VIU Student Pulse News: September 23, 2020

Welcome to the fourth edition of the Student Pulse – your guide to everything you need to know about VIU. Did you know that all editions are stored on the VIU Blog? If you missed a past edition, just look there to see if your questions are answered.

Need to know

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 am - 9 am and Thursday afternoons from 3 pm - 4 pm. Learn more about Virtual Information Booths.

Have You Connected with Your Profs Yet?

Challenge yourself to reach out and connect with each one of your instructors. Students who meet (virtually this year) with instructors during office hours report being much more successful in their courses.

Supports & Services

Living Your Best Self

VIU’s Success Coach Sharon Kelly has created a new podcast called Successful U about living your best self. Follow along or book a one-on-one session with her.

Essential Learning and Activity Spaces at Nanaimo Campus

Students in the Nanaimo area can now access a few spaces on campus to study. The Library Commons is open 24-7, and the Upper Cafeteria space is also available between 8 am - 5 pm. All spaces have been set up to support physical distancing protocols and safety. Students need their VIU ID card to access these spaces. Get your VIU ID Card.

Student Tech Help Chat

Need help with your VIU computer account and password or using technology for your courses? We have live Student Tech Help Chat available Monday to Friday 8 am - 9 pm. Go to our Student Technology Guide and look for the pink chat box.

Student Affairs Extended Hours of Services

To better support students in various times zones, starting September 29, Financial Aid and Awards, Accessibility Services and Counselling will be offering extended hours this fall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 am - 5 pm.

Need a place to stay?

VIU Student Residences still has rooms available for Fall 2020. More info on Student Residences

VIU Cowichan Building Access

Students wishing to access the learning commons at the Cowichan Campus can swipe their ID cards at the readers by the doors Monday to Thursday 7 am - 9 pm, Fridays from 7 am - 7 pm and Saturdays from 9 am - 5 pm. On Sundays the doors are locked. Get your Cowichan Campus ID Card.

Academic Supports

Did you know that VIU has a variety of learning supports available to help you succeed, including the Writing Centre, the Math Learning Centre, Peer Supported Learning and the Learning Matters website? International students also have access to academic supports tailored to their needs.

Meet Stuey

Are you familiar with Stuey the Sturgeon, VIU’s official mascot? He’s taking on double duty and will now be your official tour guide to Student Affairs services on campus. Check him out on Instagram and Facebook, or visit Student Affairs virtually this fall.

Nanaimo Campus Eats

Don’t go hungry on campus! VIU Food Services is operating a grab and go store featuring a wide selection of snacks, sandwiches, soup and much more. The VIU Student Pub is also open for dine in or takeout. More info on Nanaimo Campus Eats.

New Bathrooms at Nanaimo Campus

There are newly renovated washrooms available in the Nanaimo Campus’s two designated common study spaces – the Library and the Upper Cafeteria. The new multi-stall, all-gender washrooms in the Library are right next to the Starbucks. Gendered washrooms remain available on all floors. In the Upper Cafeteria space, the gendered washrooms are newly renovated. Both spaces have a separate, fully accessible universal washroom that includes a ceiling lift and baby change table to better meet the needs of all campus users.

Student Conduct and Online Learning

A gentle reminder that VIU’s Student Conduct Code applies in a virtual classroom setting just as much as in-person classes. The Code outlines standards of behaviour for all students to ensure a positive and safe learning environment for students and employees. Visit the Visit the Student Conduct website for more details.

Thriving in an Online Environment

Looking for some tips on transitioning successfully to online learning? The Open Education Resource Pressbook was created by University of Windsor students “to help ease the shift from a traditional classroom setting to an online environment.” Learn more about successful online learning.

Services for Aboriginal Students

Students can reach out to an Educational Advisor for help with registration, course planning or to learn more about other supports available. Students can email sas@viu.ca or call 250-740-6510.

Connect

Student Deals

There’s still time to take advantage of some great back to school deals at Nanaimo's best local businesses. Find all of the "Welcome Weeks" promotions on the Deals app until September 30. Download the Deals app today and start saving!

Learn a Little More About Our President

Did you know that VIU President Dr. Deb Saucier is a blogger? Check out her thoughts on back-to-school, the positive changes many of us have made this year and what the future might hold.

Convocation

We are getting excited for our virtual Graduation Celebration. Want to check it out? It will be livestreamed on the VIU Facebook page Wednesday, Sept. 30 starting at 2 pm.

GoByBike Week

Join the VIU Student Cyclists Team for fall GoByBike Week! Open to all VIU students, no matter where you live! Get Team Perks and win Team Challenges just for biking (recreational rides count too!). Full details and registration link available in the group on the VIUSU app.

Activity Guide Now Available

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 about the Activity Guide.

VIU Strategic Planning Process 

Did you know that VIU launched a strategic planning engagement process, The Future We Want to See, last March? Read all about what our community has shared so far in the What We Heard report, and stay tuned for the launch of the draft plan, and the next round of engagement activities, in the coming weeks.

Engaged Citizens Speaker Series

Join the conversation online on October 8! Maybe your teacher will give you a few bonus marks? Our group of panelists will be talking about Food Security in the age of COVID-19. Learn more on the Facebook event page.

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.

VIU Residences Quarantine Program

Are you travelling to Canada to attend classes at VIU? Any student who arrives from abroad this fall must complete their 14-day self-isolation period. Learn more about the VIU Student Residences’ quarantine program.

Mark your calendar

Want Some Money to Help Pay for School?

Don’t forget to fill out your Scholarship, Award and Bursary Profile, accessed by logging on to your student record, by October 31 at noon to be considered for hundreds of thousands of dollars in bursaries VIU is giving away this year. Just one form gets you in the running for them all! Learn more about your Scholarship, Awards and Bursary Profile.

Campus events

Check our Campus Events to stay on top of what's happening at VIU.