In the Community

Open Hearts and a New Home: From Syria and Somalia to Nanaimo

October 17, 2017

VIU students help two refugees achieve education dreams VIU NEWS RELEASE: 2017/316 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 NANAIMO, BC: The first time Rahma Hussein and Hassan Al Nabilsi heard of Nanaimo, British Columbia, was when they were informed that they would be going to Vancouver Island University (VIU). Both students are refugees, who were living a world away when they were... Read more


Prison Inmates Perform Play Directed by VIU Theatre Prof

October 11, 2017

Eliza Gardiner, along with theatre and criminology student volunteers, are working with the inmate-run William Head on Stage Theatre Society to produce a play for the public Male offenders incarcerated at William Head Institution are breaking down stereotypes and connecting with community through the act of producing an annual play – this year with the help of Vancouver Island University (VIU)... Read more


VIU Appoints United Way Employee Giving Campaign Associate for 2017

September 19, 2017

Vancouver Island University is proud to enter a second decade of partnership with United Way by appointing our 11th Campaign Associate to coordinate VIU’s annual Employee Giving Campaign and to assist United Way during their busiest campaign season. In 2016, VIU staff contributed more than $40,000 across our three campuses and the Parksville-Qualicum Centre. This total was a record-breaking 12%... Read more


VIU Forges Relationships With Sanala Residents and Neighbours

July 27, 2017

University staff host outreach event at Sanala, formerly King Arthur Court, to raise awareness about the Canada Learning Bond and VIU’s Tuition Waiver Program Vancouver Island University (VIU) staff is raising awareness about two programs that make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable. Ruby Barclay, VIU’s Peer Support Navigator for the Tuition Waiver Program, and Rolanda... Read more


VIU Seeks Indigenous High School Students for Youth Camps in August

June 20, 2017

The two free four-day camps combine cultural activities with outdoor activities and mini-lectures and aim to help youth make the transition to university When Troy Barnes recalls his first day of college, he still feels the blood rise to his face as feelings of humiliation, fear and isolation come rushing back. Barnes, a member of the Klahoose Nation with Homalco roots as well, had just moved... Read more


New Indigenous and Western Science Course at VIU Cowichan Inspires Respect for Nature

April 27, 2017

The first of its kind at VIU, INTR 211 is taught by a Biology Professor and a Traditional Knowledge Keeper, who each present different perspectives on the science of plants and the environment Tina Turan, a third-year Bachelor of Education student at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Cowichan Campus, says a new course that explores the science of plants and the environment from both... Read more


VIU's Milner Gardens Designated a 'Canada 150 Garden Experience'

April 24, 2017

150 gardens across the country were jury-selected to honour Canada’s 150 birthday – and VIU’s Milner Gardens and Woodland is one of them In celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Milner Gardens & Woodland was recently selected as an official Canada 150 Garden Experience at the North American Garden Tourism Conference in Toronto. The designation,... Read more


VIU Pursues International Opportunities

March 13, 2017

President Ralph Nilson and colleagues bolster VIU’s presence in India, Vietnam and China Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) international presence will soon be enhanced by upcoming trips to India and Vietnam by the University’s President as well as administrators from VIU’s Faculty of International Education.   “International education is vital to VIU’s success. We look forward to... Read more


VIU and RCMP Conduct First Ever Emergency Drill at Nanaimo Campus

March 8, 2017

More than 30 RCMP officers conducted real-world training scenarios with VIU student and staff volunteers playing victims during the drills To the Vancouver Island University (VIU) students and staff taking part in RCMP training exercises on Nanaimo campus, the blanks that were fired sounded real and the officers storming the classroom who were shouting “Get down, get down, get down!” did, too.... Read more


VIU Employee Giving to United Way Smashes Previous Record

January 16, 2017

The 10th annual VIU United Way Employee Giving Campaign raises more than $40,000 for Central and Northern Vancouver Island United Way The 10th annual Vancouver Island University (VIU) United Way Employee Giving Campaign wrapped up with a bang. A few last minute pledges rolled in just after the closing bell rang to push the donation total to $40,776. The amount was more than 12 per cent above... Read more