RockVIU: Welcome to Campus is an opportunity for new students to explore the campus, meet their faculty, and make new connections with their peers. This years orientation will consist of a full week of Virtual events aimed to explore the theme of Connect, Engage, Discover.
Thank you to our RockVIU 2020 Presenting Partner: Panago Pizza
RockVIU 2020: COVID-19 Update: Based on the current circumstances on COVID-19, you are probably wondering, how will these changes affect RockVIU 2020?
The short answer is that RockVIU 2020 is ready to Rock and Roll! RockVIU 2020 has been reimagined with an approach that supports all VIU students from all campuses (Nanaimo, Powell River, Cowichan) by creating an immersive and inclusive virtual experience with a mix of fun, engaging, service-oriented and student-focused activities.
This year’s event will be jam packed with exciting activities designed to orient students with VIU campus, resources, and services while connecting with faculty members and peers. RockVIU 2020 activities will promote a sense of belonging, self-efficacy and provide a strong welcoming experience for students at VIU.
RockVIU events will now exist in a virtual format through the application of Zoom and through the VIU’s new Co-Curricular application. All event sessions will be recorded and uploaded to the RockVIU Guide on VIU’s new Co-Curricular application.
RockVIU 2020: Schedule
Week 1: Connect and Onboard
RockVIU 2020 will take place over a two-week period starting on Monday August 24, 2020 and ending on Friday September 4, 2020. In week one, students will be invited to connect with their designated RockVIU Leader and Student Peer Mentor in advance of the official RockVIU Welcome to Campus kick off on August 31st. Connections will take place through our new RockVIU onboarding initiative titled, “Beach Fire Chats”.
These are some highlight events to follow in Week 1.
Beach Fires Chats
- Enjoy a virtual Vancouver Island beach fire experience as you get to know your RockVIU Peer Mentor, who will also be your main contact throughout the Fall semester. Book your time slot in VIU’s Co-Curricular app to virtually connect with your RockVIU leader and come prepared with all the questions you have about VIU, student life, and more. Oh, and don’t forget the marshmallows!
VIU Scavenger Hunt | A Virtual Campus Excursion:
- Want to explore VIU’s campus and gain points to win prizes at the same time? Get to know your campus through this interactive virtual scavenger hunt and earn reward points for your engagement. Follow the map’s pathways throughout campus on the VIU Co-Curricular app to collect items and fun facts while you enjoy the short videos and photos featured throughout.
Week 2: Engage and Discover
RockVIU 2020-Welcome to Campus will officially kick off with the Opening Ceremony on Monday August 31, 2020 featuring Blake Fly.
Date/Time: Monday, Aug 31 @ 10:00am - 12:00pm
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H47NiQyR8nQ
Blake Fly is proudly sponsored by VIU Residence, thank you for all of your support for RockVIU 2020.
Some new highlights that are taking place include:
RockVIU Talent Showcase: Enjoy an evening event; showcasing diverse performances and local artists from all VIU campus communities. This event will be held live through Zoom.
Date/Time: Monday, Aug 31 @ 5:30pm - 6:30pm
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFXd4KBtsbg
Co-Curricular Record (CCR) Talks Presented by RBC: Upper-level students representing their respective Faculty will deliver dynamic presentations on the theme "My first year at VIU and strategies for adapting to change." In CCR students share 15 slides each for 25 seconds resulting in a 6 minute and 15 second presentation. This year we will be featuring all CCR Talk sessions online via Zoom.
"My First Year at VIU" will be held at 9:00am to 10:30am.
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCLvIU8cvZk
"Adapting to Change" will be held at 11:45am to 1:15pm.
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/92507739579?pwd=QVZQcDJZTW5yVVg4cnBjZ00zR0c3dz09
Students from all different faculties will be invited to attend these sessions above.
Study Tips & Tricks: The Peer-Supported Learning (PSL) team will be sharing some of the best studying and time-management skills to help students jumpstart their university careers and tools for success.
Date/Time: Tuesday, Sept 1 @ 3:00pm - 4:00pm
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oqsmow7RAqo
Welcome to your VIU Students Union: Being a student at VIU means you’re automatically a member of the Students’ Union. Attend this informative 30-minute session to learn all about VIUSU services, advocacy, events, and how to get involved with us!
Date/Time: Tuesday, Sept. 1 @ 2:30pm to 3:00pm
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82586344523
Block Party Socials: Enjoy this opportunity to connect with peers in your program and meet faculty members such as your Dean and professors. These socials will be conducted online via Zoom.
Date/Time: Sept. 1 @ 5:30pm
Academic & Career Preparation: https://viu.zoom.us/j/67627024825?pwd=TTBYbDBzZnVCejdmc3piUTloc3VaQT09
Arts & Humanities: https://viu.zoom.us/j/69295290497?pwd=SExtQVVldlJuOU9iTEwxSXQ0UHBYUT09
Education: Zoom Meeting ID: 65938652782 Password: 426295
Faculty of Management: https://viu.zoom.us/j/69754609691?pwd=WExreDNlUEZaOU9qVm1JYnVUUkpOQT09
Health & Human Services: https://viu.zoom.us/j/64256167071?pwd=Y09LcTRFQmhGZXpLS0lsbkhnZGk5dz09
Science & Technology: https://viu.zoom.us/j/68069818969?pwd=UEdCcXpSN0pPYm9NcFVRRWlCYnA3UT09
Social Sciences: https://viu.zoom.us/j/67565631380?pwd=blpoTE9jVnFaajlLamJxTFY4RGVUZz09
Q&A Panel Sessions: RockVIU will host a variety of Panel Sessions under the following themes.
Talk to Me: Mental Health sponsored by Telus | Q&A Panel
Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept 2 @ 7:30am - 8:15am
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/96216317349
- Come prepared with all your questions regarding mental health services at VIU to ask our friendly staff! Whether you are interested in counselling or ways to better connect with your peers through the Talk to Me Program, this is your opportunity to learn all about the ways VIU is here to support you and your mental well-being.
Get Ready, Get Connected, Get Involved at VIU | Q&A Panel
Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept 2 @ 8:30am - 9:15am
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/96216317349
- Wondering how you can get connected at VIU? What can I do virtually online after class? What does it mean to be a VIU Mariner? What is a Co-Curricular Record? What employment opportunities are available online and on campus? This is your opportunity to ask all the questions you have about student engagement and ways to get involved at VIU, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
What’s Up VIU? | Q&A Panel
Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept 2 @ 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/94477473001
- If you are curious about anything related to student services, from academic advising to financial aid and awards to disability access, this is your opportunity to ask all your questions about what resources and services are available for you, as a VIU student.
For any questions, please feel free to email us at welcometocampus@viu.ca
Connect Fair and Community Corner: The Connect Fair and Community Corner sessions will help you to learn more about the many different services and opportunities available for students. Students will attend virtual sessions and gain points to win prizes!
Wednesday, Sept 2
Academic Success - 11:00am - 12:00pm:
https://viu.zoom.us/j/66883592835?pwd=V0UvaTBXY1VrZG1EVUZFSDUzdGhlUT09
Community Corner - 12:00pm - 1:00pm:
https://zoom.us/j/93583043284?pwd=dDhQWFFnSlQvcG10UlFsdEFiN0lJQT09
VIU Supporting You - 2:00pm - 3:00pm:
https://zoom.us/j/97644000142?pwd=S2UvY2xkeXR1YXk2NEQxbHl6eEtmUT09
Engage @ VIU - 4:00pm - 5:00pm:
https://zoom.us/j/97007159694?pwd=aVpvL1BKSVRWRTc3SFhKbTI4c1Fydz09
Thursday, Sept 3
Connect @ Cowichan - 9:00am - 10:00am:
https://viu.zoom.us/j/61127527039?pwd=V3A5bUxVWXZyN1MrYk9KdVU0QU5ndz09
Technology - 10:00am - 11:00am:
https://zoom.us/j/92600952691?pwd=bXdpREw4QVBybWxyVTlDbWE1bDhwZz09
Connect @ Powell River: 1:00pm - 2:00pm:
https://viu.zoom.us/j/68508685383?pwd=dER2SUFCazFWdS9xZm5CdG5yaVNPQT09
Student Services - 3:00pm - 4:00pm:
https://viu.zoom.us/j/66917709400?pwd=MTdkR2xMVEtjZmh4SkdTenJLb05Jdz09
Connect @ VIU - 4:00pm - 5:00pm:
https://zoom.us/j/93670632093?pwd=VGQzR3BJKzUxbG1IVmFEZUJiM1ZOUT09
RockVIU Virtual Escape Rooms: Are you ready to put your problem-solving skills to the test and collaborate with other students to solve a VIU-themed escape room? The co-curricular virtual escape rooms will provide an opportunity for students to meet other students from different Faculties in a fast-paced activity. In addition, you will also get to learn more about the available services and student engagement opportunities at VIU. If students can’t make it to a live virtual escape room, students can also enjoy working through our self-guided escape room at their own convenience. Gain points by participating and cash them in on some fantastic prizes!
Date/Time: Friday, Sept 4, 2020
8:30am - 9:45am:
11:30am - 12:45pm:
Chai Chats: This is your opportunity to enjoy some candid conversations with the RockVIU student leaders and organizers, reflect on the week and the semester to come, as well as enjoy an amazing Zoom Dance Party. Be sure to bring a cup of tea or coffee!
Date/Time: Friday, Sept 4, 2020 at 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/97552645842
RockVIU Final Jam presented by Telus: Enjoy an evening event; RockVIU's Final Jam, where artists all across Canada and North America will give you and all VIU students a shout out and share performances in a virtual compilation.