VIU Student Pulse News: September 9, 2020

VIU President Dr. Deb Saucier is excited to welcome you back this fall. Watch her video to find out what is inspiring her this year, and how the University has been preparing for an engaging and safe semester ahead.

Need to know

Virtual Study Tips

Student Ambassadors Kass and Dayna found the sudden switch to online learning last spring an interesting experience. In this VIU Blog post, they share some bad habits they fell into, and what to do to overcome them and be successful.

Wearing a Mask and our fun and important VIU Safety Video

Non-medical face coverings are required to be worn on VIU's campuses and facilities anytime physical distancing cannot be maintained or is difficult to maintain. This includes all building common areas, hallways and washrooms. For more details, visit our COVID-19 Protocols for On-Campus Activities. We also put together this handy video to guide you through what to expect when you visit our campuses.

Scholar Strike Canada

Scholar Strike Canada, a labour action/teach-in/social justice advocacy approach to taking action against anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and violence, takes place Sept. 9 and 10. Students who plan to participate should arrange with their instructors to make up any missed coursework and, if it affects attendance, should confirm that they are planning to continue with the course through email, or checking in to the course site through D2L. Learn more about Scholar Strike Canada.

Supports and services

Get Your Student Card

A reminder that you currently need your VIU ID card to access the Library Commons as well as some other buildings on the Nanaimo campus. Get your Student Card.

Need Help With your Fall Schedule?

Educational Advisors are here to help you with dropping and adding courses, figuring out which program is the best fit, getting connected with resources and more. More info on Help with your Fall Schedule.

IT Help

Need help with your computer account and password or accessing courses and software online? Check out the Student Technology Guide for all your technology questions and for information on how to contact Student Tech Support help.

Student Health and Dental Plan Info

VIUSU Extended Health and Dental plan info can be viewed online. Check your student record to see if you're eligible or to view your opt-out deadline if you have an equivalent plan.

Counselling and Mental Health Supports

VIU offers free and confidential distance counselling to all registered VIU students. To view our hours of operation and services provided, visit VIU Counselling. Also check out these health and wellness resources and Here2Talk, a 24/7 mental-health counselling and referral service.

VIU All Nations Feast

This annual event welcomes students and honours the four Nations of Vancouver Island. Day 1 on Sept. 17 honours Nuu Chah Nulth and Kwakwaka'wakw and Day 2 on Sept. 22 honours Metis and Coast Salish. Food baskets will be available each Feast Day from 2-4 pm. More info. 

Accessibility Services

Find info about accessible parking permits, wayfinding on the Nanaimo Campus (including ramp routes, accessible parking and emergency phones), and opt-in for elevator out-of-order email notices on the Getting Around on Campus page.

Student Conference Funding Available

The deadline to apply for student conference funding for virtual events before December 31, 2020, is September 11. Check out the How to Apply for Funding Video. Further research training opportunities will be available throughout the fall on topics ranging from applying for different funding opportunities, to making posters and presentations. More info on Student Conference Funding.   

Success Coaching Services

Did you know that as a student, you have access to one-on-one sessions with a success coach, as well as a series of workshops offered Thursday afternoons and Monday mornings that will help you improve your well-being and academic success? Download the Welcome Package and learn more at Student Success Coaching.

Connect

Get Your Pub Fix

The Students’ Union Pub in Building 193 is opening this fall! New hours are 10:30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Eat in (just make sure to follow the health and safety guidelines), or pick up an order to go!

Workout in the VIU Gym

Students can now book an appointment to use the weight room between 8 am and 4 pm Monday to Friday. Visit the online booking system to get started.

Thrive at VIU

Check out VIU’s new wellness website called Thrive. Thrive includes a number of resources, activities and tips for staying well. There is also an option for students to gain Co-Curricular Record (CCR) credit for prioritizing their wellness!

Videos from Student Orientation

Did you miss some events from Rock VIU: Welcome to Campus last week? Recordings of all the sessions are available on the Co-Curricular Involvement app, available for download from the App Store or Google Play, or accessible on the Co-Curricular Record website.

Plan out Your Semester

Your students’ union is helping you get organized and ready for a successful semester! Free student planners can be picked up in the VIU Students’ Union office on the Nanaimo campus, or at Student Affairs in Cowichan, Parksville or Powell River. 

COVID-19 updates

VIU Safety App

The VIU Safety App houses important COVID-19 information, including a self-assessment tool that we ask all students to use prior to coming to campus unless your instructor/professor has put another self-assessment process in place.

Safety Ambassadors

VIU has COVID-19 Safety Ambassadors at all three campuses. Our Ambassadors can answer questions about VIU's health and safety protocols and help check in visitors coming to campus. If you know of someone coming to campus who is not a student or an employee please ask them to check in at the tent in the quad on the Nanaimo campus; at all other campuses they can go to reception.

Mark your calendar

Dropping Courses

If you register for a course and then change your mind, you must officially drop it by Monday, September 21. You will not be assessed fees for it as long as you remain enrolled in at least one course that semester. More info on Dropping Courses.

Campus events

Check our Campus Events to stay on top of what's happening at VIU.