Art Gallery
The View Gallery is a contemporary art gallery on the Nanaimo campus of Vancouver Island University, which presents all types of visual art and design, made by students, community-members, and professional artists. A non-commercial site, the gallery presents a mixture of programming and art events that range from touring exhibitions to annual showcases of student art. The View Gallery is run and staffed by faculty members and students in the Department of Art and Design, within the Faculty of Art and Humanities. Visit View Gallery or for information about upcoming exhibits.
Bike Lockers
Secured, covered containers are available for storage of bikes (non-motorized) and accessories. Information for VIU locker rentals, both for in buildings and bike lockers, can be found on the Campus Store Locker rentals. Public stands are provided near many buildings, and bike users are encouraged to use high quality locks and to remove seats and/or wheels. Bikes may not be taken into buildings or left locked up to the University building, to shrubs or trees, or fixtures (e.g., handrails, lamp posts, signage, etc.).
Campus Store
The VIU Campus Store carries new and used textbooks for all courses. In addition, the VIU Campus Store has an excellent selection of general reading and reference books, art supplies, VIU athletics wear and gifts, educational software, course supplies and stationery products. A used book buyback service occurs every Friday throughout the year. Call 250.740.6200 for current hours and information, or visit the VIU Campus Store.
Visit the VIU Campus Store at the Nanaimo campus in the Library complex. Smaller VIU Campus Stores are located at the Cowichan and tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) campuses.
Computer Labs for Student Use
There are a number of computer labs on campus for student use. Information on location and scheduled operating hours will be available at the beginning of each term. Please note: no food or drinks are allowed in the computer labs, and software piracy will not be tolerated. See Student Conduct Policy.
Gymnasium
Nanaimo campus students (with valid Vancouver Island University student cards) and community members (on a fee-for-service basis) may use this multi-purpose facility. It includes a fitness/weight room with individual weight machines, stairmasters, free weights, treadmills, elliptical and rowing machines, recumbent and exercise bikes. The main gym has courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton and soccer, as well as a convertible squash and racquetball court. Various sports equipment is also available. For more information visit Gym Facilities and Services or call 250.740.6418.
Library
The Vancouver Island University Library consists of the main Library, centrally located on the Nanaimo Campus, and branch libraries at the Cowichan and tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) Campuses. The University Library collection contains over 230,000 books, journals, and audio-visual items. Access to the collection is provided via a web-based catalogue. Fax and electronic transmissions and courier services facilitate inter-campus and interlibrary borrowing.
Student ID cards, which also serve as library cards, are issued in the Library (Bldg.305). Borrowing privileges are also extended to all non-student residents of the University region, for a fee.
Through the Library’s membership in the Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries (COPPUL), VIU Students are able to borrow in person from other COPPUL member libraries, including University of Victoria, Royal Roads University, Simon Fraser University, and University of British Columbia. Details about COPPUL borrowing privileges are available at the Loan Desk of all VIU Libraries.
Information about specific regulations, hours and services may be obtained at the Information and Loan Desk at each campus or on the Library website.
Parking
Pay parking is in effect at the Nanaimo Campus. Parking is permitted only in designated, marked parking stalls. No parking is permitted on landscaped areas or lawns. Parking is limited and on a first-come, first-parked basis.
Parking permits can be purchased online and various ticket dispensers take credit cards. Learn more about pay parking at VIU’s Nanaimo Campus.
Parking violation fines are issued for infractions. Persons with outstanding fines will not be permitted to register in courses and will not be eligible to receive a transcript of marks, certificate, diploma or degree until all outstanding fines are paid.
Alternate forms of transportation are encouraged as VIU is attempting to reduce the number of cars—especially those operated by single occupants—coming to the Nanaimo campus in an attempt to create a greener, safer campus for generations of students to come. For information on carpool options, please visit VIU Carpool. See also Bike Lockers.
Under the terms of its pay parking policy, VIU is offering the opportunity to seek a parking space on campus, rather than guaranteeing a parking space to students, employees, and visitors. For full details on parking permits, parking regulations, Nanaimo campus parking map, transportation alternatives, visit VIU Parking.
Student Activity Building
Building 185, commonly called the SAB, houses food services and a lounge area.
Theatre
The Malaspina Theatre seats 294 people and is used for dramatic and musical events throughout the year. It is used extensively for University programs but can be rented by community groups on an hourly or daily basis. For information, call 250.741.2446.