Vancouver Island University (VIU) will be cancelling classes on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, as the extreme heat wave is expected to continue.
While classes will NOT be in session tomorrow, students and employees are welcome to come to campus to take respite from the heat. Open-access buildings at VIU’s Nanaimo campus, such as the library and the upper cafeteria, as well as the Cowichan and Powell River campuses, are all equipped with air conditioning. Employees can continue to work from their regular locations – whether they work on-campus or from home – if they feel it is safe to do so. If they do not feel it is safe to work from where they are scheduled to work from, VIU asks that employees talk to their managers about making alternate arrangements such as taking the day as a vacation day.
As the forecast for Wednesday is looking much better, we expect to return to our regular class schedule Wednesday morning. A message will be sent by 6 pm on Tuesday to confirm this direction.
Tips to stay safe during extreme heat:
- Stay hydrated – drink plenty of cool liquids before you feel thirsty
- Spend your time in a shaded, cool place
- Use fans, water and ice to keep your cool
- Avoid sun exposure
- Wear light clothing that allows sweat to evaporate quickly
- Take the breaks you need to keep cool and hydrated
More tips are available here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety/extreme-heat-heat-waves.html