A snapshot of student life, academics and mental health at VIU

In November 2021, VIU launched its first Student Success Survey, which asked students about their experiences and motivations while attending VIU. The results are being distributed to all VIU faculties to be used for planning purposes. VIU values student feedback and the survey team would like to thank all students who took the time to participate.

Here are some of the highlights from the survey:

Who was surveyed and what were the response rates?

All current VIU students in November 2021 were invited to complete the survey and 42% of students responded.

General info about VIU students:

• 25% of students live with dependents at least part of the time.
• 58% of students are employed, working 21 hours per week on average.
• 79% of students have a specific career goal.

What do students say about their programs?

• 92% agree that they are developing skills relevant to their disciplines.
• 91% agree that their program is contributing to their intellectual growth.
• 87% agree that they are learning the practical skills required for their fields of study.
• 87% agree that the content of their required courses is valuable.
• 84% would recommend their VIU program to a friend considering taking it.

What do students say about their instructors and classroom experiences?

• 93% agree that their instructors treat them with respect.
• 92% agree that their instructors provide reasonable opportunities to communicate with them.
• 86% agree that their instructors show interest in their success at school.

What about student academic habits?

• 94% attend all their classes in normal circumstances.
• 93% take responsibility for their own learning.
• 92% review feedback on their marked work.
• 84% carefully check their work before handing it in.

Student mental health

The Fall 2021 Student Success Survey asked some questions about student mental health. Response options for the mental health questions were: Always, Often, Sometimes, Rarely, Never and Don’t know. Here are the results:

• 62% always/often take care of their health.
• 52% can always/often manage the stress in their life.
• 24% always/often feel very lonely.
• 22% always/often feel very sad.

VIU values the well-being of our community. We want to remind you that there are supports available. You are not alone, and help is available both at VIU and in our larger communities. We’ve shared some links below to available resources.

For assistance:

If you are having difficulty, please reach out:

• VIU Nanaimo Campus Counselling Services
• Cowichan Campus Counselling
• Powell River Campus Counselling
• Crisis resources and other services

Survey incentives and prize winners

All survey participants were eligible to enter the prize draw. One iPad, three sets of airpods, and five $100 Campus Store account credits were randomly drawn and awarded to students who entered the survey prize draw. Congratulations to the winners!