Update to community May 10, 2024

Vancouver Island University welcomed students back to campus this week for the start of the Summer Semester. To support students, VIU’s buildings have returned to normal summer access hours. The library hours have been adjusted to align with staffing availability. As we prepare for Pride Month, VIU’s rainbow staircase is getting a much-needed facelift with a new coat of paint. This is part of the regular maintenance schedule at VIU.

Update on engagement with Palestine Solidarity Encampment

The Students for Palestine Committee has communicated with the university that they remain committed to the eight demands shared in their May 1 media statement, which was delivered to the university via a student club email address.

In response to the media release shared by the student club, VIU responded inviting a dialogue. VIU expresses deep regret for any distress this response may have caused the club members. The university has thanked the club for the clarification on the appropriate email contact. VIU has extended an invitation for open dialogue with The Students for Palestine Committee.

The Students for Palestine Committee has responded and outlined conditions to be met before meeting with the university. VIU has received their response and is considering the best path forward. 

VIU has set up a special email to open dialogue with the group.

Chalk graffiti and Starbucks

VIU has received several complaints over the past week from VIU community members regarding the content expressed in signage and chalk graffiti on our Nanaimo campus. Out of care and concern for our impacted employees and our legislated WorkSafeBC obligations to provide a safe work environment, VIU has temporarily closed Starbucks until further notice. The mental health and well-being of our students and employees is a priority for VIU.

Any health and safety incidents involving employees, students, contractors and visitors that occur on our campuses should be reported using the online VIU Health and Safety Incident Reporting System.

RCMP and drone

Earlier this week, the RCMP were on campus, and we received reports of drone activity on campus. We would like to remind the community that the RCMP presence was at the request of the RCMP watch commander. We confirmed the drone was not VIU’s nor at its request.

Safety and supports for community members

VIU remains focused on the safety of all members of our community. We remind everyone in our community that if you have urgent safety concerns, please contact Campus Security at 250.740.6512 or in case of emergency dial 911.

If you feel you have experienced harassment or discrimination, please contact the Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Office.

Finally, we know that demonstrations like this can impact people in different ways. We encourage members of our community to reach out for support if they feel they need it. Supports for students including counselling, wellness and information for students in distress can be found on the VIU Counselling website. Support, counselling and wellness information for employees can be found on our  Employee and Family Assistance Program homepage.