Your VIU student ID card is used to enter various buildings on the Nanaimo campus, to access meal plans and dining dollars, and to borrow materials from the library. For a complete list of services, please visit: viu.ca/fim.
Because VIU is upgrading its technological infrastructure to give you better access to campus facilities and services through your student ID card. you need to obtain a new card at no charge, whether you are a new or returning student, if your card was issued prior to July 1, 2019.
Find out more about the federated identity management project here.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you currently need your card to access the Library Commons as well as some other buildings on the Nanaimo campus 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
How to Get a Student ID Card During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Cowichan, Nanaimo, Powell River and Distance Students
Step 1: Upload your photo through the Student Record System.
Step 2: Email a photo of your picture ID or 2 pieces of non-picture ID to library@viu.ca.
Step 3: Once steps 2 and 3 have been completed, library staff will make arrangements to get your card to you. You can either arrange for contactless pickup at the Nanaimo campus or staff can send you your card by mail. Pick up is not available at the Cowichan and Powell River campuses.
- Facing forward looking straight towards the camera
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- No tint or reflection on your glasses
- No face or head covering, unless worn for religious or medical reasons
- Head and shoulders only
- No filters or digitally-enhanced images
- A white or blank wall background
JPEG images only (.jpg or .jpeg file types)
File size is limited to 2 megabytes (MB)
Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery.
There is no charge to get your old student card replaced with the new ID cards. This is funded through your student service fees.
If your card is lost or stolen please report it immediately to the library service desk. There is a fee of $10 for replacement cards.
Please upload your file as a jpeg. The photo can be up to 2MB in size.
If your photo does not meet the requirements specified, you will receive an email letting you know that you will need to upload a new photo so that your card can be processed.
Staff or faculty wishing to bring groups of students for ID cards must book an appointment ahead of time. At Nanaimo campus, email library@viu.ca. At Cowichan campus, email cowlibrary@viu.ca.
In each case, please specify the desired date, time and number of students.
Student ID cards are non-transferable. Do not share your card or its information. The person whose name appears on the ID card is responsible for all use of the card, including library items borrowed and any charges on the card.
No. Employee ID cards already provide the functionality needed to scan in to select buildings on campus.
Please contact us by email at library@viu.ca for details.
Contact us by email at library@viu.ca and we can investigate the issue.
Email library@viu.ca or call 250-740-6330 if you have any further questions.