News

A wildfire burns near a road

Expert Q&A: Be wildfire ready

August 22, 2023

Jenn Houtby-Ferguson shares some tips Recreation and Tourism Management Professor Jenn Houtby-Ferguson is currently during her doctoral work on emergency readiness and risk communications for the tourism and hospitality industries. She’s a delegate with the Canadian Red Cross and has supported... Read more


three automotive students receive instruction from a teacher in the shop

VIU supports newcomers to Canada pursue trades careers

August 11, 2023

The tuition-free program helps newcomers transition into trades education.­­ Newcomers to Canada who want to pursue a career in the trades will get some extra help starting this September, thanks to a new program at Vancouver Island University (VIU). Called Trades Pathways for Newcomers, the cohort... Read more


Three people stand in a culinary arts lab

Sault College and Vancouver Island University partner to expand opportunities for culinary learners

July 31, 2023

Sault College and Vancouver Island University have partnered together to offer an expanded opportunity for those interested in deepening their learning of the culinary arts. The new pathway agreement will allow eligible graduates of Sault College’s Culinary Management diploma program to complete a ... Read more


Brian Timmer wears a SCUBA suit while swimming surrounded by kelp.

Alum of the Month: Brian Timmer

July 31, 2023

As a SCUBA instructor at Sundown Diving, Brian Timmer swam amongst the kelp forests in the waters of Nanoose Bay. During heatwaves in 2014 and 2015, he witnessed those kelp forests disappear.   A few years later while attending Vancouver Island University, he worked for the Mount Arrowsmith... Read more




Sign up for our VIU news & experts email

Community Classroom

news image

Doing your part to save water during a drought

Drought levels in many areas of British Columbia are at the most severe end of the provincial five-point scale and have been since mid-July. BC Minister of...

news image

Why you should secure your garbage and recycling

Unsecured garbage and recycling can attract bears to residential neighbourhoods, leading to potential wildlife-human conflicts. If wildlife such as bears...

news image

VIU alum shares Indigenous-made films watch list

VIU alum J’net Ayayqwayaksheelth (One who gives away and still stands tall) works for the National Film Board of Canada as the organization’s Director of...

More Community Classroom

Blog Posts

news image

Things to do in Nanaimo

VIU’s main campus is in the harbourside city of Nanaimo. If you’re new to the area, it’s a good idea to spend some time exploring the city. One of the most...

news image

Student Pulse News: Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Are you looking for part-time work this semester? Polish up your resume and head to two career fairs happening this week, one for on-campus jobs and one for...

news image

3 reasons to become a student ambassador

My first year of college was the worst year of my life. During the time of lockdowns and restrictions in the middle of the pandemic, I was isolated and away...

More Posts