By contributor Aislinn Cottell

WHAT

Free open textbooks available for student use through the BC Open Textbook Project, the first government-sponsored site of its kind.

WHERE

<open.bccampus.ca/find-open-textbooks/>

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

Free textbooks. Need we say more?

WHAT

September 27: Screening of the documentary CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap, followed by a Q&A and discussion. Hosted by Innovation Island, snacks and drinks provided.

WHERE

Vancouver Island University,

900 Fifth St., Nanaimo

Bldg. 355, rm. 203 and 211.

Runs from 5 pm – 8 pm.

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

An interesting documentary exploring the lack of women and minorities in the software engineering field.

WHAT 

October 1: ACER symposia on combating climate change. Featuring speakers, a panel discussion, practical demonstrations, and free lunch. Admission is free, but please email <ACER@viu.ca> to pre-register.

WHERE

Vancouver Island University,

900 Fifth St., Nanaimo

Bldg. 355, rm. 203 and 211.

Runs from 9 am – 3 pm.

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

A great way to expand your knowledge of science, politics, and the policy of climate change. Did we mention free lunch?

WHAT

The City of Nanaimo is seeking proposals for temporary outdoor art to display in public spaces for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

WHERE

All artists can submit their proposals through the City website, at under “Call for Artists for Temporary Outdoor Art No. 1812.”

Deadline for proposal submission is November 15.

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

Anyone can submit, not just ‘professional’ artists. Get some exposure and art up Nanaimo. We want to see your stuff.

WHAT

October 5: Book launch and lecture by ethnomusicologist Dr. Michael B. MacDonald for his new book Playing for Change, a critical pedagogy of arts-based community learning and development (A-CLD).

WHERE

Vancouver Island University,

900 Fifth St., Nanaimo,

Bldg. 356

Run time and rooms to be announced.

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

Of particular interest to anthropologists, educators, social workers, sociologists, philosophers, and musicians; the book is a unique and much-needed contribution to Canadian history and cultural theory.