VIU Student Pulse News: January 27, 2021

January can be a tough month mental health-wise, and this year more so than ever with the extra restrictions placed on us by the pandemic. Irlanda Gonzalez Price, our Associate Vice-President of Student Affairs, has a video message of encouragement and support to share with you, including an important reminder that VIU services are here to help. Thursday, January 28 is Bell Let’s Talk Day and we have a few virtual activities and services lined up. For example, join the conversation around mental health by leaving a selfie and message in our virtual photo booth. If you need some inspiration, you can check out what others have said! Keep on reading to learn about other activities.

Need to know

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.

It’s Time for a Check-Up!

Mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health, so let’s get them checked! VIU students can join the VIU counsellors for a free, drop-in, virtual mental health screening on Thursday, January 28. All details can be found here. 

Interview Prep Strategies Webinar

Learn some tried and tested tips for getting interview ready! Register to attend this webinar on Wednesday, January 27 starting at 1 pm by going to  Student Employment and navigating to the Career Services Event Calendar. While there, check out all the other webinars to help you get job ready! More info.

Connect

Get involved, get connected with Mariners Athletics & Recreation

Mariners Athletics & Recreation’s Spring 2021 Program Registration is now open! 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. For everyone's safety, masks are required to be worn at all times in the gym, except when using cardio equipment (treadmill, elliptical or bikes – spin or stationary).

Healthy Spirits, Healthy Schools workshop

This workshop explores historic and ongoing colonial and intergenerational trauma and how the impacts of these traumas can be lessened in the classroom. Registration is required, workshop takes place Friday, January 29 from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Register on Eventbrite.

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 to connect with. Thuy Thuts take place Mondays 12 – 2 pm and Wednesdays 11 am – 1 pm via Zoom.

• Meeting ID: 63774938597
• Password: 126267

Addressing Racism in the BC Health-care Industry

As part of the Engaged Citizens Speaker Series, Dawn Thomas Aa ap waa iik, Associate Deputy Minister for Indigenous Health with the BC Ministry of Health, will be presenting An Island Response to In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in BC Health Care on Wednesday, February 10 at 6:30 pm. This free event takes place via Zoom Webinar during Global Citizens Week.

Walking Together (q’ushin’tul): Dealing with Racism

This presentation by Noelle Hanuse, Wellness Coordinator, looks at the history of anti-Indigenous racism from various perspectives, including through a spiritual lens. Students will be given tools and strategies to deal with racism and understand the power of love to heal. Walking Together takes place Thursday, January 28 from 12 – 12:30 pm via Zoom.

• Meeting ID: 628 1549 6309
• Password: 924323 

Kwakwaka’wakw Culture Night

Join Services for Aboriginal Students via Zoom on Wednesday, January 27 at 7 pm for the Kwakwaka’wakw Culture Night with Shelley Joseph and Kwin Thompson.

• Meeting ID: 650 4006 5132
• Password: 360709

Work opportunities at the CREATE Conference

Want a work-op (a.k.a. VIU student job)? Join the CREATE 2021 Team! We need an App Pro, a Schedule Guru and a Zoom Boss. Wage is $16.60/hr for 50 or 100 hours this semester (depending on task). Contact Kendra.Stiwich@viu.ca for more info.

Services & supports

Takeout dinners available from VIU Food Services

No time to cook? VIU Food Services has a weekly dinner plan to keep you and the family going. 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.

Writing/English language supports

Are you uncertain about how to proceed with your research papers? Want to learn more about paragraph writing, reading academic articles or understanding thesis statements? Perhaps English is not your first language, and you’d like some help improving your oral English? The Writing Centre and International Academic Support are hosting a series of Zoom webinars to help!

• Also check out this blog post about writing a university research paper. We asked John Hill, Coordinator of VIU’s Writing Centre, to break it down into steps in this VIU Blog article.

Calling all students in Exploratory Studies and Unclassified programs! 

Now is the time to firm up your educational plans and apply to other programs (BA, BSc, BBA and our many limited entry programs). Advisors are here to help you with this transition. Want to catch up on a course or two this summer or get ahead for next September? Keep an eye out for your VIU emails as the summer session timetable will be out soon. Connect with an Educational Advisor.

Presentation Workshops 

Have a presentation to make this semester? A little freaked out? Spring Break workshops will get you the skills to make a poster, give a presentation and more! Learn more and RSVP here.

Undergraduate Student Research Awards

Are you a BSc student interested in doing research this summer? The Undergraduate Student Research Awards provide $7,500 for you to work with a VIU faculty researcher. Come to an info session this Friday, January 29. Learn more and RSVP here.

The Cowichan Campus Writing Centre is here for you!

Tutoring sessions are available online this semester via the Cowichan Campus Writing Centre. Faculty tutors Eliza Gardiner and Lynn Wytenbroek can assist you with preparing for and perfecting all kinds of assignments, including outlines, essays, reports, reflections, and Eliza’s favourite…annotated bibliographies! Register, sign in, select the kind of tutoring you prefer (video chat or upload docs for tips and edits) and book your online appointment.

VIU Nanaimo library resources

Use your VIU ID card to access the Nanaimo campus library’s third and fourth floors 24-7, 365 days a year. Check our Covid-19 updates page for the latest info on all library services, including virtual research help. Let us know what you think about our new library website. Please take a few minutes and complete our survey.

Interested in Grad School? 

But not sure where to start? No worries. Connect with Kendra.Stiwich@viu.ca and she can help you navigate this path.

VIU Student Technology Guide

This is your one stop reference guide to university technology information for students. Learn how to create your computer account, update your email address, get your devices connected, and more. Reach out for support in the new Student Tech Help Chat!

Thriving in Action

It’s not too late to register for VIU’s new Thriving in Action Program – where you can learn better, feel better, and do better! Find out more here.

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.

Thrive at VIU

Are you looking to make this semester your best yet? Your best way to do that, is to prioritize your wellness! Follow Thrive on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest events, activities and resources to keep you well!

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 January. 

Mark your calendars

Global Citizens Week

From February 8 – 12, VIU is marking Global Citizens Week with visiting speakers, film showings, classroom dialogues, the popular All Nations Reggae Symposium and much more. This year’s theme is Equity in Action. Join us as we explore ideas and initiatives that aim to challenge inequity and showcase the work of students and employees who are making positive changes in their communities and around the globe. View the full schedule.

COVID-19

COVID-19 updates and information

A reminder to students that important health and safety updates, FAQs and other resources related to VIU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found on our dedicated website.