VIU's Campus-wide Open House Coming Up Oct. 2

Learn how to make a digital movie, meet a giant sturgeon, get in on a federal election discussion, and take a fun, informative campus tour at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Open House at the Nanaimo campus from 10 am to 3 pm Friday, Oct. 2.

These are just a few of the many scheduled activities which you’re invited to discover at VIU’s Open House, which is sponsored by Coast Capital Savings. Make sure you also drop by the VIU Expo in the upper cafeteria (Building 300), where 48 different VIU departments, faculties and programs will display information, answer questions, and get you involved in fun activities on the spot – perfect if you’re short on time, or visiting on your lunch break.

The VIU Expo takes place right beside the Welcome Centre, where attendees can enter a draw for three different themed gift baskets, or a $500 tuition credit. Chat with University staff and Student Ambassadors while you enjoy cupcakes and refreshments, and view the stunning new Ceremonial Convocation Suite on display. This spectacular work of art was carved by renowned artist Arthur Vickers, gifted to VIU by Coast Capital Savings, and will be used at all of the University’s convocation ceremonies.

“There is so much for the community at VIU,” says Tina McComb, VIU’s Director of Enrolment Management. “We invite families and people of all ages to come up to the Nanaimo campus to get a taste of what we offer not only to students, but to our community members who may want to learn about how they can engage with the many activities, including events, lecture series, films, art shows, theatre and music productions happening at VIU throughout the year.”

The VIU Open House is an event that reflects the University’s desire to forge strong connections with the greater Nanaimo community, and spread the word that VIU has much to offer students of all ages, but also 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 a session on the importance of play with Early Childhood Education and Care faculty and students; tours of the Culinary program kitchen; demonstrations of game-changing technology for students with disabilities; a visit to VIU’s Natural History Museum; a public reading of literary works by students and faculty in English and Creative Writing;  free mini-hairstyles and feather hair extensions with Hairdressing students; a chance to drive a mini-excavator with Heavy Mechanical Trades; and a visit on the teaching “ward” with the Nursing program’s high-tech robotic patient.

“VIU’s Open House is a really casual, friendly and fun chance to explore the Nanaimo campus,” says Tori Klassen, Director, Communications and Public Relations. “While most people know about VIU for its wide variety of educational programs, Open House is a chance to learn about the huge range of programs, resources and activities that are open to everyone.”

To plan your day at VIU’s Open House, see a detailed listing of activities and VIU Expo participants at www.viu.ca/openhouse.

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

-30-

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:

Shari Bishop Bowes, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University

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