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General Information

Governance of Vancouver Island University

Board

The Board is empowered by the University Act, as amended by Bill 34, of British Columbia and is responsible for the management, administration and control of the property, revenue, business and affairs of the university.  The Board is composed of:

  • the chancellor;
  • the president;
  • two faculty members elected by the faculty members;
  • eight persons appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, two of whom are to be appointed from among persons nominated by the alumni association;
  • two students elected by the students;
  • one person elected by and from the employees of the university who are not faculty members;  

The Board is supported by the University Secretary/Senior Policy Advisor.  For more information please call 250-740-6564 or visit the Board home page at viu.ca/board.

Senate

The Senate of Vancouver Island University was formed in January 2009 in response to the BC Government’s introduction of legislation establishing Vancouver Island University as a special purpose, teaching university consistent with Bill 34 amendments to the University Act.

The amended University Act describes the roles and responsibilities for Senate related to its power to set its own bylaws for the conduct of the business, to develop and review policy and procedure affecting instruction, programming and students, and the relationship with the Board. The Senate of a special purpose, teaching university must advise the Board, and the Board must seek advice from the Senate on the development of educational policy.
The Senate is comprised of 40 members, including:

  • Chancellor;
  • President (Chair of Senate);
  • Vice-President Academic;
  • 9 Deans representing each Faculty;
  • Chief Librarian;
  • 18 faculty, two members elected from each Faculty;
  • 1 Alumni appointed by the President on nomination by the Alumni Association;
  • 4 students elected from the student body;
  • 2 Support Staff elected by support staff;
  • 1 Board appointee (non-voting);
  • Registrar (non-voting).

Details of how Senate fulfills its roles and responsibilities are described in the University Act.  The Terms of Reference and memberships of its Standing Committees - Curriculum; Planning and Priorities; Educational Standards; Awards & Honours; Bylaws, Policies & Procedures; Elections – are found on the Senate website.
The Vancouver Island University Senate is supported through the Office of the President.  For more information, please call 250-740-6107 or visit the Senate home page viu.ca/senate.

Mission

After extensive input from students, employees and community members, the Vancouver Island University Board adopted a mission statement which is based on a commitment to individual growth and innovative programs that complement existing opportunities at other British Columbia post-secondary institutions.

Mission Statement

Vancouver Island University is a dynamic and diverse educational organization, dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning, service and research. We foster student success, strong community connections and international collaboration by providing access to a wide range of university and college programs designed for regional, national and international students.

Vancouver Island University is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

Updated August 31, 2009