Student Affairs Foundation Plan

VIU's 2022-27 Foundation Plan for Student Affairs

Enter with Curiosity; Leave with Confidence

Vancouver Island University has engaged in integrated planning for a number of years and as a part of this planning has engaged specific divisions to develop strategic plans in alignment with the University's Strategic Plan.

The last strategic plan for Student Affairs, the Student Affairs Strategic Framework, was completed in 2018 as an outcome of the early Academic Plans (2011, 2016). In 2019, VIU welcomed our new President, Dr. Deborah Saucier, and work started on a Strategic Plan. Once VIU's Strategic Plan was approved by VIU's Board of Governors, we began to work on the Foundational Plan for Student Affairs, 2022-2027. Much change has occurred since 2018, and it was important to reflect on our strengths, areas to improve and enhance, and review the Fall 2021 Student Success Survey in order to hear from our students directly.

Student Affairs at Vancouver Island University plays a critical role in supporting student success by providing wrap-around supports for learners. Student Affairs consists of:

  • Accessibility Services
    • Information, support and accommodation services for students with documented disabilities
    • Resources for faculty
  • Advising Centre
    • Domestic Advising
    • Services for Aboriginal Students
  • Assessment and Exam Invigilation Services
    • Accommodated Exams
    • External Contract Exams
  • Athletics and Recreation
    • Varsity Mariners Athletics
      • Women's and Men's Basketball, Volleyball and Soccer
      • Mariners Club Sports
      • Indoor and Outdoor Recreation (e.g., intramurals, classes, outdoor excursions)
      • Mariners-in-Training summer camps
  • Centre for Experiential Learning
    • Office of Co-Curricular Engagement and Learning
      • RockVIU, Student Leadership Circle, Co-Curricular Record (CCR), Vancouver Island Leadership Conference, Fun@VIU, Co-curricular Involvement App, CCR Talks, Student Hub Space
      • Internships and Co-operative education
      • Student Wellbeing
        • Mental Health Strategist
        • Peer Wellness Leaders
        • Thrive
  • Conduct and Care
    • Early Alert
    • Risk and Threat Assessment Team
    • Collaborative Assessment, Referral and Education (CARE) Team
    • Conduct and Academic Appeals
  • Financial Aid and Awards
    • Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG)
    • Accessibility Grants
    • Canada Learning Bond Program (CLB)
    • On Campus Student Employment
    • Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries
    • Student Loans and Grants
    • Tuition Waiver Program
  • Health and Wellness Centre
    • Counselling Services
    • Student Health Clinic led by Nurse Practitioners providing primary care services
  • Off-Campus Housing (pilot)
    • Domestic and International student support
    • Housing Education and Resources
  • Sexual Misconduct Support and Education
  • Sexual Violence Training, Education and Prevention committee (STEP)
  • Sexual Violence Support Team
    • Peer-Supported Learning
    • Career Studio
    • Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)

The Foundational Plan for Student Affairs is one of six foundational plans under the VIU Strategic Plan: People, Place, Potential, and stands alongside plans for: Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity; Operations; Community Engagement; The People Plan; and the Academic Plan.

The 2022-27 Student Affairs Foundation Plan, Enter with Curiosity; Leave with Confidence, articulates goals and objectives that the Division will work towards over the life of the plan.

The AVP Student Affairs Leadership team is leading the consultation process.  An advisory council of representatives from across the institution will confirm the process to be followed, review the results of the process and provide recommendations for inclusion.

AVP Student Affairs Leadership Team 

TitlePersonnel
Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs - Chair Irlanda Gonzalez Price
Director, Student ServicesBryan Tinlin
Director, Athletics and RecreationDanielle Hyde
Director, Centre for Experiential LearningDanielle Johnsrude
Manager, Student AffairsBrittany Parker and Jolene Edmunds
Manager, Financial Aid, Access, Awards & ResourcesJennifer Jensen-Richards
Manager, Conduct and CareImre Juurlink
Manager, Sports Facilities and Campus RecreationDavid Forrester
Manager, Health and Wellness CentreKayla Fowler 
Administrative AssistantChris Yeast and Zoe Anderson

Student Affairs Foundational Plan Advisory Council

TitlePersonnel
Executive Director, VIUSUJames Bowen
Student/Chairperson, VIUSUElissa Miranda
Manager, VIU HousingHarmoni Jones
Housing Admission Coordinator, VIU ResidencesVanessa Bernard
Librarian, VIU LibraryLuke McLeod
Dean, Trades and Applied TechnologyGlynis Steen
Faculty, Centre for Experiential LearningBrook Pearce
Educational Advisor, Powell RiverWanda Erikson
Office Manager/Financial Aid Assistant, CowichanTracy Giles
Dean, Academic and Career PreparationJean Maltesen
Chair, ABE Nanaimo Stephanie Boychuk
Interim Director, International Student ServicesCatherine Brazier 

October 4, 2022 - The Student Affairs Foundation Plan 2022-27, "Enter with Curiosity; Leave with Confidence" receives approval from Dr. Deborah Saucier, President and Vice-Chancellor, and the Senior Management Team

February 6, 2023 - The final draft of the Foundation Plan was submitted to Brand and Marketing for final review, design, and preparation for printing. The final version of the foundation plan is anticipated to be available to the community in Spring 2023.

March 27, 2023 - The final version of the Foundation Plan is released to the VIU community.

We aim to continuously measure, monitor, and reflect on our progress to improve on and enhance the services that we already offer. An annual report will be distributed to the VIU Community in August to share updates on our progress. We encourage you to continue to engage with us about the Student Affairs Foundation Plan and you are invited to share your observations and feedback, and/or submit any questions.

Submit Feedback

You can also contact the Office of Student Affairs directly at StudentAffairsAdmin@viu.ca.