October 3, 2013 - 5:48am
FOR A FULL SCHEDULE OF OPEN HOUSE ACTIVITIES GO TO
Ever wanted to get up close and personal with a 200 pound sturgeon, watch a chemical concoction explode, operate a mini-excavator, or add your creative flair to a communal art collage?
Or what about attending a stimulating free public lecture, observing an informative university class, discovering the fossils of Vancouver Island, or finding out how to take part in an international field school?
You can do all of this and more at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Open House on Friday, October 18, 1 pm to 6 pm, at the Nanaimo campus.
“Prospective and current students, alumni, retirees, parents, grandparents, families, community members and business owners – we’re welcoming everyone to our campus to learn about all the amazing things VIU has to offer,” says Tina McComb, VIU’s Interim Director of Enrolment Management.
The theme of the Open House is ‘Discover Your University, Explore Your Community’ and the goal is to build stronger connections with the greater Nanaimo area.
“We’re inviting the community to come and experience the VIU spirit,” adds Dan Hurley, Executive Director, University Relations. “While most people know about VIU for its wide variety of outstanding educational programs, our Open House is a chance for the community to learn about the huge range of other programs, resources and activities that are open to everyone.”
Highlights will include free public lectures, drop in classes, a World Cafe and other exciting activities in virtually every corner of the campus.
“The Open House offers something for people of all ages,” adds Hurley. “Whether you’re young or old, retired or in high school, with kids in tow, or on your way home from work, you’ll receive a warm welcome from faculty members, students and staff who will help you discover VIU and answer your questions.”
Families will enjoy exploring VIU’s Museum of Natural History, attending Extreme Science demonstrations, or dropping by the International Centre for Sturgeon Studies to come face to face with VIU’s giant prehistoric fish.
Music lovers will enjoy the free “On Stage Friday” student jazz concerts in the Malaspina Theatre, while VIU’s Trades area will offer interactive activities for anyone interested in learning about careers in trades.
At the Discover Trades event, make and bake a mini pizza, get a feather hair extension, or test your ‘trades’ basketball skills using a mini excavator and a free-standing hoop. Parents, students and teachers are also invited to a presentation by Discover Trades and a panel discussion with current students and instructors.
For those who want to register in academic programs, VIU’s Advising Centre and Registration Centre staff will be on hand to provide important information about admission and registration procedures. They’ll also be available to speak to anyone thinking about career options and help them build a road map to reach their educational goals.
Applications for programs beginning September 2014 will also be accepted.
VIU’s Open House is co-sponsored by VIU’s University Relations and Enrolment Management departments.
Cake and refreshments will be available in the Welcome Centre, while visitors can enjoy tea and bannock in the Aboriginal Gathering Place. Parking at the Nanaimo campus will be courtesy of VINCI Park from 1 pm to 6 pm.
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ABOUT VIU: Vancouver Island University is Canada’s west coast university. Known as a centre of excellence for teaching, learning and applied research, VIU offers a diverse range of certificate, diploma and undergraduate and master degree programs to more than 18,000 students on campuses in Nanaimo, Powell River and Cowichan, and at the Parksville-Qualicum Centre. For more information visit www.viu.ca
MEDIA CONTACT
Janina Stajic, Manager, Vancouver Island University P: 250.740.6288
E: Communications@viu.ca Twitter: @VIUNews
Tags: In the Community
