Announcements

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VIU Media Highlights: July 19 – August 23, 2021

August 31, 2021

A roundup of VIU students and employees in the news. News Stories Top performing article for the last month: CTV News: BC funds rapid drug-checking technology amid opioid crisis. Reach: 19.5 million. Story also published by BC Government News, Times Colonist, Nanaimo News Now, CFAX, Black Press Media, Chek News, Voice Online and Education News Canada. Other stories: Abacityblog.com: Top 10... Read more


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A Safe Return to Campus this Fall

August 27, 2021

Sent on behalf of Dr. Deborah Saucier, President and Vice-Chancellor All of us at VIU are committed to the health and safety of our community. We know that the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in the province are concerning, which is why we have worked with our sector partners at the BC Association of Institutes and Universities (BCAIU) to engage with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills... Read more


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Provincial announcement re mask mandate for post-secondaries

August 24, 2021

As announced today by Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training and Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer, a new mask mandate is now in place for indoor spaces across British Columbia including in post-secondary institutions. As of Wednesday, August 25, 2021, masks must be worn by everyone in all indoor public areas on campus including, “lobbies, hallways, stairwells,... Read more


Five people stand in VIU's Health and Science Centre during a media conference.

BC Government announces support for VIU-developed drug checking technology

August 17, 2021

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is excited to share the news that the provincial government is providing $305,000 for HarmCheck – a cutting-edge drug-checking technology that was developed at VIU. It uses high-throughput paper spray mass spectrometry to provide rapid drug-checking and can be used on-site as a harm reduction method. HarmCheck is a collaboration between VIU and the Victoria-based... Read more


Five people stand around a tree at Milner Gardens & Woodland.

VIU’s Milner Gardens & Woodland Receives Provincial Support to Aid in Recovery from Pandemic

July 30, 2021

The public garden is one of 80 anchor attractions and tour bus operators in BC receiving funding. After a year and a half of drastically reduced visiting hours and revenues, Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Milner Gardens & Woodland will receive a grant from the BC Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport to aid in recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The public garden... Read more


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VIU Media Highlights: June 19 - July 19, 2021

July 20, 2021

A round-up of VIU students and employees in the news.  News Stories Top Performing article for the last two weeks: Yahoo News: New Evidence of Spawning Pacific Sand Lance Found in Salish Sea. Highlights a study conducted by VIU’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute and WWF-Canada. Reprinted by numerous outlets with a reach of 50 million.  Other stories Acadamica.ca: BC... Read more


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VIU classes back in session Wednesday, June 30, 2021

June 29, 2021

All VIU classes are running tomorrow, Wednesday, June 30, at all campuses and online as per normal.  Temperatures are expected to return to normal summer conditions. Classes were cancelled on Monday, June 28 and Tuesday, June 29 due to extreme heat. Read more


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VIU classes cancelled Tuesday, June 29, 2021, due to extreme heat

June 28, 2021

Vancouver Island University (VIU) will be cancelling classes on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, as the extreme heat wave is expected to continue. While classes will NOT be in session tomorrow, students and employees are welcome to come to campus to take respite from the heat. Open-access buildings at VIU’s Nanaimo campus, such as the library and the upper cafeteria, as well as the Cowichan and Powell... Read more


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VIU Classes Cancelled Monday, June 28 Due to Extreme Heat

June 27, 2021

Vancouver Island University (VIU) will be cancelling classes on Monday, June 28, 2021, due to extreme heat. Vancouver Island is currently experiencing a heat wave, with extremely high temperatures in the forecast for tomorrow. While classes will NOT be in session tomorrow, students and employees are welcome to come to campus to take respite from the heat. Open-access buildings at VIU’s Nanaimo... Read more


Portrait of mentors for VIU's Indigenous summer camp

Summer Camp Makes Transition to University Easier for Indigenous Students

June 22, 2021

The camp, which includes a blend of online and in-person activities, is organized by the VIU ‘su’luqw’a’ Community Cousins Aboriginal mentorship program. A free summer camp for Indigenous youth in Grades 7-12 will connect students with culture, build community and make the transition to university easier.  The Thuy’she’num Tu Smun’eem: Building a Foundation for our Youth summer camp runs July 6... Read more