VIU becoming “more of a Swiss cheese” through cuts, reductions: Retired professor

In an article for the Nanaimo News Bulletin, retired Vancouver Island University Professor Don Alexander laments how cuts at VIU have changed the institution. Alexander describes the university’s development over the last two decades, highlighting both its growth and expansion into graduate programming and the headwinds it and other BC universities have faced. He asserts […]

With National Indigenous Peoples Day falling on a Saturday this year, several institutions held special events and shared resources in advance of the weekend. Institutions such as NorQuest College, the University of Waterloo, and Vancouver Island University held special celebrations with food, dances, and cultural learning opportunities. Dalhousie University hosted a morning smudge. MacEwan University […]

Vancouver Island University has cancelled 14 programs and suspended six others to make time for further evaluation as part of efforts to reduce its deficit. VIU Acting Provost Claire Grogan explained in a letter to the community that the suspensions support academic renewal and affirmed that impacted students will be supported as they complete their […]

Postsecondary institutions across Canada are hosting events and initiatives to celebrate Pride Month. Institutions such as the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Winnipeg, Vancouver Island University, and York University are kicking off the month by raising flags recognizing the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Brock University and YorkU highlighted ways that their communities could learn more through […]

Vancouver Island University Professional Baking and Pastry Arts students will be assembling a 21.3-metre-long, one-metre-wide nanaimo bar on Saturday in a bid to break the world record. “The record isn’t even held in Nanaimo—we gotta fix that,” said VIU student Ben Cram. What is expected to be a nearly-500 kg dessert—containing an estimated 2,400,000 calories—will […]

Vancouver Island University has proposed a series of changes to its structure and programs to address financial pressures and enrolment declines. VIU plans to restructure academic leadership by reducing the number of deans from eight to four by 2026, while retaining associate deans and faculty staff. The proposals would also phase out over a dozen […]

The Government of British Columbia has invested nearly $4M Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Learning (ELL) pathway programs at 11 public postsecondary institutions and Native Education College. The funding will support 23 new pathway programs until the end of August 2026. These programs will help students transition into postsecondary programs with tailored programs […]

Vancouver Island University’s Board of Governors has responded to a non-confidence vote that was submitted by the Vancouver Island University Faculty Association (VIUFA) and the Vancouver Island University Students’ Union (VIUSU). CHEK and the Nanaimo News Bulletin report that this vote stemmed from student frustrations with issues such as “financial mismanagement, failed capital projects, and […]

The Pacific Western Athletic Association (PACWEST) has determined that Columbia Bible College will no longer host the upcoming men’s and women’s basketball provincials. PACWEST launched an investigation into a complaint filed by a Vancouver Island University trans athlete about the behaviour of Columbia Bible College’s coach and players. PACWEST has not released the findings of […]

Several postsecondary institutions are welcoming the Year of the Snake with Lunar New Year celebrations. At Brock University, students participated in a panel discussion and games. Dalhousie University’s International Centre organized events like fortune telling, a mahjong night, and make-your-own dumplings workshop. Kwantlen Polytechnic University is hosting a calligraphy workshop and bubble tea and waffle […]