Update: Jan. 16, 2020: VIU Nanaimo, Cowichan, Parksville-Qualicum locations CLOSED ALL DAY AND EVENING

AFTERNOON UPDATE: January 16, 2020: Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus, Cowichan campus and Trades Centre, Parksville-Qualicum Centre, G.R. Paine Horticultural Centre, and Milner Gardens and Woodland will remain CLOSED for the rest of today (Thursday, January 16, 2020). Crews continue to work hard to make locations safe. Next update will be at 6:30 am tomorrow (Friday, January 17, 2020). Please do not start to travel to VIU until you receive this update. 

Powell River is open.

All classes and examinations are cancelled, and services are suspended. Some areas that will be maintained on the Nanaimo campus during the closure include:

• The Library Commons (you will need your ID card to access)
• VIU Residences 

The next update will be by 6:30 am Friday, January 17, 2020 and the first announcement will be sent out through VIU’s Safety App. After that information will be posted to: 

• the main VIU website (www.viu.ca)
• the University’s Facebook and Twitter platforms (www.facebook.ca/viuniversity; www.facebook.com/viunews; @VIUniversity; @viunews)
• through local radio stations 

When VIU opens again:

We know our region has many micro-climates and accumulation can vary dramatically.

For students:

If you are unable to get to your campus or will be late because of inclement weather conditions, please contact your instructors. If you have dependants affected by school or day care closures and alternative arrangements cannot be made, please communicate with your instructors. We encourage you to use your discretion and work with your instructor to make alternate arrangements. 

For employees:

If you are unable to report to work or will be late to work because of inclement weather conditions and/or you have dependants affected by school or day care closures and alternative arrangements cannot be made, please contact your manager/department lead. We encourage you to use your discretion and work with your manager to make alternate work arrangements.

If you are unable to work from home, normally you have the option of either:

• Taking a vacation day.
• Making up the time. 
• Using lieu time (where applicable).
• Taking leave without pay.     
• Working from home (where applicable)