Deep Breathing and Cold Showers
I’m waist deep in the waters of Departure Bay with The Nav’s Megan Zolorycki. It’s November and the year’s first snowflakes fall around us while we struggle to breathe in the icy water. My entire body is screaming at me to run to shore, but I force myself to stay. I try to inhale deeply … Continued
Burnout Education 101
It’s tough being a teacher. Unruly students, detailed planning, a less-than-perfect workplace—any one of these factors can cause a burnout. All of them together can create a breaking point for teachers. Teachers in BC are dealing with many challenges, such as low wages, and high housing and food costs, according to Chair of the Association … Continued
From Club to Community
Who are the people running VIU’s clubs? Audio Editor Jack Corfield speaks to Gen, the Supreme Hierarch of Unconquerable Dungeons and Ancient God Dragons (President) of the D&D Club, and Elizabeth, the Minister of Internal Affairs for the History Club. Later, he sits down with power couple Sam and Katrin, Co-Chair of the History Students’ … Continued
Mariners Roundup
Meet Austin Heidt, The Nav’s brand new Sports Editor. Follow along with Austin as he gives an update on the recent action from the Mariners women’s volleyball team, a review of last year’s women’s basketball team, and a look ahead for both squads.
Navigating VIU Mental Health Resources
Follow along with The Nav’s Mike Duddy as he speaks with VIU’s Thrive and fellow student Lindon Lennox to find ways to reduce stress as a student during a difficult semester. If you’re in need of help, call VIU’s Counselling Services at (250) 740-6416 to book an appointment. Visit www.here2talk.ca for 24-hour confidential messaging. Kuu-us … Continued
The Navigator Sessions
Nanaimo’s very own Andrew Butler of Antler stopped by the Nav office to play us a few tunes and chat about the Nanaimo music scene. Stay tuned for future episodes of The Navigator Sessions where we will be highlighting the very best musical acts that the mid-island scene has to offer! 0:00 – Intro 0:10 … Continued
Heart of Gold
There is a new bench outside the Education and Social Sciences building on the VIU Nanaimo campus. On it is a plaque that reads: “In memory of Dr. Tony Robertson. Well-loved and respected professor, teacher, and friend.” The bench was officially dedicated on Friday, September 23, in memory of Dr. Tony Robertson, who passed away … Continued
Mahsa Amini
Alli, an Iranian MBA student attending VIU stands behind a table outside the campus library in Nanaimo. Melted wax candles dot the table’s surface in memorial. “How can I live in this beautiful country when my brother and sister are being killed?” he says. “There is a sense of feeling guilty when I am here … Continued
Dear Professors,
I’m sitting in the $800 bedroom I’m renting. I hear my four other roommates in the rooms around me. My back aches from the $5 stool I bought on Facebook Marketplace. My Zoom camera is turned off to hide the tears streaming down my face. My education is supposed to be my priority, but my … Continued
Find Your Support
I’m sitting in my third-year Indigenous Literature course as my non-Indigenous professor begins his lecture. I look around and wonder if I am the only Indigenous person in the room. In high school I was well aware of the low Indigenous graduation rates at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. My family, educators, and members … Continued
Portal 2022
VIU’s student-run and full-colour annual literary magazine is going to be celebrated in-person for the first time in three years thanks to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. The launch of the new issue will celebrate the accomplishments of the nearly 90 VIU student contributors since 2020. Portal 2022, on newsstands across the country in May, … Continued
Part of Something Bigger
When I first came to VIU’s Nanaimo campus, I was told “the science students stay at the top and the trades students keep to the bottom.” I’ve found this detached mindset prevalent at VIU, making it difficult to feel as though I’m part of a broader university community. The Canadian Collegiate Athletics Association (CCAA)’s Women’s … Continued
The Fight for Fairness
The province of BC has opened its doors for international students to access education in the province, with former Premier Christy Clark pushing to increase international student enrollment in BC by 50 percent back in 2011. The quality and expense of that education has recently been in the spotlight, however. The BC Federation of Students … Continued
A Say on Services
March is usually a busy month for VIU students is with assignments, exams, and final years getting ready to graduate. This year, there’s something else important for students to remember—the VIU Students’ Union (VIUSU) referendum and elections being held online March 1–3, 2022. While VIUSU elections are twice a year, the student referendum is something … Continued