instructor

program assistant

professor

instructional assistant

administrative assistant

Vancouver Island University

While VIU has potential, the institution is currently facing serious challenges that reflect poorly on its management. The university is pushing through significant budget cuts and program eliminations without proper consultation or transparency. These decisions are affecting both students and staff negatively. 

The administration's approach to Indigenous reconciliation, while prominently featured in marketing materials, lacks the depth and genuine commitment needed for meaningful change. Despite public statements about being "dedicated to the path of reconciliation", the actual implementation of these initiatives often feels more like a box-checking exercise than genuine transformation. 

The most concerning aspect is the lack of accountability at the management level. Poor decisions are made with minimal consultation, such as the recent  budget reductions, yet leadership seems insulated from the consequences of these choices. Staff morale has suffered as a result. 

Advice to Management:
• Implement transparent decision-making processes
• Create genuine accountability measures
• Move beyond surface-level commitments to real action
• Listen to faculty and staff concerns before making major changes

Would not recommend working here until significant changes are made to management structure and accountability processes.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The people I worked with in the VIU Web Department were incredibly friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and welcoming. They were quite possibly the best bunch of people I have worked with in my 24 years of employment with any organization.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
I didn't find the work all that stressful. There were plenty of work related challenges, but given my position that's entirely the job. Problem solving and troubleshooting are part of the job description and I enjoyed every minute of it.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
I worked mostly remote, partly hybrid. The offices are very lovely, although parking can be a bit of a pain. The people you work with and around are all very friendly, helpful, and generally warm and inviting. I never had to deal with any internal politics or drama which was very refreshing.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Daily standups. Tackle tasks. So long as I could show the progress I was making everyone was happy. I probably did more in a day than I needed to but that's just how I operate, and I really liked the work I was doing. Hours were very flexible and I was accommodated the occasional split work day.

The work was meaningful and focused on helping students, which I really valued. There were ongoing budget challenges and frequent changes in leadership, which made it hard to build consistency. Processes could be slow and very paperwork-heavy, with some systems and tracking tools feeling outdated or inefficient.

As a unionized workplace, there is strong job security and clear structure. I found that the staff experience varies a lot depending on the department and the manager’s leadership style. In my department, it felt like hard work and extra effort were not always recognized. I would recommend speaking with someone in the specific department before accepting a role.

Overall, I gained valuable experience and transferable skills. With clearer leadership, stronger management training, and more streamlined systems, the work environment could improve significantly.

Budgetary cutbacks made the job difficult at times trying to complete the never-ending tasks needed to run the department efficiently and to high standards. Co-workers were pleasant for the most part. Students were good to work with most of the time, occasionally coming across a difficult situation which caused stress.
Good remuneration and benefits and adequate time off when allowed to take leave as sometimes during the school year I wasn't able to be away from my duties. At times this was a 24/7 position when caring for crops in greenhouses during growing cycles so high levels of responsibility.

From my first day I discovered how respectful, courteous, friendly and fun everyone is at VIU.  Managers and supervisors encourage training and development and they allow you to manage your own workload but always invite you to request assistance, when required.
Opportunities always exist for staff to assist in other areas thereby increasing overall knowledge of the organization and cross training.
Staff orientation events are well organized and showcase employee benefits and allow new staff members to ask questions and to seek personalized assistance.
I recommend VIU to anyone looking to work in higher education in Canada!

As an international student from Indonesia, I would  never expect that coming to VIU has made a difference in my campus journey. From exciting events to a gorgeous view of Nanaimo up from the library, VIU has almost everything to offer. Aside from that, the campus provides outdoor trips to get you around and experience fun recreations, or communities that might be interesting especially to international students who are looking to know more or develop skills, networks, and knowledge in VIU. It may keep a time busy along with studies, but that is part of college life. One fun fact about this campus is that it has many stairs that everyone will make the most of it from exercising.

Most enjoyable part of teaching adults online is the positive interactions with the participants/students and being able to coach, mentor and problem solve with adult learners about real work situations that have real meaning to them. Vancouver Island University has provided a fair amount of autonomy for the instructors to create a practical and meaningful course for students.

I worked grounds/building & maintenance.  A lot of unkind behaviour going on - toxic environment,  by well established unionized employees.  They do not treat females fairly and not sure why they even hire them in this dept, but misogomy done subtly so all flies under the radar.  Management well aware, and feed into culture - all male management team.  PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE isNeeded.

At Vancouver Island University, we don't just hire employees; we hire people. Imagine a future with a job you love and a life you want to lead – imagine that future at Vancouver Island University. Known as a centre of excellence, VIU produces quality graduates who are in demand by employers across the country and around the world. We offer a supportive campus community focused on innovative teaching methods, undergraduate research opportunities and creating an exceptional learning experience for our students.

The management could have been stronger, I find that employees will follow in a more dedicated fashion with a structured managerial system.  It was a great place to become familiar with greenhouse technology and development.  Under staffing was an issue, but I was able to overcome it by accepting the unexpected responsibility and running with it to my employers surprise no additional hiring was necessary.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Instructor 12 salaries reported	$8,196 per month
Program assistant 4 salaries reported	$29.18 per hour
Professor 9 salaries reported	$93,889 per year
Instructional assistant 6 salaries reported	$32.70 per hour
Administrative assistant 4 salaries reported	$32.50 per hour

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