Trigger warning: Safety and security reminder following an incident on campus

Please note: this message addresses an incident of indecent exposure. Supports are available for students and employees.

On the evening of December 6 on the Nanaimo campus, an unknown male on a bicycle exposed himself to a student. VIU is supporting the affected student and the RCMP has been notified. As the individual has not been located, we are sharing this information out of an abundance of caution and care and concern for our community.

Nanaimo RCMP encourages the following precautions:

• When walking, be aware of your surroundings and take note of who is around you. 
• If you are confronted by someone: run away, make as much noise as possible, go to a place that is well-lit with people around and call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. 
• If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation. 
• When walking to your car after dark: Walk with a buddy if you can, or have a friend keep an eye on you as you are walking to your car. Have your keys ready and when you get to your car, walk around it to make sure there’s nobody beside your car or around you.
• Turn the volume down on your earbuds or even better – don’t wear them at all. 
• If you have any questions or concerns, call the Nanaimo RCMP Community Policing Unit at 250.755.4469.

SafeWalk

Campus Security offers a SafeWalk service. Security is available on the Nanaimo campus 24-7 and can assist you should you have any issues or require a safe walk anywhere on campus, including to and from student housing, the bus loop or to your parked vehicle. Dial 6600 from any internal VIU phone, 250.740.6512 from your mobile phone or email security@viu.ca. You can also use the VIU Safety App for direct call to Campus Security and to access the SafeWalk service.

Building access

The VIU library is accessible after-hours with your student/employee card. Employee cards may grant access to other buildings after-hours. Remember to always carry your card with you while on campus and avoid letting individuals into buildings after hours. For assistance, contact Campus Security at 250.740.6512 or use the VIU Safety App. 

Report incidents promptly

If you encounter disturbances or face any issues, report them to Campus Security at 250.740.6512 or via the VIU Safety App. In cases of emergencies or serious incidents, dial 9-1-1 to contact the RCMP.

Support services

We encourage any affected members of our community to access the in-person counselling supports we have made available on campus as well as the virtual and online counselling supports for students and employees. To access resources on sexualized violence and misconduct, including how to report or disclose incidents, please visit VIU’s Sexualized Violence and Misconduct website.

If you have any questions about the above services, email Mark.Egan@viu.ca, Manager, Security.

Nanaimo RCMP released this photo of the indecent exposure suspect. If anyone has information on this incident, please contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.