The VIU Access Fund supports students who are facing financial challenges that may prevent them from continuing their studies. The fund provides financial assistance throughout the year – whenever students need it most.
The VIU Access fund was established in 2021. It gives students bursaries ranging from $500 to $2,000, depending on need. The intent is to build the fund so that it is available long-term for students.
With the rising cost of living, your involvement matters now more than ever. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students. Your support will provide immediate relief and long-term solutions to break down barriers to education at VIU.
No gift is too small, as it shows our students that our community is invested in their education. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment. Together, we're shaping a brighter future for generations to come.
Keep reading to learn about initiatives the Access Fund is supporting, and our Frequently Asked Questions are also below!
VIU Residence grocery shuttle
Twice a week, students living in VIU Student Residences can sign up for the grocery shuttle, which takes them to low-cost stores in areas of Nanaimo that would be hard to get to on the bus.
“I don't have a vehicle, so it’s been difficult to get off campus to get to a grocery store,” said Jenna G, a fourth-year Digital Media Studies and Modern Languages student. “I'm a Community Leader in the Student Residences, and I know that may residents use the grocery shuttle on a weekly basis. It goes to Walmart and Superstore, which are two very affordable options for university students.”
Not only does the shuttle help students save money and eat healthier by cooking their own food in the communal kitchens, it also gets them off campus and into the community, away from their studies for an hour or so.
“You can become really isolated, especially as the weather starts to change and it starts to get darker out too,” said Payton Berrigan, Residence Life Coordinator. “I know that for students who have established a routine of going, it's been extremely beneficial to their well-being to just kind of have that brain break.”
Gear closet
Students in VIU’s Resource Management and Protection programs are preparing for officer careers in conservation, natural resources, fisheries and parks. Learning how to protect the province’s flora and fauna requires lots of hands-on practice. In the temperate rainforests on Vancouver Island, this hands-on practice can quickly become cold and uncomfortable if you don’t have the right gear.
RMAP Technician Mike Lester said faculty started noticing more and more students showing up to field days without the proper gear to stay warm and dry. For example, wearing running shoes to go into a river to take samples, or jeans to trek around in the wet bush.
“In many cases, we think this is happening because a lot of this equipment is so expensive and they don’t have the means to buy it, especially the first-year students,” he said. “We have a four-year program, and in the first year most of them wouldn’t have had a professional job yet. If their parents can't help them purchase this equipment, then they just show up without it.”
Faculty worked with the VIU Foundation to purchase a range of gear, from waders to waterproof jackets and pants and steel-toed boots to put in the new Gear Closet. The gear can be signed out from the library the same way students check out books and other items.
“If it’s either this or a textbook, they can now choose to buy the textbook and sign out the gear they need,” said Mike.
Frequently asked questions
While scholarships are based on academic excellence, the Access Fund provides flexible financial assistance throughout the year for any students who may need it.
Financial obstacles should never stand in the way of a student's potential. Unfortunately, traditional scholarships and awards can leave some students behind. The VIU Access Fund is different. It's specifically designed to provide proactive and supplemental support when and where it's needed most.
- Available year-round.
- Provides flexible financial assistance of up to $2,000 to individual students based on their specific needs during unforeseen circumstances.
- Offers a less formal, shorter application process for students who self-identify or are recommended by faculty.
- Available to all students including those in apprenticeships.
- Disbursements made at the time of approval.
- Proactive approach to supporting students, to help before they are in financial crisis.
Your gift goes directly to the VIU Access Fund, which is designed to support all students who are in financial need, no matter the program of study, course load or academic achievement.
For example, last year the Access Fund:
- Transported more than 180 students from VIU Residences to affordable grocery stores.
- Provided essential tools for Trades apprentices
- Gave crucial financial support to more than 23 Nursing students
Donations can be made on our VIU Access Fund donation page.
We also accept cheques that can be made payable to VIU Foundation.
Mailing address: Building 310, 900 Fifth Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5. Please include “VIU Access Fund” in the memo field.
Yes, you will receive a tax receipt via email after you make a gift.
There is no minimum amount required to give to the Access Fund, all gifts are appreciated and welcome!
Spread the word! Tell folks about us through social media and involve your friends and family. Send everyone you know the link to this page and let’s work together to help students at VIU!
You can contact VIU’s Annual Giving Coordinator, Andrea Tolentino, by email at foundation@viu.ca or by phone at 236-628-2089.