As we head into the final weeks before convocation and the summer months, I want to share a few updates that reflect the incredible things we’re accomplishing together and speak to the challenges we’re navigating as a community.
On Saturday, May 17, VIU’s Culinary Arts and Professional Baking and Pastry Arts programs made history by creating a world record-breaking Nanaimo Bar. This momentous achievement brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff and the broader community. I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to all involved for their creativity, teamwork and dedication in putting VIU on the world stage. It was an honour to attend the event and see so many people from Nanaimo and beyond come to our campus to show their support. Thanks to this effort, we raised enough funds to purchase a much-needed new oven that will support students as they continue to learn, grow and follow their passion in these fields of study.
Over the past few weeks, we have also come together in meaningful ways through the in-person and virtual Acting President’s Roundtables. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has participated in the sessions and the post-roundtables survey. The thoughtful comments and suggestions shared will inform planning for any future roundtable events and your honesty, passion and care for Vancouver Island University have deeply affirmed what we already know: VIU is a special place, deeply committed to our students and our people.
Like many post-secondary institutions across Canada, VIU continues to navigate a time of significant transformation. The reality of program cancellations, as outlined in the May 5 Update to the Community, and the difficult decisions as part of our Deficit Mitigation Plan, weigh heavily on all of us. I want to acknowledge the uncertainty, grief and frustration many are feeling, and I recognize these impacts may feel personal for those within our campus community who have built deep connections to these programs and to each other.
If you are feeling impacted by these changes, I encourage you to reach out for support. Employees can access counselling, wellness resources, and other supports through our Employee and Family Assistance Program. Students can find counselling services, wellness information, and guidance for navigating distressing situations on the VIU Counselling website.
I want to assure you that I see you, I hear you and I am committed to walking this path with you. Together, we are building something new at VIU. Not overnight, and not without pain – but with intention and a strong belief in our purpose.
Proposed academic program changes update
On May 12, the proposed changes to academic program delivery were endorsed by the Planning and Priorities Committee (PnP) of Senate. Following the May 21 Senate meeting, Senate has endorsed the proposal for program cancellations. However, following extensive discussion, the motion related to program suspensions was withdrawn and will be revisited. The proposal regarding cancellations will now be added to the agenda for review by the Board of Governors on June 3.
This outcome reflects Senate’s important role in academic governance and its responsibility to provide informed advice on academic matters. If approved by the Board, the affected programs will be cancelled, and VIU will no longer accept new applications to those programs. If not approved, the programs will continue. More detailed information will be shared with the community by June 5, including supports available for those affected and pathways forward.
This work is challenging – but it is also part of building a more sustainable and purposeful future for VIU. One that supports student success, aligns with regional and labour market needs and strengthens our role as an access-focused, teaching-centred institution.
Cowichan campus update
As part of our planning, I want to provide an update on the Cowichan Trades Centre (CTC). The CTC building, which is leased from School District 79 until June 2026, is nearing the end of its operational life. Significant and costly upgrades – totaling in the millions – are required to continue its use. In our current financial context, we are unable to make these investments.
That said, there are no plans to cancel the three trades programs that operate out of the CTC—Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Carpentry, and Hairdressing. These programs will be relocated to the Nanaimo campus for Fall 2026, where existing infrastructure allows us to absorb the additional seats with minimal disruption. We will maintain the same number of dual credit seats for SD79 students, and public transit remains available between Cowichan and Nanaimo.
I understand this is a loss for the Cowichan campus and community, and we are committed to supporting a smooth transition. VIU Cowichan remains a vital part of our university; during the 2025-26 academic year, Cowichan campus will become the home of a new centralized Continuing Education unit that will coordinate and expand VIU’s non-credit and lifelong learning offerings across the region. This new unit will enable a more strategic, unified approach to community and workforce programming and allow us to better respond to local needs.
As we move forward, I know this community will continue to show the same resilience and commitment that defines VIU. Change is never easy, but I believe in our ability to navigate this challenging time with honesty, compassion, and a clear sense of purpose. Thank you for everything you do to support each other and our students. I’m looking forward to the work ahead and to the future we’re building together.
Sincerely,
Emily Huner, CPA, CMA, MBA (she/her)
Acting President and Vice-Chancellor
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