In the Community

Education provides life-long boost to VIU alumni

October 14, 2011

Arthur Baker has witnessed tremendous changes in his life but one thing remains the same – the need for young people to get a quality education. Baker, 90, was front and centre during Vancouver Island University’s 75th anniversary party for students, staff and faculty on Wednesday, Oct. 12. He graduated from the automotive mechanics program in 1939, and is recognized as one of VIU’s oldest... Read more


Renovation builds trades training future on Sunshine Coast

October 14, 2011

Ministry of Advanced Education Industry Canada POWELL RIVER – Trades students on the Sunshine Coast can now enjoy an enhanced training experience in new, energy-efficient surroundings thanks to a timely renovation of the trades centre at Vancouver Island University’s Powell River campus. Today’s grand opening of Vancouver Island University’s Powell River campus coincides with the university’s... Read more


Romeo and Juliet and the Romantic Politics of Deepa Mehta's film Water

October 9, 2011

“Romeo and Juliet and the Romantic Politics of Deepa Mehta's film Water” will be the topic of Dr. Keith Harrison’s presentation on Friday, Oct. 14, from 10 to 11:30 am in the Malaspina Theatre (Building 310). His presentation is the second in the Fall 2011 Arts and Humanities Colloquium series. Harrison, who teaches literature, film, and creative writing at VIU, is the award-winning author of... Read more


VIU in the news: Calm down, mussels -- Why scientists are trying to soothe stressed sentinels of the sea

October 6, 2011

By Carla Wilson, Victoria Times Colonist Mussels can't tell us when they're stressed out. That's why a team of Vancouver Island University scientists has created a new device to speak for the bivalves. Final verification is being carried out on a microarray, a tool designed to measure stress related changes. Why should we care if mussels are in a state of serenity or turmoil? It matters... Read more


International Centre for Sturgeon Studies opens at VIU

October 3, 2011

International Centre for Sturgeon Studies opens at VIU With thousands of small fry already in residence and the big fish ready to move in soon, Vancouver Island University today celebrated the opening of the new $5.25-million International Centre for Sturgeon Studies (ICSS). The state-of-the-art facility for sturgeon research is being completed in stages with tanks expected to be ready later... Read more


VIU Nursing students connect with homeless

September 27, 2011

Fourth-year and first-year Nursing students at Vancouver Island University are getting to know the homeless community by participating in an event called Connect Day at Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo Friday, Sept. 30. The students, enrolled in the Bachelor of Science, Nursing program (BSN), will give away ‘grab bags’ filled with toiletries and other items to the homeless between 10 am and 4 pm.... Read more


VIU in the news: Community dialogue looks at use of forest lands

September 27, 2011

By Jenn McGarrigle - Nanaimo News Bulletin The mid-Island community's vision for forest lands and how to improve long-term, sustainable management of these lands is the topic of a public dialogue session at Vancouver Island University Thursday. Healthy Forests – Healthy Communities: A conversation on B.C. forests, aims to capture the concerns and recommendations of experts and community members... Read more


Aboriginal traditions help students find success at VIU

September 23, 2011

NANAIMO – Shq’apthut, a new Aboriginal gathering place opening today at Vancouver Island University (VIU), will help Aboriginal students feel comfortable and supported in their post-secondary education, assisting them to succeed in school and giving them the opportunity for good jobs to support their families. Shq’apthut, meaning “a gathering place” in Hul'q'umi'num', is located on the... Read more


In the news....University's Cowichan campus opens

September 22, 2011

Victoria Times Colonist, Sept. 23 Story by Sandra McCulloch Vancouver Island University's $30-million Cowichan campus opened Thursday with members of Cowichan Tribes playing a leading role. A ceremony featured dancing, singing and prayers by First Nations representatives. It also included standard fare, such as a ribboncutting, cake and tours of the facility. The structure, designed by... Read more


VIU Cowichan: better access, more choices, closer to home

September 22, 2011

DUNCAN – Students in the Cowichan Valley have a reason to celebrate as more post-secondary education and training options become accessible closer to home. Today on Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) 75th anniversary, students, faculty and staff will celebrate the grand opening of VIU’s new Cowichan Place campus in Duncan. The new campus, at over 3,500 square metres, serves students enrolled in... Read more