governance council

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors manages, administers, and directs the corporate affairs of the University. Two students are elected from those who are members of the Students' Union. Duties as a student representative are to prepare for and attend all meetings and liaise with Students’ Union staff for support in your role. In meetings, the student rep. will participate in conversations when appropriate to share the student perspective. This is a professional opportunity, no experience required.

Faculty Councils

A Faculty Council is the representative governance council of the Faculty. Elected students serve for one-year terms; re-election is permitted to a maximum of four consecutive terms. The Faculty Council meets a minimum of three times annually. The role of the Council includes making decisions on behalf of the Faculty and reporting to the Faculty, recommend decisions on diverse matters to Senate, which may include program and course curriculum, educational standards, planning and priority setting, awards and honours, and bylaws, policy, and procedures. The Councils also create, instruct, and receive reports from ad hoc committees as necessary.

Senate

Senate is the academic governing body of VIU  and conducts its business through six Standing Committees, of which student reps are responsible for participation in at least one.  Four students are elected from those who are members of the Students' Union. Duties as a student rep are to prepare for and attend all meetings and liaise with Students’ Union staff for support in your role. In meetings, the student rep. will participate in conversations when appropriate to share  the student perspective. This is a professional opportunity, no experience required.

Committee Appointees

The VIU Students' Union facilitates the appointment, education, and support of student at VIU in spaces where decisions are made and student voice, perspective, or representation is needed. There are a number of opportunities available for student participation. Committee appointees have the opportunity to engage in key issues and work to improve the university experience for students in a variety of ways while you build leadership skills and serve our community. 

Senate Standing Committee on Indigenous Issues

Provide advice to Senate regarding indigenization initiatives relevant to academic planning, programming, support services, or indigenous students. Advise on indigenous curriculum for courses and programs, identification of educational needs of indigenous peoples relative to first nations, metis, and inuit social and economic needs. Advise on policy related to reconciliation and the rights of indigenous peoples as per UNDRIP.

Board of Directors

The Students’ Union board is a group of leaders on campus who are in service to the students at VIU, who give voice to the interests of students, work in collaboration with the university community, and look for ways to work together on campus to improve the lives of students. Gain invaluable professional experience and network with like-minded activists and student leaders at VIU and across the province.