VIU opens classroom doors to students and the public Jan. 24 to 28

Ever wonder what goes on in a university classroom?

Faculty at Vancouver Island University will open their classroom doors Jan. 24 to 28 so that other faculty, staff, students and the public can come in to observe teaching and learning.

All secondary school students are welcome to attend.

“During Open Door Week, teaching faculty from most areas of VIU and campuses will open their classroom doors,” said Liesel Knaack, director, Innovation and Excellence in Learning @VIU.

“It’s a great chance for current VIU students, high school students, the public, staff and other faculty to learn more about various disciplines and a get a taste of what is being taught.”

Open Door Week coincides with exam period in local high schools so it is an especially convenient time for secondary school students to visit VIU classrooms. “Many grade 12 students are planning their post-secondary education right now,” said Knaack. “Open Door Week at VIU gives them a sneak peak at what university life is all about.”

Erik Baldwinson, a second-year Business student at VIU attended Open Door Week while he was attending grade 12 at Dover Bay Secondary.

“I found Open Door Week helpful as it allowed me to develop a feel for what taking classes at VIU would be like,” he said. “It helped break the ice and put the whole post-secondary experience in perspective for me.”

Erik’s dad Chris Baldwinson also attended an Open Door class with his son.

“Attending Open Door Week may validate a student’s existing career decision or reveal an early change in direction,” said Baldwinson. “Erik felt inspired after we attended that class. He was more than comfortable to attend classes during the remainder of the Open Door Week with his younger sister Laura who also benefited from the experience. It helped Erik make his decision to attend VIU.”

“We encourage everyone to check out the website for a list of rooms and topics and choose a class or two to attend,” said Knaack.