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
The Role of the Preserved Poem
Acclaimed poet A.F. Moritz is the 2021–2022 Ralph Gustafson Distinguished Poet at VIU. Moritz has written over 20 books of poetry, most recently As Far As You Know (2020). He has won many awards including the Griffin Poetry Prize and the Guggenheim Fellowship, and was nominated three times for the Governor General’s Award. He is … Continued
A Rich and Majestic Land
VIU’s Engaged Citizens Speaker series returns on February 8, 2022, with an important human rights issue—climate change. Sheila Watt-Cloutier Siila’s presentation Re-imagining a New Way Forward with Intention examines climate change and meaningful action from an Inuit perspective, drawing upon her own activism and experiences. Born and raised traditionally in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik (northern Quebec), Watt-Cloutier … Continued
VIU Graduate Programs Expo
Don’t know what to do after you graduate? Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Graduate Programs Expo can help. VIU has a variety of postgraduate options, from master’s degrees to certificates and advanced diplomas, in programs such as Business, Education, and Fisheries and Aquaculture. However, navigating this world can be daunting. The Expo will answer questions students … Continued
RISEBRIDGE
This winter has been one of the coldest on record for the Nanaimo area. Most fortunate people have a warm place to escape the frigid winter wind, but for many others, this isn’t the case. Multiple advocacy and community-led groups have stepped up to help those in need of extra support. One organisation in particular, … Continued
Have Yourself a Quiet Little Christmas
BC residents are facing new restrictions for the holidays. The province announced an initial set of restrictions on Friday, December 17 with additional measures outlined on Tuesday, December 21. The latest restrictions come into effect Wednesday and will be in place until January 18, 2022. They include: The closure of bars, nightclubs, gyms, and fitness … Continued
Demitria Rounis
Vancouver Island University is home to royalty. Demitria Rounis is the 2022 Royal International Miss (RIM) Canada Role Model for Western Canada, or Miss Canada Pacific. Rounis is in her graduating year in the Bachelor of Tourism Management program (majoring in Recreation). She shares this year’s Miss Canada Role Model title with a student from … Continued
Precedented Times
The extreme flooding in southern BC has been and continues to be devastating. The prolonged heavy rainfall caused mudslides that blocked and destroyed major highways, for thousands of people to abandon their homes, and the death of hundreds of thousands of farm animals. While some British Columbians experienced minor or no changes to their daily … Continued
Action and Accountability
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign returns to VIU this year. The United Nations Campaign, which is marking 30 years, runs from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, until December 10, World Human Rights Day. It promotes awareness of violence against women, children, and gender-diverse people … Continued
Reporting and Reconciliation
Connie Walker is the speaker for VIU’s seventh annual Indigenous Speakers Series, in partnership with CBC Radio. She will present her talk “Exposing the Truth: Journalism’s Role in Reconciliation” on Monday, November 22 at 6:30 pm in Malaspina Theatre on VIU’s Nanaimo campus. Over the past decade, Walker’s work has focused on Indigenous voices and … Continued
Navigator Newspaper Society Nominations and AGM
The Navigator Newspaper Society Board of Directors Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place over Google Meet on November 30, 2021, at 5 pm PST. Nominations are now open for the annual election. To nominate, visit this Google Form and submit before nominations close on November 22. Successful nominees will work together with a small … Continued
People, Place, Potential
VIU has developed a new strategic plan. People, Place, Potential will be implemented between 2021 and 2026 to guide the University’s activities. The University made the announcement on Wednesday, November 3, 2021. In a press release, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Deborah Saucier stated, “The Strategic Plan will help us chart the course to become … Continued
Off to the Polls:
The polls are open again! For VIU Students’ Union (VIUSU) elections, that is. From Tuesday, October 19, to Thursday, October 21, students can choose who they want to represent them at VIUSU. The voting will take place electronically via a unique link emailed to every VIU student. Votes can be cast at all hours until … Continued
Take Cover!
The Great BC ShakeOut returns to Nanaimo at 10:20 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, with the annual ShakeOut drill. This event is part of International ShakeOut Day (the third Thursday of October) dedicated to spreading earthquake and emergency awareness. The City of Nanaimo October 14 press release states: “[The Great BC ShakeOut is] more than … Continued