VIUSU Executive Meets with VIU VP of Students: Discussing Key Campus Issues and Future Goals
On Thursday, October 24, the VIU Students’ Union (VIUSU) Executive met with Carolyn Russell, VIU’s new Vice President of Students, to introduce pressing student and campus-related issues, outline future goals, and establish open channels of communication with university administration.
The meeting addressed a range of important topics, including proposals for campus improvements, enhancing student consultation, restoring library access, and advocating for Indigenous student support. Each VIUSU director shared insights and concerns with the aim of driving positive changes for VIU students.
Whether you have a personal story related to the issues discussed below, or other concerns about life on campus, your input is needed. Please reach out to the Students’ Union at action@viusu.ca.
Here are some highlights from the discussions:
Proposal for a Student Services and Activity Building
Action: VIUSU will gather student feedback on services, accessibility, unmet needs, and areas for improvement, with a focus on exploring a potential new student services building.
Rationale: Students currently lack dedicated spaces for events and often rely on outdoor areas, classrooms, or other unsuitable spaces like the quad and cafeteria. Currently student services are widely dispersed around campus which creates access challenges.
Impact: A new building would centralize student services, clubs, and activities, enhancing student life and making resources more accessible.
Collaboration: Proposed as a joint initiative between VIU and VIUSU.
Advocacy for Indigenous Students
Current Issue: Limited support and visibility for Indigenous students on campus, with perceived gaps in VIU’s commitment to Indigenous well-being. Indigenous VIU Students and the university are disconnected from the Snuneymuxw Nation.
Proposed Solutions: Creation of an Indigenous health space and hiring of an Indigenous counselor. As well as prioritize Indigenous events and cultural gatherings that are organized to support Indigenous students’ mental and spiritual health. VIU is also recommended to strengthen its relationship with the Snuneymuxw Nation to support Indigenous students in their journey to enhance their cultural awareness and respect, access community supports, and to explore broader educational and community opportunities.
Improving Student Consultation Processes
Current Issue: VIU’s reliance on email surveys has limited genuine student engagement. There has also been a decline in VIU’s consultation with VIUSU in recent years, reducing student input on key decisions impacting campus life.
Proposed Solutions: Introduce more interactive consultation methods to seek student input and feedback, such as focus groups and tabling, to capture diverse student perspectives. Recognize VIUSU as principal entity for student appointment and as key stakeholder for student consultation practices.
Parking Challenges and Solutions
Current Issue: High competition for parking and increased parking fines, some as high as $100. Students express frustration with inefficiencies in the current parking system.
Limitations: VIU’s campus footprint restricts the addition of new parking stalls.
Proposed Solutions: Suggested exploring alternatives to the Indigo-managed parking model and including students in future parking decisions and contract negotiations.
Transparency in Student Services and Activity Fees
Current Issue: Students are not aware of how their student services and activity fees are allocated.
Proposed Collaboration: VIUSU recommended partnering with VIU to improve transparency and effectively manage a portion of funds through VIUSU’s existing grants program, allowing for broader student reach.
Restoring 24/7 Library Access
Current Issue: The recent reduction in library hours has impacted students’ ability to work on projects, assignments, and study on campus during late hours. 24/7 access to the library is an essential resource for students. The current limited hours force students to wait outside or in vehicles until the library opens at 7 AM. Students who need a quiet safe space outside of their home are currently unable to access that elsewhere.
Proposed Solutions: VIU restores 24/7 access to the Library and relocates the security office into the library building.
International Student Visa Program Changes
Recent Changes: New Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) eligibility requirements impacting international students was discussed by VP Carolyn Russell. Read more about the changes here. VP Russell noted that these changes will influence future international enrolment at VIU and aims to build trust with current and prospective international students as VIU adjusts its recruitment strategies.
Current students who have questions are encouraged to contact VIU’s immigration team.
Make an appointment for Immigration Advising for In-Person or on-line. Once you make the appointment you will receive a confirmation email with the details and link if on-line.
Wednesdays drop-in without an appointment B.255 front desk.
Email immigration@viu.ca. Remember to include your full name, student number, question, and if urgent.
Moving Forward
This first meeting with VIU administration set the groundwork for meaningful collaboration between VIUSU and university leaders to improve the student experience at VIU. But to make real progress, we need to hear from students. Whether you have a personal story related to the issues discussed above, or other concerns about life on campus, your input is needed. Please reach out to the Students’ Union at action@viusu.ca.
