Convocation, budget approved and new research dollars
It’s convocation week at VIU! The VIU community is celebrating the success of more than 1,200 of our graduating students at four convocation ceremonies on June 8 and 9 and Semélshun Indigenous Graduation Recognition Ceremony on June 11. Email Jenn.McGarrigle@viu.ca to request a media pass to attend.
Learn more about VIU's convocation ceremonies
VIU News
VIU approves balanced budget for 2026-27
VIU has reached a significant financial milestone – a balanced budget. And the institution is on track for continued financial stability over the next three years.
“The balanced budget is a result of deliberate, strategic action and it reflects hard work by VIU employees. This didn’t happen by accident,” said Dr. Dennis Johnson, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “The operational changes we’ve made ensure strong financial footing for the future.”
VIU launches first annual Impact Report
From the classroom to the community, VIU students and employees are creating lasting impacts on our region and beyond. From community events with purpose, to new and innovative teaching tools, to solving real-world challenges, VIU’s 2025 Impact Report demonstrates the remarkable strength and reach of our community.
Exploring the effectiveness of community youth programs
Three VIU Psychology students stepped out of the classroom and into the community this spring to learn what really helps local youth. Working with the City of Nanaimo, the trio studied youth programs supported through the city’s Youth Resilience Strategy. The goal of their research was to find out what is working, what is not and what young people want and need.
Researching smarter business solutions
What causes employees to leave or stay at a company? How can fundraisers better communicate with donors? Are there any proactive steps businesses can take to reduce delays in construction projects? These are all real-world problems that cost businesses time, money and relationships. Three VIU Master of Business Administration students are searching for tangible solutions.
Learn more about their research
Featured experts
Supporting healing through art and addressing past harms
VIU Canada Research Chair in Community-Engaged Research Dr. Amanda Wager’s funding was renewed by the Government of Canada for another five years. She has also received $60,000 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation to support new research infrastructure and an archive project. The goal of her work is to support Indigenous language learning and reawakening, while also addressing past harms and supporting healing through art.
Happening at VIU
Celebrating the Class of 2026
For the past month, we’ve been celebrating the Class of 2026.
More than a decade after finishing high school, Alysia Boudreau returned to the classroom questioning her choice to study biology with no background in the sciences. The hands-on research she did during her undergrad has led to the start of a promising conservation career.
A knee injury ended Liam Page’s soccer career but was the start of his dream to become an athletic therapist so he can help others recover from injuries. He graduates with a Kinesiology degree.
Liberal Studies and Political Studies grad Henry Sipos went to Africa and Brazil as a Queen Elizabeth Scholar. His experiences are helping him work towards a career in emergency management.
Told she was statistically the least likely to graduate, Mauricea Panchenko is instead proudly crossing the stage with a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies and Minor in Psychology. She is well known for her advocacy work around campus.
Check out these stories and more on VIU’s Instagram page and on the VIU Blog.
Institute for Future Legislators
Are you thinking of running for elected office in a local, Indigenous, provincial or federal government? Or maybe you are simply curious about how our political systems work? The Institute for Future Legislators is a three-weekend program for people with political aspirations or those who wish to deepen their understanding of the political system. Learn from veteran political leaders, journalists and professional communicators. Engage in simulation exercises. Program alumni have run for and hold municipal and provincial office, serve as political staffers, work on electoral campaigns, and apply the skills and perspectives gained to advance their teaching, advocacy and public service efforts.
The program is held at three separate locations: Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus (August 15 to 16), the University of British Columbia (August 22 to 23) and Simon Fraser University (August 29 to 30). Chat with Dr. Michael MacKenzie, VIU’s Jarislowski Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, about the program.
VIU in the news
From demystifying health education, to arts-based learning, research and healing work, to a floral art installation, here’s what VIU experts were up to in May.
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