Welcome to VIU's Spring Semester! 📚

How is the Spring Semester going so far? VIU and VIUSU, your students’ union already have some events and activities lined up to get you connected to the campus community, having fun and taking care of yourselves. Read on to learn more.

Did you take a cool photo of the campus or campus life? Send it to us at Students@viu.ca and we might feature it in the newsletter. We've got a pair of comfy VIU socks with your name on it just for participating! 

Need to know 

VIUSU Polar Plunge Challenge 🥶

Dare to Bear the FROST Polar Plunge challenge! From January 12 to 29, your VIU Students’ Union challenges you to a quick dip in cold water. Before you dip, challenge at least two VIU friends, faculty or staff to do the same and post a video to your Instagram. Make sure to tag @viustudentsunion so we can re-share!

FROST Pancake Breakfast 🥞

On Thursday, January 12 come by the VIUSU building (Building 193) from 8 to 11 am to pick up some free pancakes, coffee and other yummy breakfast food!

Performers needed: VIU’s Got Talent 🎤

Got some talent to share? Fun@VIU is looking for musicians, singers, dancers, rappers, actors, comedians, magicians and more to perform at VIU’s Got Talent on January 26. Tuition credits will be awarded to the top three performers. Submit an audition video to Fun@viu.ca. Want to watch the action? Tickets are now available on Eventbrite.

Free flu shot clinic 💉

Flu shots and other public covered vaccines will be available on Friday, January 13 from 11 am to 4 pm in Building 210, Room 250. Things to consider:

• The vaccination is given in the upper arm (shoulder), so clothing worn should easily expose this area (loose-fitting sleeves or short sleeves).
• The process should only take about 15 minutes.
• If you are currently suffering from a cold, fever or flu or any other respiratory illness you should postpone receiving this vaccination until a later date.
• If you are allergic to eggs, you should consult your doctor prior to receiving the flu vaccine as it could cause an allergic reaction.

For more information about vaccines, visit ImmunizeBC or Health Canada.

Trail closure due to Midtown Water Supply project

The trails between Black Diamond Drive and Addison Road/Third Street and VIU (accessed from behind student residences) will be closed to cycling and pedestrian traffic as soon as January 18 for tree removal work. For more information, visit Midtown Water Supply project. 

Connect

Register for VIU recreation programs ⚽️🏄‍♀️

Get moving, make friends and have fun with our VIU recreation programs! There are plenty of options for all skill levels and programs are discounted for VIU students. Skiing, bouldering, river rafting, surfing, basketball, indoor soccer, volleyball, yoga, bootcamp and much, much more! Browse the list of intramural leagues and special events, guided outdoor recreation adventures, and weekly fitness classes at the VIU Athletics and Recreation.

VIU Mariners Basketball & Volleyball 🏀🏐

Check out some of the best varsity sports in Canada as the VIU Mariners basketball and volleyball teams battle provincial rivals at the VIU gym (Building 190). The 2023 schedule beings with basketball matchups against the Camosun College Chargers on Friday, January 13 (women 6 pm, men 8 pm) and Saturday, January 14 (1 and 3 pm). As well, be sure to mark March 8 to 11 in your calendar as VIU, looking for a fifth consecutive national title, hosts Canada’s top teams at the CCAA Women’s Volleyball National Championship. Visit the VIU Mariners for game schedules.

Discovery Days volunteers needed 🙋‍♀️

Looking to get more involved on campus? Or are you simply just looking for some volunteer hours? Discovery Day is our biggest on-campus event for high school students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 and will take place on February 22 from 9 am to 2 pm. We are in need of current students at the Nanaimo campus to help us with this important event. If you’re interested, please contact the recruitment department at Connect@viu.ca!

Road Trips schedule 🚗 

Join the Cultural Connections Road Trips team as we embark 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. Trips include: the Malahat Skywalk, Mount Washington ski trip, Horne Lake caving and a Tofino day trip. Take a look to see what activities we have planned for you this semester!

Local hikes 🥾 🌲

Each semester the Cultural Connections team explores some of the most scenic and awe-inspiring local hiking trails Nanaimo and has to offer! The Local Hikes program is designed to encourage confidence and creativity in participants, while at the same time aiming to forge a connection with nature and a desire to protect it. Did we mention that it is only $2?!? 

Vancouver Warriors student night 🥍

The Vancouver Warriors are hosting College Night on January 14! Come out and watch as the Warriors take on Las Vegas for the first time at Rogers Arena. Tickets starting at $25!

Bundle up, power down 👕

In honour of National Sweater Day, VIU’s Sustainability office is hosting Hygge Days – bundle up, power down, from January 31 to February 2. More details available soon on the VIU Sustainability page.

Go By Bike 🚲

Save the date: the winter edition of Go By Bike Week is February 6 to 12 – your chance to win prizes just for riding your bike to school. More details available soon on VIU Sustainability.

Read The Navigator 💻

Do you want to know more about VIU and the community from a student perspective? Visit The Navigator Student Press, VIU’s fully student-run online news magazine. Read, watch and listen to the stories that matter to you as students. The next issue comes out on January 18.

Storytellers Challenge✏️

SSHRC's Storytellers challenges post-secondary students to show Canadians, in up to three minutes or 300 words, how social sciences and humanities research is impacting our lives, our world and our future for the better. The Top 25 finalists receive $3,000. Your challenge is to tell the story, in up to three minutes or 300 words, of a SSHRC-funded research project – your own or a professor’s. Learn more.

Supports and services

Let’s Talk Day 🧠

This national campaign encourages us to have conversations around mental health. This January 25, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, join the Thrive team at the cafeteria entrance to keep talking and taking action to create positive change for mental health around campus. We are sharing resources, positive messages, toques and more.

Make some noise for mental health 🥳

Let’s get loud in the name of mental health. On January 26, join us in the gym from 4:30 to 6 pm, before the volleyball game. Write a message to support well-being and mental health, share your actions and help inspire others to join the movement to create positive change.

Student Affairs Services available for you! 😊

Did you know that you have access to multiple services to enhance your experience while you are a student at VIU through Student Affairs?

• Accessibility Services
• Counselling Services
• Student Health Clinic
• Financial Aid and Awards
• Career Studio
• Office of Co-Curricular Engagement & Learning
• Peer Supported Learning
• Athletics & Recreation

Check out Student Affairs for more information about these services and how they might support you!

Need help with your housing situation? 🏠

VIU has an Off-Campus Housing office that can help you with housing issues. Michael Witcomb shares five ways the office can help you when it comes to tricky housing situations, from finding a place to live, to disputes with roommates, to problems with the housing.

Free mental health check-up 🧠

Mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health, so let’s check them! Take 30 to 45 minutes to drop in for mental health screening with VIU’s counselling team on January 26 at any time between 9 am and 12 pm, in the Royal Arbutus Room (Building 300 above the cafeteria). Come and look at resources and activities to help you cultivate well-being. 

Free money and financial tips 💰

Would you like to learn more about financial aid resources and opportunities to apply for free money? Review opportunities posted on Financial Aid, as well as many other resources. Don’t forget to complete your online scholarship, award and bursary profile located within you student record by the March 30 deadline. Contact us via email at FinancialaAidInfo@viu.ca or phone 250.740.6423.

Career Studio 🙋‍♀️

Calling all VIU students! If you’re looking to secure a job or volunteer position in the coming months, stop by the new Career Studio in Building 255, Room 204. Our team can assist with resumés, cover letters, interview preparation and all other career-related needs. Learn more on our website.

CareerVIU 🤑

Thousands of local employers are looking for talented future leaders like you. Many of these employers post their jobs on CareerVIU. Access CareerVIU now and check back regularly for new part-time and full-time, on-campus and off-campus, as well as volunteer and paid opportunities.

Library support 📖

Welcoming all new and returning students! Check out our guide for new students to help get settled in. Have you got your VIU card yet? Use it to access various campus services and spaces. Upload your photo to your student record, then pick up your card in the library when it’s ready. Have questions? Connect with us in-person, by phone, email, live chat or Zoom.

VIU WUSC (World University Service of Canada) 🌎

VIU’s WUSC Local Committee is a campus-based student group working towards a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable world. If you’re interested in joining this impactful student group that supports student refugees, emailwusc.viu@gmail.com or visit the WUSC homepage.

Canada Housing Benefit 🏠

The Government of Canada has introduced a new affordability measure to help lower-income renters who are most affected by the rise of inflation and struggling with the cost of rent. The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit provides eligible applicants with a one-time payment of $500. For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply visit one-time-housing benefit.

Make Cyber Security your New Year's resolution 📱

It is time to start 2023 off right with some fresh, new security habits.

• The bad guys didn't take a holiday. Stop and Think before clicking on any link or attachment in an email, text or instant message.
• Is your password so last year? Freshen it up with a new strong and secure password.
• Your data is so valuable (especially to bad guys), why not practice good data privacy this year.
• Challenge yourself with the new Cyber Security Resolutions quiz!

SafeTALK Workshop 👭

Thrive is promoting LivingWorks SafeTALK, a half-day, face-to-face workshop featuring powerful presentations, audiovisuals and skills practice. You will learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, engaging someone and connecting them to an intervention resource for further support. This workshop is open to all VIU employees and students and will run on Wednesday, January 18, from 9 am to 1 pm. Register now.

Get a Free Tutor ❗️

Request a tutor today for your January courses through the Volunteer Tutor Program. Complete the Tutor Request form to get started, or email VolunteerTutorCoordinator@viu.ca for more information. The sooner you request a tutor, the better. Tutoring is now part of the Co-Curricular Record! Want to be a tutor? Email us to find out how!

Tips from the advising team 📌

Welcome back current students to Spring Semester 2023 and welcome to new students at VIU. Check out the Dates and Deadlines before you miss an important deadline like:

• Last day to drop a Spring Semester course without having to fully pay for it (January 18).
• Last day for academic penalty-free withdrawal from a Spring Semester course or to change from credit to audit in academic programs (March 29).
• Spring semester Study Days (February 21-24).
• Deadline to submit your online Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries Profile (March 30).

Have a great semester all students and remember the VIU Advising Team is available in-person in Building 200, daily zoom drop-in, by phone or email.

Feedback needed on VIU Operations Plan 👍

From the food in the cafeteria, to maintaining the buildings you study in, to the technology you use in your classes and the products in the Campus Store, the operations side of VIU plays an important role in your educational experience. The draft Operations Plan is ready for feedback. Log in to the Ethelo online engagement platform until January 28 to provide feedback on the draft goals, objectives and strategies.

Mark your calendars

Welcome back students! Important deadlines: ❗️

• January 12 is the last day of active waitlist for Spring Semester courses.
• January 18 is the last day to drop a Spring Semester course without having to fully pay for it.
• Your Spring Semester fees are due on January 19.

Questions? Visit VIU Registration.

Soup and Bannock Lunch and Learn 🤲

VIU Elder-in-Residence C-tasi’a Geraldine Manson presents Honouring the Land Around Us, January’s Soup & Bannock Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, January 17 from 12 to 1 pm in Shq’apthut (Building 170). Soup is served at 11:30 am. Register on Eventbrite.  

Black History Month February 2023

Black History Month is coming up, and we want to share what our community is doing in support of this important month of recognition. Planning an event? Doing a project related to Black History Month that you want to share? Email us at Students@viu.ca and we can help get the word out. Do you have an idea and need support with it? If so, please contact the Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

Deals

Did you know that as a VIU student you have access to exclusive discounts in your community and across the province? Download the Deals App, administered by the VIUSU and the BC Federation of Students, to learn more. Featured deal:

• James Street Games Room: 25% off all games.

Campus events

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

• Campus Events
  
• Co-curricular involvement app
• VIU Students' Union app