VIU campuses closed today (January 6) due to severe weather

Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus, Cowichan campus and Trades Centre, Powell River Campus, Parksville Centre, and G.R. Paine Horticultural Centre are CLOSED today (January 6) due to severe weather.

Milner Gardens & Woodland is closed today as regularly scheduled. 

The next update will be at 6 pm tonight for the status of Friday, January 7. Please do not start to travel to VIU until you receive this update.   PLEASE NOTE: Campus closure days are regular workday/learning days unless the work/learning performed is on campus and cannot be performed remotely. If you are unable to continue to work or study remotely on a snow closure day due to other obligations, please contact your supervisor or your instructor to discuss options.  Some on-campus areas that will be maintained on the Nanaimo campus during the closure include: 

• The Library Commons (card ID access only) 
• VIU Residences  

The next update will be at today at 6 pm and the first announcement will be sent out through VIU’s Safety App. After that information will be posted to:  

• the main VIU website (www.viu.ca) 
• the University’s Facebook and Twitter platforms (www.facebook.ca/viuniversity; www.facebook.com/viunews; @VIUniversity; @viunews) 
• via email.  

For more information on what happens when it snows, visit VIU’s Severe Weather Procedures page.  

When VIU opens again:  

FOR EMPLOYEES:  

We know our region has many micro-climates and accumulation can vary dramatically. If you are unable to report to work or will be late to work because of inclement weather conditions and/or you have dependents affected by school or day care closures and alternative arrangements cannot be made, please contact your manager/department lead. We encourage you to use your discretion and work with your manager to make alternate work arrangements. People with mobility challenges or known medical conditions that may be exacerbated by a fall due to slippery conditions/weather conditions on campus may wish to evaluate their individual circumstance with their manager prior to coming to campus.   If you are unable to work from home, normally you have the option of either: 

• Taking a vacation day. 
• Making up the time.  
• Using lieu time (where applicable). 
• Taking leave without pay.      

FOR STUDENTS:  

While most students are currently learning remotely, there are some students with face-to-face classes. We know our region has many micro-climates and snow accumulation can vary dramatically. Students are asked to use their best judgment when deciding if they are able to come in if the campus is open. If they are not able to come in, students are asked to let their instructors know and accommodations will be made for missed work and exams.