VIU Student Pulse: May 4, 2022

It’s the first week of summer session! This issue of the Pulse is your guide to success this semester, including how to access student services, the library’s getting started guide, on-campus work opportunities and pub hours. Also don’t forget to check out our tips on getting ready financially for the next year.

Need to know

Cheer on Hannah this Friday! 🥳

Interested in what graduate level projects look like? Come – virtually – cheer on VIU grad student Hannah Dudney as she competes at the Western Regional Three Minute Thesis Competition live from Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Friday, May 6 at noon PST! You can vote for her to win the People’s Choice Award! Tune in via Zoom.

VIUSU Extended Health Plan changes 🦷👩‍⚕️

In spring 2022, a referendum was held to expand access to the VIUSU Extended Health and Dental Benefits Plan. Students voted in favour of several changes that will make the plan more inclusive for VIU students. The plan will now include (effective September 1, 2022): 

• Full-time and part-time students taking classes on any VIU campus or centre, as well as students in online programs.
• Academic students (including graduate and masters extension programs) taking six or more credits in one semester.
• Trades/vocational students in a program 150 days or longer.
• The plan cost has been reduced from $275 to $265 annually – $22 per month.

Ordering official transcripts 📜

Need to order official transcripts? VIU’s Registration website has a step-by-step guide.

CMHA Mental Health Week 🧠

May 2-8 is the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week. This is a time to raise awareness, take action and increase connection and conversation! VIU wants you to know that your mental health matters! Check out our Thrive webpage to learn about wellness services at VIU. And if you need more support, check out one of these great resources: VIU Counsellors (250-740-6416), Here2Talk 24-7 drop-in counselling and the Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888.

Connect

Campus tour volunteers needed! 🙋‍♀️

Student volunteers are needed to give tours at VIU’s Nanaimo campus this summer. Training is provided and you will receive Co-Curricular Record credits after a minimum of 15 hours. Email connect@viu.ca if interested. Two paid work-op student positions are also available, apply by May 6 by going to CareerVIU.

Spring/summer Starbucks and cafeteria hours ☀️☕️

Starbucks and cafeteria hours have been adjusted for summer session. 

• The main cafeteria (B300) now open 8 am - 2 pm with Grab & Go and breakfast available. 
• Green Mountain in the main cafeteria is open from 9 am - 2 pm. 
• The lower cafeteria (B185) is open from 7:30 am - 10:30 am and 11 am - 2 pm. 
• Starbucks (B305) is open 8 am - 3 pm  

CampVIU returns 🏀🏐

CampVIU returns for 2022! CampVIU/Mariners in Training classics including sport-specific camps with VIU Mariners coaches and athletes, as well as the much-loved Shorts in Sports, Mariners Multisport and Athlete Development programs are making their return.

Convocation 2022 🎓

Are you convocating in June? Lots of info about the ceremonies on June 23 and 24 is available online at the Convocation website. Everyone who registered will also be receiving a graduate booklet with more information in the next few weeks.

The Moose Hide Campaign 📌

The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led grassroots movement of men, boys and all Canadians standing up to end violence against women and children. VIU is an ambassador campus for Moose Hide and stands in support of this important campaign. The National Campaign Day takes place on May 12. Visit the Moose Hide Campaign website for details.  

Wellness Peers 🧠

Are you passionate about promoting wellness and mental health? Apply to be a Wellness Peer for the 2022-23 academic year! There will be some paid and volunteer positions, so fill in our “expression of interest” form to find out more! For more information and to apply, visit the Wellness Peers homepage and check out Kennedy Ordano’s story.

Pub hours for May and June ⏱

The Students’ Union Pub is staying open through the May and June summer sessions!  

• Hours are Monday to Thursday, 10:30 am - 5:30 pm.  
• New summer menu items for summer include a salmon burger and all-day eggs benedict.  
• Call in takeout orders to 250.716.9211
• Order delivery through DoorDash.   

Book launch at Shq’apthut 📚

Join the editors of the International Indigenous Recognition of Prior Learning Practitioner Manual hosted by Tania Smethurst of the Office of Indigenous Education & Engagement VIU. This will be held at Shq’apthut (Building 170 at VIU’s Nanaimo campus). Refreshments will be served. Those interested in joining virtually can email for a Zoom link. Register via Eventbrite.

Neighbourhood Safety Audit participants needed ❗️

Nanaimo Community Policing along with fourth-year Criminology students, are conducting Neighbourhood Safety Audits in the VIU area. You’re invited to participate in a neighbourhood walk-through on May 5 at 7 pm. The starting location will be at the Nanaimo Ice Centre on Third Street. Please RSVP by email to Christy.wood@nanaimo.ca or by calling 250-755-4430. You can also fill out the online survey, which closes May 6.

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.

Supports and services

Study Abroad survey 🌎

Do you face barriers to studying abroad, or want to share your travel preferences? You are invited by the VIU Education Abroad Office to participate in the Global Skills Opportunity survey on Study Abroad. The data collected by this survey will be used to develop improved programs and services for students who are interested in studying and working abroad.

Want some help planning your fall semester? 🍂

Educational Advisors are here to meet with you in-person or over Zoom. You can also join one of our Web Registration and Course Selection Sessions for live 1:1 course scheduling assistance with an advisor happening May 13-June 3. Visit VIU’s Ready, Set, Go self serve orientation modules to help answer your questions and prepare you for what to expect at VIU in the next few months. 

Want a campus job this summer? ☀️

Summer Work-Op postings are now up in CareerVIU. All students who are registered in three credits or more during summer session and have a valid Social Insurance Number are eligible. Learn more about on-campus jobs.

Getting started at the library 📚

It’s the first week of classes of the summer term! If you're a new or returning student, be sure to check out our Getting Started Guide covering all you need to know about important library services, including how to get your VIU ID. Here are some good things to know: the library at the Nanaimo campus is open 24-7 with a VIU card, with access to printing, self-check-out stations, and bookable audio-visual and group study rooms. Check out our FAQs page for more information.

Funded international research opportunities for undergraduate students 

VIU students are invited to apply for 3–4-month research internships in Mexico and Colombia. The full list of internship opportunities and details on funding, application process and timeline can be viewed here. VIU has funding for up to four student internships and will be awarded based on the first four applications that meet eligibility. Application deadline is June 1, 2022. Please contact Kendra Stiwich, Student Research Engagement Coordinator, SRCA or Jennifer Sills, Manager of Education Abroad for more information and BEFORE applying.

Conference Funding for Students 💰

Did you go to a conference last semester, or going to one over the summer? We have funds to help you out! Check out this website for more details and connect with Kendra.Stiwich@viu.ca if you have any questions. Application deadline is May 20, 2022.

Connect with student services 

International Education and Student Affairs have partnered to create a one-stop student service model in Building 255 where you will find most student services in one location:

• International Education services and supports;
• Assessment and Exam Services;
• Financial Aid Scholarships Bursaries and Awards;
• Accessibility Services;
• Student Conduct and Care; 
• Centre for Experiential Learning.

Counselling Services and the Health and Wellness Clinic are still located in Building 200.

Message to Indigenous students

Congratulations to all Indigenous students on completing another academic year. For those of you taking summer session and needing any kind of support, please email sas@viu.ca. More info is also available through our Indigenous Portal.

Career Studio Peer Facilitators 

Are you looking for on-campus, paid employment this fall? We are hiring Career Studio Peer Facilitators to assist students in the Career Studio in September 2022. Training will begin on August 22. Apply on CareerVIU (posting #29738) or apply with your resume and cover letter to careerstudio@viu.ca!

Tuition Tax Receipts (T2202) 💲

Students in eligible programs who paid more than $100 in combined tuition and activity fees during the previous calendar year are eligible for a T2202 tax form. Access your student record to print your tax form for the previous year. Tax forms are available beginning in early February. More questions? Start here.

Need a bus pass? 🚌

Student transit passes can be purchased online at the VIU Students’ Union website and the office is open from 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. A reminder that your student card is not your bus pass, transit passes need to be purchased via the link above or in-person.

Student loan info

Planning for the 2022-23 academic year? Be sure to check out Government Student Loans and Grants. Student loan funding and grants are available for eligible full and part-time students. There are also many non-payable grants for which you will be automatically assessed when you apply for a student loan. Applications open in mid-June/early July 2022.

Adult Upgrading Grant

Planning to upgrade? You may be eligible for funding to support you! The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) is funding from the provincial government that you do not pay back. It is for students enrolled in Adult Basic Education, Workplace Essential Skills Training or English as a Second Language. Learn more.

How do I increase my chances of winning awards? 🥇

Applying for scholarships, awards and bursaries requires a lot of planning and preparation. The key is to start early and get strategic. Angela Meneghetti, VIU’s Financial Aid Access Specialist, has five tips to help you prepare.

Financial Aid Options Checklist

Doing some financial planning this summer? Check out this Financial Aid Options Checklist to help you!

CRA offers free webinars

The Canada Revenue Agency is hosting live monthly webinars to help people learn about digital services, benefits, credits and to help protect individuals against fraud with scam awareness information. The virtual presentations are free and offered through MS Teams. No registration is necessary. Upcoming sessions include: CRA Benefits & Credits for Family Caregivers, on May 5, 1:30 pm PDT and Scam Awareness on May 11, 1:30 pm PDT. Check out a full schedule on the VIU Events website.

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:

• Kal Tire: Up to 10% off tires, mechanical parts and labour.  
• Foxy Box: One free laser underarm hair removal treatment or bikini, upper lip OR underarm wax.

Mark your calendars

Asian Heritage Month

May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, an opportunity to recognize the many achievements and contributions of all Canadians of Asian descent and all Asian cultures. The month is also a call to action for all Canadians to come together to combat all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination. Read VIU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Deborah Saucier’s message on Asian Heritage Month.

Emergency Preparedness Week

Emergency Preparedness Week is May 2-8, 2022. Check out the Regional District of Nanaimo’s media release for more information and some webinars you can attend.

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