Info nights, tuition giveaway back this fall at Okanagan College
Exploring your education and career options could pay off in more ways than one at Okanagan College this fall.
The College is hosting a variety of open houses and information nights in October and November to help potential students and parents explore post-secondary paths.
And the events aren’t just a chance to learn more about the programs that catch your eye – they’re also a great opportunity to get questions answered, from admission requirements and registering for courses, to applying for financial aid and awards to where to buy books and a parking pass.
For students considering an academic, apprenticeship or vocational program at Okanagan College, there is extra incentive to stop in: anyone who attends these on-campus sessions can enter into a draw for a $5,000 tuition voucher.
Grace Hunter is someone who can attest to the value of stopping into the College for an info session. She took home this year’s $5,000 tuition voucher back in May after attending an info session at OC last fall. Hunter is planning on using it to pursue the Esthetics & Nail Technology Certificate program at the Vernon campus.
“It was so crazy [to win]. I’m excited to apply and get started. This will go a long way to paying for my education,” said Hunter.
Anyone who takes an official tour, attends a recruitment event or connects with a recruitment team member will receive an entry to the contest. The winner will be chosen on May 15, 2020, and they will receive a voucher covering fall and winter semester tuition fees up to $5,000.
“We know students are always looking for opportunities to get a better sense of the programs that interest them, and to chat with recruiters, advisors and instructors,” said Inga Wheeler, Associate Registrar.
“The information nights and open houses give them a chance to do this, while also taking a tour and experiencing first-hand, in advance, all that each campus has to offer. Plus, by attending, you receive an entry into the tuition giveaway, which will be a big boost for one lucky student.”
Conditions apply for the Tuition Giveaway draw, and are available online: okanagan.bc.ca/tuitiongiveaway.
For details about information nights and open houses, read below for the campus closest to you:
SALMON ARM
The Salmon Arm Campus Open House runs Thursday, Oct. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. at 2552 10th Ave. NE, beside the Shaw Centre. For details, visit the event page.
Activities include:
- Open House in the Student Lounge/Cafeteria from 7 – 9 p.m.: Learn about programs and services. Meet faculty, academic advisors and staff from Financial Aid & Awards and Aboriginal Services.
- Spotlight Sessions from 7:15 – 7:45 p.m. throughout campus: Attend two 15-minute information sessions led by faculty and instructors and learn about specific programs offered: Trades, Arts, Science, Business, Health Care Assistant, Human Service Worker, Office Administration, Adult Special Education, Practical Nursing and Upgrading* (*Sessions subject to change).
- Parent Seminar at 7:15 p.m. in Room 130: Designed for parents of high school students considering post-secondary education. This seminar will help you help your teen on their path to higher education.
- Returning to Education Seminar at 7:45 p.m. in Room 130: Learn about services and supports available for mature students returning to school, including information about upgrading, how to get old transcripts and how satisfy admission requirements as a mature student.
“We are so excited to welcome learners to stop by campus, take a tour, talk to us and explore their options – whether they are stepping right out of high school, thinking about going back to school or wondering how they can upgrade to do so. We are looking forward to sharing with the community just how many paths and opportunities there are at the Salmon Arm campus,” said Joan Ragsdale, Regional Dean Shuswap-Revelstoke.
Anyone who applies during the Open House will have application fees waived.
Those who cannot attend are welcome to book a campus tour or become a student for the day. For information or questions, contact Kristine Wickner at kwickner@okanagan.bc.ca or 250-832-2126, ext. 8259.
VERNON
The Program Open House and Spotlight Sessions at the Vernon campus is set for Monday, Oct. 21, running from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Kal View Café of the Vernon campus, 7000 College Way.
Spotlight Sessions include:
6:15 - 6:45 p.m.
- University Transfer Arts & Science - Lecture Theatre (D310)
- Trades - Trades Building foyer
- Health - Room D314
- Esthetics & Nail Tech - Room E212
7:00 - 7:30 p.m.
- Business - Room D212
- Engineering Technologies - Room C344
- Education Assistant & Nursing Unit Assistant - Room D344
Anyone who applies during the Open House will have application fees waived.
The 15 First Year FAQs Seminar will be held Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lecture Theatre (D310), walking students and parents through the top 15 points they should know before starting post-secondary. Topics will include terminology, accessing scholarships and bursaries, applying for student loans, the application process, and important student services. For details, visit the event page.
“With a beautiful new Trades Training Facility to our renowned School of Business to everything from Arts, Science, Health, and more, there’s so much to explore at the Vernon campus – lots of options some students and parents may not know we offer. There’s also upgrading if you’re thinking about coming back to school or are changing career paths. We hope people seize opportunities like this to explore the Vernon campus and get a chance to chat about the programs that interest them with our staff and instructors,” said Jane Lister, Regional Dean, North Okanagan.
Those who cannot attend are welcome to book a campus tour or become a student for the day. For information or questions, contact Tawnya Cameron at tcameron@okanagan.bc.ca or 250-545-7291, ext. 2309.
PENTICTON
The annual Open House is set for Oct. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence (PC 113), Penticton campus, 583 Duncan Ave. West. Students and parents can learn the top 15 points they should know before starting post-secondary at the 15 First Year FAQs. Topics will include terminology, accessing scholarships and bursaries, applying for student loans, the application process, and important student services. The seminar begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Ashnola Building Lecture Theatre (PL 107). For details, visit the event page.
“I continually run into incoming students, parents and community members who are surprised at just how many options there are at the Penticton campus. Whether you have a program in mind or are looking to explore lots of options, events like these are a great way to learn about all the pathways across Arts, Science, Business, Health, Trades, Technologies, and Continuing Studies. Some unique programs in Penticton are the Criminal and Social Justice program, Sustainable Construction Management Technology and Human Kinetics.”
“We have great programs to offer and extremely dedicated staff and faculty who are committed to creating unique and extraordinary student experience,” said Eric Corneau, Regional Dean, South Okanagan-Similkameen.
Those who cannot attend are welcome to book a campus tour or become a student for the day. For information or questions, contact Alison Roberts-Zschocke at arobertszschocke@okanagan.bc.ca or 250-492-4305, ext. 3205.
KELOWNA
The College’s 38th annual Career Fair is set for Sunday, Nov. 3 at the Kelowna campus, offering high school and post-secondary students, and the general public, the opportunity to explore potential career paths and connect with employers.
Career Fair is one of the Interior’s longest-running fairs that attracts hundreds of prospective students every year. Attendees are treated to post-secondary preparatory seminars, tours, activities, program information and draw prizes. Tours depart from the Student Services (S) building at 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.
The fair runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kelowna campus, 1000 KLO Rd. Students and parents can learn the top 15 First Year FAQs (frequently asked questions) they should know before starting post-secondary in the S104 Lecture Theatre at 11:30 a.m. Topics will include terminology, accessing scholarships and bursaries, applying for student loans, the application process, and important student services. For details, visit the event page.
Admission and parking are free for Career Fair. Those who cannot attend are welcome to book a campus tour or become a student for the day. For information or questions, contact Blake Edwards at bedwards@okanagan.bc.ca or 250-762-5445, ext. 4469.
