A year of curiosity, culture and connection
We are so proud of our students, faculty and staff for creating another remarkable year for teaching and learning at Vancouver Island University. Across all campuses, our community has continued to create dynamic learning environments grounded in innovation, collaboration and quality connections.
Last academic year, we were proud to celebrate the reopening of Shq’apthut – A Gathering Place, a culturally significant space that supports Indigenous students and deepens understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and being for all members of the VIU community.
Experiential learning remains a cornerstone of the VIU experience, with hundreds of students engaging in work placements in our communities. These experiences not only build skills and reinforce the concepts taught in the classroom, but also strengthen the regions we serve.
Innovative teaching tools like the augmented reality sandbox are bringing lessons to life in new and engaging ways.
We look forward to continuing to grow, learn and celebrate together in the years ahead.
Dr. Claire Grogan
Interim Provost and
Vice-President, Academic
Vancouver Island University
Carolyn Russell
Vice-President, Students
Vancouver Island University
13,000+
Students
1,600
international students from 80+ countries
57
of VIU students are in undergraduate programs
1500
Indigenous students
100+
Programs
2,000+
faculty and staff members
Teaching and learning impact stories
Studying climate change impacts in Senegal
Six VIU Political Studies students spent part of the summer in West Africa studying climate change issues and risks. They received funding through the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program.
Expanded gathering space supports Indigenous culture on campus
VIU students, employees and the wider community enjoyed a year of learning, connection, cultural activities and celebration in the expanded Shq’apthut, VIU’s Indigenous gathering place on the Nanaimo campus. The expansion includes a new ceremonial area, Elder-in-Residence offices, accessible washrooms and improved kitchen amenities to host cultural events and ceremonies.
A voice for justice
VIU grad Leah Vaisanen is known nationally as a champion for Indigenous women and girls. Before she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Vaisanen was hired as Policy Lead-MMIWG2+ with the Native Women’s Association of Canada, a high-profile role with a national institution. Read about how she champions Indigenous women and girls.
Designing a path to a creative career
For Ronin Harver, VIU’s Graphic Design program is the bridge between a lifelong passion and a creative career. What set the experience apart for Harver is the sense of community he found in the program.
Read about Ronin in Finding my people – a cohort of design nerds.
Neil Surkan, VIU English Professor and Nanaimo’s Poet Laureate. Read 5 questions with Neil Surkan.
VIU poets creating community connections
The City of Nanaimo’s Poet Laureate and the 2025 Youth Poet Laureate are both members of the VIU community. Bachelor of Education alum Paige Pierce was named Youth Poet Laureate, English Professor Neil Surkan was named Poet Laureate.
Paige Pierce, VIU Bachelor of Education alum and Nanaimo's Youth Poet Luareate. Read more in Creating connections through poetry
50 years of learning and growth at tiwšεmawtx
The 2024-25 academic year marked an occasion to reflect on a half century of learning, growth and transitions at VIU’s tiwšεmawtxw campus in the qathet Region.
When VIU – then Malaspina College – began offering programming in the region, classes were offered out of a small office building on Marine Avenue. The Tla’amin Nation Executive Council gifted the name tiwšɛmawtxʷ (“House of Learning”) to the campus in 2022.
VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ is also investing in new infrastructure, such as a new, state-of-the-art nursing lab, and strengthening partnerships with Tla’amin Nation and other key partners. The campus is creating a sustainable development plan for post-secondary education and training in the region.
“As we reflect on and celebrate 50 years of learning, we are also planning for the next 50,” says Campus Administrator Liam Haggarty.
Digging into discovery
Augmented reality sandbox brings earth science lessons to life
Two VIU technicians teamed up with a Women in Trades cohort to build a sandbox that generates 3D topographical maps. The sanbox creates a more tactile and immersive experience for learners. Learn more about how students learn with the augmented reality sandbox.
Taking classroom learning to the workplace
Bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world workplace experiences is a key focus at VIU. With more than 150 different work experience programs across the institution, students are honing their skills and practising leadership skills in positions across BC and beyond. Read about student experiences in Taking classroom learning to to the workplace.
Teaching children about climate change with picture books
Education Professor Dr. Wendy Simms shares her research on climate change education with teachers and her students. In 2025 Wendy received funding to develop a curated list of children’s books that can help with challenging conversations about the global climate crisis. Learn more about using children’s books to teach about climate change.
A spa on VIU’s Nanaimo campus
A refreshed space at the VIU Nanaimo Hairdressing training centre has created a new, welcoming home for the Esthetics and Spa Therapy program.
The relocation of the program from Parksville to the Nanaimo campus in the fall of 2024 expands experiential learning opportunities and gives students practice working in a spa-like setting. Themed co-training activities last year included a spooky hair and makeup runway show for Halloween.
“With both programs in the same space, students have the chance to be part of a more dynamic and collaborative environment and practice their skills according to industry standards,” says Program Chair Joanne Slocum.
The Hair Salon and Student Spa Clinic are both open to the public, providing students with real-life, hands-on learning opportunities. They practise technical skills and learn to establish relationships with real clients.
