VIU Invites Community to Open House Oct. 3

Build a birdhouse, meet a high tech health care robot, watch First Nations carvers create a totem pole, learn to prep veggies like a CHOPPED pro, and see a giant fish right out of the Jurassic era.

 These are just a few of the things – plus a lot more – that residents can experience and discover at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Open House on Friday, October 3 from 10 am to 5 pm

“VIU is our community’s university, and we invite families and people of all ages to come up to our Nanaimo campus to experience what we have to offer,” says Tina McComb, VIU’s Director of Enrolment Management. “We are really excited to showcase an amazing range of activities, from hands-on experiences and campus tours, to thought-provoking discussions and casual one-on-one conversations with VIU experts eager to share their knowledge and experience.”

 The theme of the 2014 Open House is “We’re Waiting for You at VIU,” which reflects the University’s desire to forge strong connections in the greater Nanaimo community and spread the word that VIU has much to offer not only to students, but to everyone who has a desire to learn, meet new people, explore new ideas and connect with others.

 Highlights at this year’s Open House include oral health tips and free toothbrushes in VIU’s Dental Clinic, free hairstyles and nail painting with Hairdressing and Esthetics, a tour of VIU’s new Health Care Simulation Suites where robot patients accelerate student learning, a chance to examine skull casts of early human ancestors in Anthropology, round table discussions on political issues, and a lesson in how to make a mini movie with Media Studies, complete with lights, camera and action.

 A trade show-style EXPO in the upper cafeteria, located in Building 300, will showcase 28 different departments, facilities, faculties and academic programs from 10 am to 5 pm.

“The Open House offers something for everyone, with activities in every corner of the campus,” says Dan Hurley, Executive Director, University Relations. “Whether you’re young or old, retired or in high school, with kids in tow, or on your lunch break, you’ll receive a warm welcome from faculty members, students and staff who will help you discover VIU and answer your questions.”

Special activities just for high school students interested in exploring post-secondary options will take place during Discovery Days, an annual event that runs concurrently with Open House this year. Students in Grades 11 and 12 can participate in interactive sessions from 10 am to noon with VIU faculty and students from a variety of program areas. Registration is required.

“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,” Hurley says.

To plan your day at VIU’s Open House, see a detailed listing of activities on the schedule at www.viu.ca/openhouse.

Make sure to enjoy a piece of cake and refreshments in the Welcome Centre in Building 300, where you will also find a team of staff and Student Ambassadors ready to answer questions and provide directions to campus locations.

Parking at the Nanaimo campus will be complimentary from 10 am to 5 pm to accommodate Open House guests.

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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

ABOUT VIU OPEN HOUSE

For more information and a full schedule of VIU Open House activities, see www.viu.ca/openhouse

Media Contact

Shari Bishop Bowes, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University

P:250.740.6443  C: 250.618.1535 E: Communications@viu.ca T: @viunews