During the COVID19 situation, services are available by telephone, email, and online. The department number 250-746-3509 is monitored for messages during office hours.
We invite you email advising.cowichan@viu.ca. for an Educational Advisor/Counsellor to contact you by email, phone or Zoom meeting. Please provide your full name, phone number, student number (if applicable), best times to reach you during our regularly scheduled work week and your preferred way for us to contact you.
Educational Advisor/Counsellors will be available Monday - Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm by:
PHONE: we can schedule a phone appointment
EMAIL: we can reply to your email with answers to your questions and continue a conversation in that format.
ZOOM: we can set up an online meeting through the Cloud based video conferencing program Zoom. It's free and easy to download from www.zoom.us
Until further notice, we will not be offering face-to-face service at VIU.
Vancouver Island University provides many services for prospective and enrolled students. To find out more about these services, drop by our Student Affairs office or call 250-746-3509.
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.
Learn more about Academic Support.
Disability Access Services
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. In Duncan, please contact Student Affairs at 250-746-3509 for an appointment or email disabilityservices.cowichan@viu.ca.
Learn more about Disability Access Services.
Advising
Advisors help students develop an educational plan to meet career goals. They also assist with interpretation of program requirements at Vancouver Island University. Students seeking admission should see an Advisor. Appointments are available during office hours Monday to Friday. We also provide Drop-in Advising on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 9 am until 12 noon. Call 250-746-3509 or email advising.cowichan@viu.ca.
Learn more about Advising.
Assessment and Exam Invigilation Services
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. Call 250-746-3509 for information or email AssessmentsCowichan@viu.ca.
Learn more about Assessment and Exam Invigilation Services.
Counselling Services
Support is available for enrolled students experiencing personal, career or academic difficulties. Referrals may be made to other community services. Call 250-746-3509 for information.
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. See https://here2talk.ca/
Learn more about Counselling Services.
Financial Aid and Awards
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. Call 250-746-3509 for information or email FinancialAid.Cowichan@viu.ca.
Learn more about Financial Aid and Awards.
Services for Aboriginal Students
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 Elder-in-Residence. Call 250-746-3509 for information.
Learn more about Services for Aboriginal Students.
Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Advisor
The Director of the Equity, Diversity 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 Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office in building 300, room 100 at the Nanaimo campus.
Learn more about the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Advisor.
Prior Learning Assessment
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. For further information and/or an appointment, please call 250-746-3509.
Learn more about Prior Learning Assessment.