VIU Student Pulse News: November 8, 2023

We are in thick of the busiest time of the semester. It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed right now – there’s lots on the go between assignments coming due, events on campus and other commitments. Also, there's a lot going on in the world right now, read President Saucier's message about the crisis in the Middle East. Don’t forget to reach out for support.

While classes take a break next week, VIU supports and services are available to help you catch up. Read on to learn more.  
 
Also in this issue:

• WorldVIU Days continues
• Now is the time to apply for student loans for next semester
• What VIU's budget deficit means for your programs and classes

Need to know 

Mariners Men’s Soccer at the Canadian Championship

We’re up against the country’s best in a battle for national gold! The VIU Mariners men’s soccer team kicked off the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association national championship tournament in Windsor, Ontario this morning. Visit the tournament website to find out when the Mariners play. Games are streamed online via pay-per-view.

WorldVIU Days

WorldVIU Days is happening all week! This year’s theme is Community Through Movement. View the schedule. Still to come:

• WorldVIU Stage: Daily performances of music and dance in the main cafeteria
• Diwali Celebration: A celebration of light

Student loans and grants  

If you haven’t already applied for your student loan for the spring semester, now is the time to apply! For student loan information and how to apply, visit the StudentAid BC website. Did you know StudentAid BC supports more than 80,000 post-secondary students each year? Learn more in this explainer video and watch this video on how to apply.

What VIU's budget deficit means for your programs and classes

We sat down with Provost and Vice-President Academic Dr. Mike Quinn, who oversees all academic programming at VIU, to ask him about VIU's deficit and what impact it will have on your programs and courses. Read the article. 

Severe weather

Winter is on its way and with it comes potential disruptions to campus operations. Are you familiar with VIU’s severe weather notifications procedures? Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the steps to take so you know before you go. Some more winter weather tips:

• Preparing for West Coast weather scenarios
• Preventing slips and falls this winter

Connect

Island Rivalry Volleyball

It’s the best rivalry in BC college sports: the Island rivalry between VIU and Victoria’s Camosun Chargers! Get loud and support the VIU Mariners volleyball teams as they host the Chargers at the VIU Gym on Friday, November 10 (women 6 pm and men 8 pm) and Saturday, November 11 (women 1 pm and men 3 pm). Free admission for VIU students.

Services for Aboriginal Students Culture Night

Part two of making beaded poppies! If you didn’t finish your poppy from last Culture Night, here’s another chance. We still have some materials available if you’d like to start one. When: Wednesday, November 8, 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Where: Building 355, Room 211. Pizza will be served.

Language in the Library

It’s the beginning of a new month! Did you know the Hul’q’umi’num’ word for month lhqelts’ also refers to moon? Come learn and speak Hul’q’umi’num’ at Language in the Library on Fridays from 12:30 to 1:30 pm in the Madrona Room. Register here. Light snacks and refreshments provided.

Road trips

Join the Cultural Connections Road Trips team on exciting adventures to awe-inspiring locations. Every semester, we prepare a schedule of seasonal weekly Road Trips activities available to all registered VIU students. Next up:

• November 18: Tofino day trip
• November 25: Curling and Qualicum Beach
• November 30: Ladysmith Light Up

Positive Space Alliance movie night

Join the Positive Space Alliance on Thursday, November 23 from 7 to 9 pm for a holiday-themed movie night with free snacks! The movie is Single All the Way, a romantic comedy that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Admission and snacks are free, courtesy of the Positive Space Alliance. Registration is required via Eventbrite. Where: Building 250, Room 125.

Bicycle Film Festival Nanaimo

Hosted by Hub City Cycles Community Coop along with the City of Nanaimo, the Bicycle Film Festival is part of Fall Go By Bike Week. It takes place November 9 in the Malaspina Theatre. For lovers of pro cycling, gravel biking, mountain biking, youth culture and more. This program will take you on a journey with passionate cyclists around the world. Buy tickets on Eventbrite.

Free swim

The next Free Swim for VIU Students at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre is on November 16. Check the VIUSU app for more info.

 

Make a spine poem

David, our new librarian, made a spine poem. What spine poems can you make from the library’s books? Message your spine poem to the library on Instagram @VIULibrary and we can repost it!

2SLGBTQ+ socials

The Positive Space Alliance hosts socials in Building 250, Room 402 from 12 to 1 pm every second Wednesday. Dates: November 8 and 22. December 6.

Services & supports

Research assignment help

Working on a research assignment and not sure where to find the information you need? Drop by the library service desk at the Nanaimo campus library, book an appointment in advance or chat online for assistance. Learn more about how to access our in-person and online support services through the website. 

Canada Learning Bond Eligibility Compass  

Looking for free money to help you subsidize the cost of university? Take the questionnaire to find out if you are eligible to receive up to $2,000! Click arrow to begin quiz at the following link. 

Financial Literacy Month  

November is Financial Literacy Month. The Government of Canada has produced four short articles to help you understand different financial aid options for post-secondary education. 

• Article 1: Check the pulse on your financial health 
• Article 2: What to do if you’re struggling with debt 
• Article 3: Know your rights when facing financial difficulties 
• Article 4: Payday loans: Know the risks 

After-hours building access

Did you know your student card gives you 24-7 access to the library? A reminder to avoid letting other people into buildings after hours with your card access. For assistance, contact Campus Security at 250.740.6512 or via the VIU Safety App.

Study strategies on Learning Matters

Mid-terms underway and before you know it finals will be here. The latest research shows that students who master organization, time management, note taking and other executive functioning skills are better prepared for their assignments, tests and exams. Learning Matters is a digital collection of resources to assist students in being successful. Check out these short videos, learning tips and study strategies. The VIU advising team is here to help on campus and online.

Cyber self-care 🤗

The digital world can be overwhelming, so now is the perfect time to practice some much-needed cyber self-care. Looking for a career in cyber? Explore where your skills could take you!

Food Services Study Days hours

From November 13 to 17, Food Services hours will be as follows:

• Main cafeteria (Building 300): closed all week.
• Lower cafeteria (Building 185): breakfast, lunch and dinner: 7:30 am to 7:30 pm *Early closure at 6 pm on Tuesday Nov 14 due to maintenance.
• Starbucks: 9:30 am to 2:30 pm

VIU Off-Campus Housing

Looking for help with:

• Finding housing and roommates 
• Temporary accommodation 
• Contracts, fees and tenancy issues?

Visit the blog, Off-Campus Housing homepage, contact Off-Campus Housing or book a meeting. 

Shq’apthut Well-being Wednesdays

Join us in Building 355, Room 211 on Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm for educational advising, Elders-in-Residence, Bannock, smudging, Reiki sessions and:

• Drop-in math support | 10 am to 1:30 pm
• Writing Centre | 11 am to 1 pm
• Eddie, the St. John Therapy Dog | 12:30 to 1:30 pm
• Library research assistance | 1 to 2 pm

Midtown Water Supply Project update

Construction continues on the Midtown Water Supply Project around the VIU community.
Trails are closed to the public between VIU, the Black Diamond Neighbourhood and Third Street, and from the College Heights Neighbourhood to the Parkway College/Fifth Intersection. Construction traffic will enter and exit the work zones at two locations:

• At Third Street across from the Rotary Field House.
• At College Drive off the Parkway and College/Fifth Street Intersection. 

Closures are 24 hours a day. The City of Nanaimo thanks everyone for their patience and understanding. 

VIUSU working groups

VIUSU will be hosting a Campaigns Working Group and a Campus Life Working Group that are open to all students. Provide your feedback and suggestions in our discussion on how to improve student life at VIU including topics related to parking, tuition fees and more at the Campaigns Working Group. Suggest ideas and improvements to VIUSU events at the Campus Life Working Group. More information about each working group, including dates for the next meetings, can be found in the event listings section of the VIUSU app.

Mark your calendars

Indigenous Speakers Series featuring Riley Yesno

The keynote speaker for VIU’s 2023 Indigenous Speakers Series is Riley Yesno, a queer Anishinaabe scholar, writer and commentator from Eabametoong First Nation. Join us on November 22 for her talk, moderated by CBC Radio’s Ideas host Nahlah Ayed. Register for free on Eventbrite.

Remembrance Day

A reminder that VIU will be closed on Saturday, November 11 and Monday, November 13 for the Remembrance Day statutory holiday. Looking for a way to commemorate it? 
Watch the Nanaimo Remembers video memorial
Check out VIU Elder-in-Residence Geraldine Manson's Snuneymuxw veterans research 

Urchin Tank seaweed challenge

Watch Microbiology and Culinary Arts students join forces to develop and present their innative seawee products to a panel of seaweed entrepreneurs! When: November 24, 5 to 7:30 pm in VIU’s Malaspina Theatre. Tickets available on Eventbrite.

Physical Therapy info session

Are you interested in physical therapy? The UBC Department of Physical Therapy will be at VIU on November 23 for an in-person info session to talk about the Master of Physical Therapy program. A department representative and current student will present on the MPT student experience and admission requirements for the MPT program followed by a Q&A session. The info session runs from 5 to 6:30 pm in Building 356, Room 109.

Advice corner

Dealing with interpersonal conflict

In the world of group work at universities, conflict is almost inevitable as diverse individuals come together to collaborate on projects and assignments. Navigating conflict is uncomfortable but provides the opportunity to practice and develop important skills that will help you beyond university. Steps for resolving issues:

• Recognition: The first step is recognizing and acknowledging the conflict. Don't ignore it. Bring it into the open for discussion.
• Open dialogue: Encourage all members to express their concerns and perspectives without judgment.
• Active listening: Actively listen to one another. Try to truly understand the viewpoints and feelings of your group members.
• Empathy: Try to see the situation from your teammates’ perspectives and acknowledge their emotions. This can help create a sense of connection.  
• Collaboration: Work together to find common ground and shared goals within the group’s objectives. This can serve as a foundation for resolution.
• Communication: Outline your own ideas and concerns calmly and respectfully, using “I” statements to express your thoughts without assigning blame.
• Conflict resolution: Collaborate to find a solution or compromise that respects everyone's perspectives and needs. This may involve negotiation or creative problem-solving.
• Professionalism and respect above all: You don’t have to be friends to be able to work well together. This is a practice. Perfection isn’t expected. Have grace for yourself and your groupmates.
• Need further support? Reach out to your instructor.

Stay in the know

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

• Campus Events website
• VIU Students' Union app
• Co-Curricular Involvement app

VIU Safety App

Get the VIU mobile app designed to let you know as quickly as possible if there is a safety issue happening on our campus and if so, what to do about it. Once you download, don’t forget to enable push notifications so you are notified immediately of campus closures and other safety issues. It also has other great features including:

• Click to call for emergency contacts and campus security
• Interactive campus maps
• Safety toolbox alarm and location notifier
• Up-to-date weather alerts

To download just go to the App Store, Google Play or Blackberry App World.