The new Marnie Swanson International Commons is located in the Learning Commons of the Mearns Centre for Learning – McPherson Library. It is a welcoming place where international students can find academic help, information, resources, programming and services coordinated by the Learning and Teaching Centre to support their success at UVic. This new initiative is designed to provide academic support to the increasing number of international students at UVic, as well as to promote intercultural activities and events for both international and domestic students. The International Commons supports the university’s creation of an inclusive global community that enriches domestic students through connection with their peers from around the globe.

The International Commons is dedicated to Marnie Swanson, University Librarian from 1988 to 2011, in recognition for her long and outstanding service to the University of Victoria Libraries.