English as a Second Language: departmental alignment

As a consequence of the recently conducted portfolio review, and after significant consultation and reflection, Okanagan College’s English as a Second Language department will move from the Arts and Foundational Programs portfolio to  International Education. The decision was guided by a focus on the mission, vision and values of Okanagan College and with the goal of providing students with the best service. Under International Education, ESL will have a vital role in shaping innovative new programming, along with providing highly effective and relevant services for both domestic and international students. For more information contact Marlene Isaac.

Special Projects Director announced

Andrew Hay, VP Education, is pleased to announce that Associate Dean of Arts and Foundational Programs, Stan Chung, will be leading the development of the Institute for Leadership in Learning and Teaching. Stan was instrumental in developing a similar Institute at the College of New Caledonia. Since he began as a college English and ABE instructor in 1989, Stan has been a noted speaker, writer, and workshop presenter on learning and teaching issues. Andrew and Stan wish to thank the members of the Learning and Teaching Committee who are working to draft a strategic plan for the institute that will ensure Okanagan College continues to provide effective learning and teaching within the context of a learning organization. In order to properly resource the development of the Institute, Stan will be taking half-time release from his current duties to assume a temporary role as Director of Special Projects.

Okanagan School of Business hosts CCSBE Conference

Okanagan College and the Okanagan School of Business welcomed entrepreneurs and small business leaders from across the country to Kelowna last week when they hosted the 24th annual Canadian Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship conference, Connecting...Policy, Practice and Research. Organized by Dr. Sherry Price and Dr. Heather Banham, the conference attracted sought-after keynote speakers including Garrett Wasny, award-winning speaker and management consultant; Gord Hotchkiss, President of Enquiro Search Solutions Inc.; and Robert Fine, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission.

College meets with Jamaican PM

As reported in the last edition of Inside Okanagan College, Jim Hamilton was recently in Jamaica as part of a delegation from the Okanagan that met with dignitaries, including the Honourable Bruce Golding, Prime Minister of Jamaica. To find out more about Jim's trip, visit the media section and read the coverage by Kelowna Capital News reporter Adrian Nieoczym.

South Okanagan student awards night

Okanagan College students took home more than $36,000 in scholarships and bursaries at the South Okanagan awards night on Thursday, Nov. 8. The annual award reception brings together donors with recipients that makes for a memorable and rewarding evening.

Nominations open for student entrepreneur competition

Okanagan College's Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) is opening up a call for nominations for the 2008 National Student Entrepreneur Competition. If you know of any Okanagan College students who are operating their own business, ACE wants to know about them. Through this annual competition, ACE and CIBC create a platform for young business leaders to network and showcase their business on a regional and national stage to top executives and leading entrepreneurs, receive relevant training and mentorship to further their business. The competition is open to full-time students at Canadian universities or colleges who are running their own businesses. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, Dec. 7, 2007 and can be sent to Andrew Malashewsky, Okanagan College ACE president or Kyleen Myrah. To find out more, including eligibility requirements read the ACE press release.

CHES scholarship to support Mechanical Engineering Technology students

Interior Health's Peter Van Wissen and Graham Baker met with Jim Hamilton, Iain Cameron and Kathy Butler this week to announce the establishment of a new endowment fund to support Mechanical Engineering Technology students. The $10,000 endowment will fund the Canadian Health Care Engineering Society, BC (CHES) scholarship, which will be delivered annually to one student who has completed the first year of Mechanical Engineering Technology and will be entering second year. The student will be selected by the Mechanical Engineering department on the basis of performance and participation.

Career Fair shines

The 26th annual Career Fair took place on Sunday, Nov. 4 and was extremely well received by the community and College. The number of exhibitors in attendance was up sharply from last year and new attractions such as a flight simulator kept the public engaged. While exact numbers were hard to track, the consensus among participants was that this year's Fair drew a larger, more engaged crowd. Thanks to everyone who took part in this great community event - special thanks to event organizer Michelle Lowry! Watch a clip about Career Fair from CHBC or visit the photo gallery for more pics of the day's events.

Vernon Info Night draws large numbers

As part of Okanagan College's recruiting efforts, the North Okanagan campus held an Information Night on Tuesday, Nov. 6 that drew more than 150 people (as estimated by Regional Dean John Lent). The College had representation from every department as well as a great mix of students, parents and community members who came to the campus to find out about opportunities at Okanagan College.

Housing Survey award winners

John Lent with Amanda Barry

In the last edition of Inside Okanagan College we featured a photo of the Central Okanagan student housing survey award winner. Thanks to all students that participated in our recent student housing survey and focus groups. Winners have now been selected at each campus and are as follows:
Vernon: Amanda Barry (ABT) and Keaton Sim (Arts)
Penticton: Nathan Zailow (Business) and Brittany Guest (Science)
Salmon Arm:  Patrick James (Science) and Paul Perepolkin  (GIS)



The Okanagan College event that garnered the most media attention of late has been the 26th annual Career Fair. Read coverage by the Kelowna Daily Courier: Up to 5,000 expected at career fair, Career fair set to be biggest yet, The Kelowna Capital News: Job Fair garners high number of employers, The Vernon Morning Star: Career fair draws companies and the Osoyoos Times: More to see than ever at OK College Career fair this Sunday.

The Daily Courier printed a career fair section on Nov. 5 that included an article about the lure of the carpentry industry and the negative impact it is having on other trades. Hear from Chris Burns, chair of Automotive Collision Repair in: Other trades suffer as students go for carpentry.

An article appearing in the Vancouver Sun reported the sentencing of three months in jail for Lei Zhong, a foreign student who attempted to extend his stay in Canada by presenting fraudulent transcripts from OUC and Okanagan College. Zhong did not attend OUC or Okanagan College. Read the full story in Foreign student jailed.

One of the Kelowna Capital News' reporters, Adrian Nieocyzm, recently traveled to Jamaica to report on the Jamaica-Okanagan initiative, the project being led by Okanagan College. The newspaper printed a four-page spread on the initiative - read more in Labour airlift.

The Kelowna Home for Learning received coverage in the Kelowna Daily Courier as the program wrapped and home is up for sale. Read more about the program, builder and home in College students' $599,900 house.

A Public Affairs press release about Okanagan College Young Alumni award winner Corinne Inman was picked up by the Penticton Herald: OC alumni honour young entrepreneur. The Kelowna Daily Courier also ran an article about award winners, Inman and Nick Arkle (Distinguished Alumni winner). Read more in: Award-winning alumni.

2007 Honorary Fellow Ken Smedley will celebrate the legacy of the late playwright George Ryga with the re-launch of Ryga's The Ecstasy of Rita Joe. Performances of the legendary play will take place at Okanagan College's Kalamalka campus as well as Summerland's Centre Stage Theatre. Watch Inside Okanagan College for dates and ticket information. Read more in Smedley celebrates Ryga milestone.

An article appearing in the Vernon Morning Star featured Carol Abernathy, Volunteer Tutoring Program instructor and coordinator Dori Blackie. Abernathy was quoted talking about the need for tutors and the crucial role they play in promoting literacy. Read more in Guiding towards literacy.

Randy Werger, Associate Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship, appeared in the Kelowna Daily Courier's Sports section for his first place finish in the masters mixed category as part of the Way Past Fast relay team that competed at the annual Haney to Harrison relay. Randy and his team combined to finish the 100 km race in seven hours, 12 minutes and 25 seconds. Randy's team placed 10th overall. Read more in: Way Past Fast wins at Haney to Harrison.

Two articles appeared in the Summerland Review announcing a feasibility study that will be conducted at a 27-hectare site that may become a viticulture and tourism campus in Summerland. Read more in College studies site option and Considering a campus.

Read Okanagan College columnists Stan Chung and Jane Muskens' recent contributions to the local media as they take on topics ranging from golfing to trades and higher learning.
Stan's Global Citizen column: I golf, therefore I forget.
Jane's School's In: Numerous opportunities available for those keen on trades & Those looking at higher learning had best be prepared.

Jayne Brooks to sing at Carnegie Hall

Jayne Brooks, Dean of the Okanagan School of Business, will travel to New York City with her choir to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall on Nov. 25. Jayne has been a part of the Unity Choir for almost one year and sings alto with the group. The choir was personally invited to sing by John Leavitt, an acclaimed conductor and Peter Tiboris, general director of Mid America Productions. The Unity Choir will be the only Canadian group performing along with four choirs from the United States.

Digital Distraction

Okanagan College's Terence Day, who teaches geography and earth and environmental science, has published an article in University Affairs magazine this month that focuses on "digital distraction." More specifically, it addresses the issue of laptops in classrooms and their impact on the learning environment. The article starts with the question "are laptop bans the answer to the misuse of computers in the classroom?" We won't spoil the ending for you but you can find the whole story at this link.

Lynn Kohout joins the Okanagan School of Business

Lynn Kohout is now officially in the position of Executive Assistant to the Dean of Business, effective October 29, 2007, and can be reached at extension 4552.  She is no longer in scheduling so inquiries regarding scheduling should go to Paul Campo, Associate Registrar, until further notice. For anyone wishing to contact, Brenda Ridgeley, the former Executive Assistant to the Dean of Business, she is now teaching in the Office Administration program at the St. Paul Centre in Kelowna and can be reached at extension 4391.

Halloween tests Randy Maradyn's faith in HR staff

On October 31 Randy Maradyn put his faith in his team as they demonstrated an exercise in teamwork. The group dressed up as part of a home renovation team (get it? - HR) and went as far as to turn their office at Landmark into what looked like a construction zone. They joined the rest of the College's Landmark staff in a Halloween potluck later that afternoon.

November 9, 2007, Vol. 1 Issue 16

Okanagan College campuses will close on Nov. 12

In observance of the Nov. 11 Remembrance Day, all Okanagan College campuses will be closed to staff and students. Classes will resume on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Campus Stores Customer Appreciation Day

Campus Stores will hold four Customer Appreciation Days in which merchandise will be 20% off (some exclusions apply). For more information contact Carla Macfarlane.

Salmon Arm Campus Store – Monday, Nov. 19
Penticton Campus Store – Tuesday, Nov. 20
Vernon Campus Store – Wednesday, Nov. 21
Kelowna Campus Store – Thursday, Nov. 22

Alumni Assoc. to launch Pay it Forward campaign

Following a successful inaugural event, the Alumni Association will coordinate the second annual Pay it Forward holiday giving drive in Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm. Last year's event collected much-needed clothing, gifts and food for local charitable organizations. Watch Inside Okanagan College for more information about how you can contribute and help Pay it Forward.

BCHRMA Lunch and Learn

Join the Okanagan School of Business on Nov. 20 at a BC HRMA Lunch and Learn event at the Kelowna Campus in room H107 from 12 -1 p.m. Find out about the BC HRMA, the career opportunities as a Human Resource professional and the benefits of obtaining your Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) designation. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend.
Topics include:
- Why Human Resources is key to business strategy 
- What a Human Resources professional does
- Why a career in Human Resources has a great deal to offer
- Why Human Resources professionals are now in high demand
- How the BC Human Resources Management Association can assist students in their studies and careers.
 
Admission is free  - complimentary pizza and coffee will be served.

Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

The Vernon Chamber of Commerce is hosting a special luncheon at the Schubert Centre to introduce businesses to the work of the Okanagan Basin Water Board and the OBWB Stewardship Council, as well as presenting a draft policy on water conservation to the membership for their input and review. The event will be held on Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m. and is co-sponsored by Okanagan College and UBC-Okanagan. Tickets are $25 for members, $35 for non-members and can be purchased by calling (250) 545-0771 or by emailing info@vernonchamber.ca.

International Education Week at Okanagan College

Next week is International Education Week - an event that is celebrated across Canada. On Nov. 13-15 stop by the International Education table in the Pit between 11:30 - 1:30 to chat with staff and international students about their experience and international opportunities at the College.

The following events will take place as part of International Education Week:
Nov. 9-12 – Banff Weekend - International Education staff with students from Asia, Europe, South Pacific, North/Central/South America, and the Middle East will take a trip through the Rockies to Banff.
Nov. 13 – International Film Night – OCIE’s Student Life Coordinator, ESL instructors, and Peer Mentors (from Canada, Brazil, China) will host this evening's film and discussion, which is open to all students and the community.
Nov. 14 – OCIE Global Cafe – Regular Wednesday event, coffee/tea between 3:30-5:30 p.m. which is open to international and domestic students, staff and faculty 

Payday Staff Lottery and Okanagan Family Fund

Join the Okanagan College Foundation 50/50 Staff Lottery to support our students and enter to win cash prizes every payday. Over $22,000 is given out in prizes and student support each year.  Since the inception of the 50/50 Staff Lottery in 1992 we have awarded over $77,281 in bursaries to our students, and the same amount has been awarded in staff lottery winnings! Money raised also supports emergency bursaries for our students. It costs only $5 each pay period to enter.  Sign up now by going to the College Foundation web page.

50/50 winner announced

Congratulations to Heather Banham from The Okanagan School of Business in Kelowna who won today's payday draw for $455. The Okanagan College Foundation 50/50 Staff Lottery is open to all employees of Okanagan College. If you wish to sign up for the lottery, registration forms are available from: Advancement & Alumni/Okanagan College Foundation office (P103, KLO Campus), Human Resources (Landmark V, Kelowna) or online.



Nov. 14 - The annual employee recognition ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria at the Kelowna campus.

Nov. 14 - Salmon Arm Information Night will take place in the cafeteria at 6 p.m. - contact Leslie Bogula for more info.

Nov. 19 - Salmon Arm Customer Appreciation Day at Campus Store.

Nov. 20 - Penticton Customer Appreciation Day at Campus Store.

Nov. 20 - BC HRMA Lunch and Learn event at the Kelowna campus 12 - 1 p.m. (see notices for more info or contact Jamie Basran).

Nov. 21 - Vernon Customer Appreciation Day at Campus Store.

Nov. 22 - Kelowna Customer Appreciation Day at Campus Store.

Nov. 23 - Okanagan College will host the second annual Western Canada RoboCup Junior competition at the Kelowna campus. The event will draw 29 middle and secondary school teams from the Okanagan who will compete in a variety of robotic challenges. For more information contact Nadir Ould-Khessal.

Dec. 5 - The Salmon Arm campus, in collaboration with the SAFE Society will host a community event at 6 p.m. in the OCSU Student Lounge to mark the Montreal Ecole Polytechnique Massacre and the on-going efforts towards reducing violence in our society. During the event, there will be guest speakers and a candlelight walk around the campus with refreshments served afterwards. For more information contact Lynda Wilson.
 



Do you have comments, questions or a submission for INSIDE OKANAGAN COLLEGE? Please email Public Affairs c/o Christine Ulmer.

The next edition of INSIDE OKANAGAN COLLEGE will be issued on November 23, 2007.

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