VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY

OVERVIEW

Known as a centre of excellence for teaching, applied research and learning, Vancouver Island University (VIU) is producing quality graduates that are in demand by employers across the country and around the world.

VIU has evolved into a dynamic, internationally known university supporting a student population in excess of 18,000 full-and part-time learners, including 1100 international students, over 1000 aboriginal students, and employing over 2,000 faculty and staff.

Through our ongoing evolution and growth, VIU is proud to have contributed to the development of the Vancouver Island culture, social, economic and knowledge base.

VIU operates four campuses including a main campus in Nanaimo and regional campuses in Duncan, Powell River and Parksville•Qualicum. VIU is also the proud owner of Milner Gardens and Woodlands in Qualicum Beach, recently named one of the top 10 public gardens in Canada..

QUICK FACTS

• Established in 1936.
• Over 10,000 full-time Canadian students, and 1,000 international students from more than 50 countries.
• Graduate and undergraduate degrees, diplomas and certificates, and a 5-level English Language program.
• 294-seat theatre; state-of-the-art new library and bookstore; gymnasium and fitness facilities; art and music studios; science and computer labs; research centres; campus career centre; cafeterias; and student centre on 110-acre campus.
• 386 apartments and single rooms in on-campus student residences.
• Wireless and educational technology.
• New Centre for International Education for check-in, advising, and orientation to the campus.

STUDY AND WORK

Co-operative Education

Co-operative Education (Co-op) combines classroom study with supervised, professional, paid, off-campus work experience in Canada. Vancouver Island University offers five programs with a Co-operative Education component:

• Fisheries and Aquaculture Diploma
• Hospitality Management Diploma
• Recreation & Sport Management Diploma
• Tourism Studies Diploma
• Tourism/Recreation Management Degree

Co-op placements usually take place from May to October. Programs that include a Co-op component normally start in September.

Work after Graduation

After graduation from an academic program that is 8 months or longer, international students are allowed to work in Canada for up to 3 years. VIU's Campus Career Centre provides assistance with finding work after graduation.

On-Campus Work

While studying at Vancouver Island University, international students who hold a study permit are eligible to work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week. Every semester the Campus Career Centre has listings for more than 300 on-campus jobs such as clerical assistant in academic faculties, library assistant, math centre support, computer lab monitor, research assistant, and gymnasium assistant. These positions are competitive and generally do not offer more than 10 hours of work per week for the successful applicants. The Centre for International Education also hires several international students every semester to work as international student activity assistants to help plan and organize events.

Off-Campus Work

While studying at Vancouver Island University, international academic students on study permits (not English language students, exchange or Malaspina International High School students) are eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week while studying. These students are also eligible to work full-time during scheduled breaks including the 4 month summer vacation and 3 week winter vacation.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

Vancouver Island University has a reputation for excellence and our graduates consistently give us top marks for quality of instruction and usefulness of education.

VIU is ranked #1 in Canada according to the 2009 National Survey of Student Engagement, published in Macleans magazine.

Last year more than 10,000 students, including 1,000 international students from over 60 different countries chose VIU for the following reasons:

• Excellent instruction by highly qualified faculty
• Small classes where discussion is encouraged
• Comprehensive services and support for all students
• Opportunities for undergraduate
• Our central Vancouver Island location with mountains and the ocean just minutes away from the campus
• Competitive tuition fees
• Financial assistance and student employment programs
• State-of-the-art library
• On-site student residences in Nanaimo
• Modern and well-equipped labs and art studios
• Education abroad and international exchange programs
• Award winning athletic teams; fitness, sports and outdoor recreation programs

FACILITIES

Several renovations have been made in the past few years to accommodate VIU's growing student body. Among them is a new 294-seat theatre; renovated library and bookstore; gymnasium and fitness facilities; art and music studios; science and computer labs; research centres; campus career centre; cafeterias; and student centre on 110-acre campus.

VIU's new main library in Nanaimo offers over 230,000 books/journals, online resources, viewing rooms and multimedia computer stations. Much of the campus has wireless capability.

VIU has a 20,000-square-foot gymnasium that features a fitness and weight room and multipurpose room. A four hundred-room Student Residence Village is also available on campus.

Facilities within a five minute walking distance include an indoor aquatic centre with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, wave pool and water slides; dual indoor ice rinks for skating and ice hockey; a 400 metre track, soccer and baseball fields; and an outdoor basketball and sand volleyball court (located in the Student Residence Village).

STUDENT SERVICES

Advisors are available to provide international students with the support necessary for a successful study experience at VIU. Advisors provide:

• information and advice about programs and courses
• help with class scheduling
• guidance about career goals and objectives
• information about study permit renewals and visas
• workshops to help students adapt to life in Canada
• personal advising

Other services for the students inlclude Assessments, Career and Academic Preparation, Counselling, Campus Career Centre, Co-operative Education, Director, Aboriginal Education, Disability Services, Financial Aid, First Nations Student Services, ,Math Learning Centre and Writing Centre.

The Vancouver Island University Students' Union offers services designed to support its student's lifestyles and academic pursuits. The services encompass everything from saving members' money to providing them with advice and assistance on how to launch a grade appeal.