Vancouver Island University Students’ Union annually holds the Big Ideas Lecture Series. The Big Ideas Lecture Series brings some of Canada’s most widely known and respected academics to speak to members of the Students’ Union and surrounding central Vancouver Island community. 

Past Speakers include Stephen Lewis former United Nations special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa and companion of the Order of Canada, and His Excellency John Ralston Saul who is a recipient of numerous international literary awards including companion of the Order of Canada and Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.