VIU Student Pulse News: May 29, 2024

We hope your semester is going well! Read this newsletter to learn more about some supports that could help you ... and a few distractions to take advantage of the beautiful weather we have been having!

In this issue: 

• Pride Month - join us in the Pride Parade! 
• Hikes and adventure trips
• Web registration help
• The VIU library is here for your assignment needs

Need to know

Pride flag raising and Show Your Pride

Join the Positive Space Alliance on Wednesday, June 5 at 11:30 am for the raising of the pride flag to mark Pride Month at VIU. Join us on the Nanaimo campus at the flag poles by the RBC Plaza (in front of Building 200) for the raising of the Pride flag. Members of the Positive Space Alliance will say a few words to mark the event followed by cupcakes, socializing and games. People are also invited to join the Positive Space Alliance in representing VIU at the Nanaimo Pride Parade and Festival. The Nanaimo Pride Parade is on Sunday, June 9. Email PositiveSpace@viu.ca to let us know that you’re interested.

Connect with an advisor

The Advising Centre is open from June 10 to August 16 at the Nanaimo campus in Building 200. Drop-in hours are from 10 am to 2 pm daily. Or connect with an advisor by emailing advising@viu.ca, phoning 250.740.6410 or book a Zoom or phone appointment. Check out our top five advising tips for new students:

1. Read all emails from VIU. They contain important information you need to know.
2. Build a support network. Start with advising.
3. Ask questions frequently. Connect with instructors and advisors whenever you have questions.
4. Use Learning Matters. This digital resource offers strategies, study, reading and writing tips.
5. Explore Thrive at VIU. A collection of events, activities and resources to help you be well.

Connect

Join the VIU Bird Banding Project

Are you interested in learning about birds? The program monitors migrant and resident birds and offers VIU students hands-on and research opportunities. And it conducts demonstrations to teach bird identification, ecology and conservation for all ages. Volunteer or get more info about the VIU Bird Banding Project by emailing Dr. Eric Demers at Eric.Demers@viu.ca.

Send Kelp film screening

VIU is hosting a screening of the documentary Send Kelp. The film follows the journey of Frances Ward who sets out to build a kelp farm off the coast of Vancouver Island. The screening is on June 8 at 6 pm at Malaspina Theatre. Educational and research displays will be in the lobby. Tickets are $11.98 and are available on Eventbrite. Proceeds from the event will help support a student scholarship related to seaweed research.

Local hikes 🥾

Join Cultural Connections and explore some of the most scenic and awe-inspiring local hiking trails Nanaimo has to offer! The Local Hikes program is designed to encourage confidence and creativity in participants, while at the same time aiming to forge a connection with nature and a desire to protect it. Each hike is only $2. Upcoming hikes include:

• May 31: Jack Point Park
• June 7: Blueback Beach

Road trips 🚙

Every semester a schedule of seasonal weekly activities is available to all registered VIU students. Sign up for Cultural Connections trips every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 1:30 pm in Building 255 (International Education, on the second floor, beside the main lobby.
Upcoming trips:

• June 1: Raptors Centre and Ladysmith, Transfer Beach
• June 8: Nanaimo whale watch

Sign up for Cultural Connections trips 📝

Sign up for Cultural Connections trips every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 1:30 pm in Building 255, International Education, on the second floor, beside the main lobby.

Careers and employers research survey

VIU is participating in a national research study of student interests and attitudes regarding their careers and employers. The survey results will help employers better understand how to attract and hire students and graduates while also helping us learn how to better serve you with career planning support. Responses are confidential and will not be associated with your identity. All respondents are eligible to enter a draw for a $500 Best Buy gift card or one of 10 cash prizes of $100 each. Take the survey here.

Supports & services

VIU Experience Hub 💼

Log in to your VIU Experience Hub account, using your VIU single sign-on credentials, to access several student services. If you have any questions about the Experience Hub, please email cel@viu.ca. The Experience Hub is where you can:

• book appointments with educational and immigration advisors
• book appointments with the Career Studio
• view a job posting board where external employers are posting employment and internship opportunities
• view on-campus employment opportunities 

Be fire smart this summer 🔥

As we approach hot, dry months at VIU, remember that our campus is smoke-free except for designated smoking areas. In the summer, a few of the designated smoking areas near Building 356 and VIUSU will be closed due to their proximity to forest and grass areas.

Get support at VIU Library 📚

Working on summer assignments and need research help?  We’re available all summer online and in person by request. Looking for summer activities? Check out our themed display for June at the Nanaimo campus library and online, featuring fun and interesting resources on nature, Vancouver Island adventures and gardening. From books to games to movies to tools, we’ve got you covered. Have a great summer!

Summer gym schedule 🏋🏽

Gym Summer Hours until September 3 are Monday to Friday 8 am to 7:30 pm, closed on weekends and for special events.

Asbestos awareness training

Do you want to learn more about asbestos? You can access the VIU Asbestos Awareness course on VIULearn. Login to VIULearn and head to the Discover tab to locate the course!

Check out the VIU Safety App

Watch the VIU Safety App informational video. This short, one-minute video is a great resource to share with the entire VIU community.

VIU Off-Campus Housing 🏡

Did you know the University’s Off-Campus Housing department can support you with things like house hunting, tenancy law and conflict resolution? Off-Campus Housing can help you with:

• Finding housing and roommates 
• Temporary accommodation 
• Contracts, fees and tenancy issues 

Read the VIU blog post for more details. Visit Off-Campus Housing, email housing@viu.ca or book a meeting 

Don’t have a VIU student card yet? 

Simply follow the instructions on the library’s website to get your VIU ID card. Your ID card gets you access to the library. Upload your photo to your student record and then pick it up at the library service desk when you get notified it’s ready. Reach out to your professors to ensure specific building access for your programs and courses. If you’re new here, find out everything you need to know to orient yourself to library services.

National Student Loans Service Centre

Did you know you can chat with a live agent? Get answers to questions about your student loan in real time! National Student Loans Service Centre agents are available to chat Monday to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, your local time. Learn more.

BC Student loan applications 

Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year will be available at the beginning of June. For more information, please visit www.studentaidbc.ca.

VIU International update

We're streamlining our communication channels to better serve you! EdAbroad@viu.ca will be phased out. Effective immediately, all emails should be directed to InternationalMobility@viu.ca. International Mobility supports activities including inbound and outbound student and faculty exchanges, study abroad students, visiting researchers and scholars, and field schools. If you are interested in an exchange opportunity for the 2025 Spring Semester, contact us! Please email Alexandra van Vianen, Advisor for International Mobility, InternationalMobility@viu.ca.

Mark your calendars

Web registration

VIU Web Registration continues through early June. If you have any questions or need assistance, please connect with an educational advisor or attend a Web Registration and Course Selection Session to work on your web registration with the support of Advising and Registration Services. It is not too late to apply to programs still accepting applications at VIU. Connect with an advisor with your questions.