This is a check-in. How are you really doing? Recent world events, specifically Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, are causing an increased level of angst for many of us, whether we are directly impacted by this war or not. We want you to know that we recognize the varying level of emotions that may be piling up on top of your academic deadlines and we want to remind you that we have supports in place to help you get through. Student blogger Megan Zolorycki has written a piece on self-care in uncertain times that you can read on the blog.
Need to know
Join us at Convocation 2022! 🎓
Convocation ceremonies will take place in the gymnasium at our Nanaimo campus on June 22, 23 and 24. To participate, you’ll need to apply to graduate by March 11, 2022. Join us for our first in-person ceremony since January 2020!
Volunteers needed for nationals 🙋♂️🏀
The CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship is coming to Nanaimo March 25-27. We are looking for event volunteers to help put on a great weekend of sport, community and fun! Sign up here.
VIU President and students live chat about education savings 💰
Tune in LIVE tomorrow as Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, discusses the Canada Learning Bond and other financial supports for post-secondary students with VIU President Dr. Deborah Saucier and students. Tune in via the Employment and Social Development Canada Facebook page.
March is Fraud Prevention Month 💻
The war in Ukraine is also being waged online and phishing from Russia jumped eight-fold on February 27, 2022. VIU's IT department shares their top tips to protect yourself on the VIU Blog.
Connect
Buy tickets to women’s basketball nationals 🏀
Women’s basketball nationals happen March 25-27, right here in the VIU gym!Tickets are on sale now. There are a variety of youth packages for community youth who want to watch, including U12 groups, 13-17-year-olds, or youth teams or dance troupes who want to perform at halftime.
Liberal Studies Florence field school ✈️
After a two-year hiatus, VIU’s Liberal Arts Field School to Florence is back! Students will travel to Italy in May to soak in the sights and explore one of the most dynamic and significant periods in European culture through art, architecture, literature, science and philosophy. Stay tuned to the Education Abroad homepage for full details.
Win a study abroad trip to Ireland ☘️
VIU students are invited to participate in Ireland's #GlobalGreening initiative in celebration of St Patrick's Day. Join us in the Students’ Union Pub on Thursday, March 17, from 9 pm to midnight. Upload your greening videos/photos to your Instagram and/or TikTok account, tag @educationinireland and@eduireland and use the hashtag #globalgreening in your description to win a study abroad scholarship and a return flight to University College Cork in Ireland, valued at €8000.
Have you checked out the library murals? 📖
Here’s #10 on our list of favourite things about the Nanaimo library: the beautiful murals recently installed by Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun at the fireplace and in the family room. Drawing upon traditional Coast Salish style and imagery, the installation is “an expression of the traditional flow of knowledge and teachings from generation to generation.” Read more about the artist’s works.
Vancouver Island Leadership Conference 💡
Registration for the Vancouver Island Leadership Conference on April 1 and 2 is now live! Seats are limited and sponsored seats will come on a first-come, first-served basis. Join us for a weekend of keynote speakers, excursions, tuition awards and a career expo all while learning how to connect with earth, self, culture and others. If you have any questions, please email us at vilc@viu.ca. See you there!
International Women's Day
Yesterday (March 8) was International Women's Day, celebrating women and girls' social, economic, cultural and political achivements. In case you missed it, here is President Saucier's message, a blog post featuring two VIU leaders, and a Facebook album from the on-campus event hosted by VIUFA's Status of Women Committee.
Join VIU’s largest student research showcase! 🎉
CREATE 2022 is happening April 4-8! There are lots of awards and prizes and ways to participate. Gain resume-worthy experience and grab some cash. Some highlights:
- Keep it Simple Science Challenge: can you take something complicated and translate it in a way that is accessible to all?
- Anti-Racism Arts Festival: Calling all artists and activists! This event is co-sponsored by CREATE and the VIUFA Human Rights and International Solidarity Committee.
- Look Up Look Out Art Exhibit: Registrations must be filled out by March 6 to participate.
- Rant-like-Rick: the most cathartic way to spend two minutes at the end of the semester.
Interested in volunteering rather than participating? Just fill out this form and let us know you’re interested.
STU’s CREW 🏀
The CCAA Women’s Basketball National Championships happen March 24-27 at VIU. Are you the ultimate VIU Mariners fan? Become a STU’s CREW member and benefit from awesome perks and discounts such as access to the best seats, free face paint and noise makers, 20% off food from the Students’ Union Pub and much more! Membership passes are now on sale. Visit Showpass to get yours.
Volunteer with VIUSU 🍔🏀
VIUSU volunteers are needed for the basketball nationals. Volunteers will receive a free meal from the Students’ Union Pub on each day they volunteer (see details on sign-up page). Those who volunteer for 8+ hours will also receive a complimentary STU’s CREW membership pass!
Spikeball tournament
Sign up in teams of two for the inaugural VIU Spikeball Tournament hosted by Fun@VIU! The event will take place in the VIU gymnasium on Friday, March 11 at 4 pm. To register for the Spikeball Tournament, sign up at the gym.
REIMAGINE NANAIMO💭
Nearly two years after the launch of 𝗥𝗘𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗜𝗠𝗢, the City of Nanaimo is entering the third and final phase! With it comes a new draft plan for our community: City Plan - Nanaimo ReImagined. In this phase you will have the opportunity to provide your thoughts about the draft plan. If you have a moment, do so now.
Supports & services
Celebrating work-integrated learning 🎉
#DYK that VIU students have engaged in more than 3,000 work-integrated learning positions like co-ops and internships since 2014? Help us celebrate National Work-Integrated Learning Month by sharing your story and tagging #InspiredWIL. Pictured is Computer Science co-op student Nina Gill, whose co-op journey story is on the Blog.
Get ready for your next job interview ✏️
Need a resume and cover letter for summer jobs? Watch for changes on the VIULearn Resume and Cover Letter Module. Currently live and available for use, but actively under construction to update content. To request to be enrolled in this course, please email CEL@viu.ca.
Nanaimo-Cowichan express bus 🚌
Great news for commuters! A new bus route will provide transit service between downtown Nanaimo and downtown Duncan starting March 28. Choose from seven round trips per day Monday through Friday and six trips on Saturdays.
Off-Campus Housing website 🏠
We are pleased to announce that the Off-Campus Housing website has been refreshed and updated and is now live. New content includes short videos and links focusing on issues and questions you may have before, during and at the end of your tenancy. Also available are tips and links for finding short and long-term accommodation plus guidance for landlords thinking of renting to students. If you can’t find what you need here, please contact iehousing@viu.cafor information and advocacy.
Summer Session ☀️
There are advantages to taking summer courses and VIU is making it easier than ever this year. With double the number of courses and many online or hybrid options, you can work and attend school at the same time, or study from your home community. Learn more about the benefits of summer session.
Have your say for the chance to win Bluetooth earbuds 👄
How do you search for info and resources on the VIU website? Provide your feedback for the chance to win Samsung Buds+ Bluetooth Earbuds. The exercise shouldn’t take longer than 10-15 minutes to complete and answers are confidential – get started now!
Attention EXPO, BA and BSc students:
Are you a student in the BA or BSc programs who has not yet chosen your major/minor area of study? If you are still undecided, feel free to chat with an Educational Advisor by email, phone or Zoom. If you have made a decision and are ready to declare your major/minors, you can contact your BA/BSc Degree Advisors directly. Are you a student in the Exploratory University Studies program (EXPO)? Need help choosing a more specific program with a credential? Contact an Educational Advisor for assistance.
Introducing VIU’s new career services staff
VIU just added two new career services staff who will focus on getting more employers to hire students, and helping students become more successful in work experience opportunities. Learn more about Brenden and Paula on the#VIUBlog.
Thriving in Action: In-person intensive
Are you interested in Thriving in Action but haven’t been able to make it to our drop-in sessions? We’ve got an in-person session coming up on March 12 that’s perfect for you! Join us for activities and skills to help you learn better, feel better and do better – just in time for finals! Make connections and eat some free pizza.
Your brain on food 🧠
Did you know that what you eat can impact your mood and your mental well-being? March is nutrition month and the Thrive team has lots of fun and educational things planned to help you be happier and healthier! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get involved and stay up to date on all our activities!
Wellness Lounge 🐶☕️
Have you heard of the Wellness Lounge? Check out this new space in the library that has free tea and hot chocolate, colouring pages, fidgets, therapy dogs and more! Need a break or want to connect with a peer? Stop by for five minutes or five hours!
SafeTalk Suicide Prevention Training
Want to know more about how to help people who are thinking about suicide? In this free half-day training on March 18 you will learn to recognize when someone is thinking about suicide and how to connect them to an intervention provider. Register here.
Naloxone Training
Join AVI Nanaimo on Wednesday, March 9 at 1 pm for free naloxone and harm reduction training. Learn how to respond to an opioid overdose and receive a naloxone kit to take home with you. Sign up now.
Mark your calendars
Scholarship application deadline: March 31 📌
#DYK that the deadline to apply for VIU scholarships is noon on March 31? It’s coming up soon, so don’t delay! There are hundreds of financial awards available at VIU for almost every program, as well as many general ones. To apply for all of them, all you have to do is fill out your Scholarship, Award and Bursary Profile, available through the student record system.
Jazz at the VIUSU Pub 🎷
Listen to some swinging, positive, elegant and down-home music during the Hans Verhoeven Jazz Trio’s performance at the VIUSU Pub every Friday, 4-7 pm. Features a VIU music student guest performer every week. No cover.
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.
Today’s featured businesses:
- Revel Fitness Group: 30-day free trial.
- Airhouse Sports Academy: 25% any sessions (Monday to Friday only).
Campus events
Stay on top of what's happening at VIU. Find ways to get involved:
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