News

Group photo around the new sign at VIU’s campus in the qathet region

Tla’amin Nation gifts ʔayʔaǰuθəm name to local VIU campus

September 20, 2022

VIU’s campus in the qathet region will now be called tiwšɛmawtxw. The Tla’amin Nation Executive Council has gifted Vancouver Island University (VIU) the name tiwšɛmawtxw (teew-shem- awt-xw), which means House of Learning, for its campus located in ɬaʔamɩn ʔəms gijɛ (Tla’amin Territory).   The... Read more


Monique McKay surrounded by greenery

VIU welcomes new Director of Equity, Diversity and Human Rights

September 15, 2022

Monique McKay takes on key leadership role with the University After an extensive recruitment process that focused on equity and inclusion, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Monique McKay as the Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Human... Read more


Facing the camera and standing from left to right are refugee students Hanan Ali Abdi, Nyagua Deng Goch, and Daniella (Sifa) Mukenge

VIU welcomes three new refugee students

September 14, 2022

The students are pursuing their degrees here after arriving from refugee camps in Uganda. Growing up in war-torn Somalia, Hanan Ali Abdi still remembers the moment her life changed forever and set her on a course to becoming a Vancouver Island University (VIU) student this year. The moment happened... Read more


Blossoms Dressing by Cindy Stelmackowich consisting of metal splits with wax, pigment, bandages and linen.

View Gallery presents Cindy Stelmackowich – Trenched

September 7, 2022

The exhibit runs from September 15 to November 11. Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) View Gallery is excited to welcome Ottawa-based sculptor Cindy Stelmackowich to present new works in her exhibition Trenched. The projects explore notions of care and violence as each relates to the history of... Read more


Group photo of people standing with a rendering of the new student housing building

More on-campus housing for Vancouver Island University

September 2, 2022

More students who study at Vancouver Island University's (VIU) Nanaimo campus will be able to live where they learn with the addition of 266 new student housing beds and a new dining hall. “Post-secondary students need access to affordable housing to complete their studies, remove barriers to... Read more


VIU student Agasha Mutesasira poses on one of the new accessibility ramps at VIUs Nanaimo campus

Provincial funding improves access to learning for VIU students

August 29, 2022

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is upgrading its campuses to become more inclusive and accessible. “Our post-secondary institutions are committed to making sure learning environments are accessible for all students,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “Improving... Read more


Student wearing a RockVIU T-Shirt stands with her arms stretched wide in front of tents and a performer playing the guitar

VIU welcomes new students with a week of activities and events

August 29, 2022

What: RockVIU new student orientation When: August 29 to September 2, 2022 Where: Nanaimo campus, Cowichan campus, online/virtual Nanaimo & Duncan, BC: Hundreds of new students will be heading to Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Nanaimo and Cowichan campuses to participate in orientation... Read more


Whitney Wood stands on the Jeopardy! stage with host Mayim Bialik.

5 Questions with Whitney Wood

August 23, 2022

Dr. Whitney Wood crossed one more thing off her bucket list this summer when she appeared on Jeopardy! in June. The audition process started in 2019 and was delayed because of the pandemic, but in the spring of 2022 she got the call to appear on the show. The episode was taped at the end of April... Read more


VIU Horticulture students in front of plants inside greenhouse

In Photos: VIU Horticulture program helps grow connections with Belize

August 22, 2022

Belizean partners come to Nanaimo to work on curriculum together Vancouver Island University (VIU) is helping Belizean institutions develop programs that teach students in agriculture and agroforestry programs how to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The university is leading an $825,000... Read more


Trevor Michalchuk and Lily Eggert, wearing high visibility vests, while standing in front of the Mass Specmobile.

VIU researchers measure methane at Alberni Valley Landfill

August 17, 2022

Student researchers gain valuable hands-on experiences while helping to fight climate change. Methane is more potent than carbon dioxide and reducing or eliminating emissions is a critical step to help fight climate change.  Researchers at Vancouver Island University (VIU) are working with the ... Read more


faculty member teaching a class

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