Current Students

Every June, people around the world celebrate Pride month. The VIU Positive Space Alliance encourages our community to renew their commitment to creating spaces that are safe and inclusive for 2SLGBTQ+ members of our communities this year. Here are some ideas that can help you demonstrate that you’re an ally:

For Timilehin Maryam Olayiwola, who is graduating this June from VIU’s Early Childhood Education and Care program, VIU has felt like home because of the in-depth interactions she had with profs and other students, as well as having friends and family studying alongside her. After she represents the Faculty of Health and Health Services as valedictorian, she is ready to put what she learned at VIU into practice.

Marcel Du Pleissis is graduating from Vancouver Island University this June with a Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology diploma. He decided to enrol in the diploma program as a foundational learning step and plans on returning to VIU this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology.

Monica Webb knows first-hand the difference medical professionals can make in someone’s life.

When she was just a year old, she accidentally spilled two bowls of hot soup on herself, suffering second- and third-degree burns to her chin, left hand and chest as a result. Her parents brought her to the hospital, where she was then transferred to BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver to undergo further treatment.

Demitria Rae Rounis is graduating this June with a Bachelor of Tourism Management, Major in Recreation. She also has a diploma in Tourism Studies and a Certificate in Event Management. Aside from representing her peers in the Faculty of Management at convocation, she will also represent Canada at the Royal International Miss Pageant in Orlando this summer.

How’s the semester going so far? If you’re thinking ahead to what you’re going to take next year and need some help, VIU’s Educational Advising team is standing by to support you. This newsletter has also got some tips for paying for school, keeping your email safe from scammers and accessing VIU Learn. Don’t forget that Monday, May 23 is a holiday and VIU will be closed except for the Nanaimo campus library, which you can access 24-7 with your student card.

You receive an email that “looks” like it came from a family member/friend/boss and they need your help. Well, of course you want to help. Small problem it isn't your family member/friend/boss and the only help they want is to help themselves to your money.

Act 1 - The hook

“Got a moment?”

“Are you available?”

“Are you free?”

When you respond they are in a rush, can’t talk, videoconference or meet in person.

Exploring the issue of crowding in public parks and how it specifically affects people with mobility-related disabilities is at the centre of VIU Master of Arts in Sustainable Leisure Management (MASLM) student Hannah Dudney’s research.

She recently received a scholarship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to continue her work.

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada. Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to learn more about the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage to the growth and prosperity of Canada, as well as the challenges they have experienced.

The school year is over, warmer weather is on the horizon, and you may be starting the search for a summer job. Whether that job is in your field of study or not, it’s important to understand what employers are looking for.

“Regardless of how strong your ‘hard’ or technical skills are, ‘soft’ skills are key,” says VIU Career Services Officer Paula Deering.