VIU’s DNA testing reveals elusive Island wolverine not a subspecies, after all

Darron Kloster | Times Colonist Researchers have determined through DNA analysis that the Vancouver Island wolverine — thought to be a subspecies of their mainland cousins for nearly 100 years and more recently believed to be extinct — is actually not that different after all. Vancouver Island University biology professor Jamie Gorrell and undergraduate student Evan Hessels collected DNA samples from museum skulls, bones and pelts of known wolverines from the Island and compared them with samples of wolverines taken … Continued

VIU Research looks to track spread of norovirus at sea — before it infects oysters

A Vancouver Island University professor is embarking on research to learn about norovirus in the marine environment, where it could batter the multimillion-dollar shellfish industry. Tim Green was recently awarded $300,000 to search for environmental markers that might indicate the presence of norovirus, and find ways to track its movement through the marine environment.  Read the article here… Also of interest VIU Receives $300,000 to Research Norovirus Contamination of Oysters  

VIU, Camosun partner to deliver career pathways trade program for Indigenous peoples

Vancouver Island University and Camosun College have partnered to deliver a new career pathways trades program for Indigenous peoples. The schools will receive nearly $1.4M over two years to create the ITA Indigenous Peoples in Trades Training initiative that will provide exploratory trades skills foundations courses to 160 participants.  Read more…..

VIU turns black into green

Times Colonist January 25, 2018 12:36 AM Vancouver Island University is betting that one of the world’s blackest fuels can be the foundation of one of its greenest energy sources. The Nanaimo campus is delving into an abandoned coal mine to provide heating and cooling for some of its buildings. The university deserves an A+ on this idea. Read more…. .  

Bateman to receive honorary doctorate from Vancouver Island University

Bateman, whose artwork has raised money for countless conservation and environmental causes, will accept an Honorary Doctorate of Laws during VIU’s afternoon Convocation ceremony on January 27th, 2017. Heather Pastro, a VIU Art Education Professor in the Faculty of Education, calls Bateman “a voice of reason and hope, with a clear and articulate vision to make our world a better place.”  Read the full article…..

VIU launches $20-million expansion of trades-training complex

Vancouver Island University’s Marine, Automotive and Trades Complex is about to expand and the school will get a new energy system thanks to a $22-million injection of funding from the federal and provincial governments. The expansion of the trades-training complex means there will be room for 128 more students in the automotive, motorcycle, marine and carpentry programs.  Read more…..

VIU Recognized by Fulbright Canada for Leadership in Aboriginal Education

Fulbright Canada, one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the world, has chosen Vancouver Island University (VIU) to be the home of their newest research Chair, the Visiting Research Chair in Aboriginal Studies. Fulbright Canada chose VIU because of the leadership role the University has taken in building relationships with First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities and supporting Aboriginal education. See more…….

VIU Tuition Waiver Grad Launches Career as Child Protection Officer

Life has come full circle for Jordanna Southall, who graduated in June from Vancouver Island University’s (VIU) Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program. One of the first students to enroll at VIU under the Youth in Care Tuition Waiver program nearly two years ago, Southall has secured a job as a child protection officer with the Ministry of Children and Family Development in Campbell River, BC. – See more

During the past six years, Arthur Vickers has created a suite of two chairs and a box to be used in convocation ceremonies at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo

This project was commissioned by Coast Capital Savings. Last month, the suite was officially presented, with Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon in attendance, and at that time Vickers was made an honorary doctor of letters. The artist recently spoke with Robert Amos at his gallery in Cowichan Bay. Arthur Vickers has created many high-profile art works, including the desk for the premier’s office and Intangible Heritage, an image in 23-carat gold that is on show at the Royal B.C. Museum. These days, … Continued