Community Engagement

News Stories

Slide with VIU Experts List written on it

VIU News & Experts: April 13, 2023

April 13, 2023

The Communications and External Relations department is pleased to introduce the VIU Experts List. This searchable list will help you find experts for your stories and it will help our instructors and faculty share their expertise with the world. Each expert profile includes searchable expertise, fields and department categories, as well as a photo and contact info. Looking for expertise that’s... Read more


Michael MacKenzie sits on a bench in front of a stone building

Expert in democracy and public trust joins Vancouver Island University

April 12, 2023

Dr. Michael MacKenzie, VIU’s inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, joins unique network across Canada. A new position at Vancouver Island University (VIU) will focus on educating future politicians and civil servants. Dr. Michael K. MacKenzie is VIU’s inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership. The Jarislowsky Foundation invited Acadia University,... Read more


Image of marsh

VIU News & Experts: March 15, 2023

March 15, 2023

Featured in this issue:  World Water Day experts Planning for more age-friendly communities Tuition waiver program for former youth in care expanded Indigenous Speakers Series Reach out to us for experts for your stories!  Featured experts World Water Day on March 22 is about accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis. Because water affects us all, it’s a call for everyone to... Read more


Indigenous Speakers Series graphic

Indigenous speaker shares story of fight for the return of traditional lands

March 9, 2023

Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn), a Squamish Nation Councillor and Spokesperson, will deliver the keynote address at VIU’s Indigenous Speakers Series event on March 20. Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn) grew up without knowledge of his culture or history. His parents, both residential school survivors, did not talk about any element of their First Nations background and it wasn’t until Sxwíxwtn was in his... Read more


Eliza Gardiner in front of greenery

VIU News & Experts: March 2, 2023

March 2, 2023

Pyschedelic research, International Women's Day, sustainable development week and more. Reach out to us for experts for your stories!  Featured experts VIU experts on International Women's Day March 8 is International Women's Day, a day to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about discrimination and take action to drive gender parity. Eliza Gardiner, Chair of VIU Faculty Association'... Read more


Markus in the Centre for Health and Science

VIU and Northpine Foundation expand educational opportunities in BC correctional centres

March 1, 2023

The Northpine Foundation is gifting the University more than $1 million to increase programming options and develop employment training. A program on Vancouver Island that allows university students to learn alongside incarcerated people in provincial correctional centres will expand, thanks to a $1.1-million gift from the Northpine Foundation. This generous gift will expand Vancouver Island... Read more


A student speaks into a microphone in front of a crowd

More than a thousand students Discover VIU at open house events next week

February 16, 2023

Discovery Day and Discovery Night bring potential students to campus. When: Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 9 am to 2 pm (Discovery Day); 6 to 9 pm (Discovery Night) Where: VIU’s Nanaimo campus (see campus map) Nanaimo, BC: More than a thousand high school students, mature students and parents will be coming to Vancouver Island University (VIU) next week for Discovery Day and Night – the University... Read more


woman in a wheelchair on a ramp at VIU's Nanaimo campus

VIU Media Highlights: December 20, 2022

December 20, 2022

Year in review, new pharmacy technician training & seasonal experts 🎄 This is our last media highlights email of 2022. Vancouver Island University will be closed for winter break from Friday, December 23, 2022, to Monday, January 2, 2023, reopening on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. All the best for a relaxing, restful holiday season to you all. In this issue, we have a couple experts ready give... Read more


Culinary arts and microbiology students in the lab

VIU Media Highlights: November 23, 2022

November 23, 2022

Seaweed product research, Christmas magic & sustainable packaging 📦 November is a busy month at VIU. Students are showcasing projects they have been working on all semester, and we have a lineup of community-focused events and campaigns.  Top stories VIU students pitch seaweed products to industry tonight What happens when VIU microbiology and culinary arts students work together? Some cool... Read more


VIU's Indigenous Speakers Series featuring Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn)

Indigenous speaker shares story of fight for the return of traditional lands

November 22, 2022

Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn), a Squamish Nation councillor and spokesperson, will deliver the keynote address at VIU’s 2022 Indigenous Speakers Series event on November 29. Wilson Williams (Sxwíxwtn) grew up without knowledge of his culture or history. His parents, both residential school survivors, did not talk about any element of their First Nations background and it wasn’t until Sxwíxwtn was in... Read more