# Dash for Vancouver Island University students > Dash is an AI sidekick students at Vancouver Island University (Nanaimo, British Columbia) text over iMessage and SMS for deadlines, Brightspace (VIULearn), campus answers and admin. Independent; not affiliated with Vancouver Island University. Start at https://textdash.ai/start Page: https://textdash.ai/british-columbia/nanaimo/vancouver-island Checked: 2026-10-14 ## Key dates at VIU - Fri, Oct 16, 2026: Recommended student loan application deadline for Spring classes ([source](https://www.viu.ca/registration/academic-programs-2026-27)) - Fri, Oct 30, 2026: Deadline to submit online Scholarship, Award and Bursary Profile ([source](https://www.viu.ca/registration/academic-programs-2026-27)) - Sun, Nov 1, 2026: Unpaid Fall fees assessed an additional 5% late payment fee ([source](https://www.viu.ca/registration/academic-programs-2026-27)) - Mon, Nov 9, 2026: Fall Study Days begin ([source](https://www.viu.ca/registration/academic-programs-2026-27)) - Wed, Nov 11, 2026: Remembrance Day; University closed ([source](https://www.viu.ca/registration/academic-programs-2026-27)) - Fri, Nov 13, 2026: Fall Study Days end ([source](https://www.viu.ca/registration/academic-programs-2026-27)) - Mon, Nov 30, 2026: Fall academic penalty-free withdrawal and credit/audit change deadline ([source](https://www.viu.ca/registration/academic-programs-2026-27)) - Fri, Dec 11, 2026: Fall classes end ([source](https://www.viu.ca/registration/academic-programs-2026-27)) - Fri, Dec 11, 2026: Overdue Fall fees must be paid to avoid deregistration from future courses ([source](https://www.viu.ca/registration/academic-programs-2026-27)) - Mon, Dec 14, 2026: Fall final examinations begin ([source](https://www.viu.ca/registration/academic-programs-2026-27)) ## Tools and offices - Learning system: Brightspace (VIULearn) (https://learn.viu.ca/d2l/lp/auth/saml/login) - Student portal: https://my.viu.ca - Here2Talk — 24/7 mental health support: Free, confidential single-session mental health support and community referrals for registered BC post-secondary students via app, phone and web. Call 604-642-5212 or toll-free 1-877-857-3397. (https://services.viu.ca/counselling/emergency-and-after-hours-support) - Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 for support across Canada, 24/7, 365 days a year. (https://services.viu.ca/counselling/health-wellness-resources) - Counselling Services: Free, confidential professional support for currently enrolled VIU students. (https://services.viu.ca/counselling) - Registration Services: Student records, course registration, transcripts, fees and graduation information. Current students: Registration@viu.ca. Future students: Advising@viu.ca. (https://www.viu.ca/registration) - IT Helpdesk: Student computer account and VIULearn login support. Email ithelp@viu.ca or call 250-740-6300, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm. (https://learningmatters.viu.ca/learning-technology) - VIULearn support — CIEL: Learning technology support: learnsupport@viu.ca; 250-740-6179. The VIULearn access page lists hours as Monday to Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm. (https://learn.viu.ca/) - Tuition and fee payment guidance: Access PayMyTuition through My Student Record under Finances, then Fees and Due Dates. Guidance covers Canadian and international payments. (https://www.viu.ca/admissions/how-do-i-pay) ## About VIU - VIU began in 1936 as the Dominion-Provincial Youth Training Centre. ([source](https://www.viu.ca/about)) - Formerly Malaspina College and Malaspina University-College, the school became Vancouver Island University in 2008. ([source](https://www.viu.ca/about)) - The Nanaimo campus spans 92 acres with ocean views on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. ([source](https://www.viu.ca/about)) - VIU’s logo combines coastal mountains, the ocean and a stylized half maple leaf. ([source](https://adm.viu.ca/marcomm/logo-guide)) - VIU students get free admission to all Mariners home games. ([source](https://www.viu.ca/students/student-life-and-activities)) - Culture Couch is a weekly student-led gathering with food, music and conversation in Building 255. ([source](https://international.viu.ca/student-life-and-activities)) - Cultural Connections offers day trips, cultural events and activities around Vancouver Island; sign up in Building 255. ([source](https://www.viu.ca/students/student-life-and-activities/discover-campus-life)) - Any VIU student can pitch a story to The Navigator and get paid if it is published. ([source](https://www.viu.ca/students/student-life-and-activities)) - Students receive free gym passes, reduced fitness-class rates and opportunities to play intramural sports. ([source](https://www.viu.ca/students/student-life-and-activities)) ## Questions ### What learning system does VIU use? Vancouver Island University uses Brightspace (VIULearn) (learn.viu.ca). Dash can read your courses and deadlines there once you sign in on Dash's secure page; Dash never sees your password. ### When is the last day to withdraw from a course at VIU? Fall academic penalty-free withdrawal and credit/audit change deadline (Monday, November 30, 2026). Always confirm the deadline for your own courses with the registrar. ### When are final exams at VIU? Fall final examinations begin starts Monday, December 14. Dash builds study plans around your own exam dates once it has them. ### Is Dash affiliated with Vancouver Island University? No. Dash is an independent AI sidekick made by Dash Inc. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Vancouver Island University. ### How do VIU students start using Dash? Text Dash from textdash.ai and tell it you're at VIU. Dash sets you up over text right away, no app to download.