Future Students

Every June, people around the world celebrate Pride month. The VIU Positive Space Alliance encourages our community to renew their commitment to creating spaces that are safe and inclusive for 2SLGBTQ+ members of our communities this year. Here are some ideas that can help you demonstrate that you’re an ally:

Marcel Du Pleissis is graduating from Vancouver Island University this June with a Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology diploma. He decided to enrol in the diploma program as a foundational learning step and plans on returning to VIU this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology.

How’s the semester going so far? If you’re thinking ahead to what you’re going to take next year and need some help, VIU’s Educational Advising team is standing by to support you. This newsletter has also got some tips for paying for school, keeping your email safe from scammers and accessing VIU Learn. Don’t forget that Monday, May 23 is a holiday and VIU will be closed except for the Nanaimo campus library, which you can access 24-7 with your student card.

The school year is over, warmer weather is on the horizon, and you may be starting the search for a summer job. Whether that job is in your field of study or not, it’s important to understand what employers are looking for.

“Regardless of how strong your ‘hard’ or technical skills are, ‘soft’ skills are key,” says VIU Career Services Officer Paula Deering.

Volunteering is about giving your time, skills and energy to an organization or cause that you care about. It’s about engaging in the community and giving back. It can also be a good opportunity to learn new skills and ideas, meet new people and try different kinds of work.

Whether you are missing prerequisites, want to finish high school or need to prepare for success in an academic program, VIU's Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation (ACP) has many programs to help you come back to school and get started on a path that helps you get where you want to go.

The programs are designed to offer a starting point that is right for all types of learners. Students receive dedicated attention and support from instructors who care about their success, gaining confidence and know-how along the way.

Joseph Monaghan says there are a lot of unknowns coming into the first year of a PhD research project but many of his questions were already answered because he is conducting research at VIU, where he earned his undergraduate degree.

Having a great resumé and cover letter can lead to incredible opportunities and knowing how to showcase to employers why you’re the perfect candidate for the job is essential for getting that first interview.

A newly revamped Hospital Unit Coordinator (HUC) program at Vancouver Island University (VIU) is proving to be a success, as the first cohort of students to come through the program in two years prepare to graduate this spring.

The program, formerly a six-month, part-time program was paused at the onset of COVID-19, due to challenges associated with conducting it solely online.

“Where should I study after high school?” Facing down this question can be overwhelming. There are so many choices, so many different programs and fields of study, and how can you ensure a university culture is the right fit? We asked eight students why VIU is working for them and got their answers on video.  

From professors who know your name and engage with you in meaningful ways, to getting involved in research or clubs in areas of passion, to getting hands-on learning experiences in their field of choice, here’s what they said: