Amplifying the Student Voice at VIU: Updates from VIUSU
At the Vancouver Island University Students’ Union (VIUSU), we are dedicated to ensuring that students have a central role in decisions affecting our campus. From budget transparency to international student consultation, we’ve been actively engaging with University Leadership to address key issues. This is an update on our recent efforts and how you can get involved.
Recent Meetings with University Leadership
November 28th: VIU Budget and transparency on student fees.
Our latest meeting with the VP of Students and CFO & VP Admin was centered broadly around VIU’s deficit mitigation strategies, transparency, and accountability around student fees. Student representatives highlighted key concerns, including:
Institutional funding challenges
Cuts and reductions to student services
Good news on future fees (we hope)
Lack of clarity and transparency regarding fees
1. Institutional Funding Challenge
A significant concern raised during the meeting was the financial impact from changes to the International Student Recruitment Strategy (IRSS) and the institution’s heavy reliance on international student tuition, particularly from MBA students. International students account for 40% of VIU’s revenue, despite making up only 15% of the student body. However, with recent changes to the IRCC policies, the University is expecting a decrease in international student enrolment, which could further strain VIU’s budget. Currently, VIU is operating with a projected deficit of $20.5 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year, a figure that is likely to increase to $25 million based on projections. This funding shortfall highlights the growing need for sustainable financial strategies and more institutional funding from the Province.
2. Reductions in Student Services
During the “deficit mitigation” discussion, the CFO and VP of Students stated that there have been no cuts to services, programming, or activities at VIU. However, based on feedback from students, we at the Students’ Union know this isn’t accurate.
VIU no longer expects to be able to balance their budget by 2027. With this news, the urgency for student involvement in financial decision-making has never been greater. As tuition and fees rise, while services and programs are cut or reduced, students are increasingly burdened by financial challenges, all without a significant voice in the decisions shaping their education. This situation highlights the need for stronger student representation on committees that oversee budget planning and fee increases. Transparent communication about how student fees are spent and a clear plan for achieving financial sustainability is essential to ensure that students are not unfairly impacted by these financial difficulties. Below are the cuts and reductions VIUSU has taken notice of over the last two years:
Eliminated Services / Projects
Outdoor Recreation Program: Completely eliminated, limiting students’ access to recreational activities.
Daycare Center Building Project: The planned daycare center was canceled, leaving students with fewer childcare options. This decision also resulted in significant financial losses for VIU, as funds previously invested in the project were wasted—highlighting issues of financial and project mismanagement.
Residence Grocery Shuttle Service: Reduced frequency, making basic access to groceries more difficult for students living in Residence who rely on this service.
Reduced Services
Library Hours and Services: Reduced hours and scope of services, impacting students’ ability to access vital resources.
Gym Hours: Reduced availability of fitness facilities, limiting student access to recreational and fitness options.
Support Programs: Targeted supports for international and Indigenous students have been scaled back, reducing critical services for these groups.
These cuts and reductions highlight the ongoing financial struggles at VIU, and the growing need for student input in decisions that directly affect their academic experience.
3. Reductions in Student Services
“no future program cuts or reductions are planned…and both domestic and international students will not see tuition fee increases greater than 2%” - Emily Huner, Chief Financial Officer & VP Admin
As VIU faces revenue losses due to declining international student enrolment, we at the Students’ Union have been advocating for more equitable solutions in the university’s budget planning process. The rising cost of tuition and mandatory fees, coupled with ongoing program and service cuts, has created a troubling trend: students are paying more but receiving less.
In our meeting, we emphasized the importance of:
Avoiding program and service cuts that would further limit student opportunities
Ensuring that students are not unfairly burdened with increased fees to offset financial challenges
With tuition rising annually by 2% and mandatory fees continuing to increase, many students, especially those already struggling with the cost of living, are feeling the strain. The disconnect between the reductions in programs and the level of service provided only exacerbates the situation.
Equity in budgeting means making decisions that prioritize student needs. It means protecting access to essential programs, maintaining the quality of education, and ensuring that cuts are made fairly. Students should not bear the brunt of financial decisions that reduce opportunities and limit essential services, especially those who are least able to afford these changes.
We are pleased to share that during our most recent meeting, the CFO confirmed that no future program cuts or reductions are planned, despite the University’s ongoing financial challenges. The CFO also assured us that both domestic and international students would not face tuition fee increases greater than 2%. While this commitment to maintaining current programming and services is a positive step forward, continued advocacy and student involvement in decision-making remain crucial as VIU navigates its financial future.
4. Requesting Transparency on Student Fees
A key concern that we highlighted was pushing for greater clarity on how student fees have been spent, how they are currently allocated, and how they will be used after reallocation. While VIU plans to share the results of the fee allocation survey after reviewing them with the Student Affairs team, we believe students should be consulted throughout the process, not just informed afterwards. Decisions about fee allocation impact all students, and VIUSU is advocating for active student involvement in the review process to ensure student needs are represented.
We discussed the results of VIU’s October Budget Survey. The Survey had about 600 student participants out of 8,000 students, representing only 7.5% of the student body—a relatively small sample size, which was highlighted by your representatives as a concern. It was emphasized to VIU’s administration that a more diverse and effective method of gathering feedback is necessary to ensure that student input on spending priorities is accurately reflected in future budget planning.
What’s Next: Continued Advocacy for Student Interests at VIU
VIUSU is dedicated to ensuring that student voices are not only heard but actively included as VIU navigates its financial challenges. With regular meetings scheduled, your Student Representatives will continue to advocate for your interests. As the landscape of change becomes clearer, we will keep you informed and engaged, working together to develop action plans that prioritize greater transparency, improved student consultation, increased affordability, and the preservation and enhancement of both academic and non-academic services at VIU. This is our commitment to you.
As always, we want to hear directly from you about your experiences with program and service access. Your feedback helps us advocate for the changes that matter to you most. Here’s how you can get involved:
Fill Out Our Feedback Form - Look for QR codes on posters around campus, scan them, and share your thoughts with us.
Share Your Story - If you’ve experienced program cuts or challenges accessing services, email Caitlin Kellendonk, Director of External Relations, at caitlin@viusu.ca or reach out in person.
At VIUSU, we’re here to represent you, advocate for you, and amplify your voice in every decision that impacts our campus community. Please reach out or get involved!
