aerial photo of the campus in the fall season

Advantages and Opportunities

Being a VIU retiree has its advantages! Following are goods, services and opportunities available to VIU's retired employees. 

Retiree Perks

*Click on the bold headings and blue links to be taken to the specific websites.

Arts and Entertainment

VIU's Milner Gardens and Woodland - become a member of the Gardens and enjoy benefits like discounted pricing for plants, gifts and special events.

Nanaimo Art Gallery - the Nanaimo Art Gallery in downtown Nanaimo offers VIU retirees 50% of their first year of membership. As a member you can expect:

  • A monthly subscription to our electronic newsletter, keeping you up-to-date on our latest offerings and events
  • 10% discount on tickets for special events and member rates for workshops and classes
  • 10% discount on items in our Gallery Store (books excluded)

...and much more! Take advantage of these special member offers while supporting arts + culture, enter code VIU50 at check-out. 

Charitable Giving and Philanthropy

Further Your VIU Legacy. Explore the many ways to give back to VIU:

  • Make the gift of a lifetime -- let the VIU Foundation help you with information on Estate Planning
  • Donate in-kind gift and equipment
  • Create a scholarship or bursary opportunity to support VIU students

Visit Ways to Give for more information.

Health and Wellbeing

Mealime - Healthy eating made easy…with Mealime, an app that makes meal planning, food shopping and cooking healthy meals easier than ever. VIU retirees get a 40% discount on a Mealime Pro monthly subscription

VIU Gym - VIU retirees may, upon request, retain their University Gymnasium User Pass and associated services. Retired employees may renew this privilege annually for life!

Scholarly Activity and Engagement

Access to Library Services - retired employees may retain their University Library privileges, exclusive of inter-library loan. Retirees electing this service can activate their cards at the Library Loans Desk and may renew this access privilege annually for life!

Academic Emeritus Designation - Retirees who served the University for a minimum of ten years may be nominated for Academic Emeritus designation. An Emeritus may act as a mentor to faculty and students; undertake research projects at VIU; assist with or collaborate on grant or funding applications; and present guest lectures, seminars, and workshops. For a full listing of activity examples as well as a listing of some of the privileges granted to Emeriti, over and above those provided by VIU to all retirees, please refer to Policy 92.02 - Academic Emeritus Designation. Nomination forms are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Honorary Research Associate - The Honorary Research Associate program is a plan through which certain retired faculty members or members of the community, who are actively engaged in research, are able to maintain a connection with VIU. Honorary Research Associates are appointed for a renewable three-year term on the recommendation of their Department and Faculty. The Honorary Research Associate nomination form is available online and is to be completed by a Dean or Dean's Assistant.

Do you have an advantage or opportunity you would like to share with the VIU retiree community? Contact Richard Horbachewski.

Explore Retired Employee Privileges

Curious what the policy and procedure look like for Retired Employee Privileges? In this procedure, you will find information about access to VIU IT Resources, Library Services and the gymnasium: