End of term is fast approaching 📆

You’ve almost made it! For those of you in academic programs, if you haven’t finished yet you will soon (Friday, April 22 is the last day of exams). Looking for help with getting the perfect summer job? We've got advice on resumes, cover letters and interview prep on the #VIUBlog. Friday, April 22 is Earth Day and we are running a contest! Check it out in the need-to-know section 👇

Need to know

Earth Day contest 🌎

Friday, April 22 is Earth Day. VIU’s President’s Task Force on Climate Action and Sustainability is sponsoring a social media contest starting on Earth Day and running for a week (until Friday, April 29). Participate in two ways:

• Help us all go green! Share your favourite easy sustainability hack. Use the hashtag #VIUGreenHacks to be entered. The winner will be drawn and announced on Friday, April 29, 2022. 
• Share a pic of what we can preserve. Where’s your favourite local, natural place that climate action will help preserve? Use the hashtag#VIUBeautiful.

The winners will be drawn and announced on Friday, April 29, 2022. Post your entries on either Facebook or Instagram. 

Learn about climate change science 🌡

Awareness of Climate Change Through Education and Research, a VIU student initiative, hosts a Climate Change Symposium on Saturday, April 23, from 9 am to 1 pm. The symposium is free and people can attend in-person or virtually. People are asked to pre-register on Eventbrite.

VIUSU Pub Extended Hours 🕐

The VIUSU Pub is excited to offer extended hours this spring. The pub will be open from Monday to Friday, 10:30 am to 5:30 pm until the end of April, then Monday to Thursday 10:30 am to 5:30 pm until June 24. 

Connect

Portal launches 2022 edition 📚

Portal, VIU’s student-run annual literary magazine, hosts it first in-person launch since 2020 on April 29 at the Grand Hotel from 6-8:30 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm). Tickets are $15 and include a copy of the magazine. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by emailing joy.gugeler@viu.ca.

Check out the graphic design grad show 🖌

VIU’s Graphic Design students host their grad show Stay Tuned, April 30, 2-4 pm at the Trades Discover Centre (Building 108). It highlights the best and most innovative work of the 2022 graduating class.

Escape Artists student exhibition 🎨

The VIEW Gallery (Building 330) hosts Escape Artists, the Major in Studio Art graduating student exhibition from April 20 to May 13. Opening reception Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30 pm.

Horticulture Spring Plant Sale 🎍

Horticulture Foundation Program students’ ornamental and edible hanging baskets are now available during their Spring Plant Sale. Place your order on theHorticulture website.

Neighbourhood safety audit: VIU 📋

RCMP Community Policing have partnered with VIU Criminology to conduct Neighbourhood Safety Audits throughout Nanaimo. In the latest phase of the project, they are hoping to get survey participation from members of the VIU community (employees and students) as well as those who live around VIU. The data collected will help the RCMP, City and VIU understand more of the ongoing concerns so we can all work on addressing community safety concerns. Take the survey now.

VIU World University Service of Canada 🌏

VIU WUSC is a campus-based student group working towards a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable world. The group supports student refugees in their integration to Canadian social and academic life, organizes fundraising events and engages the community on migration issues. Activities continue throughout the summer. Email wusc.viu@gmail.com or go to the VIU WUSC website for info.

Semélshun Recognition Ceremony 🎉

The Office of Indigenous Education & Engagement and Services for Aboriginal Students invites you to the Spring 2022 Semélshun Aboriginal Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Friday, June 3 from 11 am to 12 pm.  We will honour Indigenous students who have completed degrees, diplomas and certificates and are convocating at the end of June. Send your photos and RSVP toKim.Warkentine@viu.ca.

Supports and services

Thank you from the Thrive Team 🙏

The Thrive team thanks everyone for a great year! We will be taking a break over the summer but look forward to seeing you in the fall. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, the CCR app or the VIUSU app to stay up to date on all of our fall programming and upcoming volunteer and employment opportunities!

Need web registration help? 💻

Join one of the upcoming Web Registration and Course Selection Sessions by Zoom or in person on the Nanaimo campus. You can also watch this Web Registration Tutorial to learn how to build your timetable on your student record and Course Planning Worksheet about building a timetable. Or you can connect with an Advisor for assistance.  

Join the Career Studio team 💼

The Career Studio launches this September and will support students with various services such as career advising, counselling, offering information and resources on careers and further education, job search services, employer relations, recruitment services and more. If you would like to be part of the team assisting VIU students apply with your resume and cover letter explaining your interest in the role through CareerVIU or by emailing CEL@viu.ca. This is a paid position and open to all members of equity-seeking communities.

Join the Wellness Peers 🙋‍♂️

Are you passionate about promoting wellness and mental health? Are you interested in working towards building a more supportive, connected, healthy VIU campus culture? Apply to be a Wellness Peer for the 2022-23 academic year! For more information and to apply, visit the Wellness Peers website.

Study spaces @ the library 📖

Are you studying for exams or finishing up any assignments? Find a good study spot in the Nanaimo campus library, which is open 24-7 with VIU card access. Printing, self-check-out stations and audio-visual and group study rooms are also available. The library has many different options for students who needhelp with research assignments through online chat, one-on-one consultations and email.

Thinking about a career in cyber security? 🖥

Are you interested in applying for cyber security jobs in government or getting work experience through a co-op program before you graduate? Check out the BC Government’s free Security Day Conference – The Future of Cyber Security - Talent, Skills and Culture, taking place virtually on May 10.

Accessible, stair-free routes ↔️

Follow the blue dots through nine VIU buildings across campus that indicate accessible, stair-free routes. This signage system is a combination of floor wayfinding decals and elevator signage that informs wheelchairs users – and anyone else who will benefit from using elevators – to enter and exit through buildings safely, without stairs, to access upper and lower areas on campus. Buildings include: 200, 205, 210, 250, 255, 300, 305, 355 and 356. For more information about accessibility on campus please contact: UAC@viu.ca.

Master’s program students! Tell us about your experiences 🗣

Calling all master’s program students! VIU is participating in the Canadian Graduate and the Professional Student Survey. Students in master’s degree programs would have received an email inviting them to participate on Monday (April 4). The survey is open until April 24. Results will be used by VIU to learn about and improve academic experiences and activities for master’s program students.

Transition award for ABE students 💰

Students who have completing upgrading recently and are ready to enroll in full-time post-secondary studies may be able to access a $5,000 Transition Award from the Irving K. Barber Society. Learn more.

Spring clean your tech 📱

It’s time to shake off the late winter blues and reinvigorate your tech. That’s right, spring is the perfect time to:

• Have a backup plan for your data;
• Give yourself a digital makeover;
• Dump those unused programs and apps, and check your app permissions;
• Declutter your digital data; and
• Freshen up that old password.

Ready for more? Give the NEW Spring Cleaning quiz a try.

Deals

Did you know that as a VIU student you have access to exclusive discounts in your community and across the province? Download the Deals App, administered by the VIUSU and the BC Federation of Students, to learn more. Today’s featured businesses:

• Romper Room Indoor Rock Climbing: Get $20 off a regular adult month membership.  
• Hertz: Special negotiated rates on daily, weekly and monthly rentals.

Mark your calendars

Ramadan

Ramadan 2022 runs April 1- May 1. It is the Muslim Holy Month during which celebrants fast from sunup to sundown each day. A happy Ramadan to our community celebrants. 

Passover

The Jewish High Holiday of Passover is currently underway (April 15- 23). Passover marks the exodus of Jewish Peoples from Egypt, ending enslavement by the Pharoh of Egypt. We want to wish all our celebrants “Chag Pesach Sameach” (Happy Passover Holiday). 

Campus events

Stay on top of what's happening at VIU. Find ways to get involved: 

• Campus Events website
• Co-curricular involvement app
• VIU Students' Union app