VIU Student Pulse News: October 7

As you may have read already, VIU will continue in the hybrid learning model for much of our programming this Spring term (beginning in January). This decision was made to support the safety of our community. Read more about it on our COVID-19 information and updates webpage and, as always, if you have a question that is not answered there, simply reply to this email.

Need to know

VIU Library Access Expanding 

In response to growing demand, we are excited to share that the entire third and fourth floors of the VIU Nanaimo campus library will be open 24-7 with appropriate safety protocols in place. This means the whole library will be open to students after hours, not just the Library Commons area on the third floor, and capacity is now 143 people, up from 50. This means more students can study and work in a comfortable, safe space. A reminder that a VIU ID card is required to scan into the facility at this time. Learn more.  

Access to Upper Cafeteria Also Expanding 

The Upper Cafeteria space will also be open late! Hours are now 8 am to 11 pm daily, including weekends, for students looking for a place to study. While the cafeteria itself remains closed, there are vending machines and microwaves available in the building. 

Student Clubs 

Have you joined a club yet? The VIU Students’ Union supports a network of clubs that connects thousands of VIU students every year. It’s a good way to de-stress, explore your hobbies with like-minded people and build skills. Clubs are still operating remotely and doing various off-campus and outdoor activities along with virtual meetings. All clubs are listed on the VIUSU App in the clubs section, if you don't see one to match your interests, you can start your own!

Time Management Tips 

Do you find yourself constantly fighting a massive to-do list that never gets smaller or struggling with completing assignments on time? As Sharon Kelly, VIU’s Success Coach, writes in the VIU Blog, conquering the to-do list starts with first knowing your priorities. Read more.

Connect

#ThriveThursday: Pleasure in a Pandemic 

Do you have questions about dating and intimacy during COVID? Learn about navigating online and in-person dating safely, consent around COVID-19 and intimacy, masturbation and self-pleasure during Pleasure in a Pandemic, presented by VIU Thrive and Cowichan Valley Youth Services. This event is part of #ThriveThursday, a collection of events and activities organized  by different departments at VIU.

CCAA Gaming Challenge 

Think you're the best FIFA player at Vancouver Island University and want a chance to represent your school at the national level? Sign up today for the Vancouver Island University - CCAA FIFA Qualification. 

Participate in World Mental Health Day 

Did you know that October 10 is World Mental Health Day? In honour of this special day, VIU wants to hear from you! From now until Oct. 10, post in VIU's CCR app and let us know: "What self-care strategies do you use to stay well? And what does mental health mean to you?" By posting you will be entered to win a Best Buy gift card and your submissions will be transformed into a digital communal art project!

Voting During a Pandemic 

As with everything else, voting during a pandemic is a bit different. You can request a vote-by-mail package online or by calling Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683 before October 17. Visit the Elections BC website to view the final list of candidates, request your vote by mail package, or learn more about voting in-person.

VIU President Receives National Award 

Did you know that VIU President Dr. Deb Saucier is the 2020 recipient of the Indigenous Women in Leadership Award from the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business? This video captures many of the reasons Saucier received the honour, and you can also watch her acceptance speech. Congratulations, Dr. Saucier!

Graduation Fun 

We hosted a Graduation Celebration event for our alumni who were supposed to walk across the stage in June 2020 that featured shout-outs from celebrities, speeches from some pretty important VIU people like our President and Chancellor, and musical performances. If you missed it, we’ve got you covered! View the whole show on our Facebook page, and check out all of our valedictorian videos. 

Athletics and Recreation Activities 

Don’t stay cooped up in your room this fall! Our Mariners Athletics and Recreation is offering a range of activities and gym access this fall to keep you moving and having fun, including pre-booked time slots in the gym, intramurals and outdoor rec trips. Learn more.

Calling all Student Entrepreneurs 

Do you run your own business? Enactus Canada, a national charity that empowers post-secondary students to use entrepreneurial action to change the world for the better, has launched its Student Entrepreneur National Competition, presented by HSBC Bank Canada, which recognizes and rewards full-time students who also run their own businesses. Nominations are open until November 16 and 12 finalists will have the chance to win $10,000. More info.  

Food Security in the Age of COVID-19 

Want to get in on the conversation about how the pandemic has impacted food security issues on Vancouver Island? Dr. Evan Fraser, Director of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, who will be discussing this timely topic alongside local food system experts in the latest Engaged Citizens Speaker Series. Register for this FREE event.

Supports and Services

VIU Elders-in-Residence Autumn Schedule 

Our Elders-in-Residence provide counselling, support and guidance to all VIU students who wish to speak with them. View their fall schedule.

Fall Library Services 

Library staff are here to help! 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.

Need Help Picking Your Major?

Advisors are here to help you set your academic priorities and goals. Connect with them during their daily drop in hours available through Zoom. Please check in with any questions, and a reminder that applications are now open for September 2021 programs. 

Virtual Information Booths

Do you have questions about how to access VIU services and supports? Need to connect with someone but not sure who? VIU is hosting Student Virtual Information Booths to answer all your questions. Log on Tuesday mornings between 8 and 9 am and Thursday afternoons from 3 – 4 pm. More info.

Virtual Student Job Fair

Save the date! VIU, Camosun College, North Island College and Royal Roads University have teamed up to offer an Island-wide virtual employment and networking expo to connect students with work experience opportunities. This event will take place November 19. Stay tuned to the Student Pulse for more details!

Check-ins for Indigenous Students

VIU’s Office of Aboriginal Education & Engagement is hosting virtual Thuy Thuts (checking in/fixing up) for Indigenous students. Stop by to say hi, ask questions, talk to Indigenous Navigators or Elders-in-Residence and meet other students. October times are: Mondays, 2 – 4 pm, and Wednesdays, 9 – 11 am. Zoom details are:

• Meeting ID: 650 0210 4988
• Password: 076034

Shq’apthut Virtual Gathering Place Drop-in 

Feeling stressed? Have questions about school? Want to meet new people or check in with an Advisor, Elder-in-Residence or Indigenous Education Navigator? Join Services for Aboriginal Students for their virtual Gathering Place drop-in events on Tuesdays (1– 3 pm), Wednesdays (10 am – 12 pm), Thursdays (11 am – 1 pm) and Fridays (9 – 11 am). Zoom link.

COVID-19 updates

VIU Safety App 

Download the VIU Safety App to get access to important COVID-19 information, including a self-assessment tool that we ask all students to use prior to coming to campus unless your instructor/professor has put another self-assessment process in place.  

Campus Events

Stay on top of what's happening at VIU by checking our Campus Events website.