Academic student supports
Accessibility Services provides information, support services and reasonable accommodation to students with documented permanent disabilities including:
- mental health conditions
- ADHD
- learning disabilities
- chronic health issues
- hearing/visual impairments
- physical disabilities
- temporary impairments due to accidents or injuries
All students with disabilities are encouraged to register with our office.
Steps for connecting with Accessibility Services
Contact
- Building 255, 2nd Floor Reception
- 250.740.6446
- AccessibilityServices@viu.ca
Academic Advisors can help you to discover, plan and work toward your educational goals. You can achieve a more fulfilling educational experience through an advising relationship.
Contact
- Building 200, 3rd Floor
- 250.740.6410
- Advising@viu.ca
The Assessments and Exams Services team supports students with accommodation letters who request accommodated exam services.
Contact
- Building 255, Room 115
- 250.740.6276
- Assessments@viu.ca
The Centre for Experiential Learning (CEL) supports students, faculty, and employers through a range of services that enhance work-integrated learning (WIL), career readiness, student engagement and success. The team provides essential resources for pre-employment preparation, career transition, and employer partnerships while maintaining critical administrative operations like record-keeping and reporting.
Contact
- Building 255, 2nd Floor, Room 204
- 250.740.6639
- CEL@viu.ca
Thriving in Action (TiA) is an evidence-based program that combines positive psychology and innovative learning strategies to support students in developing the skills and resiliency that they need to thrive. TiA is a group-based course that supports students, prevents distress, bolsters self-efficacy, and supports persistence.
Contact
Student supports services
The VIU Career Studio, located in Building 255, Room 204 operates as a physical space and virtual hub where students can find career development education, support and resources. At the Career Studio, we offer drop-in services, workshops, specialized appointments, and preparation for job search and events.
Contact
- Building 255, 2nd floor, Room 204
- 250.740.6639
- CareerStudio@viu.ca
The VIU Financial Aid and Awards Office is committed to supporting students in their search for financial assistance including provincial and federal loans, grants, and internal and external Scholarships, Awards, and Bursaries.
Contact
- Building 255, 2nd Floor Reception
- Phone: 250.740.6423
- FinancialAidInfo@viu.ca
Off-Campus Housing is private, rented accommodation. Students coming to Nanaimo search for accommodation and sign a legal contract with a local landlord. VIU does not communicate directly with landlords to find accommodation but we will support you with resources and local information.
Contact
Vancouver Island University (VIU) commits to a respectful and safe learning and living environment. We support all students towards reaching their full academic and personal potential.
We recognize that students, staff and faculty sometimes need extra support. This could be for themselves or another VIU community member. We have a number of helpful resources.
Contact
- Emergency: 911 as appropriate and/or Campus Security at 250.740.6512
- Conduct and Care Office: Email ConductandCare@viu.ca or call 250.740.6364
Are you the parent or supporter of a VIU student? Learn more about how you can help support your learning on their university path!
Student Wellbeing
Counselling Services offers free confidential and professional support to enrolled VIU students. Counsellors collaborate with students in a compassionate setting to clarify concerns, establish goals and explore resources for well-being. We offer a variety of services which can assist in the management of personal challenges allowing students to have the best university experience possible.
Contact
- Building 200, 3rd floor
- 250.740.6416
The VIU Student Health Clinic is open to provide medical health care to students enrolled at Vancouver Island University. The VIU Student Health Clinic is a Primary Health Care Clinic run by Nurse Practitioners who provide comprehensive clinical care including the diagnosis and management of disease/illness, prescribing medications, ordering/interpreting laboratory/diagnostic tests, and initiating referrals to specialists.
Contact
- Building 200, 3rd Floor
- 250.740.6620
VIU is committed to creating a respectful, safe and supportive learning, working and living environment where members of the University community are free from sexual violence and sexual misconduct. VIU’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and associated Procedure demonstrate this commitment and ensure everyone, regardless of gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation feels safe and supported. Together, we can create a culture of respect and understanding.
On the Nanaimo Campus, students have access to Meditation, Prayer and Reflection Rooms. There are two rooms which are located on the first floor of Building 200. These rooms are available to students and employees and are shared by people of a variety of religious, spiritual and other reflective beliefs and practices.
To report issues related to the Meditation, Prayer and Reflection rooms, please email MedAndPrayer@viu.ca.
Do you need after-hours access to the Meditation, Prayer & Reflection rooms? Please email MedAndPrayer@viu.ca with your full name and student or employee ID number.
Thrive is a collection of events, activities and resources to support student well-being. Check out Thrive’s webpage and social media pages for the most up to date information on upcoming activities.
Contact
VIU’s Wellness Peers are trained student volunteers who provide support to their fellow students through empathic listening, education, and resource connection. Got questions? Looking for a resource? Or just need someone to talk to? Connect with a VIU Wellness Peer - a VIU student volunteer trained to help you navigate student life and thrive! The Wellness Peers are located in the Wellness Lounge in the Nanaimo Campus Library.
Contact
Student involvement
Home of the VIU Mariners! Athletics and Recreation runs programs and services, such as inside recreation, intramurals and special events, fitness and lifestyle, and services and facilities (weight room, multipurpose room, and more).
Contact
- Building 190
- 250.740.6418
- Gym@viu.ca
The Office of Co-Curricular Engagement and Learning (OCCEL) is connected to the Centre for Experiential Learning and Student Affairs.
OCCEL is committed to the following goals:
- Committed to student success and learning through experience, outside of the classroom.
- Create opportunities for student engagement on campus and outside within community
- Leadership Development- creating opportunities for students to strengthen relationships and to build upon relevant skills through professional development
- Facilitate new student orientations & volunteer opportunities
- Facilitate student engagement at VIU in terms of connecting activities to the VIU Graduate Attributes
- Organize programming which help students to become reflective learners
Contact
Let us know how we're doing!
Contact Us
Nanaimo campus
General inquiries, please email StudentAffairsAdmin@viu.ca.
Phone: 250.740.6412
Building 255, 900 Fifth Street
Cowichan campus
General inquiries, please email Advising.Cowichan@viu.ca.
Building 700, 2011 University Way
tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus
General inquiries, please email tc.students@viu.ca.
Building 610, Room 118, 100-7085 Nootka Street