Walking together
At the Cowichan campus small class sizes and hands-on learning creates real connections—with other students, with faculty, the community and the land.
A focus is on Q’ushin’tul (Walking Together). Q’ushin’tul is a Hul’qumi’num word that translates to Walking together. It's an Indigenous approach to education that promotes academic success and student well-being.
"The spirit of Q'ushin'tul is to walk together in everything: education, employment, and life. At VIU we are walking together with students to create a balance of education and values based in indigenous ways of knowing and being." – VIU Elder Hwiem' (Marlene) Rice
Programs and Courses
Discover the programs and courses available at our Cowichan campus.
Student Support Services
Learn about services available for students or connect with an advisor.
Cowichan Campus and Facilities
Learn about our campus and facilities.
Are you planning to take your first-year of university at the Cowichan campus?
Then you might be interested in the Q’ushin’tul (Walking Together) learning community. With Q'ushin'tul (Walking Together) you get a bundle of first-year university courses to take at the Cowichan campus. The bundle includes three courses in the Fall Semester and three in the Spring.
Find out what's new at the Cowichan campus
VIU News
Drag show offers a night of jaw-dropping and dazzling performances
What: Drag in the Theatre When: Wednesday, October 4, 8 to 10 pm Where: VIU’s Malaspina Theatre (Building 310), Nanaimo campus Experience a fabulous night of...
VIU invites public to new community event
DiscoverFest at VIU takes place on Saturday, October 21 from 12 to 4 pm. Everyone is invited to spend an afternoon at Vancouver Island University‘s (VIU’s)...
VIU News & Experts: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Housing crisis, grocery store prices and Trump ✅ Looking for experts this week? In this issue: Solutions to skyrocketing grocery prices Rising diplomatic...
Cowichan VIU Events
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Course - MBSR 001
Learn to address everyday stress, chronic pain and illness more effectively. This evidence-based 8-week workshop is taught online via Zoom by Dr. Patricia O'...
Information Session (online) for Master Gardener Certificate Program
Are you interested in gardening and excited for the start of spring? Join us to learn about the Master Gardener program . The 12-week program will run on...
Class Shadow Day (for high school students)
Do you know a high school student that might be interested in attending a VIU class shadow? Let them know about Class Shadow Day on October 20 so they can...