Services are available by telephone, email, Zoom, and in person.
Business hours are:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Wednesday: 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
If you need a later appointment, please ask as we may be able to accommodate the request.
Phone
250.746.3509
When leaving a message please provide full name, phone number, student number (if applicable), best time to reach you during our scheduled office hours, and your preferred way to contact you.
Educational Advisors and Counsellors can reply with answers to questions, as well as arrange to continue a conversation by phone, Zoom, or in person.
Drop-in Advising
Drop-in advising is suitable for short, quick questions.
Check for summer hours.
Monday: 9 am - noon
Tuesday: 9 am - noon
Wednesday: 10:30 am - noon
Thursday: 1 - 3 pm
Friday: 9 am - noon
Services for Student Success Information Sheet - Great information for your first year at VIU Cowichan.
Advising
250.746.3509
We encourage all new students seeking admission to consult with an Educational Advisor prior to their registration date. Advisors help students develop an educational plan to meet career goals, and also assist with interpretation of program requirements at Vancouver Island University. Appointments are available during office hours Monday to Friday. Drop-in advising is available - refer to the current schedule at the top of this page.
Counselling
250.746.3509
Support is available for enrolled students experiencing personal, career or academic difficulties. Referrals may be made to other community services. New: Here2Talk connects students with mental health support when they need it. Through this program, all students currently registered in a B.C. post-secondary institution have access to free, confidential counselling and community referral services, conveniently available 24/7 via app, phone and web. Visit Here2Ttalk
Accessibility Services
250.746.3509
AccessibilityServices.Cowichan@viu.ca
Vancouver Island University provides educational opportunities and support services to non-traditional learners, as well as to students with documented disabilities that meet Ministry guidelines. For information on available services for students who are considering or enrolling in University programs or courses, please contact Vancouver Island University three months prior to the start of classes. Some services and funding take time to arrange, so you are advised to plan ahead by calling Student Affairs to discuss your needs.
See an Accessibility Issue on Campus
Please let us know if you encounter any physical barriers (e.g. an out of order elevator, power door opener, construction blocking a path, etc.) at any of the VIU campuses.
Services for Aboriginal Students
250.746.3509
Information, support and referrals are provided to assist students of Native ancestry in their academic endeavours. Students enrolled at the Cowichan Campus also have the added support and wisdom of our Elders-in-Residence.
Financial Aid
250.746.3509
For complete information about financial aid, see the Vancouver Island University calendar. Student Affairs can help with a variety of financial assistance including institutional scholarships, awards and bursaries, government student loans and grants, and work-op student employment. Be sure to plan ahead.
Academic Support
There are several ways that students can get learning support at Cowichan Campus:
- One-on-one learning skills counselling is available at Student Affairs
- Handouts and other resource material are available at the Learning Centre
- Volunteer tutors are available for most subjects by filling out a request form and meeting with the Volunteer Tutor Coordinator
- Workshops are scheduled at the beginning of each term, as well as by request from instructors
- Counsellors will help with issues of anxiety and other school-related issues
Assessment & Exam Services
250.746.3509
Entrance assessments for most programs offered at Vancouver Island University's Cowichan and Nanaimo campuses can be written at the Cowichan Campus. If you need to “brush up” before your assessment, help is available. Invigilation (proctoring) of exams or assessments – including paper and most online exams – for other colleges, universities, professional and educational institutions is provided for a fee.
Diversity, Equity & Human Rights
1.888.920.2221 Ext: 6430 or 250.740.6430
HumanRights@viu.ca
The Director of the Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Office is available to all members of the Vancouver Island University community for consultation regarding human rights, diversity, conflict management, or related topics. To book a consultation with the Director, you can either call toll free 1.888.920.2221 Ext. 6430 or 250.740.6430, send an email to HumanRights@viu.ca. They will see you at Cowichan campus. The Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Office is located in building 300, room 100 at the Nanaimo campus.
Prior Learning Assessment
250.746.3509
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) allows individuals who have acquired learning through non-formal education (such as work experience, self study, volunteer activities, and other life experiences) to be granted credit toward an educational program at Vancouver Island University.
Know More: Sexual Violence & Sexual Misconduct
Vancouver Island University (VIU) is committed to creating a respectful, safe and supportive learning, working and living environment where members of the University community are free from sexual violence and sexual misconduct.