Colloquium Series Shines Light on the Importance of Arts and Humanities in Today’s World
September 21, 2021
Lectures return to the stage at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre this fall. Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Arts and Humanities Colloquium Series returns this fall with an engaging lineup that explores women’s contributions within the avant-garde movement, gender roles and expectations of strong female characters and how the T. Eaton Company’s marketing strategies commodified youth culture. The... Read more
New Stewardship Group Creating Formal Space for Organizations to Collaborate
August 5, 2021
The Mid-Island Stewardship Caucus, which includes a VIU research institute, will enhance opportunities to connect and share resources. A newly formed stewardship group is allowing environmental organizations in the mid-Island region to connect, collaborate, and share resources and expertise. The group – the Mid-Island Stewardship Caucus (MISC) – was initiated by the Nanaimo & Area Land Trust... Read more
Dr. Deb Saucier: Reflections on a Pandemic
April 30, 2021
If you had told me last April, as I sat in the room above the garage, that I would now be referring to it as ‘my office’ this April—I wouldn’t have believed you. Last April, I thought pivot was a move in basketball, this year—well, you know, you have the t-shirt. I have had to make decisions for VIU that I had not contemplated making, decisions that had to be made in the moment with imperfect... Read more
Navigating the Pandemic with Resiliency, Resources, Flexibility and a Sense of Purpose
April 29, 2021
By Dan VanderSluis, Associate Vice-President, Human Resources I recently gave a presentation to an external audience of managers, leaders and HR and Health and Safety professionals on the topic of resiliency in the face of adversity. When I reflect on the last 13 months at VIU I consider the stories and experiences that we could gather as a testament to the resiliency of all of you across the... Read more
Hiccups and Hope: Returning to Campus After Months Away
April 29, 2021
By Alyson Winks, Internal Communications Advisor The Tuesday morning after September 2020 long weekend was a busy one. For the first time in six months, three of the four members of my family were scheduled to be somewhere by a certain time. Lunches required packing, breakfasts had to be eaten, electric bike batteries fully charged. The old familiar scene had me feeling edgy and not at all... Read more
BioBlitz Event Provides a Snapshot of Plant and Animal Biodiversity
April 7, 2021
Participants will use the iNaturalist app for this year’s modified Biosphere-wide Blitz, which collects data that is used to inform policies on the management of sensitive ecosystems and habitat. The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) is hosting its first Biosphere-wide Blitz and is asking people to become citizen scientists for the day to identify flora and fauna by using the iNaturalist... Read more
Student Affairs shows its Compassion during Pandemic
February 26, 2021
It would be an understatement to suggest that the pandemic has presented unique challenges for Student Affairs. Characterized by providing high-touch services to students with a variety of needs, the department has seen the worst of what the pandemic has had to offered, and in many cases, brought out the best of what VIU aspires to be – kind, considerate, adaptable, committed to our students. The... Read more
Complete List: Long Service Honourees for 2020
February 26, 2021
This year, we are celebrating our 2020 long service honourees a bit differently than in years past. As we aren’t able to have a reception (or coconut prawns) at this time, we are recognizing all 116 employees in this edition of VIU Voices. These employees have all dedicated 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 or 45 years of their careers to the institution. We will, when possible, celebrate them in person... Read more
Josephine Chong Celebrates 35 years of Dedicated Service to VIU
February 26, 2021
Josephine Chong has been an important member of the VIU community for 35 years. Hers is a familiar face to anyone who visits the Faculty of Trades and Applied Technology, and the Culinary Arts department in particular. She supports students and employees as a program assistant whose love for students is matched only by her love for food. Although it seems hard to believe now, she did not start at... Read more
What is Talent Acquisition and What Does it Have in Common with a Popular 80s Sitcom?
February 25, 2021
By Debra Jacklin, Manager of Talent Acquisition, Development and Retention Strategies, long-time employee, former VIU (Malaspina) student (dates not available) VIU’s office of Talent Acquisition is home to one of the longest job titles on campus: Manager of Talent Acquisition, Development and Retention Strategies (does this even fit on a business card? wait, what is a business card?)! Here, we’ll... Read more