Welcome to a new academic year at Vancouver Island University.
As we begin the fall semester at VIU, I’m reminded once again of what makes the start of a new academic year so special: the energy on our campuses, the excitement of new beginnings and, most importantly, the people who make VIU what it is.
To our new students: welcome to VIU. Your journey starts here, and we’re excited to have you as part of our community. I encourage you to take every opportunity to get involved, meet people, explore your campus and discover what makes your VIU experience uniquely yours.
Your first big opportunity is RockVIU New Student Orientation on Tuesday, September 8. Whether you’re joining us in Nanaimo, Cowichan or tiwšɛmawtxʷ, I hope you’ll take part. For our Nanaimo students, RockVIU is a chance to explore campus, meet your professors and connect with other students in your program, with some great prizes up for grabs. Information about orientation at our Cowichan and tiwšɛmawtxʷ campuses will be emailed directly to new students.
To our returning students: welcome back. I hope this year brings new opportunities to learn, connect and challenge yourself. VIU is a place where relationships matter, and I encourage you to step beyond your usual routines: attend an event, connect with a new person, explore somewhere on campus you haven’t been or get involved in a student club that piques your interest.
And to our employees: thank you for the continued care, creativity and commitment you bring to VIU every day. The work you do – in classrooms, behind the scenes and throughout our communities – makes a meaningful difference across our campuses.
I hope you’ll join us for our Employee Fall Kick-Off Lunch on Thursday, September 3, from noon to 1:30 pm in the Main Cafeteria on the Nanaimo campus. Come enjoy some chili and baked potatoes, reconnect with colleagues and help bring some new energy to the start of the academic year. Details about fall employee kick-off lunches at Cowichan and tiwšɛmawtxʷ will be shared locally.
Please also keep an eye on your inbox for information about Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. VIU will observe the statutory holiday on Wednesday, September 30, and I encourage everyone to take time to learn, reflect and participate in opportunities to honour residential school survivors, their families and communities.
I’m looking forward to seeing more of you around our campuses. Please say hello if you see me. I’d love to hear what you’re looking forward to this year and what makes VIU feel like home to you.
There is a lot of possibility ahead; let’s make the most of it together. Here’s to a great year ahead.
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