Leadership, Mentorship and Career Preparation Opportunities
As a KIN student, there are numerous opportunities to apply your knowledge in preparation for a successful career in Kinesiology and related fields.
Several Kinesiology courses provide opportunities for students to develop their leadership potential through theoretical and practical experiences on and off-campus. This includes the 100-level activity courses, as well as courses such as KIN 270 (Leadership of Outdoor Pursuits), KIN 461 (Applied Leadership in Physical Activity), KIN 462 (Coaching Practicum in Sport), and KIN 473/474 (Field Placement Internship).
Students will gain knowledge and new perspectives from the opportunity to receive mentorship from KIN Faculty, Community Professionals, and Industry Experts in diverse occupational settings.
Students have the opportunity to obtain valuable employment experience through supervised projects, practicums and internships. Students will also be introduced to a wide variety of potential careers and provided with opportunities to establish volunteer and employment contacts.
Internship
In both the major and minor degrees, the Kinesiology department partners with the Centre of Experiential Learning to offer an Internship course (KIN 473) that prepares students to identify, pursue, and secure an internship experience, providing the opportunity to engage in self-awareness and reflection activities to identify areas of strength and interest. Students will deepen their understanding of essential transferable skills and will gain competencies to prepare for a relevant work experience. The course provides opportunities for students to synthesize theoretical knowledge and practical experience within Kinesiology. By engaging in a variety of self-discovery activities students will identify skills, strengths, interests, values and competencies to inform their search for a relevant and meaningful internship experience. The internship experience requires completion of 60 or 120 hours of internship activity in addition to the classroom experience.
Undergraduate Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity
The Kinesiology program encourages and supports undergraduate research. Specifically, Kinesiology Majors will engage in a capstone course (KIN 491; Scholraship in Kinesiology) that will allow them to pursue scholarship, research or creative activity on a Kinesiology-related topic of their choice. Students also have the support of the VIU's Scholarship, Research, and Creativity (SRCA) office. SRCA provides workshops, pathways, conferences and funding to support undergraduates.
Education Abroad
The Education Abroad program in the Kinesiology department offers short duration programs for credit (KIN 490) that take place in a variety of locations throughout the World. Previous programs have included stays in North America, the Caribbean, Central America and Europe. Typically run every 2-3 years, with an emphasis on socio-cultural topics, it is an opportunity for KIN students to gain global perspectives.
Faculty Contact: Rick Bevis (Bldg 356, Rm 250 - rick.bevis@viu.ca)
Goals for program:
- Gain a new perspective on life
- Become global-minded
- Embark on exciting adventures
- Make unforgettable memories
- Get out of your comfort zone
- Get to know yourself
- Develop a new sense of independence
- Develop valuable career skills
Past Kinesiology Education Abroad Programs:
- 2013, 2016 - Havana, Cuba
Topic: An Examination of Sport, Health and Wellness in Cuba.
- 2011, 2018 - San Pedro, Belize
Topic: An Examination of Physical Education and Sport Culture in Belize.
- 2010 - New York City, USA
Topic: Sport Sociology through Film: Tribeca/ESPN Sport Film Festival.
- 2008 - Vancouver, Canada; Lausanned, Switzerland; Torino, Italy
Topic: The Legacy of the Winter Olympic Games.
- 2006 - Toronto, Canada; New York City, USA; Caguas, Puerto Rico
Topic: The Study of North American Professional Sport.
Peer-Supported Learning
Students taking Anatomy and Physiology classes in the Kinesiology program have access to Peer-Supported Learning (PSL). PSL offers free, regularly scheduled, informal study sessions led by senior students who have been successful in the course. Students in classes with PSL have a friendly, knowledgeable partner in their learning, while the PSL leader is able to stay current and engaged with course content. PSL is also a way to give back to the program. If you want to become a PSL leader, see your anatomy or physiology professors.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) expands the ways Vancouver Island University can recognize the experience students bring to their post-secondary education. It is an assessment process based on the belief that adults acquire knowledge and skills through life and work experiences that match what we teach in a specific course or program. Individuals who have acquired learning through non-formal education such as work experience, self-study, volunteer activities, and other life experiences can be assessed and subsequently awarded credit for a course or toward a program at our institution.
PLA is available to accepted students only. Once accepted into a program, you may consult the Kinesiology Chair (Louis Mattar, louis.mattar@viu.ca) to discuss PLA for individual courses or a group of courses. Acceptance as a PLA candidate is dependent on your ability to meet eligibility criteria for PLA in Kinesiology and is determined by the Kinesiology Chair and faculty.
Credits acquired through PLA are granted toward a Vancouver Island University credential only. We cannot guarantee transferability to any other institution. However, many of the colleges and universities in B.C., including our institution, are working together to develop provincial policies and standards.