Teaching and Learning

Jackie Oncescu headshot

Vancouver Island University hosts provincial recreation conference

November 5, 2024

The summit brings industry experts from across Canada to Nanaimo The future of recreation in rural communities and small cities is the topic of a provincial conference happening at Vancouver Island University (VIU) November 13 and 14. Hosted by VIU’s World Leisure Centre of Excellence, the Rural Recreation Summit features sessions by experts in risk management, leisure education, social... Read more


A woman wearing an orange t-shirt for Truth and Reconciliation Day putting her hands on a large tree in an act of gratitude/

Writing from the heart – my reflections on how to action reconciliation

September 29, 2024

“How many languages do you speak?” Invariably when I ask this to a room full of VIU graduate students there are always a couple who can speak more than five. I follow this with, “Well, you are about to start learning another - Hul’q’umi’num'.” We begin with saying some gentle words and phrases, Huy ch q’a (Thank you), Uy’ skweyul (Good Day), ‘Uy’ kwunus ‘i lumnamu (It is good to see you). For a... Read more


a pair of hands holding a handful of dirt with a small green sprout in the middle of it

New farming courses provide science-based and practical learning

August 19, 2024

VIU’s Cowichan campus piloting three micro-credential certificates for farmers Are you curious about the science behind sustainable farming and gardening practices? A new set of micro-credential certificates will offer basic education in sustainable agriculture and food production. The courses are designed for busy producers who can't join long-term programs. They are for new or long-term farmers... Read more


Man with baby in forest

Transforming Early Childhood Education in Canada

June 19, 2024

For too long, early childhood education in Canada has favoured indoor learning environments over the outdoors and lacked recognition of Indigenous Land-based approaches. Danielle Alphonse, VIU’s BC Regional Innovation Chair in Aboriginal Early Childhood Development, and Sheila Grieve, VIU Early Childhood Education and Care Professor, were part of a national working group aimed at changing this.... Read more


Group photo of honorary degree recipients

VIU awards five honorary degrees at June convocation ceremonies

June 12, 2024

Degrees will go to prominent public servant, Elder, businessman, artist and author during VIU’s convocation ceremonies and Semélshun on June 12, 13 and 14. A public servant, Coast Salish Elder, businessman, artist and author are receiving honorary degrees at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) convocation ceremonies this month. Convocation ceremonies take place June 12 and 13. Semélshun, VIU’s... Read more


A split screen photo of Dr. Morgan Mowatt on the left and Dr. Michael MacKenzie on the right. Both are smiling at the camera in portrait-style shots with greenery in the background.

Political scientists coming to VIU for provincial conference

April 29, 2024

What: BC Political Studies Association Conference When: Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3 Where: VIU Nanaimo campus Nanaimo, BC: An annual conference focusing on trust and leadership is coming to Vancouver Island University (VIU) this week. The BC Political Studies Association (BCPSA) Conference will take place at the Nanaimo campus on May 2 and 3. Hosted by VIU’s Political Studies department,... Read more


Samantha jumping in a field of scraggly grass

Exploring ecological networks in a digital world

April 23, 2024

Getting to know Samantha Letourneau By day, Samantha Letourneau is Vancouver Island University’s Canada Learning Bond project lead and Volunteer Tutor Coordinator. She’s also a musician and dancer and for the past two years, she’s been collaborating with Swedish artist Mårten Spångberg, thanks to funding obtained through Crimson Coast Dance, to create a digital art installation that goes live on... Read more


Female electrician wearing. white hard hat a safety vest and sunglasses working on the side of a building and smiling at the camera.

Vancouver Island University invites community to explore trades and tech careers at showcase

March 27, 2024

What: Trades & Tech Showcase When: Saturday, April 6, 10 am to 2 pm Where: Trades Discovery Centre (Building 108), Nanaimo campus (see Nanaimo campus map). Are you considering a career in trades? Come to the Trades & Tech Showcase on April 6 to learn more about the 20 different trades and technology programs on offer at Vancouver Island University (VIU). You can also try out an activity... Read more


Carpentry student Emily Behm standing in front of the tiny home she and her classmates are building at the Cowichan Trades Centre

VIU carpentry students learn by building tiny home

March 20, 2024

The home is being built at the Cowichan Trades Centre and will be delivered to a property in Saanich. Carpentry students are gaining real-world experience and providing a home in the process. The students are building a tiny home at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Cowichan’s Trades Centre. Program instructor Andrew MacLeod said the project came about somewhat unexpectedly after another... Read more


Kristie Dewald with a blurred background, wearing a white blazer

5 Questions with Kristie Dewald

March 14, 2024

After teaching for two decades, Kristie Dewald, a VIU Accounting Professor and Chartered Professional Accountant, took on the challenge of co-authoring a textbook. Advanced Financial Accounting in Canada, first edition was published by Pearson Canada in 2022 and is co-authored by Nathalie Johnstone, an accounting professor at the University of Saskatchewan, and Cheryl Wilson, a professor at... Read more