New Student Orientation
Tuesday, August 27 to Friday August 30, 2024
RockVIU is your chance to learn how to get the most out of your time at VIU. Explore campus, meet faculty and connect with other students. Attend a mixture of in-person events at the Nanaimo campus and online info sessions open for students at all campuses. All events are virtual on Tuesday, August 27. In-person events are on August 28, 29 and 30.
Highlights:
- Virtual sessions: How to get involved on campus, setting up your student account and accessing student services (August 27)
- Residence Orientation and first move-in day (August 28)
- Interactive campus tours and scavenger hunt (August 28)
- Connect Fair & Community Corner (August 29)
- Meet your profs and peers at block party socials (August 29)
- Graduate student orientation (August 30)
Orientation events for graduate students and international students also happen August 28, 29 and 30. Register for these events by clicking the link above and selecting if you are an international and a graduate student.
September 3 is new student orientation day at the Cowichan campus and September 11 is new student orientation day at the tiwsemawtx campus.
RockVIU Nanaimo schedule
Tuesday, August 27
9 to 10 am
Q&A panel: How to access your student services (virtual)
Learn about student services on all campuses. Webinar registration link.
11 am to 12 pm
Q&A panel: How to get involved at VIU (virtual)
Get the answers and information you need to make an impact on campus. Webinar registration link.
12 to 1 pm
University survival guide: Setting up your student accounts (virtual)
This presentation, in collaboration with VIU Residence, is to help students feel prepared to excel at being independent, whether they are living in student dorms or in off-campus housing. Learn how to create your student account, use the Co-Curricular Involvement App and the Experience Hub. Webinar registration link.
2 to 3 pm
Intro to VIUSU: About your students' union membership (virtual)
Learn what it means to be a member of the students' union and to explore the services, advocacy and events available to you. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85763657952 (Meeting ID: 857 6365 7952)
Wednesday, August 28
10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Campus Adventures
Starting location: Welcome Centre (Building 300)
Work in teams on a scavenger hunt that takes you to various locations on campus where you’ll solve unique puzzles.
Thursday, August 29
9 to 10 am
Indigenous Students Welcome
Shq’apthut (Building 170)
Join the Office of Indigenous Education and Engagement for this welcome for Indigenous students.
10 am to 12 pm
Block Party Socials
Location varies by faculty (see schedule below)
Turn strangers into friends. Meet your professors and classmates at a Block Party Social. Each VIU faculty hosts an informational and fun networking event where you can learn about the opportunities available in your program.
10:30 to 11:30 am
Parent and Supporter Info Session
Royal Arbutus Room, Building 300
Sending a student on their journey at Vancouver Island University is a significant transition for the entire family and community. Join us for this session designed to equip all supporters in this exciting new chapter.
12 to 4 pm
Connect Fair and Community Corner
Parking lot G
Play carnival games and enjoy lunch at the Connect Fair. Check out campus and community groups and local businesses at the Community Corner.
Friday, August 30
11:20 am to 12 pm
Where did you come from? Where are you now?
Malaspina Theatre (Building 310)
Indigenous perspectives
2 to 2:30 pm
Leaders and Leadership
Malaspina Theatre (Building 310)
Learn what good leadership is, why it matters and how to gain leadership skills at VIU.
7 to 11 pm
Movie Night
Malaspina Theatre (Building 310)
Join us for some games, snacks and a movie. Registration link.
Block Party Social locations
Between 10 am and 12 pm on Thursday, August 29, visit your faculty at the following locations:
Arts and Humanities: Building 310
Education: Building 356, Rooms 111, 236, 213, 215 and 219
Health Sciences and Human Services: TBC
Kinesiology: Building 356, Rooms 240 and 244
Management: Building 250, first and second floor
Science and Technology: Building 460 and 470 Lane
Social Sciences: Building 355, Room 211
Trades and Applied Technology: Building 180, offices
Register for the VIU Games!
The RockVIU fun continues with the VIU Games on Saturday, September 7! In the VIU Games, you'll be divided into teams of 8 to 10 students, alumni and faculty to compete against other teams in multiple games ranging from dodgeball to a treasure hunt, music trivia and a three-legged race. Come meet new people, have fun and compete for prizes. The $10 ticket includes lunch, snacks and prizes. Register via Eventbrite.