How are you doing, really?

How are you doing, really? We know this time of year can be tough. The weather is gloomy, it’s still dark in the mornings and school is getting busy. Below you’ll find some events happening this week to help you connect with others on the important topic of mental health and you can even do a screening for yourself. You don't have to do this alone, there are many VIU supports and services here to help. 

Need to know 

Mental health activities taking place this week: 🧠

• Take 30 to 45 minutes to drop in for a mental health screening with VIU’s counselling team on January 26 at any time between 9 am and 12 pm in the Royal Arbutus Room (Building 300 above the cafeteria). Come and look at resources and activities to help you cultivate well-being. 
• The VIU Mariners basketball games on Friday, January 27 are dedicated to increasing awareness about mental health awareness and supports. The VIU Thrive team will be on site with information on how you can take action to improve your mental health and inspire others to do the same. Finally, blow off some steam by cheering loudly with fellow Mariners fans as VIU battles Columbia Bible College! The women’s matchup goes at 6 pm and the men play at 8 pm, followed by a Saturday rematch at 12 pm and 2 pm. Free admission for VIU students.

FROST White Out Party 🥳

The VIU Students’ Union is organizing a night of live music, dancing and fun at the VIUSU Pub on Thursday, January 26 starting at 7:30 pm. Wear your best white outfit and enjoy drink specials, free appies and live music from Caleb Hart and DJ Chris Bigelow.

Trail closures near VIU – and on VIU property

The trails between Black Diamond Drive and Addison Road/Third Street and VIU (accessed from behind student residences coming from the University) will be closed to cycling and pedestrian traffic starting January 23 so city crews working on the Midtown Water Supply Project can do their work safely. These trails will be closed until the end of April to allow crews to complete preparation work. Please find an alternative route if you use these trails to access VIU as part of your daily commute.
As part of this project, some danger trees on the forested part of VIU property will have to be removed. The trails that run through this forested area on VIU land will be temporarily closed for access with clear signage and barriers while this work takes place, which could be as early as Thursday or Friday. This is normal operational work for the city and is not linked to any VIU projects. Learn more.

Connect

VIU’s Got Talent 🎤

Ready to watch VIU’s top talent perform? VIU’s Got Talent happens tomorrow, January 26, in the Malaspina Theatre. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

VIU Mariners Volleyball is Back

On February 3 and 4, VIU’s volleyball squads return to the VIU Gym for their first home games since November as they battle the Douglas College Royals. Our women’s team is ranked No. 1 in Canada with a perfect 14-0 record while the men (8-6) are looking to clinch a playoff spot against a Royals team that is chasing them in the conference standings. First serve is at 6 pm on February 3 and 1 pm on February 4.

Women’s Volleyball National Championship Tournament Passes

Tournament passes for the 2023 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Women’s Volleyball National Championship (March 8-11 at the VIU Gym) go on sale on Friday, February 3. Watch the VIU Mariners social pages for Eventbrite purchase links. Bonus: no need to purchase if you are a VIU student – you get access to all tournament games for free!

Outdoor Recreation adventures

Get out – and explore with VIU Outdoor Recreation! Limited spots remain for waterfall hiking (January 28), snow shoeing (January 29), bouldering (January 31) and cross country skiing (February 4). Sign up at the VIU Gym’s Front Desk oronline.

Take your education abroad 🌍

Fancy taking your Education Abroad? Apply by February 6 for an exchange semester at one of VIU’s partner universities across the world. Exchange is your opportunity to have an adventure, earn valuable transfer credit towards your degree, connect with the global campus community and gain a whole new perspective on your education and career. Find out more at an Education Abroad drop-in session in Building 255, Room 205 each Wednesday from 2 to 4 pm before the deadline.

VIUSU Polar Plunge Challenge 🥶

From January 12 to 29, your VIU Students’ Union challenges you to a quick dip in cold water. Before you dip, challenge at least two VIU friends, faculty or staff to do the same and post a video to your Instagram. Make sure to tag @viustudentsunion so we can re-share!

Dine Out Nanaimo 🍔

Vancouver Island University’s full-service learning restaurant, The Discovery Room, is participating in the Dine Out Nanaimo festival, taking place from January 20 to February 5.  

Lifetouch grad photography 🎓

Are you graduating this spring or summer? Lifetouch Photography will be on the Nanaimo campus from March 6 to 31 to take graduation photos for interested graduates. Appointments must be booked in advance through Appointment-Plus. These sessions will be held in Building 255, Room 170. For more details, please visit VIU Convocation | Graduate Photography Sign-up.

Road trips and local hikes 🚗🥾

VIU’s Cultural Connections team organizes regular road trips and local hikes activities that are open to all students! Check out the road trips and hikesschedules online.

Bundle up, power down ☕️

In honour of National Sweater Day, VIU’s Sustainability office is hosting Hygge Days – bundle up, power down, from January 31 to February 2. Hygge is a word in Danish and Norwegian that describes a mood of coziness with feelings of wellness and contentment. Stop by the cafeteria for tips on staying cozy, Hygge-inspired activities and a chance to win Hygge-inspired prizes.

Learning at Work: MBA Talent Showcase 😊

Join the VIU MBA program for an evening of networking and celebration of work-integrated learning on January 24. All community members and VIU alumni are invited to meet current MBA candidates and to hear internship success stories. Due to space in the theatre, registration is required. Save your seat now.

Go By Bike 🚴‍♀️

Save the date: the winter edition of Go By Bike Week is February 6 to 12 – your chance to win prizes just for riding your bike to school. Learn more and sign up.

Winter wrap-up

Come enjoy a free hot chocolate with Faculty of Social Sciences students on Tuesday, January 31 from 11 am to 2 pm in the quad. Students are collecting waterproof hooded jackets, tarps and tents, sleeping bags, rain ponchos, men’s footwear 9-13 & women’s 7-9, gloves, large sweatpants. Donations will go to Risebridge.

Supports and services

Resolving roommate disputes 🏠

At this time of year, you’re stuck inside more and you’ve been living with your roommates for a few months. Small differences are now major irritations and relationships are tense. To help you regain a peaceful household, VIU Off-Campus Housing has a few ideas for avoiding and repairing roommate conflictson the VIU Blog. We’re also here to help with house hunting, temporary accommodation and tenancy issues. Visit Off-Campus Housing, email housing@viu.ca or book a meeting.

Career Studio 🙋‍♀️

Do you want to secure a job or volunteer position in the coming months? Stop by the new Career Studio in Building 255, Room 204. Our team can assist with resumes, cover letters, interview preparation and all other career-related needs. Drop in for an appointment between 9 am and 12 pm, or visit our website for more info.

Job postings on CareerVIU 👍

Thousands of local employers are looking for talented future leaders like you. Many of these employers post their jobs on CareerVIU. Access CareerVIU nowand check back regularly for new part-time and full-time, on-campus and off-campus, as well as volunteer and paid opportunities. 

• Featured job posting: Transportation Entry Level Program with the BC government. Plan to be exposed to a variety of problems, solutions and techniques that provide a solid career foundation for the future in a ministry that has a strong emphasis on training and career growth. Learn more.

What you need to know about Accessibility Services 

Many students don’t realize soon enough how accessibility services can impact their learning. Have you ever felt like you’re struggling with your learning more than your peers due to a disability? Or have you experienced a sudden injury or condition that is impacting your ability to access a course? Then VIU’s Accessibility Services department may be of help for you. Read more on the VIU Blog.

Ready to apply to other programs? 💻

Calling all students in Exploratory (EXPO) studies and unclassified programs! Now is the time to firm up your educational plans and apply to other programs (BA, BSc, BBA and our many limited-entry programs). Advisors are here to help you with this transition.

Your data is valuable. No really, it is. 📱

Even if you don’t agree, all your online activity generates a trail of data – data that tells the story of you. Data that many organizations and groups would pay top dollar for, and they don’t have your best interests in mind. January 22 to 28 is Data Privacy Week. You can control how you share your data with a few simple steps:

• Be an online privacy snob (why does this Solitaire app need to know where I live?).
• Learn how to manage your data privacy.
• Adjust privacy settings to your comfort level.
• Incorporate some New Year's security habits.

VIU Health Clinic accepting patients 🩺

The VIU Student Health Clinic is a primary health care clinic staffed by two nurse practitioners who provide comprehensive clinical care. If you are a current VIU student who does not have a local primary care provider, you can sign up as a patient. Clinic hours are 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. To make an appointment, call 250.740.6620 or stop by Building 200, third floor.

Free money and financial tips 💰

Would you like to learn more about financial aid resources and opportunities to apply for free money? Review opportunities posted on the Financial Aid website, as well as many other resources. Don’t forget to complete your online scholarship, award and bursary profile located within you student record by the March 30 deadline. For more info contact us via email at financialaidinfo@viu.ca or phone 250-740-6423.

Free interactive mental health course 🧠

Living Life to the Full is a mental health promotion course designed to help people deal with everyday life challenges and learn self-management skills. It’s an interactive, eight-week course where participants learn how to reduce stress and boost mood; improve motivation and problem-solving skills; and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. Canadian Mental Health Association BC is offering this virtual course to youth ages 18 to 24 for free. Learn more and register.

Canada Housing Benefit 🏠

The Government of Canada has introduced a new affordability measure to help lower-income renters who are most affected by the rise of inflation and struggling with the cost of rent. The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit provides eligible applicants with a one-time payment of $500. For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply visit canada.ca/one-time-housing-benefit.

Feedback needed on VIU Operations Plan 📌

From the food in the cafeteria, to maintaining the buildings you study in, to the technology you use in your classes and the products in the Campus Store, the operations side of VIU plays an important role in your educational experience. The draft Operations Plan is ready for feedback. Log in to the Ethelo online engagement platform until January 28 to provide feedback on the draft goals, objectives and strategies.

Library support 📖

Getting started with your assignments? We are here to support you! Our research help services are available Monday to Friday, 9 to 4 pm. Drop by the library service desk at Nanaimo or Cowichan campus, make an online appointment, or contact us via live chat, email or phone. Check out our FAQ page for helpful answers to your most popular questions about our services.

Mark your calendars

On the brink: Herring and the health of the Salish Sea

What does the future hold for the Salish Sea in a time of climate change? Humpback whale and Pacific white-sided dolphin populations are increasing; however, Pacific herring – a cornerstone species for all marine biodiversity – are on the verge of collapse. The latest edition of the Engaged Citizens Speaker Series looks at the future of the Salish Sea and importance of protecting Pacific herring. Our featured speaker is Bryce Casavant, Director of Conservation Intelligence with Pacific Wild. His presentation, Fighting Fish: herring/fisheries management in the context of Canadian laws, will be followed by a question-and-answer period with the audience.
 
When: February 6, 2023, 6:30 pm, doors open at 6 pm.
Where: Malaspina Theatre (Building 310) on VIU’s Nanaimo campus. People can also join via Zoom Webinar. Register via Eventbrite. This event is free.

Global Citizens Week: February 6 to 10 🌎

Through campus and community events, visiting speakers and classroom dialogues, Global Citizens Week celebrates the many changemakers at VIU and beyond who are taking action on issues of global development at home and abroad. This year’s theme is solidarity in action. A full schedule of events can be found on the Global Citizens Week website.

Discovery Night at VIU 😊

Know someone who’s thinking about going to university? Discovery Night on February 22 has options for high school students, parents and mature students. With fun activities, engaging conversation and the information that matters, this is an event they won’t want to miss.

• High School Student Sessions: 6 to 9 pm
• Parents Sessions: 6 to 9 pm
• Mature Student Pub Night: 8 to 9 pm

Thinking about grad school? At the Discovery Night Mature Student Pub Night at 8 pm you can learn about VIU grad studies. 

Celebration of Learning 🎉

Join the ‘su’luqw’a’ Community Cousins as they share their learning journeys at the Celebration of Learning on Friday, February 17 from 10 am to 2 pm at Shq’apthut.

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. Featured deal:

• Baby Salsa Mexican Restaurant: 10% off your meal.

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