In the Community

VIU Nursing students connect with homeless

September 27, 2011

Fourth-year and first-year Nursing students at Vancouver Island University are getting to know the homeless community by participating in an event called Connect Day at Maffeo Sutton Park in Nanaimo Friday, Sept. 30. The students, enrolled in the Bachelor of Science, Nursing program (BSN), will give away ‘grab bags’ filled with toiletries and other items to the homeless between 10 am and 4 pm.... Read more


VIU in the news: Community dialogue looks at use of forest lands

September 27, 2011

By Jenn McGarrigle - Nanaimo News Bulletin The mid-Island community's vision for forest lands and how to improve long-term, sustainable management of these lands is the topic of a public dialogue session at Vancouver Island University Thursday. Healthy Forests – Healthy Communities: A conversation on B.C. forests, aims to capture the concerns and recommendations of experts and community members... Read more


Aboriginal traditions help students find success at VIU

September 23, 2011

NANAIMO – Shq’apthut, a new Aboriginal gathering place opening today at Vancouver Island University (VIU), will help Aboriginal students feel comfortable and supported in their post-secondary education, assisting them to succeed in school and giving them the opportunity for good jobs to support their families. Shq’apthut, meaning “a gathering place” in Hul'q'umi'num', is located on the... Read more


In the news....University's Cowichan campus opens

September 22, 2011

Victoria Times Colonist, Sept. 23 Story by Sandra McCulloch Vancouver Island University's $30-million Cowichan campus opened Thursday with members of Cowichan Tribes playing a leading role. A ceremony featured dancing, singing and prayers by First Nations representatives. It also included standard fare, such as a ribboncutting, cake and tours of the facility. The structure, designed by... Read more


VIU Cowichan: better access, more choices, closer to home

September 22, 2011

DUNCAN – Students in the Cowichan Valley have a reason to celebrate as more post-secondary education and training options become accessible closer to home. Today on Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) 75th anniversary, students, faculty and staff will celebrate the grand opening of VIU’s new Cowichan Place campus in Duncan. The new campus, at over 3,500 square metres, serves students enrolled in... Read more


Inaugural presentation of VIU’s new Aquatic Foods Initiative features talk by author of The Urban Food Revolution

September 19, 2011

Tuesday’s inaugural presentation of the Aquatic Foods Initiative is a talk by Peter Ladner, local food advocate, author and former Vancouver City Councillor. His new book, The Urban Food Revolution: Changing the Way we Feed Cities has a strong focus on sustainability. VIU’s new Aquatic Foods Initiative has been created to provide a leadership role in fostering research, dialogue and innovation... Read more


Aboriginal artists take part in Welcome Week activities at VIU

September 16, 2011

Shq’apthut: A Gathering Place is the focal point for a series of special welcoming events for Aboriginal students and others at Vancouver Island University. Several Aboriginal artists are taking part in a week-long series of displays at Shq’apthut, one of the newest additions to VIU’s Nanaimo campus. Wednesday’s featured artist, Julie Joseph, had a chance to demonstrate her weaving skills to... Read more


In the News: New program at VIU will aid First Nations students

September 15, 2011

By Danielle Bell, Daily News September 16, 2011 Lisa Wilson remembers what it felt like wandering around Vancouver Island University without seeing another aboriginal person. She eventually discovered support services for aboriginal students on campus, but wishes she had known sooner. Now Wilson, who is taking a double major in First Nations studies and anthropology, will help mentor others... Read more


VIU invites community to grand opening of Cowichan Campus Sept. 22

September 15, 2011

Residents in the Cowichan Valley region are invited to celebrate the grand opening of Vancouver Island University’s new Cowichan Campus on Sept. 22. “Everyone is welcome to come visit our spectacular new facility,” said Campus Principal Maria Lauridsen. “Our grand opening also marks VIU’s 75th anniversary celebration. Cowichan Campus has been part of VIU’s history for more than four decades... Read more


“Graphic Matters: Women Making Comics” presentation by Dr. Marni Stanley opens fall Arts and Humanities Colloquium series

September 14, 2011

Women’s contribution to the world of comics, and to graphic narrative more generally, will be the focus of Dr. Marni Stanley’s presentation on Friday, Sept. 16, from 10 to 11:30 am in the Malaspina Theatre (Building 310). Her presentation is the first in this fall’s Arts and Humanities Colloquium series. The event includes discussion and refreshments and is open to the public. There is no... Read more