Welcome
‘Uy’ skweyul (Good Day)
Welcome to Vancouver Island University! I gratefully acknowledge the Snuneymuxw, Quw’utsun, Tla’amin, Snaw’naw’as and Qualicum peoples on whose traditional lands we teach, learn, research, live and share knowledge.
I am humbled and excited by the opportunity to help lead VIU on the next stage of its journey. I’m inspired by the innovative ways this institution engages with learners and communities, and works to create opportunities for those who might not otherwise have access to post-secondary education. I’m excited to continue with this important work – and build on it.
At VIU, students have access to a high-quality education that features small class sizes, individualized supports and an emphasis on community-based and hands-on learning opportunities. Education is a truly transformative experience, and the best part of my job is watching students use their newfound knowledge to make a difference in the world.
We are proud to host the second-largest percentage of Indigenous learners of any post-secondary institution across BC. We also host a large number of international students from more than 90 countries, ensuring we provide a truly global community.
VIU is a place where all are welcome and all belong, and that sense of community extends to the President’s Office. If you see me on campus, please come and say hello. I look forward to hearing all of your stories, learning more about what you think makes this place special, and how we can better support you.
Hy’chqa Si’em / Thank you very much,
Deborah (Deb) Saucier
President and Vice-Chancellor
Vancouver Island University
Dr. Deb Saucier
Vancouver Island University's new President Dr. Deb Saucier says her first hello to the community.
Follow my Spotify account to see what I'm listening to!
Three Things
October thoughts
Pumpkin spice season is in full gear. The sun is coming up noticeably later, and the colour of the light has changed. And the semester is well underway. September flew by in the blink of an eye. Watching busy faculty move around the campus, students studying in the library, lines for lunch at the...
Read More
Recognizing Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Dear VIU Community, On September 30, we mark the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – a day for all Canadians to reflect on the residential schools' ongoing and tragic legacy. In my opinion, the best way that we can all use this day to promote reconciliation is to use it as an...
Read MoreStatement on the murder of a Muslim family in Ontario
When I learned the news that a Muslim family in London, Ontario, had been intentionally targeted and attacked because of their faith, I was horrified and deeply saddened. It is unfathomable to think that two parents, a grandparent and a 15-year old girl are dead, and a 9-year-old boy was injured...
Read More
March Blog Post
Welcome to March! March is a time of change and transition. The vernal equinox is on Saturday, March 20, which is officially the start of spring. The days are not only getting longer, they are also getting milder and warmer. The deer are happily eating my tulips, some of the shrubs on my walk are...
Read MoreRecognizing Black History Month
Black History Month begins today in Canada. Black History Month was established to “celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today.” As we work to...
Read More
January Blog
January is a strange month. Perhaps it is because it is on the other side of many holidays. Perhaps it is because the days are finally getting longer and things are starting to sprout in the garden. Perhaps it is the start of a new term. I thought I would start this blog with a snip of a poem by...
Read More
Engage in the next phase of VIU's strategic planning process
Dear VIU Community, I'm excited to announce that the next phase of VIU’s strategic planning process has arrived. From November 2 - 27, we would like to have your feedback on the first draft of the plan, which was created from the community input we received last spring and summer. Since then, we...
Read More
October/November Blog
I’ve been spending some time on campus since the start of term and noticed, when wandering around, that I’ve been running into more people. Often this is on my way to the Mount Benson Market to grab a morning coffee, or around 2 pm for an afternoon snack. I highly recommend the sandwiches, the...
Read More
A Message of Thanksgiving
I wanted to take a moment to wish all of our students and employees a happy, safe and healthy Thanksgiving long weekend. I know this year’s Thanksgiving may look different from the traditions many of us usually observe and some of us are having to find new ways to celebrate. This has given me pause...
Read More
September Blog Post
My apologies for not blogging over the past few months, but the events since March have made time for reflection and writing scarce. Further, “Zoom Fatigue” sapped most of my creative juices. The best I could do over the summer was go back to first principles, which for me is collaboration and...
Read More