What is the CUPE Learning and Development Fund?
Each year the equivalent of 1% of the CUPE payroll is set aside for CUPE professional development opportunities. A committee consisting of 3 Admin staff and 3 CUPE representatives manages the fund and are supported by 1 Assistant.
The purpose of the fund is to provide eligible union members (temporary and regular CUPE employees) with opportunities to prepare for advancement and promotion within VIU by supporting professional growth and development. The fund is meant to be used for enhancing an employee’s knowledge and skills for a career within VIU. The training must not be required or integral to an employee’s position as this would be paid by the employee’s department.
What is available to you?
You can receive training and professional development in a variety of ways: credit and non-credit courses; workshops and conferences; and funds to cover expenses associated with your professional development activities, such as books and travel. Funds can be used for on-campus, off-campus, and online opportunities. Wherever possible, employees are encouraged to first explore courses and workshops offered by VIU.
Individual Amount Eligibility for Learning and Development Funds
Each CUPE member (Regular, Term/temporary, Active or On Leave) may apply for up to $1,500 per year. Casual staff may apply for up to $500. Available annual funds will be allocated as applications are received.
VIU Tuition Waiver
VIU employees may register in up to 8 credits of VIU courses per semester at no cost, after the deadline for fee-paying student registration has passed. The Tuition Waiver applications can be submitted for the Fall and Spring terms in early June. This program is administered by VIU, not CUPE Learning and Development.
If you are taking a VIU credit course it is recommended that you apply for a tuition waiver first so that you don’t use your individual eligibility of CUPE Learning and Development funds. Please go to the VIU website for detailed information and a fillable Tuition Waiver Form. The tuition waiver does not cover the cost of the Student Union fees, Activity fees, textbooks and supplies. You can apply to CUPE Learning and Development to have these costs covered.
Choose a course then apply to CUPE Learning and Development through our online Application system. All courses that are subsidized by CUPE Learning and Development funds must relate to your current work or another VIU position where you would like to work.
CUPE Events and Workshops
From time to time, CUPE Learning and Development hosts learning and development events for CUPE members. These events/workshops are free to any VIU CUPE staff member (Regular, Term or Casual or staff on leave) and you can register to take any or all offered. The events will be announced by email and posted on the InVIU Pro-D calendar. These may include career search workshops, customer service workshops, communication workshops, etc. Email us if you have a request or suggestion. For staff who work at campuses outside of Nanaimo you can request travel assistance through the CUPE Learning and Development fund.
Register through CIEL Calendar of Events.
Opening InVIU
Login to InVIU with your VIU computer account information. Choose the Pro-D Calendar tab and go to the workshop date. Choose the workshop and an info page will open. Registration (or cancellation) for the workshop will be on this page.
Please contact the CUPE Learning and Development Assistant at CUPETD@viu.ca if you have any questions. (Email is often the fastest way to reach us.)
Next Workshop
No workshops scheduled at this time.
Office Hours
Office hours are currently Monday, Wednesday pm and Friday. The CUPE Learning and Development Assistant can be contacted by email: CUPETD@viu.ca, to answer any of your questions.