General Information

Vancouver Island University . . . then and now

From humble beginnings . . .

Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina) is a comprehensive University, which has played an active role in the cultural and economic life of the Central Vancouver Island region since 1969. Malaspina opened its doors to 638 students in the old Nanaimo Hospital on Kennedy Street, in September 1969. It was the first regional community college on Vancouver Island. In those days the College offered university transfer and career programs. Vocational programs were added in 1971 when Malaspina melded with the British Columbia Vocational School. The roots of vocational training in the community date back to 1936, when the first vocational training institution opened, offering programs in building construction and automotive mechanics.

. . . to a University

In 1989, Malaspina was designated a University and began offering selected university degree programs in conjunction with the University of Victoria. Legislation passed by the provincial government, in January 1995, allowed Malaspina to grant independent degrees, and in June 1998 Malaspina conferred the first of its own degrees. In May 2008, Malaspina was granted university status and became what is now Vancouver Island University. Over the years Vancouver Island University has grown into an institution with more than 12,000 full and part-time students in credit programs. In addition, some 2,000 students are enrolled in various contract and extension programs, and 10,500 students are taking continuing education courses.

VIU’s region includes four school districts: Cowichan Valley—No. 79; Nanaimo—No. 68; Qualicum—No. 69; and Powell River—No. 47. To serve the particular learning needs of the 175,000 people in all parts of the region, the University has a main campus in Nanaimo, regional campuses in Duncan, Powell River, and a Centre in the Parksville•Qualicum area.

VIU is funded by the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education and, within this funding allocation, strives to offer a wide variety of educational experiences to people of the region. In the past two decades VIU has become a leader in international education and contract training for business and industry; this provides a means of augmenting the institution’s operating budget, and provides domestic students with a wide range of opportunities to study overseas.

. . . with a range of opportunities

VIU encourages students of all educational backgrounds to explore their training options, which range from fundamental literacy skills and English-as-a-Second Language programs, trades and vocational programs, career/technical programs, to Bachelor’s degrees and selected Master’s degrees. Many programs have specific academic requirements to ensure that students experience a reasonable amount of success in their studies. VIU also offers customized training for business and industry, as well as a wide range of continuing education courses to serve the needs of part-time, life-long learners.

As a result of an increased demand for post-secondary education, students planning to enrol in University programs are encouraged to apply for admission as soon as possible after November 15 to ensure a better chance of enrolling in the program and/or courses of choice.

Updated June 4, 2008