Independent, democratically run, student organizations can be found at almost every public university and college in the country. It goes without saying that student organisations serve as an integral part of a students experience at university or college, and through our organisations students have successfully influenced the decisions made by institutions and government. Students also benefit by finding social outlets in the campus life activities and clubs organised and facilitated by students' unions, as well as saving money by using students' union services.

As a member of the Vancouver Island University Students’ Union and Canadian Federation of Students, it is important that you take advantage of the benefits of membership to realize the use of these organisaions. To learn more about getting the most from your membership, review the services, advocacy work and events listed on this website and read through the free Students' Union handbook, which is filled with info about services and activities designed with you in mind. 

The Students' Union has many outlets for vollunteering. From assisting at events, to participating on Students' Union working groups, there are opportunities to participate in campus life through the Students' Union. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn about how our university and community works, and to make a contribution to making students' lives better and more fun.

To sign up as a Students' Union volunteer, visit our office in Building 193, email info@viusu.ca or call 250-754-8866.

The Students' Union is run by an elected board of students drawn from across the student body, and selected in one of two elections held each year. There are twenty-three positions representing executive, faculty representative, campus representative, advocacy and at-large roles.

Fall Elections
Fall elections are held in September and October, and include the following positions:

• Faculty Representative - Trades and Applied Technology
• Faculty Representative - Social Studies
• Faculty Representative - Adult and Continuing Studies
• Faculty Representative - Arts and Humanities
• Faculty Representative - Health and Human Services
• Faculty Representative - International Education
• Faculty Representative - Education
• Faculty Representative - Management
• Faculty Representative - Science and Technology
• Cowichan Campus Representative
• Parksville Campus Representative
• Powell River Campus Representative

Spring Election
Spring elections are held in February, and include the following positions:

• Chairperson
• Director of External Relations
• Director of Internal Relations
• Director of Services
• Aboriginal Students' Representative
• Women Students' Represenative
• Directors At-Large (5 positions)

Notice of each election is posted on campus prior to the opening of nominations. The schedule for the fall election is set by Augsut 15 and the schedule of the spring election is set by December 15 of each year as per policy (Students' Union Policy 10.03).

For more information about the elections, positions being elected, or how to participate, contact the Students' Union at 250-754-8866 or email elections@viusu.ca.