Nanaimo Campus: VIU Photo ID cards are issued at the main Library Service Desk Photo ID Centre, located in building 305, main (3rd) floor.
Cowichan Campus: Cards are issued at the Library Service Desk, located in the Commons area.
Use your card for identification, printing, exams; library, registration, gym, and cafeteria services; discounted bus passes, other discounts in the community, and more. You must have a VIU student ID card with picture for registration services, to borrow materials from the Library, use the Gymnasium, for the Dining Dollars program in the Cafeteria, for printing, and to write exams.
The person whose name appears on the student card is responsible for all items borrowed and any charges on the card. Present your card each time you borrow library materials. Do not share your card or its information. A student card is non transferable.
Hours
Photo ID service will be available to individual students during normal Library hours on a drop in basis up to 30 minutes prior to closing time. Groups of more than 4 students must make an appointment by emailing library@viu.ca (or for Cowichan, cowlibrary@viu.ca).
Groups: by Appointment Only
Staff or faculty wishing to bring groups of students for Photo ID must book an appointment ahead of time by contacting the Library at library@viu.ca (or for Cowichan, cowlibrary@viu.ca). Please specify the desired date, time, and number of students.
Requirements
To obtain your VIU student ID card you need to bring with you:
1. A piece of picture ID or 2 pieces of non-picture ID
2. Your Student Number
Photo
You must be facing forward, head straight on, looking straight towards the camera;
A neutral expression;
Your eyes open and clearly visible (with no sunglasses or heavily tinted glasses, and no hair across your eyes);
No reflection or glare on your glasses;
Your full head, without any head covering, unless it is worn for religious beliefs or medical reasons; and
Nothing covering your face. Please make sure nothing covers the outline of your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Distance Students
Students taking online courses who are not able to attend campus may email library@viu.ca. Include a digitally scanned picture of a piece of photo ID (driver's license, etc.), along with a digital passport-type photo of yourself in .jpeg format.
The photo must be a head and shoulders shot in front of a neutral background, show your shoulders from the mid-chest area upwards, and include some space around the top and sides of the head. (Please see other specifications under Photo above). Include your student number and a mailing address in the email. After processing, the card will be printed and mailed out to you.
This option is only available to students who are absolutely not able to attend campus in person at any time to obtain their Photo ID.
Lost or Stolen Cards
Your student card is the property of Vancouver Island University. A card Replacement fee will be charged if you lose or damage your card. Expired cards must be surrendered when renewing student cards. Your student card must be presented or surrendered on the request of a Vancouver Island University official.
Return lost or stolen cards to any campus library. If your Card is lost or stolen please report it immediately to the Vancouver Island University library service desk.