Student Pulse News: September 22, 2021

How have the first three weeks of class been going? We know this is a busy time of year and even more so this year as we all adjust to learning and working back in-person. Don’t forget to reach out if you find you are struggling, there are many services here to support you, and some are open late on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on the Nanaimo campus. There are also lots of events listed below that will help you build connections and have some fun on campus.

Vaccine self-declaration vs. proof of vaccination

We’ve been getting a few questions on this and wanted to clarify that these are two separate programs.

• VIU’s self-declaration program is an approach that VIU and many other post-secondary institutions in BC and Canada are taking that adds an additional layer of protection for students and employees. Read more and declare your vaccination status by October 1.
• The proof of vaccination is a new BC public health order which started on September 13. Individuals are required to show proof of vaccination to access a broad range of social, recreational and discretionary events and businesses. This proof is in the form of a vaccine card. View the full list of activities/locations at VIU requiring proof of vaccination.

If you have more questions, head on over to our FAQs page. You’ll find answers to commonly asked questions about both programs at the top.

Need to know

Marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

VIU will be closed on Thursday, September 30, to mark Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day “honours the lost children and Survivors of Residential Schools, their families and communities.” We encourage you to wear an orange shirt and participate in some of the activities being organized on campus:

• Winds of Change Art Exhibit, Malaspina Theatre, starts October 1.  
• Hearts Across Campus: Join Services for Aboriginal Students on September 28 to decorate orange hearts at Shq’apthut.
• VIU Reconciliation morning walk, September 29, 10 am, starting at the Students’ Union building (170).
• VIU Reconciliation afternoon walk, September 29, 1 pm, starting at the Students’ Union building (170).   
• Truth and Reconciliation resources – a list put together by the Office of Indigenous Education & Engagement.

Cheer on the Mariners soccer teams! ⚽️

Watch the Mariners Men’s and Women’s Soccer games this Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26 at Merle Logan Field in the Beban Recreation Complex. Women play at 11:45 am and Men play at 2:15 pm both days. Both teams won their games last week and are hoping to continue that streak across the weekend.

Off-campus housing tips 🏠

Got questions about off-campus housing? The Off-Campus Housing Coordinator will be available for drop-in visits for the foreseeable future on the following days:

• Tuesdays 2 – 3:30 pm in the International Building (255);
• Thursdays 2:30 – 3:30 pm in the Upper Cafeteria.

Connect

Back to school photo contest 📸

Have you entered back to school photo contest yet? Take a picture of your favourite study spaces (on or off campus) and post it on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #VIUBack2School. All entries must be posted by October 1, 2021, at 12 pm to be entered for a chance to win a VIU hoodie.  

Open Mic Night at the pub 🎤

The VIUSU Pub’s (@viusupub) Open Mic Night is back, 9 pm to 12 am every Thursday night, admission 19+ and two pieces of ID required. Entrance is currently reduced seated capacity due to restrictions. Proof of vaccination is required for in-person dining.

VIU Games 🏆

The VIU Games is an annual event where teams of 8-10 members are formed from clubs, faculties and VIU communities in an integrated competition of spirit, faculty pride and sportsmanship. Members of each team will compete in multiple events throughout the entirety of the one-day VIU Games in Sport, Team Spirit and Mystery Competitions. The winning team will have their name engraved on the Chassels Cup! Registration is now open. 

VIU Wayfinding Survey ↕️↔️

Have you struggled with finding your way on campus? Share your thoughts and win a prize! VIU is developing a new comprehensive and accessible wayfinding signage system. Fill out a short survey to let us know how we can improve your campus experience for the chance to win a $50 Campus Store gift card!

VIU Sustainability Bingo ⭐

What do you know about sustainability at VIU? And how can you contribute? Play VIU Sustainability Bingo to find out and win nifty prizes. Download the bingo card at VIU’s Sustainability Bingo website. Email your completed form, five in a row, to sustainability@viu.ca by September 24 to be entered into a draw. If you fill in all the squares, you’ll be entered into a draw for one of three grand prizes.

Virtual Inclusion BC Summit 

The virtual summit is a celebration of Community Inclusion Month. Through presentations and interactive break-out sessions, come explore how to build awareness, inspire action and advance rights as a federation dedicated to the full inclusion of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all aspects of life. Register now.

Supports and services

Thriving in Action: Starts Friday, September 24! 

As the Fall semester gets underway are you looking for motivation, energy, well-being, and academic success? If so, we’ve got the program for you! Join our innovative new program where you can learn better, feel better, and do better. Check out Thriving in Action for more.

Student Wellness Peers 

Looking to connect with a student Wellness Peer? A new initiative of VIU Thrive, VIU’s Wellness Peers program will now begin in early October, a date correction from last week, in Room 330 in the Nanaimo campus library. A reminder to get your VIU ID card for 24-7 access to the library as well as other perks like printing and photocopying! Get in touch with any questions.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Have you ever wondered what mindfulness means and how it might be beneficial for you as a student? Join the VIU counsellors for 8 weeks of mindfulness practice to help reduce stress and improve functioning. This group is free for all students. Learn more and register.  

Early Alert system

Are you concerned about a peer’s personal well-being? VIU’s Early Alert system responds to students in need with a variety of services, including Counselling, Advising, Accessibility Services, Financial Aid and more. Fill out this form if you think a friend needs extra support.

GoByBike Weeks 🚴

Commit to ride your bike this fall during GoByBike Weeks, which runs September 27 to October 10. Ride your bike to work, school or just for fun. Participants can enter to win a trip for two to France by entering on the Exodus Travels website. To register please visit, GoByBike’s website.

Accessibility Services info

If you are a student with a disability (learning disability, mental health, ADHD, physical, hearing/vision loss, chronic health, etc.) and the symptoms impact your learning, please reach out to Accessibility Services. You may be eligible for academic accommodations to reduce the barriers caused by your condition. 

Thrive

Want to make this year your best yet? Connect with Thrive, VIU’s home for all things wellness! We’ve got lot of programming planned this fall.

COVID updates

BC Vaccine Card Reminder 💉

As of September 13, the BC Vaccine card program is now underway. Proof of vaccination is required to participate in some discretionary activities or enter some discretionary areas on the VIU campuses. Familiarize yourself with where the BC proof of vaccination applies on our campuses and facilities.

Vaccine clinics on campus

There’s still time to get your COVID-19 vaccination on campus! A clinic is on the first floor of Building 255 in the multi-purpose room (170), until September 23, from 10 am - 2 pm. There will be two drop-in clinics at the Powell River campus on Tuesday, September 28 from 10 am to 1 pm and Monday, October 4 from 11 am to 2 pm. You can also walk in to any vaccination clinic in your community.