VIU in the news: Bike to Work Week ramps up with Commuter Challenge
May 10, 2012
By Toby Gorman Nanaimo News Bulletin Ralph Nilson hopes to teach Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan a lesson when it comes to the benefits of commuting by bicycle instead of a motor vehicle. To help kick off Bike to Work Week, May 28-June 3, Nilson, Vancouver Island University president, and Ruttan will participate in the annual Commuter Challenge, a good-natured competition between cyclist (Nilson)... Read more
VIU in the news: Nanaimo temporary arts program designed to create community pride for city residents
May 9, 2012
By Tamara Cunningham, Nanaimo Daily News Estelle Fox peered through a massive picture frame sculpture [VIU Visual Arts Instructor Jason Gress] was putting the finishing touches onto at Maffeo Sutton Park, exclaiming with awe over the view captured in the centre. "I just love this one," she said, looking out towards the lagoon. "No matter where you look through it, you have a beautiful view."... Read more
VIU in the news: Chamber unveils Successful Cities strategy
May 9, 2012
By Toby Gorman Nanaimo News Bulletin With the first stage of its Successful Cities initiative now complete, the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce is looking to integrate its results into broader city strategies. In January, the chamber hosted a forum to help define qualities that provided a framework to help make Nanaimo a successful city. From that forum emerged 12 principles, including... Read more
Extreme Science: Where physics, chemistry and entertainment collide for a good cause
May 7, 2012
Physics and chemistry faculty are getting their props and concoctions ready for the fourth annual Extreme Science show at Vancouver Island University. The startling and occasionally loud science demonstrations will entertain close to 1,200 school students in four sold-out shows this year. Tickets are available for the public presentation of explosions, implosions, flying arrows, fire, lightning... Read more
VIU and SD 68 students win nine medals in provincial trades competition
May 4, 2012
Vancouver Island University carpentry apprentice Morgan Brown is preparing to compete with other top talents from across the country at the Skills Canada National Competition in Edmonton May 13-16. Nine Nanaimo-area students earned gold, silver and bronze medals in the Skills Canada BC competition held in mid-April in Abbotsford. Brown won gold in the post-secondary carpentry competition.... Read more
VIU faculty share easy-to-implement teaching suggestions and ideas
May 4, 2012
Faculty at Vancouver Island University have a valuable new resource to engage with students in their classrooms – and they created it themselves. Teaching Tips from the Trenches is a collection of suggestions and ideas available online through the centre for Innovation and Excellence in Learning @ VIU. Tips include using speed-date learning for students to share personal experiences, silent... Read more
VIU-community partnership benefits carpentry students and Stz’uminus First Nation
May 2, 2012
Chris Seward was working the graveyard shift at a Duncan convenience store when he heard about an eight-month carpentry program offered through Vancouver Island University’s Cowichan Campus. “I’m doing this for my 14-and-a-half -month-old daughter,” says Seward. “I decided it was time for a career.” With support from the Coast Salish Employment and Training Society (CSETS) BladeRuners program,... Read more
VIU in the news:Gazette welcomes new editor
April 25, 2012
Dennis Skalicky, publisher of the Lake Cowichan Gazette, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tamu Miles as the new editor of the paper. For the past four years, Miles has studied creative writing and journalism at Vancouver Island University. She has worked as arts editor for the Navigator, the university’s student press, and as marketing manager for Portal, the only literary magazine... Read more
VIU faculty strengthen ties with University of Belize
April 23, 2012
Dale Wik had a strong desire to complete an important task before retiring from her position as co-ordinator of Vancouver Island University’s Writing Centre. This spring she travelled to Central America with support from VIU Faculty Association professional development funding to assist faculty at the University of Belize in their efforts to establish a Writing Centre at the main campus in... Read more
VIU’s Cowichan Campus earns design awards
April 23, 2012
Vancouver Island University’s new Cowichan Campus received an Excellence Award in the education category at the 5th Annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards. The distinctive facility which opened in September 2011 on University Way in Duncan has also earned a citation from the Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute. The Roy Willwerth Precast Concrete... Read more