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
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
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
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
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 provides... Read more
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
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
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
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
VIU Invites Community to Learn about Sustainable Development through Online Game
June 22, 2021
VIU receives $100,000 from the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program to continue promoting and advancing goals at the University. What would you do if you were in charge of a country? How would you balance the needs of your people against creating a sustainable and equitable future for all? Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region... Read more