VIU Student Pulse News: May 19, 2021

In this issue of the Pulse, we share resources to help those struggling to choose courses, an important update from Island Health on the vaccination program and a fun, free event to help you build leadership skills and meet other students, as well as the information we know some of you have been looking for about student housing. Read on to learn more! 👇

Need to know 

Got questions about VIU Housing? 🏠

View the latest update on what VIU residences will look like for the Fall semester, check out the building and room styles available, and have a read through the staff’s before you move in tips. The front desk staff in VIU Residences are here to chat 24-7 by phone – 250-740-6640 (or 1-844-740-6640 toll-free) or by email atresidence@viu.ca.

Curious about careers in the trades? 🛠 💻

We wrote a blog post sharing what some of our trades and applied technology alum have to say about their careers. Have a read on the VIU Blog, and to learn more, come out to VIU’s first-ever Trades and Applied Technology Virtual Expoon May 27 to discover more about the University’s 17 different options to choose from and funding opportunities to help you complete your education.

Register for the Vancouver Island Leadership Conference ⭐️

Students across BC will gather this June for a series of keynote talks and strength-building workshops. This year’s theme is “Igniting Change” and will focus on how you can take action to positively influence your community on a local, national and global level. Events take place on Mondays and Thursdays from June 7 - 24, 2021. Register now for this free event.

A message from Island Health 💉

BC’s vaccine supply is increasing with more than 1 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine set to arrive in May. Register now if you're 18+ and book as soon as it’s your turn.

Connect

English courses make great electives! ✏️

From film studies and television narrative, to young adult lit and an intro to advanced professional writing, there are lots of options for students from other disciplines to explore their passion for a certain genre or hone their writing skills. 200-level courses require six credits of first-year English, and 300-level courses require third-year standing in any program. Visit English.viu.ca for more info.

Preparing yourself for the new normal 🙂

The past year has not been easy for anyone. What will life after COVID-19 look like? Check out this free online event on May 21-23 to help us all prepare for the “new normal.” Registration required.

Asian Heritage Month 

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada. This year’s theme is recognition, resilience and resolve and “honours the contributions and the diverse stories of peoples of Asian descent in Canada, which are rooted in resilience and perseverance. It is also a call to action for all Canadians to come together to combat all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination.” Please check out the resources we share in our Honouring Asian Heritage Month blog post, and if you have more to add, please email links to students@viu.ca.

Campus Nutrition and Food Security Contest 🍏

Nourishing Innovation is seeking ideas from VIU students to develop innovative solutions to address food security on campus. The contest runs May 6 to June 6 and there are $4,500 in prizes for finalists and $4,500 for winning teams. Read contest rules and how to participate on Nourishing Innovation’s website.

Supports & services

Advice on choosing courses 

Need some assistance with choosing courses for the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters? Consider joining Web Registration and Course Selections Sessions presented by Registration and Advising. Or Connect with an Advisor by email, phone or daily Zoom Drop In.

Come study at the Library 📖

The Nanaimo Campus Library is accessible 24-7, 365 days a year with a VIU ID card. Need ID? Get one by submitting your selfie through My Student Record. 

Important info about printing on campus 📄

Printing at VIU has changed! Visit How Does Student Printing Work? to get all the information you need to get started.

Looking for a summer job? ☀️

There are dozens of positions still open on the Centre for Experiential Learning’sCareerVIU website – both external postings or VIU jobs. You can also check out resources that will help you get job-ready such as online networking opportunities or professional development events.

Info on student loans 💰

Doing some financial planning for the 2021-22 academic year? Be sure to check out government student loans and grants. Student loan funding and grants are available for eligible full and part-time students. There are also many non-repayable grants for which you will be automatically assessed when you apply for a student loan. Applications open in mid-June for the next academic year.

Planning to upgrade? 

You may be eligible for funding to support you! The Adult Upgrading Grant(AUG) is funding from the provincial government that you do not need to pay back. It is for students enrolled in Adult Basic Education, Workplace Essential Skills Training, or English as a Second Language. 

Don’t forget to apply for external awards 🏆

External awards include scholarships, awards and bursaries that are available to all students through agencies unaffiliated with Vancouver Island University. To help minimize student debt, check out our categorized list of awards.

Student Q&A about Fall 2021 ❓

Missed our May 4 information event for all students? You can view the recording here! 

Video: Services VIU offers 

New to VIU this spring or fall? VIU offers a variety of services to support students in achieving their educational goals. Check out this video to see some of the many services offered to help students transition to VIU.

Nanaimo Rent Bank 💰

The Rent Bank can offer a short-term loan for rent or essential utilities to low-income individuals or families in Nanaimo who are experiencing financial challenges. Up to $1,400 for individuals, $1,700 for families and $500 for essential utility arrears. To learn more about the program and how to apply visit the John Howard Society’s website.

Campus Store hours ⏰

The Campus Store and Print Shop are going to summer hours of 8 am to 3:30 pm starting Monday, May 10, 2021, to Friday, July 30, 2021. The store hours will go back to 8 am to 4:30 pm on Tuesday August 3, 2021.

Canada Revenue Agency live webinars 

The Canada Revenue Agency is pleased to host the following live webinars in June:

• Post-Secondary & Financial Literacy Presentation on June 8, 2021, from 1:30 pm - 3 pm PST: Learn about some of the benefits you may be eligible to receive.
• International Students Presentation on June 10, 2021, from 1:30 pm - 3 pm PST: Learn about some of the benefits you may be eligible to receive as an international student.

Register for these free webinars.

COVID-19 updates

FAQ page for Fall 2021 ❓

Do you have questions about what’s happening for Fall 2021 and what safety precautions VIU is taking in the return to campus planning? Bookmark ourFrequently Asked Questions page, where we will be sharing the most up-to-date information as it becomes available.  

Mark your calendars

Victoria Day long weekend 🎉

A reminder that Monday, May 24 is a statutory holiday, and the University is closed. Have a wonderful long weekend!