Announcements

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 gift is in the spirit of decolonization and reconciliation. Following a renaming ceremony on September... 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 Rights. McKay will be responsible for providing the direction and oversight required to promote diversity... 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 medical advancement and war. Trenched runs from September 15 to November 11, with an opening... 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 education and lay the foundation for their future – making them future-ready for the jobs of tomorrow,”... 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 accessibility will boost participation in campus activities, education and training for many students... 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 events this week. RockVIU new student orientation activities include campus excursions, fireside... Read more


Two people walk along a path near a tree with red leaves at Milner Gardens & Woodland.

Health professionals can prescribe access to VIU’s Milner Gardens through national program

July 4, 2022

VIU’s Milner Gardens & Woodland partnering with BC Parks Foundation on PaRx initiative to allow people free access to nature to benefit their health. Spending time connecting with nature is a powerful way for people to improve their health and well-being, and now those most in need can access Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Milner Gardens & Woodland for free through a nature... Read more


Three people standing in front of a VIU residence building

VIU hosts summer camps for Indigenous students

June 29, 2022

The camps are organized by the ‘su’luqw’a’ Community Cousins Indigenous mentorship program. A pair of free summer camps that aim to make the transition to university easier for Indigenous youth are returning to in-person delivery at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Nanaimo campus this summer. The Thuy’she’num Tu Smun’eem: Building a Foundation for our Youth summer camps take place July 18-22... Read more


Three students backlit by the sun

Paper Excellence and Vancouver Island University create Indigenous Success Fund

June 21, 2022

Paper Excellence has partnered with Vancouver Island University (VIU) to create the Paper Excellence Indigenous Success Fund. The new scholarship fund is offering financial support to Indigenous students enrolled in trades programs at VIU. Paper Excellence has contributed $60,000 to the fund, which will be distributed over three years. “On behalf of Paper Excellence, we are very excited to be... Read more


Mike Quinn portrait photo

VIU welcomes new Provost and Vice-President Academic

June 21, 2022

Dr. Michael Quinn takes on critical leadership role with Vancouver Island University Vancouver Island University (VIU) has appointed Dr. Michael (Mike) Quinn Provost and Vice-President Academic. In this role, Quinn will guide and enhance the academic mission across VIU campuses and Research Centres and Institutes. His work will ensure the efforts of the divisions he oversees are directed toward... Read more