Mission
Comprised of a diverse group of dedicated professionals, VIU Security is committed to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment that enhances the safety and well‑being of students, staff, faculty, and visitors in support of the Academic Plan of Vancouver Island University.
Location
The Nanaimo campus Security Office, located in Building 315, Room 110, is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3 pm Security guards are onsite 24/7 and reachable by phone at all times.
The Cowichan Campus Security Office is located in Room 195. Security guards are onsite and available to assist with safety concerns, wayfinding and general support. To reach Cowichan Campus Security, contact the number listed below.
Contact information
- Security Services operates within the Office of the President.
- non-emergency (24/7): 250.740.6512
- after-hours (weekends/evenings): 250.753.3812
- emergency: 250.740.6600
- email: Security@viu.ca
First aid
Campus security is the primary first aid provider at the Nanaimo and Cowichan campuses. Security personnel are trained in both standard first aid and mental health first aid.
Safe Walk program
You may call Campus Security to request an escort from any location on campus to any other point on campus, including Student Housing.
Access requests
If you are unable to access a building or room for which you have authorized use, contact Security and a member of our team will assist you.
For all access requests, you must present your VIU identification with a clearly discernible photo, name, and student or employee number. Failure to produce valid identification may result in the access request being denied.
Lost and found
At the Nanaimo campus, lost and found services are maintained by Campus Security. If you are looking for an item or wish to drop off a found item, please attend the Campus Security Office.
Security does not accept food or beverage containers as lost and found items.
Unless claimed, lost and found items will be held for 30 days.
Helpful tips
Never leave personal items unattended.
Always call and advise Security if you are working alone in any area.
For your safety, stay home during campus closures caused by severe weather. You can check the VIU website or the VIU Safety App for current campus conditions and closure information.
VIU weapons prohibition
This prohibition supports Vancouver Island University’s commitment to promoting safety and security across all campus environments and activities, while recognizing and supporting appropriate and necessary use of educational tools for university‑sanctioned purposes. Accordingly, no person on property controlled, owned, leased, licensed, or operated by Vancouver Island University shall store or carry a weapon unless formal written approval has been granted by the Director, Campus Security, or designate.
A weapon is any object that is used, designed, intended, or perceived to be used to cause injury or death, or to threaten or intimidate a person, including any device made to resemble a weapon. This definition includes any object that appears to be a weapon or is used or threatened to be used as a weapon, regardless of its actual design or function.
Any instrument or device that a reasonable person would believe to be a weapon will be treated as an actual weapon under this guideline.
Core values
Courtesy
We endeavour to provide services in a polite, friendly and respectful manner, sincerely caring for the welfare of our communities.
Equity
We are committed to treating others fairly and impartially within our living, learning and working environments.
Collaboration
We cooperate with our community partners to foster continuous learning and growth.
Accountability
We take full responsibility for our actions and remain accountable for the services we provide to ensure the safety and security of faculty, staff and students.
Diversity
We pledge to respect the differing viewpoints and opinions of the community we serve.