Information on Scholar Strike Canada, September 9 and 10

A message from VIU Provost and Vice-President Academic Dr. Carol Stuart, regarding Scholar Strike Canada

On September 9 and 10, 2020, a group of university scholars has organized Scholar Strike Canada – a program of public digital teach-ins covering a range of topics. These particular sessions are designed as a labour action/teach-in/social justice advocacy approach to taking action against anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and violence. VIU recognizes that members of our community would like to show their support for this action and take part in the teach-ins.

VIU condemns racism in all its forms. We expect and support equity, diversity, and inclusion for everyone.

Those who wish to participate in the activities on September 9 and 10 are welcome to do so.

Participation in a digital teach-in, while teaching and learning digitally, means that students and faculty are free to access the Scholar Strike Canada events and faculty can incorporate discussions within their courses.

For individuals who would like to participate in Scholar Strike Canada, please consider the following:

Students who plan to participate should arrange with their instructors to make up any missed coursework and, if it affects attendance, should confirm that they are planning to continue with the course through email, or checking in to the course site through D2L. (Otherwise they may be de-registered from class under the no-show policy.)

Faculty members are encouraged to facilitate participation by working with students on alternate arrangements for any missed work if necessary. As noted above, faculty are free to incorporate activities into their courses. Please remember though that these are sensitive issues and require careful facilitation, especially in an online environment.

If you are engaging with the digital teach-in activities found in the Scholar Strike program, please seek out strategies that will reduce the risk of traumatizing students and ensure a productive discussion. Some options include contacting the Centre for Innovation and Excellence in Learning or the Office of Diversity, Equity and Human Rights.

All other employees wishing to participate in a specific Professional Development session from the Scholar Strike Canada online program are encouraged to do so. Please ensure that you discuss this with your supervisor in advance regarding coverage of duties as well as a plan for sharing the content and your learning outcomes back within your team. Please note that all sessions will be recorded and available indefinitely on the Scholar Strike Canada website.

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to your supervisor. 

VIU understands the unique and troubling challenges that ongoing racism and violence has created locally, regionally, nationally and globally. Our students, faculty and staff are committed to addressing this through a number of ongoing educational activities and initiatives. 

We also know we need to continue to do more. Please stay tuned to VIU’s communications channels in the coming months as we will be sharing more information about VIU’s actions to address ongoing and systemic racism.