Current Students

“Educational advisors are like having a compass that helps you navigate all the unknowns of university,” says VIU Educational Advisor Michael Kuntz.

“We’re going to be your best cheerleader and advocate. When you need a pep talk, we’re going to be there for you. It’s really important to build support around yourself, especially for first-generation learners whose family members may not be able to help with academic vocabulary and processes,” says Michael. “We can also give extra tips and information about course loads, electives and finding support on campus.”

Mental health is important year-round, but January can often feel like a particularly difficult time. It’s important to reach out for help when you need it, as Ashley, a VIU Student Wellness Promoter, says in this video.

Erika Berg was thrust into the spotlight last summer as one of several information officers working as provincial spokespersons for the BC Wildfire Service. She regularly appeared on television and radio shows that were broadcast throughout the province, country and around the world. She was responsible for giving updates on the fire season, which was the third-worst year on record for the total area burned.

Vancouver Island University’s ‘su’luqw’a’ Community Cousins Aboriginal student mentorship program celebrated its 10^th anniversary in September 2021. In honour of this important milestone, we are sharing stories of people closely connected with the program every month. Stay tuned for a celebration event in March 2022 – when we hope to be able to gather in-person.

It’s that time of the year when the rain (sometimes snow) and darkness takes a hold on us. The cooler weather and shorter days feel extra draining on the soul. If you’re anything like me, the consistent clouds and regular rain showers can get you feeling the blues and full of gloom. Add the stress associated with physical distancing and keeping your mask on at all times due to COVID-19, and my somber thoughts and sentiments snowball more than average.

Happy New Year and we hope you had a good winter break. This is the first edition of the Student Pulse newsletter, your source for what’s happening at VIU. Our featured student this week is Kennedy Ordano, a Bachelor of Science student and Wellness Peer.

One of the biggest things first-year university students experience right off the bat is a certain newfound freedom. It’s a freedom that largely presents itself in the form of more personal responsibility and less structure than what many are accustomed to in high school. This is especially true for those students moving away from home for the first time. There are no set study times, no required mealtimes and no one to tell you when to sleep or when to get up.

Third-year Bachelor of Science student Kennedy Ordano says maintaining your mental health is the most important thing you can do for yourself.

“It’s the foundation of everything else that goes on in your life,” she says. “Taking care of yourself first isn’t selfish, it’s necessary to be able to help others. If your cup is full, you can pour out of it; you can’t if it’s empty.”

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology degree last April, Marissa Wright-LaGreca immediately began working in the Centre for Shellfish Research.

She is researching the first 24 hours of shell development in Pacific oyster larvae, hoping to find out how growth is impacted by changing seawater conditions such as ocean acidification. The results of her project could help hatcheries select oysters that are more resilient to harsher ocean conditions.