Expand your mind at VIU

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 was a full-time mom.

“I chose to get married, raise a family and work for several years after high school,” she said. At age 31, when her two boys were six and seven years old, Crozier decided it was time to attend university.

“I enrolled at VIU (formerly Malaspina University-College) in 2000 to launch a career change,” she explained.

While on the wait list for the Nursing program, Crozier took several electives, including first year psychology with professor Dr. Elliott Marchant.  “That course totally changed the direction of my life,” she said. “I was hooked.”

Crozier graduated in spring 2006 with two degrees – a Bachelor of Science, Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology, both with distinction.  Top marks earned her a $17,500 Post Graduate Scholarship – one of the highest awards given to undergraduate students in Canada. She was accepted into graduate school at the University of BC and currently works in the behavioural neural endocrinology lab while completing her master’s degree.

Looking back at her undergraduate years at VIU, Crozier said “it was an exceptional experience.”

“Because class sizes at VIU are smaller, I had the opportunity to get to know my classmates really well, and my instructors. The support and encouragement I received was amazing. It allowed me to follow my dreams and get to where I am today.”

Mark Herringer, Director of Marketing and Recruitment for Vancouver Island University, said students, especially those new to university, are advised to take courses in many different subjects.

“Some students come to VIU knowing exactly what they want to study,” said Herringer, “but for those still searching, we recommend taking a variety of courses they think they’ll be interested in. That way, they can narrow down their interests and find out what they really like.”

VIU is still accepting applications for the fall semester for academic degree, diploma and certificate programs, and non-credit courses.

“While many of our courses are now full, there are still some open seats in a variety of courses and programs that start in September,” Herringer said. Some courses and programs have start dates later in the fall including Culinary Arts, Power Sports/Marine Technician, Practical Nursing, Horticulture and Horticulture Therapy.

“With our new name and full university status, we want to ensure community members are fully aware of the amazing breadth of programming we offer,” Herringer added.

Certificate programs generally take a year or less to complete, giving students a quick way to earn a new credential or make a career change. Diploma programs typically run over two years, with some laddering directly into four year degree programs.

 “Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a working professional considering a career change, a recent high school graduate or a mature person, VIU strives to offer courses and programs to suit all tastes,” Herringer added. “It’s never too late to learn something new. You may discover a whole new interest or passion.”

 For a complete listing of available courses and programs offered at VIU this fall, visit www.viu.ca/pal or the main website at www.viu.ca . To speak to an advisor, call (250) 740-6400.