Okanagan College

Have you had a concussion during your post-secondary education? And your academic participation was impacted by it. We want to hear from you!

We want to hear your ideas on how your post-secondary institution supported your recovery to full academic participation, or how your institution could have supported you.

For registration and more information please email [email protected]

BrainTrust Canada

As we transition to more indoor activities with the cooler weather, we encourage everyone to be mindful of scent safety in our shared environments. Exposure to heavily scented products can negatively affect individuals with allergies or chemical sensitivities. Reactions may range from mild discomfort to severe incapacitation, especially for those with asthma, allergies, or other health conditions.

To help maintain a safe and comfortable space for all:

• Please reduce, substitute, or eliminate the use of scented products in Okanagan College spaces.
• As a general guideline, personal scents should not be detectable from more than an arm’s length away.
• If approached about a scent issue, kindly collaborate to find a solution.

For more information on scent safety or guidance for managing scent-sensitive situations, please visit the Health and Safety programs webpage.

OC Cultivates - Tasting and Experience Festival and Innovators Panel. 🍷🍇

Meet and mingle over delicious pairings, then sit back and enjoy storytelling from renowned local innovators passionate about Okanagan food, beverage and tourism.

Starting with our Tasting and Experience Festival at 5:30 p.m., and followed by our Innovators in Conversation at 7:30 p.m., don’t miss out on an evening showcasing the best food, sips and speakers in the Okanagan.

Included with your ticket purchase:

Food and beverage tastings and experiences offered by local producers and restaurants
Opportunity to mingle and network with industry leaders in food, beverage and tourism
Conversations featuring storytelling from some of the most esteemed leaders in Okanagan food, beverage and tourism
Your own take-home stemless wine glass

Get your ticket: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/oc-cultivates-tasting-and-experience-festival-and-innovators-panel-tickets-1008799054127?aff=organicsocial

City of Penticton - Municipality PentictonNow Okanagan Wine Festivals Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

Okanagan College and Okanagan University College alumni are invited to join us for the OC Alumni Association Annual General Meeting, Tuesday, Sept.17 at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Enjoy networking with fellow alumni and refreshments from Relvas Catering, owned and operated by OC alum Adam Relvas.

Register here: https://forms.office.com/r/WSmeEiGqiE

Ultra endurance athlete and OC alum Nick Pelletier will be sharing his story of the power of sport and how the first Recreation and Wellness Centre at OC’s Kelowna campus will benefit students, alumni and the community.

About Nick Pelletier
In 2023, Nick successfully completed the inspirational and physically challenging 106-kilometre swim of Okanagan Lake from Vernon to Penticton within 71 hours. Nick has completed many bold and grueling adventures from cycling 250 km around Okanagan Lake to competing his 100th sky dive out of a hot air balloon. Nick recently attempted to swim the Molokai Channel, a 41-kilometere stretch known for treacherous currents and abundant marine life, including whales and more than 40 types of sharks, but had to quit due to jellyfish stings. Nick believes sport and physical activity offer meaningful life lessons for everyone. From perseverance to the importance of putting oneself in new and challenging situations in order to grow and build confidence.

OC professor Corinna Chong nominated for prestigious Giller Prize. 🌟📚

The title of her latest book may be Bad Land, but there’s nothing bad about Okanagan College professor Corinna Chong’s latest achievement. Her novel has been longlisted for the Giller Prize, the prestigious Canadian literary award that celebrates the best in Canadian fiction across long formats and short stories.

Chong, who teaches English, Creative Writing, and Fine Arts in the College’s Writing and Publishing Diploma Program, is no stranger to national literary acclaim. In 2021, she won the CBC Short Story Prize for her piece Kids in Kindergarten, solidifying her reputation as a prominent voice in Canadian literature.

“I’m honoured and immensely grateful to see Bad Land on the Giller Prize longlist,” said Chong. “It’s truly mind-boggling to see my book alongside those of other writers I admire so deeply, some of whom I have looked up to for many years. I’m excited for the chance to connect with more readers in the coming months.”

Set against the raw and eerie landscape of the Alberta badlands, Bad Land explores the generational effects of repression and transgression, weaving a powerful narrative that resonates with readers and critics alike.

“We are so proud of Corinna and this incredible achievement in being longlisted for the Giller Prize,” said Judith Anderson, Dean, Arts and Foundational Programs at Okanagan College. “We are incredibly fortunate to have someone of Corinna’s calibre inspiring and teaching future generations of writers and creatives.”

To celebrate this achievement, the community is invited to the official launch of Bad Land at the Okanagan Heritage Museum in Kelowna. The book launch will take place on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 7 p.m., and is free to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase copies of the book and meet the author.

The 2024 Giller Prize shortlist will be announced on Oct. 9 and the winner will be announced on Nov. 18, 2024.

Corinna’s previous works include the acclaimed story collection The Whole Animal, published by Arsenal Pulp Press in 2023, and the novel Belinda's Rings, published by NeWest Press in 2013. Her short fiction has appeared in magazines across Canada including Grain, Ricepaper, Room, Riddle Fence, The Malahat Review and PRISM international.

For more information about Corinna Chong and her work, visit corinnachong.com

For more information about Okanagan College, visit okanagan.bc.ca.

Over the next few weeks, students are invited to join a focus group session at the Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm, or Vernon campus to share their feedback on the OC Virtual Assistant, currently in beta testing!

Developed at OC, the AI-powered chatbot helps answer questions like "Where can I get a parking pass?’" or "How can I withdraw from a course?"

As a thank you, participating students will receive a free slice of pizza and a chance to win a $50 gift card!

With only 20 spots available per session, sign-up today!
Sign up for a session here. https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=72j4XCb2zk2a3ipxqrVnYe0a5hNAwcJBiFmKnfwUMOFUOUFLN1BJWlNJMEI0R00zMzJMT1JGRTREOC4u&origin=QRCode&route=shorturl

Participants must stay for a minimum of 45 minutes and actively engage in the discussion to provide meaningful feedback on the OC Virtual Assistant. Active participation is crucial for the effectiveness of this focus group.

Your insights are essential for improving the chatbot.

Outdoor Adventure #3 Saturday, October 5,10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 🍁🥾
Join us on Saturday, October 5 for a guided hike to Paul’s Tomb at beautiful
Knox Mountain Park and be rewarded with some of the city’s best views.
Note: The hike is moderately challenging and sturdy shoes are recommended.
A picnic lunch will be provided. Please bring a backpack and water bottle. Meet at the bottom parking lot of Knox Mountain
Register online: https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/kelownastudentlife
Deadline for Registration: Tuesday, October 1.
View our pinned post for assistance with registering.

Two more weeks until our Powwow!✨
Join us on September 20th for a day full of dancing, activities, and unique vendors. Everyone is welcome!

September 20th, 2024
9:30 AM Grand Entry
2 PM Closing Ceremony
Kelowna Campus

To register as a dancer or vendor, please email [email protected].

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Ethan, one of Okanagan College's adventurous students, spent an incredible summer filled with cultural exploration and personal growth in Japan. ✈️🌏

Ethan studied at Kibi International University in Okayama, Japan. His time there was filled with cultural exploration and personal growth.

Ethan's highlights include visiting the breathtaking Korakuen Garden, where the beauty of nature and history blend seamlessly, and marveling at the majestic black castle that overlooks the garden. The sword museum, with its rich history of katanas, offered Ethan a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. A visit to the Hiroshima bomb memorial profoundly moved him, leaving an indelible mark on his soul.

Despite the challenges of learning a new language, Ethan proudly shared that he can now count to ten in Japanese and introduce himself, a testament to his perseverance and dedication. The friendships he formed with fellow students and the support from Hiromi and the Kibi International University staff made this experience truly special. Ethan reflects on his time in Okayama with gratitude, acknowledging the lifelong friendships and memories he created.

Ready to embark on your own adventure? Registration is open for exciting cross-cultural exchange programs. 🗺️ For more info and to apply visit https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/mobility/outbound-mobility.

"I cannot say enough about the faculty of the Advanced Certificate in Communication, they guided me through a change in my education. The design of the program is flexible which allowed me to select courses for my specific interests,” said Elaine Booi, OC alum and OC staff member.

The Advanced Certificate in Communication provides students with skills in applied communications. Students develop competence in professional writing, public relations, crisis communication, media literacy, marketing writing, and visual communication design.

Thank you for sharing your story with us Elaine! Start the Advanced Certificate in Communications next semester! For program details or email [email protected] .



.kelowna .vernon .penticton .salmonarm

A message from Okanagan College President, Dr. Neil Fassina:

I can’t help but to feel excited this week.

At each of our campuses in Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna and Penticton, students are back – several thousand returning to complete their programs – and more than 3,500 beginning something new.

To each one, I extend a sincere welcome and say, with enthusiasm: Congratulations!

Today, the demand by employers for college-educated graduates is at an all-time high. More than 50 per cent of jobs now and for the next decade will require learning that you achieve at a college. This includes programs ranging from aviation mechanics to health care workers, and business accounting to early childhood education – the opportunities are as varied as the individuals pursuing them.

The value of a college credential is on the rise, and we need to celebrate that reality and encourage others to do so as well. Choosing to come to OC is a choice well made.

And while this is exciting, it’s also a challenge to post-secondary institutions like ours to keep up with industry demand for relevant, current and dynamic programming.

Flexible learning options, including programs that have both online and in-person components, or those that are scheduled in ways that make it possible for learners to continue to work, are just a few examples.

Added to that, Okanagan College partners with employers across the region so that students gain on-the-job experience. The ‘campus-of-everywhere’ approach empowers students to experience learning outside the classroom, while continuing to be supported by the incredible staff team at OC. Likewise, Careers Hub, which launched last year, is available to current students and alumni. That means you can stay connected to OC resources years after you graduate.

The transformation at OC is also visible and includes new buildings at each of our campuses. Over the Labour Day weekend we welcomed people into new student housing facilities in Kelowna and Vernon, with a similar building set to open in Salmon Arm this winter, and a fourth to begin construction next year in Penticton.

In Kelowna, we’ll see additional changes at the K.L.O. campus as our new Recreation and Wellness Centre is built and work begins on the Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism, slated to open to students in 2027.

So again, I say welcome – and congratulations – to each person who is here to learn with us at Okanagan College this fall.

Whether you’re taking those first steps into a classroom, or you’re joining online or in the workplace – we’re as excited as you are to be here. The value of what you’re about to learn and where it will take you is absolutely on the rise.

Way’, Weytkp, Welcome!

The Okanagan College Physics and Astronomy department would like to extend an invitation to all members of the OC community and their families to attend the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory Open House.

On Saturday, September 7th, 2024
Gates Open: 10:00 am Gates Close: 5:00 pm
717 White Lake Road, Kaleden, BC V0H 1K0

Save the Date for our PJ Movie Night on Thursday, September 5 at 7 p.m.! Slip into your comfiest pyjamas, grab a cozy blanket and join us for an evening filled with cinematic delights and snacks under the stars! As an added bonus, there will be exciting prizes throughout the night, with extra special rewards for those who embrace the spirit in their best PJ attire!

“Communication in all its forms is ever-changing, and having the knowledge and framework to navigate interactions effectively has empowered me in the workplace!” said OC alum Candace McBurney.

For Candace, completing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a minor in communications gave her the tools to empower her career with confidence.

Did you know that students in the BBA program or Bachelor of Computer Information Sciences (BCIS) can enrol in the Concentration in Communication to complement your education with applied communication and design skills? Students can apply six credits of first-year Communications or English earned in the completion of their principal credential toward the Concentration notation.

Thank you, Candace, and good luck in your career. Email [email protected] with any questions about the Concentration in Communication.



.kelowna .vernon .penticton .salmonarm

Welcome to all new and returning OC students! 🍎❤️ Orientation day was a big success!

Save the Date! Join us for socializing at Shore Line Brewing, a local pub on Lakeshore Road, on Friday, September 6 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. Complimentary appetizers provided while they last. Connect with fellow students for a night of fun, games and prizes!

Okanagan College is working with The Regional District of Central Okanagan and Duka Environmental Services Ltd. and Tire Stewardship BC to host a tire collection event.

The regional district says tires outdoors are a popular habitat for mosquito larvae to hatch and grow.

“It only takes a few centimetres of water inside old tires on your property to provide the perfect habitat for mosquito larvae,” says Curtis Fediuk, president of Duka Environmental Services Ltd.

Residents are invited to drop off any old or unused tires on Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kelowna’s Okanagan College Campus.

There is no limit to the number of tires individuals can drop off. But it is recommended businesses that sell or generate tires call 1-866-497-0281 to arrange a pickup.

Save the Date for our GROCERY BINGO! Join us in the Student Services Lower Lounge (S Building) for Bingo excitement on Thursday, September 5 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Shout "BINGO!" to win groceries. Savor treats and cold drinks while marking off those squares!

Reminder, all Okanagan College campuses will be closed Monday, September 2nd for the Labour Day long weekend. OC staff (and Felix) are looking forward to welcoming new students to campus on September 3rd for orientation day!

Join us for our ultimate one-day welcome event! Explore your campus, connect with fellow students and staff, and dive into a day packed with excitement. Enjoy a free meal, play fun games, and stand a chance to win amazing prizes! Chat with College staff and community partners, and don’t forget to bring your family along to enjoy our brand-new family section, where the little ones can paint rocks, savour cotton candy, and enjoy so much more! This is the perfect way to launch your college adventure—don't miss out!

10:00 a.m. - Orientation opens
10:15 a.m. - Opening Remarks
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Program Sessions, Info Booths and Fun Activities
12:00 p.m. - Lunch. Don't miss the Coyotes showdown!
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - More Program Sessions, Info Booths and Fun Activities

Start your first day of classes on with a coffee and pastry on us! Swing by the Breezeway (located behind the bus loop at the main entrance to the College) on Wednesday, September 4 at 7:30 a.m. for a warm welcome, hot coffee, and delicious treats. Spin to Win with your OCSU team and win prizes!

Okanagan College alum Pia Mateo completed the Diploma in Communications, Culture & Journalism Studies.

“Through the program, I met wonderful students and professors, and I was exposed to different cultural and social perspectives. I was able to use this experience in dealing with people of diverse backgrounds while working at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. I was really happy that I got to work at Okanagan College as a Graduation Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office, as I'm hoping I can use the learnings I received from the program and help students and the College in achieving their goals.”

Congratulations Pia! We cant wait to see what you achieve next!

Don't miss out on the Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tour! There’s still room, and you can bring a friend for free! Reserve your spot by emailing [email protected] before the end of the day. 🚍🎉

Join us for our ultimate one-day welcome event! Explore your campus, connect with fellow students and staff, and dive into a day packed with excitement.

Orientation events will be held at all at the Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton and Salmon Arm campuses.

For more information visit https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/orientation

Are you passionate about working in the social and community services sector?

This fully funded program is designed to provide you with a foundation of core knowledge and skills related to community support work. It will prepare you for a variety of entry-level positions in the social services sector, including as an outreach worker, intake worker, and support worker.

To learn more about this program visit https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/cs/community-support-program. For more information about the program please contact 250-762-5445 ext 4967 or [email protected].

For more information or to verify your eligibility for this program contact your local WorkBC.

This program is funded by the government of Canada and the province of British Columbia.

Okanagan College is pleased to welcome Sai Manda as the new Associate Director of Data, Analytics & Reporting.

Sai has joined the new Data Analytics team, formerly known as Institutional Research, and is a passionate leader in data and a seasoned Business Intelligence professional. He holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Sastra University. He also has a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Subsea Engineering and Energy Trading, both from the University of Houston where he discovered his love for data.

Manda has a wide-ranging professional background that includes finance, research, aviation, travel, technology consulting, and banking. He is passionate about bringing people, data, and technology together. Before arriving at OC, he led many strategic projects to improve business intelligence and reporting at various organizations in the Midwest USA.

"I am thrilled to join Okanagan College and share my passion for data,” said Manda. “I look forward to contributing to the growth of the Data, Analytics & Reporting team at OC.”

Okanagan College (OC) students now have access to more on-campus housing with the opening of new student housing at the Vernon and Kelowna campuses, reducing housing pressures in both communities and making it easier for students to focus on their studies.

“The first day of school is a time when students should be focused on their studies and their future, instead of worrying about where to live,” said Premier David Eby. “These new residences for Okanagan College students in Vernon and Kelowna allow students to concentrate on their classes while easing the pressure on the local rental market.”

Opening in early September 2024, the Vernon campus’s new 101-bed student housing building has a view of Kalamalka Lake, and provides individual studios, as well as two- and four-bedroom apartment-style suites. Common areas on each floor and throughout the building will offer places to connect, study and socialize, and services on site include laundry and bike storage.

On the ground floor of the building is the Sunflower Childcare Centre/smúkwaʔxn̓ scəcəmalla itskn snmaʔmayaʔtn, which adds 44 new daycare spaces to the community and will make it easier for students with children to access post-secondary education. The new centre includes 12 spaces for infant-toddlers and 32 spaces for two and a half to kindergarten age. It was supported by more than $1.5 million through ChildCareBC’s New Spaces Fund, which is jointly supported by provincial investments and federal funding through the Canada-British Columbia Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Read the full story here https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/news/more-student-housing-opening-at-okanagan-college

In an effort to help ease food insecurity, a campus fridge is now available to anyone who needs access to food at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus.

Located in the hallway outside the OC Student Union office (Room A148), the Kelowna campus fridge is based on the community fridge concept and is available to students during regular building hours.

The fridge is volunteer operated and stocked with donated food and is a great example of a collaborative effort to support students with a group of OC instructors known as the Breakfast Club working together with the OC Student Union and the campus administration team.

Food is being donated by the Lake Country Food Bank and local businesses, including COBS Bread and Okanagan Grocery Artisan Breads.

The Breakfast Club and the OCSU will stock the fridge and do temperature checks and regular cleaning to ensure food safety.

The team’s motto is ‘take what you need, leave what you can.'

There is no appointment necessary and anyone needing food can drop by anytime the building is open. For more information, contact [email protected].

After 35 years of dedicated service, Gordon Shuster is retiring from Okanagan College. Gordon’s career has been marked by significant milestones, including witnessing the institution's transformation from Okanagan College to Okanagan University College and back again, all while seeing the college grow and evolve. Over the past 25 years, Gordon has been a cornerstone of the International Education department, playing a crucial role in its expansion from 300 to over 2,000 international students. His impact extends beyond the campus, influencing the diversity and vibrancy of the broader community. Reflecting on his time at OC, Gordon shared, "It has been a privilege to work with so many individuals dedicated to helping others and making a difference in the lives of our students."

As Gordon steps into retirement, the International Education department will undergo a transition, now moving under the leadership of Devin Rubadeau, Director of Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM). This new structure will bring together domestic and international student recruitment and advising within the SEM department, fostering a more unified approach to student services.

Devin Rubadeau expressed deep appreciation for Gordon’s contributions, saying, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Gordon for his 35 remarkable years of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Okanagan College. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the International Education department into what it is today.”

He continued, “We are also excited to welcome Sakura as the new Associate Director of International Education. With over 10 years of experience at OC and the unique perspective of being a former international student, Sakura is well-equipped to continue the department’s success. We are confident that, with Sakura's commitment and the strong foundation Gordon has laid, our department and students will continue to thrive. Thank you, Gordon, for your lasting legacy, and welcome, Sakura, to this new chapter at OC."

Sakura Hirata, who has been employed with Okanagan College for nine years, will step into her new role as Associate Director of International Education. Her work in enhancing international student recruitment, especially a fivefold increase in enrolment from Africa, demonstrates her commitment to the growth and success of the department. Sakura has also been an active leader in the OC EDISJ committee, championing Anti-Racism initiatives and fostering discussions on ethical internationalization at various levels. Her involvement in creating opportunities for both domestic and international students to develop intercultural competencies further underscores her dedication to diversity, inclusion, and ethical practices in higher education.

Looking forward to her new role, Sakura shared her vision: “Internationalization involves moving beyond mere celebration of diversity to working collaboratively with students and the entire college community. I am looking forward to learning from and with the OC community as we collectively contribute to decolonizing and enriching our institution.”

The Okanagan College Foundation is pleased to welcome Tom Dyck, who is joining its Board of Directors for a four-year term.

"The types of skills people learn at Okanagan College are in such demand and are just not provided by many other institutions. This is a place where people get the vital real-world skills our communities need every day – from building their homes to fixing their cars to keeping their teeth healthy — and I, in a small way, want to support them in their journeys."

Learn more about what motivated Tom to volunteer his time and how education has transformed his own life in our Q&A: https://ow.ly/fLh950T1mfY