and lots more. Take care, everyone!

Preparing for online exams

Exam season is happening a little differently at VIU this fall. Some of your courses may have timed exams that are shown on the exam schedule, but you may have some non-timed, take-home exams. These will typically be given out during the last week of classes and due a week later, which means you may have more than one take-home test due on the same day. To help you prepare, the latest #VIUBlog post covers Preparing for Online Exams.

Stressbusters from your students’ union

Check out the event listings on the VIUSU app to see VIUSU’s recommended things to try over the next couple of weeks. Post your experiences in the app's student feed section to join the conversation about how you’ve been able to reduce your end-of-semester stress.

Connect

Online connections event: December 9 ☕️

Are you feeling cooped up and in need of connection? Join the Talk to Me team at their last online event of the semester on December 9 from 8:30 - 9:30 pm online. Bring your own hot drink and join us for some great conversation and connection.

Creative Christmas contest

VIU’s Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity Office is hosting a Creative Christmas Contest for students looking for a dash of devious distraction! Download the Dear Santa MadLib, fill it out, save, then send it to Kendra.Stiwich@viu.ca. One prize drawn at random, and one prize for the submission that makes Kendra laugh the most (keep it clean, people)! Submissions due by December 10. Read the full contest details.

Speed networking events

Are you interested in getting to know students from your faculty and making meaningful connections across all the VIU campuses? Register today for a speed networking event on December 11. Sign up using the Eventbrite link or register through the Co-curricular Involvement App. 

VIU participates in 16 Days of activism against gender-based violence

The Vancouver Island University Faculty Association Status of Women Committee and Vancouver Island University Students Union are raising awareness and hosting events during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign. Check out this VIU media release to learn more.

Join the #PayitForward campaign 

2020 has been a hard year. But rather than focusing on all the negative in the world, VIU’s Student Wellness Promoters want you to help us focus on the good! Follow VIU’s Thrive Facebook page or on Instagram @viuthrive for all the details on the upcoming #payitforward campaign starting on Monday, December 7. You could win a holiday gift basket!

Study space blog

Want to know how to set up your study space for success? Check out this #VIUBlog post by Dr. Lindsay McCunn and Taylor Shorting where they share tips for productive living and learning at home.

Dinner for four specials from VIU food services

VIU Food Services presents the best-value dinner in town! Order a restaurant-quality dinner for four for $35 (tax included). Order each week on Tuesdays, for pick-up on Fridays. New meal deals are announced weekly on the VIU Food Services homepage.

Interested in climate change and environmental issues?

Explore how the Earth’s environment works and topics like climate change, resource consumption, sustainable land use practices and the role of literature – including science fiction – to help shape cultural values around environmental issues in INTR 106: Environmental Geography and Literature. Check out this new course, which gives you credits for an English and a Geography course in one, in January. 

Learn to thrive

Are you looking for motivation, energy, well-being and academic success? Join our innovative new free program called Thriving in Action starting in January. Thriving in Action is an evidence-based program developed at Ryerson University that combines positive psychology and innovative learning strategies to support students in developing the skills and resiliency that they need to thrive. 

Supports & services

The VIU Library is here for you! 

The Nanaimo campus library’s third and fourth floors are open 24/7. Access the building with your VIU ID card. Looking for a space to attend your online class or take a Zoom call? Starting next week, you will be able to book a study room for individual use at Nanaimo campus library. Study rooms for individual use at Cowichan campus are available now. Please note that masks are mandatory and everyone must stay two metres apart when inside the library. Check our Covid-19 updates page for the latest info on all library services.

Mariners athletics and recreation activities suspended until further notice

In response to the rising COVID-19 numbers in our region and across BC, Mariners Athletics and Recreation has made the difficult decision to suspend all activity until further notice. Facility operators will continue to monitor the Public Health Office guidelines and will follow recommendations for a re-opening, when it is deemed safe to do so.

Stress less workshop

Does the end of term have you stressed? Noelle Hanuse, Wellness Coordinator, is holding a 30-minute Stress Less workshop for students. Topics will include dealing with stress and anxiety, and how to deal with Thinking Traps. December 10, 1 - 1:30 pm.

• Zoom ID: 690 4421 4838
• Password: 285660.

A podcast about success 

Have you checked out Successful U – a podcast by VIU Success Coach Sharon Kelly? Episode 4 is out now, on building resilience. 

Support for Indigenous students 

Educational Advisors in Services for Aboriginal Students would like to remind you to reach out if you need support. To connect, you can email sas@viu.ca or call 250-740-6510.

Women’s circles

The ‘s’uluq’wa Community Cousins Aboriginal mentorship program is hosting women’s circles, open to all VIU students who identify as female. Join the cousins once a month to get together virtually and chat in a safe space. Next meeting date is Thursday, December 17 from 4-6 pm.

• Zoom ID: 690 0210 4988
• Password: 076034

COVID-19 updates

Island Health public service announcement

Our partners at Island Health have asked us to share this message about the increasing cases of COVID-19 in the mid-island region. Please take a moment to read it. Also check out our FAQ on what happens if a community member is diagnosed with COVID-19.
 

COVID-19 testing location at VIU now open

VIU has partnered with Island Health to open a COVID-19 testing location in Lot B at the Nanaimo Campus. This site is now operational. Please visit Island Health’s website for more information.

Campus events

Stay on top of what's happening at VIU by checking our Campus Events website.