Big Changes at VIU — and a Call to Do Better
It was announced last week that VIU’s President, Dr. Deborah Saucier, will be stepping down as of April 4, 2025. While this is a major development, this moment is about more than just one person — it’s about the broader change the VIU community has been calling for.
Over the past few weeks, students, faculty, and staff have come together to demand:
Accountability & Transparency
Meaningful Consultation
A shared vision for VIU
This change didn’t happen by chance. It happened because the community organized, spoke up, and refused to accept decisions that were made without us.
This Is a Turning Point
We’ve seen what’s possible when we stand together. Now, VIU has an opportunity — and a responsibility — to listen and act. We’re not here to celebrate. We’re focused on what comes next. The real win will be when students are finally brought meaningfully into the conversation.
The Issues We Continue to Face
This leadership change follows a pattern of concerns and actions that sparked community-wide frustration, including:
Reductions in library hours, limiting student access to key academic resources
A proposed policy to block students with unpaid parking tickets from registering or graduating (More information on this proposed parking policy will be coming out soon).
A pattern of excluding students from important decision-making processes, including attempts to bypass student representation in hiring committees.
“These decisions — and many others — show a complete disregard for students’ basic needs and rights,” said Brandi Klee, VIUSU Director of External Relations. “When access to the library is cut, or threats are made to withhold education over parking tickets, it sends a clear message: students are not being prioritized.”
What Students Want to See
As we move forward, students are asking for clear action. We want to see:
Full library hours restored
The proposed draconian parking ticket policy dropped
Transparency and accountability from leadership
Real student participation in decisions — not just lip service
We’re Ready to Work Together
We believe VIU can be a truly student-centred institution, where student voices help shape priorities, transparency is the norm, and decisions are made in partnership with those they impact.
“VIU can be effective again,” said Klee. “But it’s going to take a shift in values. We need to see it, not just hear it.”
As we look to the future, the VIU Students’ Union remains committed to working with incoming leadership, faculty, staff, and the broader community to build a stronger, more respectful, and more accountable VIU.
Media Contact
Sydney Sullivan
Organizer, Communications
📧 sydney.sullivan@viusu.ca
📞 250-754-8866
[Read the VIUSU Motion to Remove the President →]
[Read our Full Press Release: March 28 →]
