Teaching and Learning

Indigenous summer camp at VIU

Summer Camp Inspires Youth to Explore Post-Secondary

August 1, 2019

The ḥaahuupa Summer Camp took place on Newcastle Island from July 2-5 with youth from Gold River, Zeballos, Nanaimo and Kyuquot. ­­ Shannon Frank can’t remember a time in recent history when she’s laughed as long and as loud. The Gold River Secondary School graduate was attending the haahuupa Summer Camp on Saysutshun (Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park) from July 2-5 with nine other youth... Read more


Dr. Amanda Wager becomes VIU’s new Canada Research Chair in Community Research in Art, Culture and Education

Creatively Advocating for Change Through Art

July 19, 2019

Using artistic expression to foster cross-cultural relationships, Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) new Canada Research Chair hopes to create a space for emerging youth leaders to connect and invoke change in their community.  VIU Faculty of Education Professor Dr. Amanda Wager’s new appointment as Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Community Research in Art, Culture and Education will provide... Read more


Dr. Whitney Wood joins VIU’s as the new Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in the Historical Dimensions of Women’s Health.

Birthing a New Perspective on Women's Health

July 17, 2019

Delving into the historical roots of childbirth experiences, VIU’s new Canada Research Chair hopes to improve women’s encounters with the health-care system during this critical time.  Home birth, water birth or hospital birth; medicated or unmedicated; doctor or midwife – the ways in which women give birth and perceive a “good” childbirth have vastly changed over time; however, women have always... Read more


Graphic Design Student Earns Spot at Worldskills Competition

June 7, 2019

Joe Thoong, a second-year VIU Graphic Design student, is heading to Russia in August to compete in WorldSkills Kazan 2019 with Team Canada. ­­ “Best in the World” is a title a Vancouver Island University (VIU) Graphic Design student hopes to earn this summer. Following a three-day competition in Halifax last week, Joe Thoong earned a spot on WorldSkills Team Canada 2019, and he heads to Kazan,... Read more


VIU Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care alum Emma Gillis hopes to continue community-based research projects after graduation that support families, youth and children.

VIU Alum Makes a Difference for People Affected by the Opioid Crisis

May 31, 2019

VIU Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care alum Emma Gillis hopes to continue community-based research projects after graduation that support families, youth and children.   Supporting the rights and well-being of children, youth and families has always been a passion for Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care alum Emma Gillis.  “What drew me to the CYC program at VIU was that it is focused... Read more


Nourish Cowichan

Nourishing the Minds of our Future

May 30, 2019

What began as a Vancouver Island University (VIU) Nursing Professor’s effort to introduce students to community nursing has evolved into a community-led project to nourish the minds of our future.  In 2013, Anita Carroll started taking her students into schools in the Cowichan Valley to gain practical community nursing experience.  “My background is working as a public health nurse and I wanted... Read more


Patricia Erb will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws for her efforts to give a voice to the disappeared and disadvantaged.

Honouring a Voice for the Disappeared

May 22, 2019

Patricia Erb, survivor of the “Dirty War” in Argentina and presently the Executive Director of Crossroads International, will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws for her efforts to give a voice to the disappeared and disadvantaged.  As one of the only survivors of the infamous Campo de Mayo, the site of the genocide and kidnapping of over 30,000 people during the de facto military dictatorship... Read more


VIU Education Professor Paige Fisher

VIU Professor Receives Prestigious Teacher Educator Award

May 15, 2019

A Vancouver Island University (VIU) Education professor is being recognized with a provincial award for her transformative teaching approach and collaboration efforts.  VIU Professor Paige Fisher received the Teacher Educator award from the Association of BC Deans of Education (ABCDE) in recognition for her efforts in partnering with a teacher education program in British Columbia (BC).  “... Read more


Nanaimo High School Wins Prestigious Pi Cup

Nanaimo High School Wins Prestigious Pi Cup

May 10, 2019

Top math students in grades eight to 12 in the mid-Vancouver Island area competed in the annual BC Secondary School Math Contest held at VIU. Two teams representing Dover Bay Secondary School in Nanaimo took home the coveted Pi Cup trophy in the 25th annual BC Secondary School Math Contest held at Vancouver Island University (VIU). The top 83 math students: 45 juniors and 38 seniors from 11... Read more


VIU’s Cooperative Entrepreneur Training Certificate Program supports people with disabilities to actualize their business dreams.

VIU Training Program Helps Turn Ideas into Business Start-Ups

May 8, 2019

Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) new Cooperative Entrepreneur Training Program (CETP) is supporting people with disabilities to actualize their dreams by giving them the knowledge and tools to start their entrepreneurial journey.  Jolene Trigg, one of first students participating in the first cohort of the CETP, says her disability presented her with an opportunity to create a unique mobile... Read more