VIU Student Pulse News: August 19, 2020

Welcome to the first edition of the VIU Student Pulse! Here you’ll find everything you need to know about student life, services, and important health and safety updates. Look for it in your inbox every second Wednesday (except for this first edition of course). 

Campus culture speaker Blake Fly will kick off the opening ceremony for our Rock VIU: Welcome to Campus event on August 31! Learn more about student orientation events below.

Need to Know

Fall Semester FAQs
Have questions about our hybrid model of educational delivery? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers about how programs will be delivered, technology requirements, housing availability, student life and much more.
 
Tips on Paying for University
Did you know there’s more money available to help you pay for school than ever before? Learn more on the VIU Blog.

Supports and Services

Getting Started at VIU
Want to get a head start on everything you need to know for a successful semester? Our Getting Started at VIU guide has everything you need to start off strong, from what to do if you’re on a waitlist, to getting involved with clubs, to getting connected to resources.

Intro to our Online Learning Systems
Check out the online webinar orientations for VIULearn, the management system to access your online courses and course material, as well as other technologies you may use during your studies. You'll also hear about a self-paced course that shows you how to adjust system settings and notifications for the best online learning experience. Webinars are offered week days from August 17 to September 25. Register now.
 
Fall Library Services
VIU Library is ready to welcome you back to school. Check out our new website for hours and updates on all the supports we have available:

• Get virtual research help,
• Request your VIU student ID card online, 
• Borrow laptops and other equipment from our newly-expanded collection,
• or use the Library Commons 24-7 via VIU card access.

To make using library resources even easier when you are off campus, you can now log in to library databases using your VIU computer account credentials. 

Technology Support
Do you have questions about using technology for your courses? Check out the Student Technology Guide for help with your computer account and password, technology recommendations, accessing course software and much more! If your question isn’t answered there, the IT Service Desk is here to help – refer to the guide for contact details.

Coming Soon: new ways to contact us for support using email and social media. Details will be posted in the Contact Us section of the Student Technology Guide by the end of August! NOTE: If you have an urgent request such as not being able to access your course work, please give us a call at 1-250-740-6300.

How to Pay
Questions about how to pay your tuition and fees? Visit How Do I Pay? for answers.

Connect

New Student Events
We’ve got you covered with a variety of virtual events and activities to help you get to know the university, your faculty and your peers.

• Summer Warm-up Sessions are led by student ambassadors Dayna and Kass via Zoom on August 24 and 25. Kass and Dayna will show you how to get your computer account, library card, textbooks & much more! Register now.
• RockVIU: Welcome to Campus is your opportunity to meet your profs, make connections with your peers and explore the campus (virtually) from August 24 to September 4. Returning students are also welcome to join in the fun! Register now.
• The inaugural VIU Graduate Student Orientation is happening virtually from August 31 to September 11. Learn more.
• Storm the Shores is a five-day Residence Orientation program for students living in Residence that takes place August 28 – September 2, 2020. 
• Theyul’shenum Tseep is a traditional welcoming ceremony for Indigenous students that takes place on September 3 at 11 am. To RSVP to this event, you can email: sas@viu.ca.

Students’ Union Welcome Kits

Your VIU Students’ Union is bringing the welcome to student mailboxes this year. Sign up for the Fall Welcome Kit and get your free 2020/21 student planner, some back to school supplies and exclusive VIU Students' Union and VIU Mariners swag that won’t be given out at any other time this year. Kits are limited so make sure you sign up early!

Mark Your Calendars

Dates and Deadlines
Don’t forget to bookmark VIU Registration’s Dates and Deadlines webpage to stay on top of your semester, from when study break happens, to statutory holidays recognized by VIU and deadlines for dropping or adding courses.

COVID-19 Updates

Find the latest updates on VIU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic on our COVID-19 website and more on our approach to the fall term, including accessing services and supports.