VIU receives international planning award

Vancouver Island University (VIU) has received international recognition for developing a Nanaimo Campus Master Plan and taking an innovative approach to integrated planning in consultation with a wide variety of stakeholders.

The Society of College and University Planning (SCUP) honoured VIU with the 2010 Award for Institutional Innovation and Integration.

Ric Kelm, Executive Director of Facilities Services and Campus Services, received the award on behalf of VIU at SCUP’s 45th Annual International Conference and Idea Marketplace in Minneapolis July 10-14.

This award recognizes and honours the achievement of higher education institutions or teams of individuals whose work demonstrates “innovative thinking, planning, and implementation in an integrated fashion.”

A description of VIU’s Nanaimo Campus Master Plan and Integrated Planning Process appears on SCUP’s web site, in an upcoming issue of Planning for Higher Education, and in the Tribute to Excellence newspaper.

“It’s outstanding for VIU to receive this prestigious award because our peers made the selection,” said Kelm. “Our approach to institutional planning is part of the Integrated Planning Process that President Ralph Nilson and the VIU Board of Governors initiated three years ago. It will guide our planning and growth in a more sustainable way now and into the future.”

“We’re extremely proud to receive this recognition,” added Nilson. “The development and implementation of the Nanaimo Campus Master Plan (NCMP) is an integral part of VIU’s Integrated Planning Process. The process involved the engagement of students, faculty and staff as well as external stakeholders which include First Nations, municipal and provincial governments, community associations, and individual members of the community at large.

“The synergistic nature of the NCMP is key to the university’s ability to be successful in building a dynamic and diverse educational organization that supports excellence and engages student and community engagement. The NCMP will aid the institution in crafting a superior learning and teaching environment for students, faculty, staff and the community.”

Nilson added that the depth of engagement required for the plan further allows the institution to respond proactively to emerging trends in social, demographic, environmental and technological areas thereby providing inspirational leadership to the community and contributing to the community’s success.

“The productive and meaningful relationships being forged within the community are bolstered by the fluidity and transparency of the plan and those positive relationships will provide a solid foundation for the development of a sustainable and vibrant campus and community,” he said.

Carol Mason, Chief Administrative Officer of the Regional District of Nanaimo, complimented VIU for its “exceptional improvements to the campus management, development activities and planning processes since being granted university status.”


Mason said improvements to the planning and development processes at VIU have provided the RDN “with a roadmap to work with in terms of planning our own related activities.”

Nanaimo Mayor John Ruttan said with significant upgrades to the Nanaimo campus that coincide with university status, VIU has rapidly become a competitive learning environment. He said the city looks forward to continuing collaboration with VIU on a number of projects including implementation of a Sustainable Transportation Strategy that makes VIU a hub for city transit routes.

VIU is known as a center of excellence for teaching, applied research and learning. With roots dating back to 1936 when Nanaimo’s first vocational training school opened its doors, VIU shares a rich history and deep relationships with its communities. With a change in status from university/college to full university in 2008, VIU has changed more than its name and is positioning itself to become a national leader in education, community development and environmental practices with the implementation of the Nanaimo Campus Master Plan (NCMP) in conjunction with a new Integrated Planning Process.

For further information, visit SCUP ( ) or view the VIU SCUP Presentation ().