Past, Present & Future

The vision of Vancouver Island University is based on a commitment to individual growth. Because educated, trained citizens are vital to a productive society, VIU's mission is to enable adult learners to realize their full potential as individuals, as members of the community, and as participants in the world of work.

We have a strong commitment to excellence. VIU's university status will enable us not only to maintain our traditional diversity and balance of programs, but to provide additional opportunities to the people in our communities through innovative programs that complement existing opportunities at other British Columbia post-secondary institutions. All VIU programs - in whatever communities in our region they are offered - will be of the highest standards. The central objective of all learning and teaching at VIU will be to develop creative, critical and analytical thinking skills in our graduates, to enable them to cope with change in a rapidly evolving society.

VIU will be an institution where teamwork, positive communication and wide participation in governance are encouraged. People are our real strength, and our intent is that everyone at VIU, students and employees, will feel valued and nurtured. Interaction at VIU will be characterized by civility and mutual respect.

VIU will be innovative in responding to external change. We will consult with communities in the region we serve, and establish active partnerships to ensure our programs and services are relevant. While maintaining a strong regional orientation, VIU will also acknowledge provincial, national and global responsibilities.

Vancouver Island University looks forward to the challenges of the 21st century. The need for our services will be great, our resources will be finite, but we will innovate and serve the learning needs of as many people as possible. VIU is committed to remaining a source of pride to the people of our region and to the communities we serve.

Mission Statement

Vancouver Island University is a dynamic and diverse educational organization, dedicated to excellence in teaching, service and research. We foster student success, strong community connections and international collaboration by providing access to a wide range of university and college programs designed for regional, national and international students.
Vancouver Island University is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

General information about Vancouver Island University

Malaspina College was Vancouver Island's first community college and was officially opened in September 1969 in temporary quarters in the old Nanaimo Hospital building on Kennedy Street. It was created to provide advanced education opportunities for citizens in five school districts: Cowichan (79), Lake Cowichan (66), Nanaimo (68), Qualicum (69) and Powell River (47). In 1971, the college amalgamated with the BC Vocational School which had been in operation in Nanaimo since 1936. The permanent campus was established in 1976 on a spectacular 110 acre site on the lower slopes of Mount Benson, overlooking the city of Nanaimo, Georgia Strait, and the Coast Mountains on the BC mainland.

Malaspina was designated a University in 1989. In 1994-95, Malaspina celebrated the 25th anniversary of its founding as a community college. Malaspina received independent degree-granting status in February 1995. Today, Vancouver Island University has four campuses: Nanaimo (Main Campus), Cowichan (located in Duncan), Parksville/Qualicum and Powell River and offers about 900 courses leading to 100 certificate, diploma and degree programs. This includes 21 trade and specialty vocational programs and 7 Bachelor degree programs.

Vancouver Island University offers a wide range of non-credit evening and weekend courses for personal and professional development at all four campuses.

Vancouver Island University's operating budget comes from the province, tuition fees and VIU raises the rest from entrepreneurial efforts.