Students walking

Student Support and Intervention

Vancouver Island University is committed to creating and maintaining a supportive, respectful, enriching, and safe learning and living environment in which students can reach their full academic and personal potential.

We recognize that students, staff and faculty may encounter situations where they require additional support either for themselves or for another member of the VIU community. We have a variety of resources to assist you if and when these situations arise.

The success of VIU’s approach to student support and behaviour intervention depends on the VIU community identifying concerns, and offering timely support and referrals. 

Early Alert

Faculty* are encouraged to use Early Alert when they are concerned about a student’s well-being or academic performance. EA helps Identify students in difficulty or crisis as well as those who may benefit from the additional support of campus resources.

* Instructors of the English Language Centre (ELC), Faculty of Academic and Career Preparation, should refer Early Alert student concerns to the ELC Program Chair.

Collaborative Assessment, Referral and Education Team (CARE)

CARE is comprised of representatives from across the campus who coordinate resources and implement supports to assist students who may be at risk of physical or emotional harm to self and/or others.

Referrals to CARE come through Early Alert (faculty) and/or incident reports (faculty/staff/students) submitted to Health and Safety, Student Affairs or the Residences.

Risk and Threat Assessment Team (RTAT)

RTAT is responsible for gathering and conducting a fact-based assessment of information/data pertaining to students, employees or visitors who may present a risk or potential threat of harm or violence to the VIU community.

Referrals to RTAT come through Early Alert, incident reports or by email to ConductandCare@viu.ca.

Emergency Situation

In an emergency situation - call 911 immediately, and then call Security at Local 6600 or 250.740.6600.
For 'after hours' crises, call Vancouver Island Crisis Line 1.888.494.3888 or 911.

You can also refer to the Supporting Students in Distress Resources. 

VIU Safety App

VIU Safety App

One of the easiest ways to find out what’s happening on campus during an emergency or severe weather closure is through VIU’s Safety App.  Download the app, be sure to enable push notifications, and if anything is happening on campus relating to safety and health that you need to know about, you will get an automatic notification.