VIU Student Pulse News: February 23, 2022

We hope Study Days are going well for those of you in academic programs! Now might be a good time to take stock of the rest of the semester and see if you can fit any of the events listed below into your schedule. For example, registration is now open for CREATE, our biggest celebration of student research.
Today’s featured student is Taylor LeBrun, a Child and Youth Care grad who is a support worker with Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre. If you’re curious about whether a career in this field is for you, there is an info session tomorrow.

Need to know

Free rapid test kits 😷

The provincial government has given VIU enough rapid test kits to distribute one package of five to each student in face-to-face classes. This is a one-time-only distribution to support the continuity of on-campus learning, instruction and research. Distribution is happening today until 4:30 pm in the upper cafeteria, and then again on March 1 and 3, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm in the upper cafeteria. More info.

VIUSU voting days next week 🌮

Your students’ union will be set up in the quad on Tuesday, March 1 to “Taco ‘bout Voting” with you from 11:30 am to 1 pm. We’ll be giving away free tacos while reminding students to vote in the VIUSU election and referendum happening on March 1, 2 and 3.

Summer Session ☀

There are advantages to taking summer courses and VIU is making it easier than ever this year, with double the number of courses and many online or hybrid options, which means you can work and attend school at the same time, or study from your home community. Learn more about the benefits of summer session.

Connect

Vancouver Island Leadership Conference 🙋‍♀️

Registration for the Vancouver Island Leadership Conference on April 1 and 2 is now live! Seats are limited and sponsored seats will come on a first-come, first-served basis. Join us for a weekend of keynote speakers, excursions, tuition awards and a career expo all while learning how to connect with earth, self, culture and others. If you have any questions, please email us at vilc@viu.ca. See you there!

Join VIU’s largest student research showcase! ⭐️

CREATE 2022 registration is open! There are lots of awards and prizes and ways to participate. Gain resume-worthy experience and grab some cash. Some highlights:

• Keep it Simple Science Challenge: can you take something complicated and translate it in a way that is accessible to all?
• Anti-Racism Arts Festival: Calling all artists and activists! This event is co-sponsored by CREATE and the VIUFA Human Rights and International Solidarity Committee.
• Look Up Look Out Art Exhibit: Registrations must be filled out by March 6 to participate.
• Rant-like-Rick: the most cathartic way to spend two minutes at the end of the semester.

Women’s basketball 🏀

The Mariner’s women's basketball home closer is happening Thursday, February 24. Watch a great game and say goodbye to some of your favourite athletes!

Volunteers needed for nationals 🏀🙋‍♀️

The CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship is coming to Nanaimo March 25 - 27. We are looking for event volunteers to help put on a great weekend of sport, community and fun! Sign up here. 

Games in the library 🎲

Did you know that VIU Library has a board game collection? Come borrow a board game to play with your friends! Check out games like Catan, Code Names, Scrabble or Taboo! Find out more.

Special perks for watching basketball nationals 🏀🎉

Are you the ultimate VIU Mariners fan? Become a STU’s CREW member and benefit from awesome perks and discounts during the CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship games and events happening March 24 to 27! Membership passes go on sale Friday, February 25 at 9 am. Visit Showpass to see what’s included in this exclusive membership package.

Spikeball tournament

Sign up in teams of two for the inaugural VIU Spikeball Tournament hosted by Fun@VIU! The event will take place in the VIU gymnasium on Friday, March 11 at 4 pm. To register for the Spikeball Tournament, sign up at the gym.

BC Post-Secondary Student Survey on Sexual Violence ✏️

The BC post-secondary student survey on sexual violence is being conducted by Leger, an independent market research company contracted by BCCampus on behalf of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. VIU students are being asked to complete the survey until February 27, 2022. The survey only takes 15 minutes to complete and has a trigger warning regarding sexual violence. Check your email for a direct link.

Supports and services

Free naloxone training 💉

Overdoses can happen in unexpected situations. Learning the signs of an overdose is one of the many actions you can take to help save lives from overdose. The Healthy U student nursing team is offering free naloxone training sessions on March 2 and 3.

Resources for students ❗️

Need answers about university regulations, important dates, learning supports, student life, experiential opportunities and other campus services? Check out Resources for Students, a great place to get answers to your questions. Or connect with a friendly Advisor.

Immigration workshops for international students 

• A Post-Graduate Work Permit is your pathway for permanent residency. Join this Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) workshop on February 24 at 3 pm to learn more.
• Join Steps to Gain Permanent Residence for International Students on March 3 at 3 pm to review opportunities to become permanent residences, as well as federal and provincial immigration programs you may qualify for once you graduate.

Thriving in Action: In-person intensive 🍕

Are you interested in Thriving in Action but haven’t been able to make it to our drop-in sessions? We’ve got an in-person session coming up on March 12 that’s perfect for you! Join us for activities and skills to help you learn better, feel better and do better – just in time for finals! Make connections and eat some free pizza.

Movies for Mental Health 🎥

Join us at this virtual event on March 8 that uses the power of film to unite folks in community, connection and conversation. This year’s theme is: Creating supportive communities for survivors of sexual violence. All VIU students are welcome for award-winning short films, mindfulness activities and a panel discussion with students and mental health resources.

Your Brain on Food 🧠

Did you know that what you eat can impact your mood and your mental well-being? March is nutrition month and the Thrive team has lots of fun and educational things planned to help you be happier and healthier! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get involved and stay up to date on all our activities!

24-7 counselling support 🙁

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, uncertain or depressed? There is a support service just for post-secondary students. #Here2Talk provides students with free, confidential counselling services to talk things out. We all need a listening ear, and you have one 24-7 at Here2Talk.ca.

Financial aid checklist ✅

Paying for university can be challenging. The good news is there are lots of options available to help you manage expenses and reduce costs while having a great university experience. Here’s a checklist to make sure you’re taking advantage of all potential savings/grants/programs.

SafeTalk Suicide Prevention Training 

Want to know more about how to help people who are thinking about suicide? In this free half-day training you will learn to recognize when someone is thinking about suicide and how to connect them to an intervention provider. Register via Eventbrite.  

Wellness Lounge 🐶☕️

Have you heard of the Wellness Lounge? Check out this new space in the library that has free tea and hot chocolate, colouring pages, fidgets, therapy dogs and more! Need a break or want to connect with a peer? Stop by for five minutes or five hours!

Mark your calendars

Celebrate Black History Month with Diana Braithwaite

Black-Canadians have many wonderful and proud stories to celebrate with the world! On Friday, February 25 at 7 pm at VIU’s Cowichan campus, Blues singer and Black historian Diana Braithwaite takes the audience on a coast-to-coast look at some of the interesting stories and individuals that have played an important role in making up Canada’s rich history throughout the years. Register via Eventbrite. VIU is a proud sponsor of the five artists of colour performing at RainFest 2022 during Black History Month.

Get some money to pay for school 💰

Did you know VIU has more than $3.5 million worth of scholarships, awards and bursaries available to help finance your education? Fill out the Scholarship, Award and Bursary Profile on your Student Record before March 31, 2022, at noon to get in the running. Learn more.

Check out a theatre production

VIU Theatre Department’s spring play The Visitor runs at Malaspina Theatre (Building 310) from March 2-5 starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $11.62 for students and $16.93 for general admission on Eventbrite or $10 and $15 at the door. The March 2 performance is a preview night and admission is by donation.­

Deals

Did you know that as a VIU student you have access to exclusive discounts in your community and across the province? Download the Deals App, administered by the VIUSU and the BC Federation of Students, to learn more.

Today’s featured businesses:

• Axe & Grind: Get 30% off Sunday to Thursday.  
• Big Orange Bubble Tea: Enjoy 10% off in-store purchases.

Campus events

Stay on top of what's happening at VIU. Find ways to get involved: 

• Campus Events website
• Co-curricular involvement app
• VIU Students' Union app