Post Secondary BC Information for Parents
Since 1974, Post-Secondary BC has been connecting students and post-secondary institutions in BC while providing comprehensive real-time information for students, parents, and high school counsellors. Post-Secondary BC provides guides for parents and students to help navigate the post-secondary landscape in BC.
Help for New Students!
Ready, Set, Go - Launchpad for Success is a great resource for your new VIU Learner as they navigate the first few months at VIU. Here you will find a handy list of deadlines, checklist, and links to services. The information will apply most specifically to learners in academic degree, diploma and certificate programs.
Educational Advising Supports
VIU learners can connect with Educational Advisors anytime throughout the year and their time at VIU to help explore career and programs, develop goals, and build educational plans. Remember, your student is never alone! More information on Educational Planning.
Studying on campus: Essential Learning and Activity Spaces
Students in the Nanaimo area can access many spaces on campus to study. The Library Commons is open 24/7, and the Upper Cafeteria space is also available between 8 am - 5 pm. Students need their VIU ID card to access these spaces. Get your VIU ID Card.
Building 200 Rooms 105 and 106
Student clubs wanting to use the Essential Learning Spaces in Building 200 must book the space through the VIU Students Union room bookings.
Meditation and Prayer Rooms
The Meditation and Prayer Rooms located in building 200, rooms 107a and 107b can be accessed during business hours. If you would like access after-hours, please email meditationandprayer@viu.ca or contact VIU Security at 250.740.6512.
COVID-19 information for Students
Health and Wellness Supports
VIU students can take part in year-round Outdoor Recreation opportunities, Intramural Programs, Group Fitness Classes and Wellness Activities. Be sure to check out VIU Events for upcoming information sessions, speaker series, student events and performances.
Important information on how to register for courses and how to pay for tuition. VIU protects your student's privacy by not giving information contained in their student record to anyone other than your student unless we receive written authorization from them to do so, or that person knows the two critical pieces of information: the student number and the answer to their security question that they created in their student record. Consent can be received by email.
Contact Financial Aid if your student is receiving student loans, grants or sponsorships. Here you will also find links to funding opportunities for trades programs, tuition waiver program, education abroad programs, international scholarships and awards, adult upgrading and funding information for BC residents. The VIU Financial Aid and Awards Office is committed to supporting students in their search for financial assistance. Did you know that there is over $3.5 million available for VIU Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries!
VIU offers experiential learning opportunities through Co-operative Education and Internship Programs that enhance student learning and help your VIU Learner transition into the job market with sought-after skills and experience.
Encourage your VIU Learner to explore VIU's Work-Integrated Learning opportunities that aim to bridge the classroom and the world of work. Your VIU Learner can also get involved with extracurricular activities through the Office of Co-Curricular Engagement and Learning such as the Co-Curricular Record, RockVIU, the HUB, the Student Leadership Circle, and Peer Supported Learning.
If your student wants you to make inquiries on their behalf, your student must designate you as their proxy. You must know your student's 9 digit student number and the answer to their security question.
Your student must be very careful about giving out this information.
VIU protects your student's privacy by not giving information contained in their student record to anyone other than your student unless we receive written authorization from them to do so, or that person knows the two critical pieces of information: the student number and the answer to their security question that they created in their student record.
VIU Residences houses over 500 students from across Canada and around the world. With an array of different building and room styles, this dynamic residence community is supported by a 24-hour front desk staff, two professional staff members and 15 Community Leaders which help to create a respectful, enjoyable, and safe experience for every student and staff member.
Services for Aboriginal Students
Situated on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples, VIU is fortunate to host a large number of Indigenous students. VIU provides a learning environment that is accessible, relevant for all learners, celebrates success, and acknowledges history and traditions.
Our Services for Aboriginal Students and Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement offer a range of programs, supports and services for students, employees and the wider community.
As a culturally responsive post-secondary institution, VIU is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal peoples to improve their educational opportunities. Our students represent many different nations and cultures and come to VIU with a rich and unique traditional knowledge base. Find a warm, welcoming, inclusive and generous community of Aboriginal students, faculty, Elders and staff who come together to support your academic and personal goals and help you overcome any obstacles you might find that get in the way to achieving them.
