Vancouver Island University announces new Board members
August 12, 2008
The Vancouver Island University (VIU) Board of Governors is saying goodbye to two longtime members with the retirement of Don Hubbard and Hans Brennert, who have both served on the VIU Board for the past six years. "Don and Hans contributed to Malaspina University-College and Vancouver Island University during one of the most significant periods of our institution’s history," said VIU President... Read more
Expand your mind at VIU
August 5, 2008
Tamara Crozier has valuable advice for anyone toying with the idea of going to university. “Take courses in anything and everything,” she said. “Think broadly because you won’t know what will catch your interest until you actually try. It’s the only way to discover where your true passions lie.” Crozier is a self-described “late bloomer” who didn’t pursue her university education until she... Read more
Vancouver Island University receives major contribution for endowment fund
July 30, 2008
Meyers Norris Penny, one of Nanaimo's largest accounting firms, has created a sizeable endowment fund for the Vancouver Island University (VIU). With the support of local partners, Meyers Norris Penny (MNP) is contributing $40,000 to the VIU Foundation to establish the MNP Nanaimo Founders Award. This endowment fund is named in honour of the founding partners of MNP’s Nanaimo office, Bob... Read more
VIU’s international peer helpers build bridges for new students
July 29, 2008
Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) award-winning International Student Peer Helper Program has been garnering international attention. VIU was recently asked to present as a Regional Highlight at NAFSA: Association of International Educators’ 60th Annual Conference & Expo in Washington, D.C. The conference, which focuses on international education and leadership, was attended by more than 9,... Read more
Undermining Science - book review
July 28, 2008
Seth ShulmanUndermining Science:Suppression and Distortion in the Bush Administration The Scientific Method follows at least these several steps: 1. Observe and describe a phenomenon or several related phenomena. 2. Formulate a hypothesis that can be confirmed or falsified. 3. Test your hypothesis in the real world. 4. Analyze your data. 5. Formulate your conclusion... Read more
New VIU Aboriginal Construction Program to build Gathering Place on campus
July 25, 2008
Vancouver Island University (VIU) is offering a unique Aboriginal Construction Program. Starting in January 2009, this program will combine First Nations cultural components with Industry Training Authority Level 1 Carpentry - the first step to becoming a journeyman carpenter. Learners will benefit from hands-on experience constructing VIU’s Aboriginal Gathering Place, a building that will be a... Read more
Do you qualify for free VIU classes?
July 22, 2008
Starting September 8th, Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Adult Basic Education (ABE) program is offering a pilot project for parents on income assistance with children under the age of three. Designed to be accessible to students, the program offers free literacy and basic math classes in a downtown location with free child minding, books, bus fare and snacks. “The courses will cover... Read more
Online learning an excellent option for students at VIU
July 22, 2008
If you’re thinking about returning to school, there are lots of exciting courses available in the online world at Vancouver Island University. “Students can learn online anytime they want”, said Sheila Cooper, head of VIU’s online development team. “It’s an excellent option for students.” Starting in September, several dozen online courses will be offered for full university credit, including... Read more
Chief Shawn Atleo appointed Chancellor for Vancouver Island University
July 7, 2008
Robin Kenyon, Board Chair for the new Vancouver Island University (VIU) announced today that Chief Shawn Atleo (A-in-chut) has been appointed as the University's first Chancellor. Chief Atleo will be installed in the role of Chancellor at a community ceremony in Nanaimo, September 2008. "The Board and the Administration at VIU are honoured that Chief Atleo has accepted the position of University... Read more
Boyhood dream comes true for excavator operator
June 27, 2008
When Jarrett Swackhammer was a little boy, he was obsessed with heavy machinery like excavators. His mom couldn’t pull him away from construction sites, and his kindergarten teacher had a hard time keeping him at his desk whenever a piece of heavy machinery drove by outside. It’s no surprise that Jarrett’s passion for heavy equipment grew stronger during his teenage years. Now at age 18, he’s a... Read more