VIU Students’ Union starts campaign to inform students of the effects the local election could have on them

With general voting day around the corner in Nanaimo and across the province, Vancouver Island University Students’ Union (VIUSU) is taking on a campaign to help students understand how local governments affect their everyday lives.

VIU and Loaves & Fishes team up to open new Free Food Market on campus

Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank is partnering with Vancouver Island University to open a new Free Food Market on campus, to help fight against food insecurity for students and the Nanaimo community.

64 new seats added for trades program apprenticeship at Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University (VIU) is ramping up its Trades program, adding 64 seats in the coming year with investment from the Province. The Ministry of Post Secondary Education and Future Skills announced VIU is expanding the skilled trades training seats in Nanaimo in 2026-27.

Come on in the water’s fine! Testing water at beaches resumes for summer

Nanaimo began its yearly summer water quality monitoring program on June 16, informing citizens that regular testing will continue throughout the season. Every year, the City of Nanaimo performs routine water testing of the area’s bodies of water and beaches, checking for bacteria to ensure they are safe for the public.

Grief Fire held at Vancouver Island University 10 years after toxic drug crisis declared

On April 14, 2016, the Government of British Columbia declared a public health emergency in response to the increase in toxic drug deaths happening across the province.

Sexpo from VIU Students’ Union breaks down sexual health barriers

For many people, sexual health was only something taught to them in high school. Vancouver Island University Students’ Union wants to go further in breaking down stigma and opening up conversion around sexual health and consent.

VIU student talks about her time at COP 30 in Brazil

Every year, world leaders, scientists and climate activists meet to make decisions around addressing the climate crisis, and this year, some students from Vancouver Island University were able to witness it.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieDecember 5, 2025Nanaimo, VIU, Vancouver Island University, COP 30, Climate change

Dress for success: new VIU ‘Career Closet’ offers free professional clothing for students

A new service through Vancouver Island University’s Career Studio is helping students dress for success for interviews, events and presentations.

NanaimoLauryn MackenzieDecember 1, 2025Nanaimo, VIU, Vancouver Island University, Career Studio, Poverty

VIU nursing students are setting out to make sure all kids have the chance to play sports

Vancouver Island University nursing students are making sure kids, no matter their background, can still take part in sports.

Nanaimo, Health, VIULauryn MackenzieNovember 3, 2025Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Recreation

Vancouver Island University recognized by Moose Hide Campaign for awareness around gender-based violence

Vancouver Island University has been recognized for its work on campus raising awareness around gender-based violence.

Waitlists & reduced services: VIU students & BCFS call on Province to restore funding

Students at Vancouver Island University are tired of seeing programs and services at VIU get cut, and now they are calling on the provincial government to make a change.

Lauryn MackenzieSeptember 19, 2025Nanaimo, VIU, Vancouver Island University, BCFS, VIUSU, Education, Deficit

Harm reduction education highlighted to keep students safe at Vancouver Island University

As many new and returning students are settling into campus life at Vancouver Island University, students through the campus health and wellness centre want to educate students to make sure they know the impacts of the ongoing toxic drug crisis.

VIU to cut Master of Community Planning program amidst a worker shortage in the industry

Kyle Wickland was excited when he was accepted to the Master of Community Planning program at Vancouver Island University this year.

Delicious: World’s largest Nanaimo bar unveiled in the harbour city

It’s official, Nanaimo now holds the record for the world’s largest Nanaimo bar.

Lauryn MackenzieMay 20, 2025Nanaimo, Nanaimo Bar, City of Nanaimo, VIU, Vancouver Island University

VIU students to vote on adding a new fee for a proposed student-owned building

Vancouver Island University students are going to have a say in whether they approve of a new fee to support the construction of a new student activity centre.

Lauryn MackenzieApril 7, 2025VIU, VIUSU, Vancouver Island University

Student-led program helped fight food insecurity at VIU

It has been a busy year for Leah Vaisanen as she finishes up her studies while running a program tackling food insecurity on campus.

Lauryn MackenzieMarch 27, 2025VIU, VIUSU, Vancouver Island University

VIU Students’ Union starts campaign to bring back 24-7 library hours

In prior years, Vancouver Island University students could access the library 24-7, but in the last year, this has changed to reduced hours, leaving many students annoyed.

Student protestor speaks out about unfair suspension

After a three-month-long protest on Vancouver Island University, two student protesters are wondering why they have been suspended from the school.

VIU student showcases the voices of the foster care system through art

A Vancouver Island University student is sharing the stories of people who were once in the foster care system and are now starting their post-secondary education journeys.

Lauryn MackenzieFebruary 14, 2025Foster care, Vancouver Island University, Art, Provincial Tuition Waiver