Current Students

The planet is enduring collective trauma, from COVID-19, to climate change, to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. As a student, I’m finding it impossible to sit through a two-hour lecture and not feel uncertainty and fear coating my skin.

Navigating scary times is certainly not easy, but I find it helpful to first remind myself that my feelings are valid. Anxiety, uneasiness and lack of concentration are all part of the not-so-pretty aspects of the human experience. Especially when the world around you seems to be balancing on a tight rope.

VIU just added two new career services staff members who will focus on getting more employers to hire students, and helping students become more successful in work-integrated learning opportunities (like co-ops and internships) and transitioning to the workplace.

As the guest services manager at Pacific Shores Resort & Spa in Nanoose Bay, Omar Almolla’s duties vary widely and involve numerous aspects to help ensure the continued smooth operation of the resort.

From shift scheduling to security, overseeing resort amenities to departmental objectives, it’s a given that no two days on the job are the same.

We hope Study Days are going well for those of you in academic programs! Now might be a good time to take stock of the rest of the semester and see if you can fit any of the events listed below into your schedule. For example, registration is now open for CREATE, our biggest celebration of student research.

As a university student, we know your summers are sacred. It’s your chance to do something completely different than school, whether that’s working, spending more time on hobbies or relaxing in the sun. But there are advantages to taking summer courses and VIU is making it easier than ever this year. We are offering double number of courses with many online or hybrid options, which means you can work and attend school at the same time, or study from your home community. 

VIU’s summer session is divided into several different terms:

The best way to find out if you are truly passionate about something is to try it out for a while.

That’s just what fourth-year Computer Science student Nina Gill did with her recent co-operative education experience. After taking a course on cyber security, the 25-year-old wanted to explore whether a career in this area was for her.

We hope the semester is going well for everyone so far!

February is Black History Month in Canada. This year’s theme is February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day. In recognition of this important month, we wanted to share resources in recognition of the contributions Black Canadians have made to Canada, as well explore the unique challenges of racism, sexism and prejudice endured and overcome by Black Canadians. 

Articles

Canada.ca: Significant events in Black Canadian history.

Pam Vickars has always been passionate about art, but a demanding career and busy family life left little time for her to pursue it in depth.

“I took pottery, a few crafts and interior design in continuing education classes and really enjoyed them. I had this vision that when I retired I would pursue painting, which I foresaw taking more time,” says Pam, a VIU Bachelor of Arts student.

Participating in campus life outside of the classroom can lead to new friends, opportunities to explore your passions on a deeper level and a more enriching university experience. From student clubs to special events to working on campus, there are a lot of options available. Here are six ways to get more involved on campus.