Welcome back to a new year and a new semester at Vancouver Island University. I am excited to relaunch the President’s monthly blog as a platform to share updates, celebrate achievements and discuss important issues facing our community.
As we step into the Spring Semester, I want to extend my gratitude to each of you for your resilience and dedication. Last year was undeniably a challenging one for our institution. Like many post-secondary institutions across Canada, we face difficult financial circumstances that will require tough decisions and collective effort to overcome. Despite these challenges, I believe in the strength and resolve of our VIU community to navigate these times together.
Community update
I want to take a moment to recognize an important leadership transition. Dr. Michael Quinn has announced his retirement as Vice-President Academic and Provost, effective March 31, 2025. With a distinguished 35-year career in academia, including transformative contributions to VIU, Dr. Quinn leaves a lasting legacy. On behalf of the entire VIU community, I extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Quinn for his invaluable contributions and wish him the very best in this well-deserved next chapter.
To ensure continuity, I am excited to welcome Dr. Claire Grogan as Acting Provost and Vice-President Academic, effective April 1, 2025. Dr. Quinn and Dr. Grogan will soon share updates on the appointment of an Acting Dean for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
In the coming months, we will celebrate Dr. Quinn’s outstanding contributions to VIU. Stay tuned for opportunities to join us in honouring his remarkable career and legacy.
Addressing our financial challenges
Over the next 18 months, we need to address an $18 million budget shortfall while keeping a focused eye on moving towards financial sustainability and minimizing the impact on our community and students. This is no small task; the executive team and I have already begun laying the groundwork to meet this challenge head-on.
To date, I have requested comprehensive reviews of our Athletics programs and Registrar’s Office to ensure we are operating as efficiently and effectively as possible. Our Strategic Enrolment Management Plan is well underway, which is crucial as we enhance recruitment, retention, and overall student success and satisfaction.
I am happy to report that our domestic application numbers are the strongest they have been since the 2016-17 academic year with a 12% increase compared to this time last year. This is in large part to the hard work of our recruitment and marketing teams. However, with the ongoing IRCC changes, we have seen a significant reduction in international students.
I am pleased to share that we welcomed our Esthetics program back to our main Nanaimo campus, and as a result we were able to sell our share in the building in Parksville at full market value. This has resulted in a $2-million injection into our budget.
Additionally, with ending our commitments related to ElderCollege and The High School we will realize further savings in the current fiscal year.
We are taking proactive steps to address our financial realities, with a focus on avoiding layoffs wherever possible. However, this is a difficult task, as 73% of our operating budget is allocated to salaries. Through a pre-layoff canvass and retirement incentives, we aim to better understand our workforce needs and opportunities while aligning our staffing levels with our current student enrolment levels and financial realities in a way that minimizes disruption.
I recognize the talk of layoffs, and these steps are not easy to read. Please know that these decisions are not taken lightly and are made with a commitment to ensuring the long-term sustainability and vibrancy of VIU.
Looking ahead: community and connection
Winter Employee Information Session
Moving forward, your engagement and feedback are crucial. Together, I am confident we can find solutions that uphold our mission and values of understanding, connection, and commitment.
To that end, I will be hosting an Information Session along with Michael Quinn and Emily Huner. You are invited to join us for the upcoming Winter Employee Information Session:
Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Time: 11:30 am to 1 pm
Location: Malaspina Theatre, Building 310, Nanaimo Campus or online via Teams
We will provide a detailed update on VIU’s current budget planning. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity for Q&A with myself and other members of the leadership team. New to the Information Session is an opportunity to ask questions in advance. This will give us an opportunity to ensure we are answering the pressing questions you have now. We encourage you to share your questions with universityrelations@viu.ca prior to January 17. Your questions will assist us in getting you the information you want.
I encourage everyone to attend - whether in person or virtually - to stay informed, ask questions, and participate in shaping VIU’s future.
Lunar New Year
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the upcoming Lunar New Year, which is the year of the snake, on January 29, 2025. This vibrant and meaningful cultural event is an opportunity for our community to come together in appreciation of diverse traditions. Let us embrace this time to celebrate our collective diversity and strengthen the bonds that make VIU such a special place. More details will be shared soon in the VIU Digest.
Honorary Doctorate Degree Nominations
Nominations for VIU Honorary Doctorate Degrees and Honorary Awards are accepted on an on-going basis and are considered September through May. Nominations are still being accepted and can be sent directly to President@viu.ca. To learn more, please visit the nomination process website.
Convocation
Lastly, convocation planning is in full force which will be held June 9, 10, and 12, 2025, in the gymnasium at our Nanaimo campus. Instructors now is your chance to remind your convocating students to apply to graduate by February 28, 2025. Please keep an eye out for more details in the VIU Digest to learn more about how you can celebrate the graduating class of 2025!
Moving forward, together
VIU has always been more than just a university. We are a community of learners, educators, and innovators who support one another through times of growth and hardship. When we work together, our potential knows no bounds.
As we embark on this new year, let us remember that transformation is not just about overcoming challenges but about discovering opportunities to create something better. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to VIU. I look forward to connecting with you at the upcoming information session and throughout the semester.
Warm regards,
Deborah Saucier Ph.D.
President and Vice-Chancellor
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