VIU Student Pulse News: May 5, 2021

Welcome back to the start of the new semester and for those of you joining us for the first time, welcome to VIU! We’ve got some start-of-the-semester reminders like how to buy textbooks, get your student card and get help with all your technology questions. We have included those who are taking the summer off classes so you can stay informed about what’s happening at VIU and grab the link to important documents like our Q&A event recording and frequently asked questions page. Read on for more info! 👇

Need to know

Student Q&A about Fall 2021 🙋

Missed our event yesterday? You can view the recording here! 

International Student Town Hall Q&A 🧳

This is an opportunity for international students to ask questions that relate to their needs and experiences at VIU. It is also an opportunity to learn and hear from each other, and Centre for International Education staff. Register via Zoom Webinar.

Looking for a summer job? 💼

There are dozens of positions still open on the Centre for Experiential Learning’sCareerVIU website – both external postings or VIU jobs. You can also check out resources that will help you get job-ready such as online networking opportunities or professional development events.

Ordering textbooks 📚

Wondering how to get your textbooks and other supplies from the Campus Store? We’ve got a step-by-step guide for you.

Connect

Far Out – Graphic Design Grad Show ✍️

The graduating class is pleased to announce Far Out! The 2021 VIU Graphic Design Grad Show. View the show online and meet our grads on the Graphic Design website. Credit: Feel Crate: an emotional intelligence learning system for grad school kids, by Joe Thoong.

#MentalHealthWeek at VIU 😀☹️😡

May 3-9 is the Canadian Mental Health Association’s 70^th annual #MentalHealthWeek! Keep an eye on our Thrive social media pages all week for articles and resources to help you stay well! And if you are in need of support reach out to VIU counselling, Here2Talk and the VI Crisis Line.

To everyone who participated in CREATE 2021 🎒

It was a Huge Success thank you students for showcasing your amazing projects – they were inspirational, thought-provoking and freaking amazing. Interested in who won awards? Check out this link! Start thinking about how You will get your CREATE on in 2022!

Virtual Trades Expo 👩‍🍳🧰🔨

Do you know someone considering a career in the trades? Join us online on May 27 for VIU's first-ever Trades and Applied Technology Virtual Expo! Attendees will get the chance to ask questions and get a sense if a program is a good fit for their goals. Please share this sign-up link with anyone who might benefit from attending. 

End Marks Virtual Tour 🧑‍🎨

VIU is excited to present End Marks – an exhibition by our Visual Art graduating students at The View Gallery. Everyone is invited to see the great works that our students have selected for this year’s graduating exhibition by taking a virtual tour available on The View Gallery’s website.

Campus Nutrition and Food Security Contest 🍏

Nourishing Innovation is seeking ideas from VIU students to develop innovative solutions to address food security on campus. The contest runs May 6 to June 6 and there are $4,500 in prizes for finalists and $4,500 for winning teams. Read contest rules and how to participate on Nourishing Innovation’s website.

Supports & services

Got your student ID card? 📸

Your student card is needed to access buildings at VIU’s Nanaimo campus, as well as the Cowichan campus. Get your card.

Important info about printing on campus 🖨

How does student printing work at VIU? Before you can begin printing off your beautiful essays and pictures of cute cats from the Internet, you'll need to get some stuff set up first. Visit How Does Student Printing Work? to get all the information you will need to get started.

Visit with VIU Elders-in-Residence ☕️

Join the Elders for tea and a visit! The May schedule:

• Tuesdays: Elder Maxine Matilpi is available at 250-216-1534 from 11 am to 1 pm.
• Thursdays: Elder Barney Williams is available on Zoom from 11 am to 1 pm. Zoom ID: 624 5494 1231. Password: 555818.

Student Technology Guide 💻

Need help with your computer account and password or accessing courses and software online? Check out the Student Technology Guide for all your technology questions and for information on how to contact Student Tech Support help.

Nanaimo Rent Bank 💰

The Rent Bank can offer a short-term loan for rent or essential utilities to low-income individuals or families in Nanaimo who are experiencing financial challenges. Up to $1,400 for individuals, $1,700 for families and $500 for essential utility arrears. To learn more about the program and how to apply visit the John Howard Society’s website.

Campus Store hours ⏰

The campus store and print shop are going to summer hours of 8 am to 3:30 pm starting Monday, May 10, 2021, to Friday, July 30, 2021. The store hours will go back to 8 am to 4:30 pm on Tuesday August 3, 2021.

Want to be a research assistant? 👩‍🏫

The Research Office is looking for a part-time Research Assistant Position for Summer 2021. Got some statistics skills? Maybe some qualitative analysis interests? Want to engage in a research project? Email Kendra.Stiwich@viu.ca for more info. Applications are due May 7, so don’t delay!

Budgeting tips & resources 👩‍💻

Paying for university studies can be challenging. The good news is there are lots of options available to help you manage expenses and reduce costs while having a great university experience. Visit the Financial Aid & Awards Budgeting Tips and Resources page for a compiled list of resources and tips for students.

Got VIU Cowichan questions? We’ve got answers 🙋

Come try out our VIU Cowichan drop-in Advising Zoom room. Educational Advisors can help you achieve a more fulfilling educational experience. Although we are based in Cowichan, any student is welcome to drop in with questions and we’ll do our best to assist.

Career tip Tweets 🗒

The VIU Centre for Experiential Learning is on Twitter! Follow @careerviu to check out the latest job postings and career resources.

COVID-19 updates

New safety order around masks in classrooms 😷

Students and faculty are now required to wear masks in classrooms as well as indoor common areas. Please see section 9 of this updated Public Health Orderfor a list of exemptions.

New FAQ page for Fall 2021 ❓

Do you have questions about what’s happening for Fall 2021 and what safety precautions VIU is taking in the return to campus planning? Bookmark ourFrequently Asked Questions page, where we will be sharing the most up-to-date information as it becomes available.  

Mark your calendars

Wednesday, May 5, 2021: 

Is when tuition fees for summer session classes starting in May are due, calculated based on course enrolment as of this date. On Thursday, May 6, any remaining fees unpaid will be assessed a 10% late fee. 

Friday, May 7, 2021: 

Is the last day of active waitlist for 14-week summer session classes. It is also when final Spring 2021 semester grades are due.