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Explore UVic schedule

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Are you ready to Explore UVic? We’ve created a fun-filled day of student panels, sample lectures, presentations, tours and more.

Check out the schedule of events, plan ahead and make the most of your visit!

Note: all times listed in Pacific Time.

Free all-day parking

  1. Download and print your parking pass ahead of time.
  2. Park in lots 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6.
  3. Place your Explore UVic parking pass on your dashboard. This pass is also included in your registration confirmation email. If you do not have a pass, request one from the staff at the Check-in tents.

Check-in & information fair

Start your day at the tables outside Sngequ House, where you can collect your welcome package. Inside, you'll find a ballot for a chance to win one of five UVic prize baskets, each valued at $250!

Check-in

9:30 - 3:00 
Sngequ House

Student services and supports information fair

10:00 - 4:00
Sngequ House, Conference Room A

UVic has services to support you every step of the way before—and during—your degree. Talk with experts about

  • scholarships and financial aid
  • living in residence
  • getting academic help and advice
  • athletics and recreation
  • student life
  • and so much more!

Explore UVic presentations

What makes UVic unique? What could your UVic experience look like? Is UVic right for you? These presentations will give you the big picture perspective of living and learning at our beautiful Vancouver Island campus. There will be presentations for high school applicants and recent graduates, and a separate presentation for students considering transferring to UVic from another post-secondary institution. Parents and families welcome!

Presentations are held in Sngequ House, Conference Room B.

High school students and recent grads

Come and explore the exciting world of UVic with us at a special presentation just for high school students and recent grads like you! Get the inside scoop on what it's like to be a UVic student. We'll dive into all the cool stuff that makes UVic stand out, from campus life to academics, and finding the perfect program for you – plus so much more.

Our friendly UVic recruitment officers will be your guides during the presentation, and they're ready to answer all your burning questions. Don't miss out on this chance to discover the awesome opportunities waiting for you at UVic.

Presentations are held in Sngequ House, Conference Room B.

  • 10:00 - 10:45
  • 11:15 - 12:00 
  • 12:30 - 1:15 
  • 3:00 - 3:45 

Transfer students

Are you considering making the move to UVic to continue your undergraduate journey? Don't miss out on our transfer presentation, where we'll dive into all the essential details you need to know, from admission criteria and the application procedure to insights into student life and the vibrant UVic community.

This presentation is held in Sngequ House, Conference Room B.

  • 1:45 - 2:30 

Student experience panels

Get the inside scoop on life at UVic from our very own students! Join us for an interactive session where current UVic students will share their unique perspectives and experiences. You'll have the chance to ask them all your burning questions, whether it's about their academic program, their involvement in student-led clubs or their exciting life in residence. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with our student community and discover what it's really like to be a UVic student.

Student experience panels take place in Sngequ House, Meeting Room A (Conference Centre, 2nd floor)

  • 10:15 - 11:00 
  • 11:30 - 12:15 
  • 1:30 - 2:15 
  • 2:45 - 3:30 

Lectures

Explore UVic offers a rare opportunity to attend lectures given by professors across all our faculties. All lectures are held in Classrooms 131 and 133 in Sngequ House.  

The Earth we know today has not always been this way. A paleontologist and avid sci-fi fan, Dr. Fraass is passionate about how geology uncovers our planet's history. In this lecture, he will demonstrate how a geologist interprets Earth's past, discussing topics such as why there shouldn't be grass in the movie 65 and how plants once attempted to eliminate all animals. This talk will give you a new way to see our planet and your place in it.

10:00 - 10:45  |  Sngequ House, Classroom 131

Dr. Andy Fraass  |  Assistant Professor  |  Faculty of Science

Economics isn't just about money or supply and demand—it helps us solve real-world problems like climate change. By using economics and data analysis together, we can find answers to big questions: How does climate change affect the economy? Do policies like BC's carbon tax actually help reduce emissions? In this lecture, you'll learn how economics helps us understand and tackle climate change.

10:15 - 11:00  |  Sngequ House, Classroom 133

Dr. Felix Pretis  |  Associate Professor  |  Faculty of Social Sciences

3D bioprinting could change the way we deliver healthcare. This technology uses living cells mixed with safe materials to build tissues, layer by layer. It has the power to improve organ transplants and make drug testing faster and safer. You will see how bioprinting can lead to new treatments and personalized medicine. This lecture gives you a look into a future where healthcare is custom-made for each person.

11:15 - 12:00 |  Sngequ House, Classroom 131

Dr. Karolina Papera Valente  |  Assistant Teaching Professor  |  Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

Taylor Swift is more than just a pop star—she's a cultural icon, a brilliant poet, and a major influence in music, politics and beyond. In this lecture, we'll dig into the deeper meanings behind her lyrics, explore how she uses poetry to tell powerful stories, and look at how she's shaped modern culture. Even if you're a die-hard Swiftie, you'll discover new ways to understand her music and its impact. Get ready to see Taylor Swift like never before!

11:30 - 12:15  |  Sngequ House, Classroom 133

Dr. Stephen Ross  |  Professor of English  |  Faculty of Humanities

Are you hoping to one day be a part of a leading cutting-edge organization? Do you volunteer time in your community and want to know how to be an effective change maker? Dr. Mark Colgate presents an overview of what makes an organization successful in the long term and the surprising truths about the leaders that run these organizations.

12:30 - 1:15  |  Sngequ House, Classroom 131

Dr. Mark Colgate  |  Professor  |  Gustavson School of Business

You might think you've got learning all figured out, especially with good grades or a university acceptance. But real learning isn't just about knowing—it's about unlearning too. In this lecture, we'll explore what happens when new ideas challenge the way you see the world. How can you get comfortable with uncertainty and let go of needing all the answers? And why is this important for your success in university and in today's ever-changing world?

12:45 - 1:30 |  Sngequ House, Classroom 133

Dr. Lyndze Harvey  |  Assistant Teaching Professor  |  Faculty of Education

How does your brain react to paintings, music, poetry and performances? Is your response to beautiful things different from your response to ugly ones? Dr. Harding will share the latest research on how art and experiences in theatres, concerts and galleries can change the way you think and feel. You will learn how new technology in images, sounds and spaces affects your mind, body and emotions. By understanding how your brain connects with creativity, you can discover new ideas and tackle challenges. This can help you see exciting links between different things in the world around you.

1:45 - 2:30  |  Sngequ House, Classroom 131

Dr. Catherine Harding  |  Professor |  Faculty of Fine Arts

Modern cryptography keeps your data safe from hackers and cybercriminals. But why do experts share the details of how it works for everyone to see? Learn why transparency is important in security. We'll compare old methods like the Caesar cipher with powerful modern tools like the Advanced Encryption Standard. Find out why openness in cryptography actually makes it stronger and safer.

2:00 - 2:45  | Sngequ House, Classroom 133

Dr. Yun Lu  |  Assistant Professor  |  Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science

What is health information science? What are some of the current challenges, trends and technologies in digital health? Have you ever wondered how to pursue a career in this field? Learn how this program prepares you for a variety of well-paid and meaningful careers in the digital health sector.

3:00 - 3:45  |  Sngequ House, Classroom 131

Helen Monkman  |  Assistant Professor  |  Faculty of Health

Cancer happens when cells fail to repair damaged DNA. It is the top cause of death in Canada, and age is the main factor that raises the risk of cancer. At UVic, we study why older cells are more likely to turn into cancer. By learning more, we hope to find new ways to treat or even prevent cancer.

In this talk, you’ll discover how our research could lead to breakthroughs in treatment and prevention. With B.C.’s aging population set to grow by 22% in the next 10 years, this work has the potential to change the future of healthcare. Come learn how our discoveries can improve lives and shape the future of medicine.

3:15 - 4:00  |  Sngequ House, Classroom 133

Dr. Jennifer Cobb  |  Professor  |  Faculty of Science

Faculty tours and events

Visiting our faculties and meeting professors is a great way to learn about studying at UVic. Each of our faculties will be offering events and information booths to help you refine your program choice before submitting your application.

Open Doors with Gustavson

Are you a high school student with big dreams and a passion for business? If so, our Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program is your gateway to a world of opportunities, where you can acquire valuable skills and carve out your unique path to success.

Meet Andrea Felix de la Rosa, our dedicated Gustavson Education and Recruitment Advisor, along with two remarkable BCom Alumni, Ashley Campbell (Class of ‘22) and Katherine Xu (Class of ‘20). They’re here to give you an exciting glimpse into the incredible journey our students embark on, the achievements they celebrate, and the impact they make.

David Strong Building, room C118

  • 11:30 - 12:15  |  1:00 - 1:45

Information booth

David Strong Building

  • 10:00 - 3:00 

Information fair

Sngequ House, first floor lobby

  • 10:00 - 3:00 

Information fair

Engineering Lab Wing

  • 10:00 - 4:00

Clubs fair

Engineering & Computer Science Building, lobby

  • 10:30 - 4:00

Building tours

Engineering Lab Wing, lobby

  • 11:00 - 12:00  |  12:30 - 1:30  |  2:00 - 3:00  |  3:30 - 4:30

Information fair

Fine Arts Building

  • 10:00 - 3:00

Art History and Visual Studies tours

Fine Arts Building, room 115

  • 11:15  |  11:45  |  12:15  |  12:45  |  1:15  |  1:45  |  2:15  |  2:45 

Music tours

MacLaurin Building, B-Wing, upstairs lobby

  • 11:30  |  12:30  |  1:30  

Music info session and audition demo

MacLaurin Building, B-Wing, room B037

  • 12:00  |  1:00

Theatre tours

Phoenix Theatre lobby

  • 11:00  |  12:00  |  1:00  |  2:00

Visual Arts tours

Lobby of Visual Arts Building (adjacent to the Fine Arts Building)

  • 10:30  |  11:30  |  12:30  |  1:30  |  2:30

Student Writing showcase

Information fair

Sngequ House, 1st floor lobby

  • 10:00 - 3:00

Island Medical Program information fair

Sngequ House, 1st floor lobby

  • 10:00 - 3:00

Information fair

Clearihue Building, room A127

  • 10:00 - 3:00

Building tours

Clearihue Building, room A127

  • 11:00   |  12:45   |  2:30 

Speed Language Learning Sessions

Clearihue Building, room D130

  • German  10:00 - 10:30
  • Russian  10:30-11:00
  • Indonesian  11:00 - 11:30
  • Chinese  11:30 - 12:00
  • Japanese  12:00 - 12:30
  • Spanish  12:30 - 1:00
  • Greek  1:00 - 1:30
  • Latin  1:30 - 2:00
  • American Sign Language  2:00 - 2:30
  • French  2:30 - 3:00

Information fair

Bob Wright Centre lobby

  • 10:00 - 3:00

Telescope tours

Meet at the telescope in the Bob Wright Centre, 5th floor

  • 11:00  |  12:00  |  1:00  |  2:00  |  3:00

Biology tours

Bob Wright Centre lobby

  • 11:15 | 11:45 | 12:45 | 1:15 | 2:15 | 2:45 | 3:15

Earth and Ocean Sciences lab tours

Bob Wright Centre lobby

  • 11:15 | 11:45 | 12:45 | 1:15 | 2:15 | 2:45 | 3:15

Biochemistry and Microbiology, Chemistry, and Math and Stats Assistance Centre tours

Bob Wright Centre, lobby

  • 11:00  |  12:00  |  1:00  |  2:00  |  3:00

Information fair

David Strong Building lobby

  • 10:00 - 3:00

Anthropology teaching lab tours

David Strong Building lobby, Anthropology table

  • 11:00  |  1:00  |  2:00

Economics lab tours

David Strong Building lobby, Economics table

  • 11:00  |  1:00  |  2:00

Environmental Studies tours

David Strong Building lobby, Environmental Studies table

  • 11:00  |  1:00

Geography Lab Tours

David Strong Building lobby, Geography table

  • 11:30  |  1:00  |  2:00

Visual Anthropology Lab tours

David Strong Building lobby, Anthropology table

  • 11:00  |  1:00  |  2:00

Zooarchaeology Lab tours

David Strong Building lobby, Zooarchaeology table

  • 11:00  |  1:00  |  2:00

Tours

Tours of our First Peoples House are open to everyone.

First Peoples House

  • 11:30 - 12:00   |  2:00 - 2:30 

Tours

UVic Libraries offers study spaces, lots of technology, research help and learning support. Join us for a tour, ask questions, and preview your preferred study spaces!

McPherson Library

  • 11:00  |  3:00

Workshops

Want to learn how to you can use digital tools like 3D printers, electronics, and software to help you pursue your passions and also demonstrate your learning in interesting and engaging ways? Join us for a hands-on workshop to briefly learn about what we offer and then take part in our fun and engaging Sketchnoting: Doodle Your Way to Better Grades workshop. Have some fun and develop a new skill that can help you remember key information more easily.

McPherson Library

  • 10:00 - 11:00 | 1:30 to 2:30

Campus tours

To truly immerse yourself in the UVic experience, we invite you to embark on a guided walking tour led by one of our enthusiastic current students. This tour offers a firsthand opportunity to acquaint yourself with our campus, from its stunning beauty and parklike charm to its size and layout. Along the way, you'll discover some of our cherished spots, including academic buildings, sports facilities and dining hotspots.

These tours are hosted by UVic students who can't wait to share their own personal journeys and insights with you. Come along and explore the places where you'll study, live and make lasting memories during your university adventure.

Make sure you include a campus tour during your visit to UVic.

All campus tours start outside Sngequ House. Tours run every fifteen minutes from 10:00 to 3:00.