VIU Student Pulse News: February 10, 2021

On Friday, February 5, 2021, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that the restrictions on social gatherings and events will remain in place until further notice. We know this is not the news many of you wanted to hear – it’s disappointing for all of us that we will have to wait longer to see friends and family. We wanted to remind you that supports are available if you need them – don’t hesitate to reach out. Also check out some of the activities below for some ideas on ways to reach out and build connections with others – virtually. We can do this – together.

Need to Know

Graduating students: Info on valedictorian selection and grad photos

VIU is gearing up for our virtual Graduation Celebration on June 24, 2021. Want to put your name forward to become a valedictorian? Apply by March 15, 2021, to represent your faculty. Learn more on the Valedictorian Selection Process webpage. Lifetouch Photography is now booking in-studio photo sessions for the #VIUGrad2021 class. For full details, please visit Graduate Photography Sign-up.

Job Search Strategies Webinar

Learn the best ways to go about looking for work both online and in person and different strategies to access the hidden job market. Register to attend on February 17 by going to the Student Employment homepage and navigating to the Career Services Event Calendar. While there, check out all the other webinars to help you get job ready! More info.

RCMP training exercise in Buildings 356 & 320

VIU will once again host the RCMP on campus for tactical training exercises on February 17 and 18 (during Reading Week). These exercises, which will include canine units and unloaded firearms, will take place in Buildings 356 and 320, during which time the buildings are off-limits to employees and students. We ask that you please plan your schedule accordingly. The schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, February 17: Building 356: 7 am to 5 pm
• Thursday, February 18: Building 356: 7:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Thursday, February 18: Building 320: 11 am to 3:30 pm

VIU is invested in our community partnership with the RCMP to improve safety and security on campus and within the region. We appreciate your help and support in facilitating this exercise. 

Second Mitel Phone System Outage

Phase 3 of VIU’s network remediation project is underway and involves an outage of all Mitel phones (about one-third of all VIU phones). This is being done to future-proof our telephone system and get ready to migrate all Nortel phones onto the Mitel system in the future, as necessary. The outage is scheduled for Wednesday, February 17, 2021, starting at 4 pm. It will last for up to 10 hours. During the outage, Mitel voicemail will not be reachable and anyone who calls the Mitel system will receive a fast busy signal. There is NO planned outage for the Nortel network. If you have any questions, please contact ithelp@viu.ca. More info.

Black History Month

February is Black History Month in Canada. For the next two issues of the Pulse, you will find content honouring and examining Black History in BC and Canada, exploring anti-Black racism and discussing what we can all do to build a more inclusive community at VIU and beyond:

• Message from VIU President Dr. Deb Saucier.
• Lecture by Juno Award-winning Poet Lillian Allen, who is VIU’s 2020-21 Gustafson Distinguished Poet, on Thursday, February 10.
• Anti-Racism Education List from the Nanaimo/Ladysmith Spoke of Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network.
• February 17: Free Symposium on Black Migration and British Columbia.
• February 8-12: All Nations Reggae Symposium, which is “exploring the different ways in which reggae has become a worldwide movement of cultural resurgence and resistance.”

Check out the VIU Library social feeds, through which profiles of prominent Black Canadians and Americans are being shared.

Connect

Share your research and creative activities at CREATE

Registration is now open for CREATE – VIU’s largest showcase of student work with more than $12,000 in prizes to be won. Sign up now for CREATE 2021. Some highlights:

• New this year is a photography contest with two categories to choose from – research and creative activity – each with a $250 prize. Be sure to register by March 5 and submit yours by March 29.
• Pre-record a short re-cap of a project/paper you did in the 3-Minute SLAM for your chance to win $250 (register by March 5).
• Attend a CREATE workshop during reading break to learn how to rock your submission.

Questions? Connect with Kendra.Stiwich@viu.ca.

Family Day paint night

This virtual paint night hosted by Fun@VIU is for friends & family as well as students! All are welcome. More details at this Eventbrite link.

CCAA NBA 2K21 Gaming Challenge

Think you have the NBA 2K21 skills to become a National Champion? Want a chance to win a customized championship ring? Register today for the CCAA NBA 2K21 Challenge! 

Get involved, get connected with Mariners Athletics & Recreation

With weight room sessions, open gym floor and outdoor recreation programs, there is something for everyone! Visit our online booking system to reserve your spot today! Please be aware of our updated mask policy prior to booking.

Join a student club

A good way to make new friends and connect with like-minded people is to join a student club. There are lots to choose from – simply log on to the VIU Students’ Union app to check out what’s available, view the events each group is hosting and sign up. Want to start your own club? Students can now establish their own clubs at any time of the year.

‘su’luqw’a’ & summer programs 

Learn how incorporating Indigenous knowledges into the academy enables students to stand in their strength and give back through mentorship on February 25 from 11:30 am - 1 pm. Register for the su’luqw’a’ & summer programs session.

Meet Mike from Mitacs!

Mike is a Business Development Specialist with Mitacs and is working with VIU to create research projects for students that bridge academia and industry. He will be hosting weekly Zoom drop-in sessions this semester on Thursdays at 10 am starting February 11. During these calls, Mike will be available to answer questions from students about Mitacs and its offerings, as well as eligibility criteria for these programs.

• Meeting ID: 963 7034 9586
• Passcode: 7DsAQN

Tea and a visit with a VIU Elder-in-Residence

Do you want to chat with a VIU Elder-in-Residence? Whether you are looking for advice or just a friendly ear, an Elder is available every day, Monday to Friday, throughout the month of February.

Tla’amin protocol session

Elder Eugene Louie will be holding an intro session to Tla’amin protocols on Thursday, February 18 from 11 am - 1 pm on Zoom. Please register on Eventbrite for the Zoom information.

Tuesday Talks on Instalive: Students talking to students

Choosing a university and a program that fits your interests is not easy. That paired with moving to a new city or even a foreign country for the first time adds to the challenge. To address the many questions that prospective VIU students have about taking that first step towards university studies, World VIU is hosting the Let’s Talk series on Tuesdays at 8 am. Tune in to hear what other students are saying about VIU.

Thuy Thuts for Indigenous students

Chat, ask questions, learn about resources and meet other students at these virtual check-ins. Indigenous Education Navigators, Community Cousins and Elders-in-Residence will be there. Thuy Thuts take place Mondays 12 – 2 pm and Wednesdays 11 am – 1 pm via Zoom.

• Meeting ID: 63774938597
• Password: 126267

Supports & services

Moose Hide Campaign

February 11 is the National Moose Hide Campaign Day. Register now to take part in the day’s virtual events and take a stand to end violence against women and children. Keep an eye on the CCR App and the Thrive Facebook page for upcoming info around VIU’s activities in support of the Moose Hide Campaign. Also check out this video about healthy masculinity made by VIU’s Talk to Me crew.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Group

Join VIU Counsellors for seven weeks of Mindfulness practice and learning. This series will provide you with foundational training in the practice of mindfulness and its application in reducing stress and improving functioning. This program takes place February 24 to April 7, 2021. Email Art to set up a meeting to determine if this group is right for you.

Student employment opportunities with Statistics Canada

Want to gain valuable work experience at one of the top statistical agencies in the world? Statistics Canada is looking to hire approximately 32,000 people across Canada to assist in census data collection activities!

Holistic Energy Care with Noelle Hanuse (Wuikinuxv), Counsellor 

Register on Eventbrite for one of these workshops: February 24 or March 24 from 12 - 1 pm.
• Learn how your energy works – what depletes, blocks and replenishes it.
• Learn practical tools to conserve, balance and enhance your energy.
• Access your own peace and inner strength. 

Student Copyright Education Survey

Do you use images, video clips, music and other materials for your assignments or for your VIU student job? Copyright can be confusing, and the Copyright Office wants to know what copyright education and support you need. Complete a five-minute Copyright Education Survey by February 28 to be entered into a draw for a VIU hoodie! 

Looking for research help?

Did you know you can book a virtual research help appointment with a librarian, Monday to Friday, 9 am - 4 pm? And the online chat service is now open on evenings and weekends. For more, visit Research Help.

FREE text-to-speech/study tools

All current VIU students and employees are able to access VIU's site license for Kurzweil 3000, a comprehensive text-to-speech/study tools software program. Please note that VIU does not provide training or tech support for this third-party software. Self-register for an account. Kurzweil 3000 is not compatible with Apple devices that have the new Apple Silicone processors.

Takeout dinners available from VIU Food Services

VIU Food Services now has a weekly dinner plan. From Monday to Friday, takeout dinners will be available in the Upper Cafeteria from 4 - 6 pm. Individual dinners are available for $12 or a package for four is available for $40, taxes included. Visit the VIU Food Services Facebook page for the weekly dinner menu. 

Mark your calendars

Don’t forget to fill out your Scholarship, Award and Bursary profile by March 31

Did you know VIU has more than $3.5 Million worth of scholarships, awards and bursaries available to help finance your education? The Scholarship, Award and Bursary Program, coordinated through the Financial Aid & Awards office, provides financial assistance, incentives and rewards to eligible students to assist in their pursuit of post-secondary education.  
Apply in four easy steps:
1.      Log onto your VIU Student Record
2.     Click on Scholarship/Award/Bursary Profile
3.      Answer questions relevant to you and upload any supporting information
4.     Click Save (last information saved will be used for selections)
A new application is required each year. For more information and to get further tips, click here.

COVID-19 updates

COVID Self-Assessment on the Safety App

Just a reminder that if you are visiting a VIU location, you must fill out the self-assessment on the safety app before you arrive.