VIU Student Pulse News: December 1, 2021
The days are getting darker and exams are just around the corner (so is the holiday break!). Looking for some bright cheer amongst the study sessions? Check out the Nanaimo campus quad after dark, lit up for all to enjoy after Light It Up VIU happened last week.
Wayfinding at VIU
Campus Development ran a survey from August 2 to September 30 asking students and employees to share their experiences and suggestions about wayfinding signage on the Nanaimo campus. Your thoughtful input will help us develop a comprehensive, accessible and inclusive wayfinding signage system. Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to our prize winners!
Cultivating the courage to complete her education: Leanor Hampton
Vancouver Island University’s ‘su’luqw’a’ Community Cousins Aboriginal student mentorship program celebrated its 10th anniversary in September 2021. In honour of this important milestone, we are sharing stories of people closely connected with the program every month leading up to the anniversary. Stay tuned for a celebration event in February 2022 – when we hope to be able to gather in-person.
Your top questions about VIU's Engineering Technologist program, answered
What is engineering? Engineering is about solving problems. It applies the principles of science and mathematics to design and build things.
“Everything around you has been engineered, including your desk, stapler, window, the building you are in and the road you travel on. Some of this was engineered a long time ago, but someone did it at some point,” says David Moss, a VIU Engineering Technician. “We build things. Basically everything around you that is human-made has been engineered, whether it was designed or constructed through engineering.”
Academic Plan Roundtables
On December 7 and 8 the Academic Plan Advisory Group will be hosting a series of online and in-person roundtables on the new Academic Plan Goals, Objectives and Strategies. Each roundtable will focus on a pair of goals. Employees and students are invited to attend as many sessions as you like. This is your opportunity to discuss the goals and provide feedback. Each session will have the following format:
Self-care, stressbusters and Light It Up VIU! 🎄
As you gear up for exam season, our student blogger Preet Parmar wants to remind you not to forget to take care of yourself.
Looking out for number one: How to practice self-care during mid-terms and finals
Maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself is key to academic success and to your ability to support others. Neglecting personal care elevates anxiety, inattentiveness, frustration and could lead to burnout. When self-care starts to become equivalent to doing a chore, rather than a mental nudge to be grateful, it’s a sign that something needs to change in your life.
Finding a place to live in Nanaimo
Are you looking for accommodation in Nanaimo? The housing market in Nanaimo can be a challenge – for example, right now, there are few empty rental properties (although it looks like this could be improving!). The sooner you start your search, the better. On top of that, there are various types of accommodations to choose from, like single-unit apartments, secondary suites (for example the converted basement of a house), condos or even private homestays (living with a family). Finding the right housing fit can take some time.
VIU Student Pulse News: November 3, 2021
November is always a busy time at uni, with tests, final projects and exam prep looming. If you’re feeling like you need a little extra support these days, VIU offers many resources to help you not only survive but thrive. All you need to do is reach out. And hey, a few days off next week during fall study days will also help, right?
Alum takes high school students under her wing
Vancouver Island University (VIU) alum Samuelle Simard-Provençal led a bird banding demonstration this September to allow girls and Indigenous youth to learn about biological sciences and the different career paths they can pursue.