Maintaining Student Status

Academic Concern

Once you’ve started your classes at VIU, you must maintain a minimum average grade of “C” (2.0 GPA) in all your classes. Once a year, we review all students who have taken at least 9 credits in the previous year and check their overall GPA. Students whose GPA falls below 2.0 in the previous year are noted with Academic Concern. 

Academic Concern is not meant to be a punishment, but rather it is meant to alert you to the seriousness of your situation and to give VIU a chance to offer you further support. Academic Concern does not impact your ability to register in courses or access services. You will need to earn a combined GPA of at least 2.0 (“C”) in all courses attempted over the next year in order to have your Academic Concern status cleared.

Mandatory Academic Pause

If you do not achieve a GPA of 2.0 or better during your probationary year, you will be required to take a Mandatory Academic Pause for one year, which means you will not be permitted to enrol in academic programs at VIU for the following academic year.

If you wish to return to your program or change to a new academic program after your year of Pause, you must submit a new application to the program of your choice. You will need to submit your application during your Pause year to ensure you meet the application deadline and are able to return to VIU immediately following your Pause year. Check application deadlines for your program and other information.

There’s help available!

Vancouver Island University has a variety of supports available to assist students in achieving academic success. You can contact an Educational Advisor in the Advising Centre at each of our campuses for support.

Nanaimo's Advising Centre

Building 200, 3rd Floor
Call: 250.740.6410 or 1.888.920.2221
Email: Advising@viu.ca
Website: VIU Advising

  • Educational Advisors are available Monday through Friday by appointment, and drop-in advising is also available
  • International students can check for information on International Advisors.
  • Find VIU degree advisors' contact information
  • Located in Shq'apthut - A Gathering Place, Services for Aboriginal Students is a community-focused, student-centered team that provides support to Aboriginal students academically, socially and culturally throughout their educational journey here at Vancouver Island University. Please drop by our office and find out how we can help you reach your goals in your home-away-from-home here at Shq'apthut.

Cowichan's Advising Centre

2011 University Way, Main Floor next to Welcome Centre
Call: 250.746.3509
Email: Advising.Cowichan@viu.ca
Website: VIU Cowichan Academic Advising

  • Educational Advisors are available Monday to Friday by appointment
  • Drop-in advising for quick questions is available

tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River) Advising Centre

100 - 7085 Nootka Street, Room 118
Call: 604.485.2878
Email: ExamsPR@viu.ca
Website: VIU Powell River Advising

  • Appointments can be made by calling the number above or emailing one of the advisors.