Community Engagement

News Stories

A student wearing a green dress stands in front of audience members and discusses their research during the 2019 CREATE Conference.

VIU Students Presenting Research and Creative Activity during CREATE Conference

April 8, 2021

WHAT: VIU virtual CREATE Conference – a celebration of student scholarship, research and creative activity WHEN:  April 12-15, 2021, various times WHERE:  Sessions offered via Zoom and online galleries, see full schedule here Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) annual CREATE Conference showcases student research projects, scholarship and creative activities through performances, posters,... Read more


Micah Messent posing in Haida Gwaii

VIU Alum Makes an Impact Through Endowment Awards

March 8, 2021

Thanks to generous support from community, three annual awards will be given out to VIU students in the name of Micah Messent, who passed away in a plane crash in March 2019. Every year, three Indigenous students will have their financial burdens eased a little in the name of Micah Messent, a Vancouver Island University (VIU) graduate who lost his life in a tragic crash two years ago. Messent,... Read more


Deep Bay

BC Government Announces Support for Development of a Food Hub at VIU's Deep Bay Marine Field Station

March 2, 2021

The BC government has announced support for the development of new food hubs to strengthen food security on the island, including a new Seafood Innovation Centre at VIU’s Deep Bay Marine Field Station. “We are thrilled to harness the potential of Deep Bay’s world-class research labs and state-of-the-art experimental commercial kitchen facilities to link together the culinary, business,... Read more


Equity, diversity & inclusion in the post-secondary and public sectors

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Post-Secondary and Public Sectors

March 1, 2021

WHAT: A panel discussion on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Post-Secondary and Public Sectors WHEN: Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 1 – 2:30 pm WHERE: Zoom webinar   In recent years, creating more inclusive and diverse environments to work, learn and study in has been a key focus – and ongoing struggle – for many post-secondary and public institutions and organizations. This work requires a deep... Read more


CONNECT event poster

VIU, NIC and Tourism VI Partner on Virtual Networking Event

February 10, 2021

CONNECT, which aims to build connections between employers, industry professionals, students and faculty, takes place Wednesday, March 3 from 3-5 pm. Vancouver Island University (VIU) and North Island College (NIC) are partnering with Tourism Vancouver Island (TVI) for an engaging, informative and interactive virtual networking event. CONNECT will take place Wednesday, March 3 from 3-5 pm. The... Read more


Kyla Hanington, VIU alum

VIU Alum Starts Award for Single Mothers

February 9, 2021

Receiving financial help changed Kyla Hanington’s life and the lives of her children when she was at university; now she wants to give back to families in similar situations. There were many times when Kyla Hanington was close to giving up on her university education. Every time this happened, the single mother of two received a timely scholarship, bursary or award that served as encouragement,... Read more


Engaged Citizens Speaker Series logo

Speaker Addresses Racism in the BC Health-care Sector

February 3, 2021

WHAT: VIU’s Engaged Citizens Speaker Series WHEN: Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 6:30 – 8 pm WHERE: Zoom webinar   Join Dawn Thomas Aa ap waa iik, Associate Deputy Minister for Indigenous Health with the BC Ministry of Health, who will be presenting An Island Response to In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in BC Health Care. The presentation will be followed by... Read more


VIU Joins Mastercard Foundation's Young Africa Works in Kenya Initiative

VIU Joins MasterCard Foundation's Young Africa Works in Kenya Initiative

January 12, 2021

VIU collaborates with Kenyan partner college to establish new electrical trades training program. Vancouver Island University (VIU) has joined the Mastercard Foundation’s five-year Young Africa Works in Kenya-TVET initiative, which is focused on increasing the participation of young Kenyans, and women in particular, in workforce-relevant skills training programs that will result in dignified and... Read more


VIU Culinary Arts program donates surplus food to Salvation Army

VIU Culinary Arts Program Donates Surplus Food to Salvation Army

December 10, 2020

Extra food prepared by students as part of their program is finding its way to the stomachs of people in need through charitable organization in Nanaimo. Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Culinary Arts program is donating the equivalent of about 200 meals every week to the Nanaimo Salvation Army New Hope Centre on Nicol Street.  VIU’s hybrid model of education delivery has drastically reduced... Read more


Dr. Linda Derksen with a ramp sign

Rick Hansen Foundation Funds Accessibility Projects at VIU Campuses

December 3, 2020

Accessibility upgrades aim to make VIU buildings in Nanaimo and Duncan accessible for everyone. Power door openers, wayfinding signage, grab bars in washrooms and plus size chairs are some of the improvements students and employees at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Nanaimo campus and the Cowichan Trades Centre are beginning to see thanks to funding from the BC Accessibility Grants Program... Read more