VIU Student Pulse News: November 4, 2020

As we enter November, we wanted to remind you that VIU is here to answer your questions. Find the latest info about academics, student life, housing and more on our Frequently Asked Questions page. We also have a website that details which courses will be delivered online and which courses have face-to-face components. As always, if you can’t find the answer to your question, simply respond to this email. We are here to help!

Need to know

Upcoming Talk to Me Events 

Are you feeling lonely and isolated? Connect with our Talk to Me team at one of our upcoming events; we even have a couple events in-person! All details can be found on the Talk to Me homepage, under the “events” tab.

Nurturing Happiness 

Cultivating personal happiness has positive impacts on both your brain and body. VIU Success Coach Sharon Kelly shares 7 practices toward living a happier life in the latest #VIUBlog post.

Severe Weather Procedures 

Are you curious about what happens at VIU when it snows? Visit VIU’s Severe Weather Closure policy and procedure page to learn about the process if VIU has to close any or all of its campuses. Note: a campus closure day is a regular day if you are learning remotely. 

Connect

Shape VIU's Future by Sharing Your Input on VIU's Draft Strategic Plan

Join the conversation about the future of VIU! Using the Ethelo online engagement platform, you can read, review, make comments, rate and see other’s comments on VIU’s draft strategic plan. Participate from now until November 27, 2020. Visit A Different Kind of University to get started.

Open Gym Times

VIU Mariners Athletics & Recreation has created four open gym times per week for students, following COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Approved sports include: pickleball, badminton 3 vs 3 volleyball, indoor soccer, ping pong and basketball. Register for upcoming time slots online.

Twitter Takeover for Undergraduate Researchers

Calling all VIU Undergrad Researchers! Be part of #URExchange – a global Twitter Takeover on November 12! Fabulous VIU prize packs to be won! Check out this webpage for more info.

Nanaimo Remembers

Check out Nanaimo Remembers, a video memorial project created by VIU in collaboration with Nanaimo Community Archives to display the names of more than 200 local soldiers who died during the First and Second World Wars. Community partners will display it across the city.

Buy Mariners Gear Online

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, VIU Mariners Athletics & Recreation has set up an online shop with Kahunaverse for Mariners gear. Sales close November 15, 2020. Visit VIU Mariners Holiday Shop for more details.

WorldVIU Days

WorldVIU Days 2020 is here! This is a week-long series of virtual activities celebrating cultural diversity. For example, check out the popular Intercultural Hip Hop Forum, which will explore identity, culture and community building through hip hop, and the VIU Global Fashion Show Friday at noon. Expand your world. 

Metis Protocol Session

On Thursday, November 19, VIU Elder-in-Residence Stella Johnson will provide an understanding and awareness of Metis history on Vancouver Island. This event is open to anyone who is interested. Register now.

Join the 'su'luqw'a' Community Cousins Aboriginal Mentorship Program

The 'su'luqw'a' Community Cousins will be doing training on November 20 & 21 for Indigenous students interested in joining and becoming involved in mentorship/leadership opportunities. If you are interested in joining please email community.cousins@viu.ca for further information.

Indigenous Book Circle

On Thursday, November 19, Sheena Robinson, Indigenous Education Navigator, will guide people through a discussion of Richard Wagamese’s book Embers. Register now.

Get to Know President Saucier

Want to learn more about what VIU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Deb Saucier has been up to, including what she’s cooking and listening to? Check out the latest post on her Three Things blog, which includes a link to two Spotify playlists.

Join UVic Students’ League of Legends Club 5v5 Tourney

The 5v5 Reading Break Tourney will be happening over the November 7-8 Reading Break Weekend. You can sign up as a team or a free agent. Check out the club’s Battlefly webpage for more information and to register.

Participate in REIMAGINE NANAIMO

What do you want to change about Nanaimo and what do you want to stay the same? The City of Nanaimo wants to hear from VIU students in its ambitious visioning process called REIMAGINE NANAIMO. Stay tuned to the Co-Curricular Record App from November 16 – 22 for the chance to win some awesome prizes. More info.

Supports and services

Free Tutoring Services

Are you struggling in class? VIU’s Volunteer Tutor Program is free for all VIU students enrolled in Adult Basic Education courses and many first-year university courses. 

Register for the Beyond 2020 Career Fair

VIU, Camosun College, North Island College and Royal Roads University have come together to offer an Island-wide virtual employment and networking career and connections fair on November 19. Connect with employers and hear from keynote speaker Sean Aiken, creator of The One Week Job Project.

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.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

November is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To learn more or reach out for support, visit Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Healthy Relationships, Healthy Boundaries

Want to learn about having healthy and fulfilling relationships with yourself and others? Check out the Healthy Relationships Healthy Boundaries online event happening Monday, November 16.

COVID Relief for Indigenous Students

Indigenous students who are registered Status Indians but do not have band membership and so are ineligible to apply for funding through their band may be eligible for support through the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centre’s Emergency Post-Secondary Education Funding program.

Mark Your Calendars

Penalty-free Withdrawal from Courses

Did you know that the last day for academic penalty-free withdrawal from a Fall Semester course or to change from credit to audit is November 30? Consider talking to an Advisor before dropping a course and learn more about switching to the Audit option. See Important Dates and Deadlines for other significant dates in the academic year.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Survey Consultations

VIU recently completed an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion survey. Students and employees have been invited to a series of community dialogues. Register for the final session, which takes place Thursday, November 5 from 10:30 am to noon.

COVID-19 updates

Updated Mask Guidelines 

To follow BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry's new expectations regarding the use of non-medical masks, we have updated VIU's mask-wearing guidelines. 

Campus events

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