In the Community

Message from VIU President Ralph Nilson on special mediation

May 13, 2011

Dear Colleagues, On May 11, 2011 the Government-appointed special mediator, Mr. Mark Brown, tabled his non-binding recommendations with respect to the two outstanding matters in the Vancouver Island University – Vancouver Island University Faculty Association labour dispute. (To view the mediator's report, visit this link posted by the B.C. Labour Ministry: ) The parties now have until May 21... Read more


VIU hosting public forum in advance of HST referendum

May 12, 2011

VIU hosting public forum in advance of HST referendum Vancouver Island University is hosting one of 11 public forums before the provincial referendum on the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). The public is invited to attend the forum June 9 in the Malaspina Theatre at VIU’s Nanaimo campus, 900 Fifth Street, 7:30 pm to 9 pm. The HST Public Forums will take place in BC public universities, colleges and... Read more


Extreme Science means brighter future for African students

May 10, 2011

Exciting science demonstrations involving explosions, implosions, flying arrows, fire, levitation, and lightning will be featured at the third annual Extreme Science show at Vancouver Island University. The show gets underway Thursday, May 19 in the Malaspina Theatre at VIU’s Nanaimo campus at 7 pm. “It’s a fun, entertaining show that appeals to all ages and features demonstrations from VIU’s... Read more


VIU students raise $22,500 for relief efforts in Japan

May 9, 2011

Imagine being a student thousands of kilometres from home and hearing on the six o’clock news that a devastating earthquake and tsunami has decimated your country. Words can barely describe the shock and horror experienced by Japanese students like Sachiko Ishibashi when she learned an earthquake measuring 9.0 on the richter scale wreaked havoc in northeast Japan. “It was unbelievable,” said... Read more


Climate change symposium and workshop May 9 at VIU

May 4, 2011

Members of the public, high school and university students, and teachers are invited to attend a free symposium and workshop on climate change at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, Monday, May 9. Entitled “Climate change – Communicating Across the Divides”, the free symposium and workshop is hosted by the Awareness of Climate Change through Education and Research (ACER) project. “This... Read more


VIU students reach lofty heights in mathematics challenge

May 4, 2011

The numbers tell an impressive story when it comes to the most important undergraduate mathematics competition in North America. 4296 =The number of students from 546 institutions in Canada and the US who entered the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition. 0 = The score that almost half the entrants received for their efforts in the six-hour exam. 2 = The number of Vancouver Island... Read more


Gala dinner supports student refugees at VIU

April 20, 2011

In East Africa, harambee is a rallying cry that translates as “all pull together.” At Vancouver Island University, it has also come to mean the annual gala dinner held to fundraise for refugee students. In the first two years of the Student Refugee Program at VIU, the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Local Committee has sponsored one student from Somalia and another from Sudan. The... Read more


VIU faculty member recognized for nursing excellence

April 19, 2011

VANCOUVER, April 14, 2011: The College of Registered Nurses of B.C. (CRNBC) presented a Nursing Excellence Award to a VIU faculty member at a ceremony on April 7, 2011 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Marilyn Chapman, RN received the Award of Excellence in Nursing Education. Read about this outstanding registered nurse here: Thirty-three awards were presented this year. Through the CRNBC... Read more


Portal Magazine launches Thursday: Advance copies available starting Tuesday

April 18, 2011

The 2011 Portal team is proud to present the official launch of this year's edition of Portal on Thursday, April 21, 7-9 p.m. in the Royal Arbutus Room at Vancouver Island University. The annual literary magazine features new literary and visual work from VIU students and this year it has a new layout and design that enhances and complements the works inside. In addition, Portal 2011 costs $2... Read more


Never too late to earn a degree

March 8, 2011

Selinde Krayenhoff considers earning a university degree one of her top achievements. This year, she fulfilled a life-long dream by attaining a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction in Liberal Studies from Vancouver Island University at age 54. As a mature student, Krayenhoff’s accomplishment felt even sweeter when she was elected class valedictorian by her peers. “Be the change you wish to... Read more