Mental Health Awareness Initiative Launched at VIU Cowichan
January 17, 2018
The Friendship Bench aims to stimulate conversations and encourage student-to-student connections An educational experience at Vancouver Island University (VIU) changed Adaline Russell’s outlook on life. In 2008, Russell was severely depressed when she joined a handful of other students at the first Clemente Course offered at VIU – a rigorous, university-level course that offers a doorway into... Read more
Project Between VIU and Snaw-Naw-As Preserves Traditional Plant Knowledge
January 16, 2018
Garden of Spiritual Healing connects Snaw-Naw-As Community Members A Garden of Spiritual Healing is taking root at the Snaw-Naw-As Community Health Centre thanks to a partnership between the First Nation and Vancouver Island University (VIU). VIU’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI) representatives met with the Snaw-Naw-As Community Garden Committee to develop a vision... Read more
VIU Community Honours 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
December 19, 2017
Vancouver Island University Faculty Association, VIUSU and ResTide spearheaded events on Nanaimo campus Hanging a shirt with an anti-violence message, donating a warm coat or lighting a candle to remember a victim of gender-based violence may be small gestures, but these actions can cause powerful ripple effects in communities. These gestures can lead someone to step up and become involved in a... Read more
World VIU Days Celebrates What Connects Us
October 31, 2017
Week of activities showcases global citizenship through discussion, film, music and food NANAIMO, BC: Each year, Vancouver Island University (VIU) benefits from a strong and growing international student body, and this year is no exception – 2,300 students are currently enrolled from more than 90 countries. International students enrich campus life by sharing their culture and values with each... Read more
Open Hearts and a New Home: From Syria and Somalia to Nanaimo
October 17, 2017
VIU students help two refugees achieve education dreams VIU NEWS RELEASE: 2017/316 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, October 17, 2017 NANAIMO, BC: The first time Rahma Hussein and Hassan Al Nabilsi heard of Nanaimo, British Columbia, was when they were informed that they would be going to Vancouver Island University (VIU). Both students are refugees, who were living a world away when they were... Read more
Prison Inmates Perform Play Directed by VIU Theatre Prof
October 11, 2017
Eliza Gardiner, along with theatre and criminology student volunteers, are working with the inmate-run William Head on Stage Theatre Society to produce a play for the public Male offenders incarcerated at William Head Institution are breaking down stereotypes and connecting with community through the act of producing an annual play – this year with the help of Vancouver Island University (VIU)... Read more
VIU Appoints United Way Employee Giving Campaign Associate for 2017
September 19, 2017
Vancouver Island University is proud to enter a second decade of partnership with United Way by appointing our 11th Campaign Associate to coordinate VIU’s annual Employee Giving Campaign and to assist United Way during their busiest campaign season. In 2016, VIU staff contributed more than $40,000 across our three campuses and the Parksville-Qualicum Centre. This total was a record-breaking 12%... Read more
VIU Forges Relationships With Sanala Residents and Neighbours
July 27, 2017
University staff host outreach event at Sanala, formerly King Arthur Court, to raise awareness about the Canada Learning Bond and VIU’s Tuition Waiver Program Vancouver Island University (VIU) staff is raising awareness about two programs that make post-secondary education more accessible and affordable. Ruby Barclay, VIU’s Peer Support Navigator for the Tuition Waiver Program, and Rolanda... Read more
VIU Seeks Indigenous High School Students for Youth Camps in August
June 20, 2017
The two free four-day camps combine cultural activities with outdoor activities and mini-lectures and aim to help youth make the transition to university When Troy Barnes recalls his first day of college, he still feels the blood rise to his face as feelings of humiliation, fear and isolation come rushing back. Barnes, a member of the Klahoose Nation with Homalco roots as well, had just moved... Read more
New Indigenous and Western Science Course at VIU Cowichan Inspires Respect for Nature
April 27, 2017
The first of its kind at VIU, INTR 211 is taught by a Biology Professor and a Traditional Knowledge Keeper, who each present different perspectives on the science of plants and the environment Tina Turan, a third-year Bachelor of Education student at Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Cowichan Campus, says a new course that explores the science of plants and the environment from both... Read more