VIU News & Experts: September 5, 2024
September 5, 2024
The Weekly Rundown: AI, elections and sustainable farming 🍅 In this issue of VIU news & experts: What worries young users about AI? Mobilizing the next generation of voters VIU Fest is back! Expanded gathering place re-opens Featured experts Investigating AI privacy concerns among young users Dr. Ajay Shrestha, a VIU Computer Science Professor, is researching AI’s privacy impacts with... Read more
Expanded gathering place supports Indigenous culture on campus
August 29, 2024
Space re-opens this September Indigenous students at Vancouver Island University (VIU) now have access to more space for ceremonial and support services with the opening of the newly expanded space in the Shq’apthut (a gathering place) building on campus. “This building provides a dedicated space for Indigenous students where cultural, academic, recreational and social activities are promoted... Read more
Moving Forward: Strengthening our VIU community together
August 22, 2024
Dear VIU community, As President, I have the duty and privilege of working with and listening to students, employees and community members, each with uniquely diverse identities, backgrounds, and political views. I can share that since last October I have received more than 15,000 emails, calls, and letters from our community. I have carefully considered each perspective, suggestion, and open... Read more
Update to the Community – Dismantlement of Encampment
August 18, 2024
Dear VIU community, Earlier today, VIU, with the assistance of a qualified security firm, began dismantling the encampment on the Nanaimo campus quad, in compliance with the Supreme Court of BC's injunction order issued on August 15, 2024. Fencing has been installed around the site as work to restore the quad ahead of the fall semester is underway. Please be assured that dismantlement efforts... Read more
Update to the community - notice of court order
August 15, 2024
Dear VIU community, Today, the Supreme Court of B.C. granted Vancouver Island University an injunction to remove the encampment on our Nanaimo campus quad. The Court’s order mandates that the encampment be removed by 9:30 am on Sunday, August 18th. You can find the court order here. We sincerely hope those in the encampment comply with the court order and vacate the quad before the court-... Read more
VIU’s Milner Gardens & Woodland competes in national competition
August 13, 2024
Volunteers and staff showcase the beauty and history of Milner Gardens to Communities in Bloom judges during evaluation tour. Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens & Woodland is participating in the 30th Edition of Communities in Bloom (CiB) in the Special Attractions category. Communities in Bloom Judges Tina Liu, from Ottawa, Ontario, and Leslie Cornell from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan... Read more
Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region opens outreach centre in Qualicum Beach
August 6, 2024
Community members can learn and connect at the new centre dedicated to education and community engagement. The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) is hosting a grand opening of its Public Outreach Centre on August 18. “For the past 10 years we’ve been waiting for the perfect space and this opportunity came up. It seemed like a great fit. It’s right in the heart of Qualicum and easily... Read more
VIU Chancellor receives a Coronation Medal
July 24, 2024
Congratulations to Cloy-e-iis, Dr. Judith Sayers, VIU Chancellor and President of Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, on receiving a Coronation Medal! Created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, the medal recognizes people who have made significant contributions to Canada and their home province. Her bio on the website: “Judith is a powerful advocate for First Nations rights within... Read more
Update to the community July 15
July 15, 2024
Dear VIU community, It is with a deep sense of disappointment that we report the Palestine Solidarity Encampment (PSE) has ignored the Trespass Notice we issued on July 11, 2024. It has also come to our attention that the PSE is urging protesters to call two security numbers: 250.753.3812 and 250.740.6512. Please note that these numbers are designated for emergencies only. Tying up these phone... Read more
Update to the community July 11
July 11, 2024
Dear VIU community, Since its inception on May 1, the Palestine Solidarity Encampment (PSE) by the Students for Palestine Committee (SPC) on our Nanaimo campus has resulted in unprecedented challenges to our university community, including students, faculty, and administration as well as guests on campus. As we prepare to resume the fall semester, we are committed to ensuring our campus is a... Read more