First-Generation Students Find Their Fit at Vancouver Island University

University gives new students the tools to succeed

When Mya Wilson, an English and Psychology student at Vancouver Island University (VIU) first decided to go to university, she was a bit lost.

She didn’t know what a credit was, or what a major or minor was. Wilson also had no idea there were so many options to choose from in every program. Her parents had never gone to university – making her what is called a first-generation university student – and couldn’t help.

“I didn’t know what to expect and my parents couldn’t tell me what to expect,” says Wilson, a Ladysmith Secondary School graduate.

Luckily, VIU’s faculty and staff were there to support her through what can be a daunting process.

“VIU was really great with the whole enrolment process,” remembers Wilson. “I didn’t understand the steps, so I was glad when the University brought someone to my high school who walked us through the process. When I was considering transferring programs, from science to arts, I was able to talk to my professors about it and then make the switch with the help of VIU counsellors.”

Her advice to other first-generation students? “I had great support at home from my family, but even if you don’t have support at home, don’t let that hold you back – VIU has an incredible advising program and other services to support you, and it’s easy to access. Also, there are so many activities to get involved in on campus which really enrich the experience.”

Lisa Courtney, who is in her final year of a VIU Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Creative Writing, started school when her daughter was two and she was 25. She knew going to university would improve her job prospects. But, as she was also the first in her family to go to post-secondary, she had no idea what to expect. She was afraid that she would be the oldest person in her classes and wouldn’t make any friends. Since her parents didn’t go to university, they were unable to reassure her that these fears were unfounded. Fortunately, she didn’t let that hold her back and, like Wilson, has had a very positive experience at VIU.

“University is hard, but socially it’s very different than high school in a good way ­– people are a lot less concerned about what other people think about them and a lot more open to being friends with people regardless of their backgrounds,” she says.

If Courtney could tell a first-generation student anything, it would be: Use the services available at VIU and talk to your professors if you’re struggling. When she was struggling with a required course, one of her professors was able to talk her through it and she ended up doing well in the class.

“Talk to your profs if you’re worried because they will help you,” she says.

Tina McComb, VIU’s Associate Vice-President of Student Affairs, believes one reason for these students’ success is that VIU has a welcoming, supportive community.

“Our campuses are relatively small and close-knit,” she says. “Faculty know their students by name and are there to support them throughout their educational journey.”

VIU also has a number of supports available to help students get a jumpstart on their post-secondary careers, says McComb.

For example, all incoming students have access to an online course that guides them through everything from registration, to connecting with an advisor, to getting ready for the first week. VIU also offers individual meetings with advisors, campus tours and webinars. There’s even a new students Facebook group that allows newbies to connect with one another and with student ambassadors to help get pressing questions answered.

Student orientation activities include extended campus tours offered throughout the summer; Rock VIU: Welcome 2 Campus, a day of activities and events for new students held the week before school starts; and a number of other orientation events organized in the first weeks of September by VIU Residences, VIU Students’ Union, Campus Rec, the Centre for Experiential Learning and the Faculty of International Education.

There are also a number of services available for Indigenous students at Shq’apthut – VIU’s Aboriginal Gathering Place. To help students adjust to university-level courses, the Writing Centre, Math Centre and Foundations for Success courses are available to all students, and VIU has a digital learning commons at learningmatters.viu.ca that has tips to help students ace their first year, from learning strategies, to time management tips and how to find the information you need for research papers.

These resources have helped Courtney a lot, and she’s also found getting involved in different groups on campus helpful.

“At VIU, no matter what I’ve joined, everybody’s been super accepting and I have friends from many different departments now,” she says. “Grades aren’t everything, you also need to be social. You need to have fun, otherwise you go insane.”

To learn more about what’s available to new students, visit connect.viu.ca. 

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MEDIA CONTACT: 

Jenn McGarrigle, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University

P: 250-740-6559 | C: 250.619.6860 | E: jenn.mcgarrigle@viu.ca | T: @VIUNews