VIU Student Pulse News: December 15, 2021

Our President, Dr. Deborah Saucier, hopes you have a safe, restful and relaxing winter break, and to get things started on a positive note, check out her holiday video. We also want to wish you all the best on your exams. Don’t forget to check out VIUSU exam pit stop events outside the pub!

This will be the last Pulse edition in 2021; watch for the newsletter in your inboxes starting again on January 5, 2022! 

Need to know

Save the date: RockVIU new student orientation 😎

New to VIU and looking for a way to connect with the student community, engage on campus and discover the ins and outs of university life before the semester starts? Come to RockVIU 2022: the spring edition. There are four events in the lineup:

• Opening Ceremony (January 4): Online starting at 5 pm on the @VIUniversity Facebook page.
• Campus Excursions (January 5): In-person from 11 am to 2 pm: Guided by RockVIU student leaders, learn more about VIU’s facilities and services.
• VIU and More (January 14): In-person from 10 am to 1 pm in the Upper Cafeteria (Building 300): This event aims to connect you with resources and groups on campus as well as engage you in some fun activities.
• Interactive Art Exhibition (January 14): In-person from 2-6 pm: Through performance art, visual art and more, learn what it means to “Matter Here” at VIU. Registrants will be given a time slot to view the show in Malaspina Theatre.

Register for it all on Eventbrite.

Connect

Milner Christmas Magic 🎄

The annual outdoor light festival, Milner Christmas Magic, runs Friday to Sunday,  Dec. 17-19, from 5-8 pm, with viewing up until 8:30 pm. Admission is by a suggested donation of $5 for adults, $2.50 for children and $12 for a family (two adults and up to three children under 19 years). For more information visit the Milner Gardens & Woodland website.

A Giving Tuesday thank you! ❤

Our community raised more than $295,000 as part of VIU’s 2021 Giving Tuesday campaign! With matching gifts from donors, the VIU Foundation and VIU Alumni Association, our students and faculty will benefit from more than $400,000 to fund student awards, projects, experiences, equipment, and teaching tools. We couldn’t do what we do without you. Thank you. 

What are land acknowledgements and protocol? 

At VIU, practicing land acknowledgements and protocol is a way to respect and recognize the unceded traditional territories and lands its campuses are situated on. Not sure where to begin? Check out this explainer article on VIU Community Classroom.

Holiday Shutdown Checklist 📋

Do you live in residence or a place you’ll be leaving for an extended break? Fill out this Google form to see how much energy you can save by assessing what can be switched off, unplugged or turned down. Besides helping the environment, you could win prizes for participating.

Supports and services

Exam tips 📖

We hope exams are going well, but in just in case you’re in need of some advice, our student blogger Preet Parmar has 13 tips for exam success to check out on the #VIUBlog. Try one or two, or a whole bunch – different things work for different people!

Extended Hours for Students ⏱

Extended hours as well as virtual hours will be available for several Nanaimo campus services this spring on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 6:30 pm, including Financial Aid, Counselling, Accessibility Services and the Student Health Clinic. Learn more.

Learning technology orientation 💻

The Centre for Innovation and Excellence in Learning (CIEL) supports students with learning technologies, including VIULearn, VIUTube, VIUBlogs (WordPress) and VIUOnline Rooms (Zoom). We have two orientations in December before the winter break & daily orientations during the first two weeks of January. Watch a recorded orientation or access a calendar of CIEL events and register to attend a live orientation.

Accessibility Services, Financial Aid, Centre for Experiential Learning are moving!

Starting on January 4, access these services in Building 255 (previously located in Building 200).

Research help @ the library 💻📚

The library has many different options for students who need help with research and assignments: one-on-one Zoom appointments with a librarian, live chat, email and phone. But don’t forget, you can also come and see us in person at the service desk!

Thinking about summer classes? ⛱

Take advantage of Summer Session and earn credits in as little as seven weeks! VIU has expanded their list of courses offered this upcoming summer. Check out the offerings:

• May Term - 7 Weeks (May 2 to June 17, 2022)
• May Term - 14 Weeks (May 2 to August 5, 2022)
• June Term - 7 Weeks (June 20 to August 5, 2022)
• Intersession (various start dates)

Need help choosing? Connect with an Advisor.  

Electric vehicle charging station update 🚘

To improve electric vehicle (EV) charging station processes, we have increased the maximum parking time from four consecutive hours to five consecutive hours in the designated EV charging stalls throughout the Nanaimo campus. The time limit is in place to allow others to access the stations throughout the day. A valid general parking permit is still required and the five-hour consecutive maximum block of time will start once the vehicle parks in the EV charging stall.

Peer-Supported Learning is hiring! 👥

Are you interested in working a paid, on-campus job that helps students achieve their academic goals? Peer-Supported Learning (PSL) is a great way to build your leadership skills, make friends and add valuable work experience to your resume. It also counts towards your Co-Curricular Record! To learn more about becoming a PSL leader, please visit our application webpage.

Women’s circle 

Join the Office of Indigenous Education & Engagement to chat in a safe space, open to all Indigenous employees and students who identify as female. The next circle takes place on December 16 from 3-4 pm. Email Sheena.Robinson@viu.ca for Zoom info.

Conference funding 💰

Did you attend a conference this semester, or are going to one in the spring? You may qualify for funding! Check out the Conference Funding website for more information. Application deadline: January 21, 2022. Contact Kendra.Stiwich@viu.ca if you are interested. 

Mark your calendars

Winter break closure ❄️

VIU will be closed from December 24 to January 3, reopening on January 4, 2022. Areas that will remain open on the Nanaimo campus during the holiday closure include the Library Commons (card ID access only) and VIU residences. In the event of severe weather, no communications will be going out during this period as no regularly scheduled work is taking place on campuses and locations. VIU’s Cafeteria, Gym and Campus Store on the Nanaimo Campus will be closed during this period. For more information on what happens when there is a severe weather incident, visit VIU’s Severe Weather Procedures page. If you are curious about the VIUSU building, please visit their website.

COVID updates

Travelling somewhere over winter break?

Visit the BC Government’s Travel and COVID website before you go to familiarize yourself with all rules and protocols.

Staying home if you’re sick

A reminder that if you are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, you are expected to stay home. If you miss an exam or know you will be missing an exam due to illness, please reach out to your instructor immediately to explore alternate arrangements.

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