Student Satisfaction Survey 2008

Ask our students and our already-strong reputation in the community is improving. And more than nine of every 10 students will tell you that attending Okanagan College has been a good experience for them.

Those are among the pieces of information that can be derived from our second annual survey of students, the results of which were shared with the Board of Governors recently.

The purpose of the survey is to assess student satisfaction with our facilities, services, programs, and campus life. This year’s survey results are very positive with almost every item scoring higher this year than last. When asked if Okanagan College has a good reputation within the community, 86 per cent agreed, up from 82 per cent in 2007. Over 91 per cent agree that attending Okanagan College has been a good experience for me, up from 86 per cent last year.

Students are confident they will achieve their educational goals, with 92 per cent agreeing they feel they will be successful in doing so. This is up from 87 per cent last year. Achieving their education goals is the most important issue for students.

Personal attention from staff and faculty remains the number one motivation for students to come to Okanagan College and availability of the program was number two. Motivation scores are very similar to last year’s survey results.

The survey also indicated that Okanagan College is the institution of first choice for the great majority of our students. When asked about applying to other schools and school choice, almost 90 per cent of students who responded did not apply to another school and almost 90 per cent say we were their first choice.

This year’s survey results will be available on myokanagan for staff to read. Please contact Jan O'Brien if you have any questions.

Ed Hall joins Okanagan College as Entrepreneur-in-Residence

Following the success of the Okanagan School of Business’ first Entrepreneur-in-Residence program with Bill Redmond, Okanagan College has welcomed local developer and businessman Ed Hall as the 2008-09 Entrepreneur-in-Residence.

Hall is the co-president of Canadian Adult Communities and CEO of Regency Retirement Resorts. Through his partnerships in Regency Resorts and Canadian Adult Communities, Hall has been involved in building several retirement resorts and communities, accounting for about 2,500 dwelling units in the region. Hall has a Masters of Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Calgary.

Hall will be on campus and available to visit classes, meet with students and for general office hours on Oct. 14, 16, 21, 23, & 30 between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. His temporary on-campus office is in C240C and he can be reached by contacting Lynn Kohout at local 4552. Read more about Ed Hall’s new role at Okanagan College in a Public Affairs press release.

We want to hear from you

After more than a year of publishing the bi-weekly internal e-newsletter, Inside Okanagan College, Public Affairs is asking for staff input as to how the communication tool can improved upon.

This is an opportunity for readers to let the editors know what is working and to offer suggestions. Interested in seeing if more frequently, less frequently? How about publishing on a different day or time of day? Have an idea for a new section in Inside Okanagan College? Please take a moment to complete this brief survey . All feedback will be confidential. Please help Public Affairs make Inside Okanagan College even better.

College co-hosts roundtable on technology

L to R: Lance Priebe, Jim Hamilton, Phil Beckmann and Judy Goodsky

Okanagan College, the Okanagan Science and Technology Council and the Applied Scientists, Technicians and Technologists of British Columbia hosted a roundtable of industry, government and private sector representatives on Thursday to address the issue of declining enrolments in technology programs. While Okanagan College's engineering technology programs are holding their own this year in terms of enrolment, there have been programs cancelled at other institutions. It’s an issue that is threatening to become a crisis and which needs to be addressed now, according to ASTTBC executive director John Leech.

The roundtable also featured TELUS's Claude Kisteman who later spoke to a Kelowna Chamber of Commerce luncheon. A working group is being formed from volunteers from the roundtable who will start structuring a strategy to address the issue, involving industry, post-secondary education, government and associations such as OSTEC and ASTTBC.

Okanagan College Works: A Report to the Community

Public Affairs released a 32-page publication this week entitled, Okanagan College Works: A Report to the Community 2008. The report chronicles the successes, news and events of the College’s past year and includes everything from student achievements to staff contributions, our institution’s commitment to the environment and messages from the Board Chair, the Chair of Education Council, and the President. 

In an effort to be environmentally responsible, Public Affairs printed limited editions of the report on recycled paper and is encouraging staff and members of the community to view the report online. In order to alert the community to the report, Public Affairs has designed postcards with information directing readers to the online version.

Nominate an Honorary Fellow

The Okanagan College Tributes Committee is inviting nominations for the Honorary Fellow Awards, which will be presented at the 2009 Convocation and Commencement ceremonies.

The award of an Honorary Fellow is recognition by Okanagan College of distinguished achievement or outstanding service. The criteria for the award are mentorship, excellence, eminence and accomplishment. The College welcomes nominations that reflect the values of the College and the diversity of Canadian society. Nominees will be persons who have made significant contributions to the College, the Okanagan Valley, the Province, the Nation or on an international level. The award will not normally be given to a serving politician or current employee of the College.

Nominations can be made in confidence by email or mail, and should contain as much information as possible including:
1 – the nominee’s name, title, position (or former position), mailing address and phone number
2 – a personal profile of the nominee
3 – comments on the nominee’s connections with Okanagan College, or with the region if applicable
4 – a statement supporting the nomination (supporting documents may be included)
5 – the name, mailing address or campus address of the nominator, along with your Okanagan College phone number and department or portfolio name

Nominations should be submitted by Oct. 24, 2008 to:

Joanna Campbell, Assistant to the President
Okanagan College
1000 KLO Road
Kelowna, BC V1Y 4X8
250-762-5445 ext. 4715
jcampbell@okanagan.bc.ca

The 2008 Honorary Fellows were Ken Harding, Jeannette Armstrong and brothers Syd, Dick and Rob Cannings.

Salmon Arm Literacy Program Receives Grant

Rene Dahms

The Literacy Program at the Salmon Arm Campus recently received a grant of $1,000 from The Shuswap Foundation that will help remove barriers that make it difficult for literacy students to access education. The Access to Literacy project will provide financial support for literacy learners who are experiencing short term needs such as gas, bus/public transport, child care and clothing costs that would make the difference between attending and not attending literacy classes/programs.
 
The mission of The Shuswap Foundation is to provide a vehicle for residents of the Shuswap area to enrich their community in perpetuity through the establishment of a variety of endowed funds. On September 18 the Foundation held its annual gala and the grant was presented to Rene Dahms, Adult Literacy Fundamental Instructor.




Okanagan College English professor Matt Kavanagh saw his name in the Globe and Mail when his book review of Patrick Lane's Red Dog, Red Dog was published as the front page featured book review. Read Matt's review:  A howl of a novel.

News of Okanagan College’s growth in enrolment resonated in Vernon and Penticton with articles appearing in the Morning Star and Penticton Western News. Read more in Students flock to college and College keeps pace with increasing demand or view a clip from CHBC TV.

Local politicians have been flocking to Okanagan College campuses to speak with students about the issues that matter to them. Read more in: Students have their say, Candidates court student voters, Candidates grilled over education, Green party not the only winner, conference told or view a clip from CHBC TV.

The department of Communication’s Free Media event made the news in Kelowna and Vernon. Read more about the event in College turns spotlight on the media or Journalist speaks at college.

The Kelowna Daily Courier featured an article about the increase of international students at Okanagan College. Read comments from President Hamilton in: More international faces at college.

Okanagan College’s Mary Kiviste was quoted in an article appearing in the Oliver Chronicle last week on the subject of adult literacy. Read more about the South Okanagan Literary Society and their need for volunteers in: Literacy society members come together.

Okanagan College will host a conference on Community Sustainability in a Changing Global Environment on Oct. 24 and 25 at the Kalamalka campus. Read an article from the Vernon Morning Star with details about the conference, Climate change focus of weekend.

The Going Once…Going Twice…benefit wine auction in Penticton made the pages of the Penticton Western News and Penticton Herald after a total of $60,000 was raised. Proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships for Okanagan College viticulture students. Read more in: Auction boasts something for all tastes and Wine sells for $19,000 to help students.

A Public Affairs press release resulted in two earned media hits in the South Okanagan after the College announced plans to partner with Habitat for Humanity for the 2009 South Okanagan Home for Learning project. Read more about the partnership in: College assists Habitat and Trades program hammers out a deal with Habitat.

The Oliver Chronicle ran a brief about an Okanagan College student receiving a bursary. Shelsey Walls was awarded the Oliver Women’s Institute bursary, worth $500. Shelsey is currently enrolled in the Legal Access Certificate program at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus.

A front-page feature in the Vernon Morning Star’s Life section shared news of Regional Dean John Lent’s upcoming instruction of one course in the Creative and Performing Arts program. Read more about the program and John’s involvement in: Dip into creative and performing arts.

Read Jane Muskens’ School’s In columns: Students should ignore Canada university rankings and Older ‘gappers’ returning to school.

In Stan Chung’s Global Citizen column he reflects on Life’s fleeting joys.

Karma Lacoff joins Public Affairs

Okanagan College welcomes Karma Lacoff to the department of Public Affairs as the Recruitment, Publishing and Events Assistant. Karma is an alumna of Simon Fraser University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in cultural anthropology. Karma has prior professional experience in the field of post-secondary, having worked for student development and programming at SFU as well as experience as an orientation coordinator at Grant McEwan College in Edmonton. Karma is a music lover and outdoors girl. She also enjoys spending time going to gigs, bike commuting and is excited for the cross country season to start. Karma is on temporary appointment with Public Affairs until March 2, 2009.

Marilyn Beveridge retires

After 25 years of dedicated service to Okanagan College, Marilyn Beveridge will be skipping into retirement on Friday, November 7.  Marilyn’s colleagues and friends will celebrate her career at Duffer's Pub at 1959 K.L.O. Road on Thursday, November 6 starting at 4 p.m. Please rsvp to Sandi Gould by Oct. 31.

Jean Bryans and Glendon Wiebe take Fall Classic

This year’s Kelowna fall classic mini putt tournament was a big hit. Staff and student teams participated in the 9-hole animal theme mini putt course on September 23 in the courtyard of the Kelowna campus. Holes like the salmon run, shark alert and lions gate proved fun and challenging. This year’s winners were the “OC Confidential” team of Jean Bryans and Glendon Wiebe with a scorching combined score of 65. Both Jean and Glendon had holes in one on number three - “the bear cave” - making them pretty tough to beat. Prizes were also given out for a hole in one draw: won by Ron Light and the bonus hole of “hit the bunny “ which went to Keith Germaine. Thanks to all who participated and to Jean Dally and Fern Embleton who came in costume to the event.

October 10, 2008, Vol. 2 Issue13

Flu vaccinations coming to a location near you

It’s that time of year again – and Okanagan College is offering employees the opportunity to receive a flu vaccination.
Flu clinics will be held at the following locations:

Monday, Oct. 20 – Vernon – Room C334 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 21 – Kelowna – Room T113 8-11 a.m. & 12 – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 22 – Penticton – Room A06A 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24 – Landmark – Room 341 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Friday, Oct. 24 – Salmon Arm – Room 154 1 – 2:30 p.m.

The vaccine is offered as a service to Okanagan College employees only. Participation is voluntary and costs $9.50. Please bring a cheque payable to Okanagan College or exact change. Questions about the flu clinic can be sent to Catherine Williams. Any questions regarding the type of vaccination or the after effects should be discussed with your family physician.

Here are some links from the BC Health Files that you should review:
http://www.bchealthguide.org/12b.stm
http://www.bchealthguide.org/12c.stm
http://www.immunizebc.ca/.htm

Information from the Government of Canada is also available at Health Canada's website.

Career Fair volunteers needed

Two volunteers are still needed on Sunday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. for Okanagan College's 27th annual Career Fair. If you are interested in helping, contact Career Fair organizer Katie Bowyer.

Last chance to get tickets for Alumni Awards

Don't miss out - tickets to Okanagan College's 2008 Distinguished Alumni Awards are 95% sold! Distinguished Alumni winner Don Turri of MacKay LLP and Young Alumni Award winner Chris Gibbons of Westhills Aggregates will receive their honours at a dinner reception at the Harvest Golf Club on Wednesday, October 29, 2008.  Purchase your tickets online at:  www.okanagan.bc.ca/alumni  or by emailing alumni@okanagan.bc.ca, or by calling Marcy Nelson at 250-762-5445 ext. 4773 or toll free: 1-888-650-6968.

Candidates for Okanagan College Dean position to make presentations

Two candidates are being considered for the Dean of Science, Technology and Health position on October 15 and 17. As part of the decision, candidates have been asked to give a presentation on Educational Leadership in Science, Technology and Health in the 21st Century, which are open to the College community. We encourage you to come and listen to the presentations and provide feedback to the Selection Committee on the candidates.  Presentations will take place in the Kelowna Campus, Lecture Theatre at the times listed below. Candidate biographies will be distributed via email. The first presentation will take place on Oct. 15 from 8:30 – 10 a.m. The second presentation will take place on Oct. 17 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

50/50 winner announced

Congratulations to Cindy Battersby from Financial Awards in Kelowna who won today's payday draw for $472.50. 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.

Kalamalka Campus to host sustainability conference

Willis Associates and Okanagan College are sponsoring an annual Okanagan Speakers Series at the Kalamalka Campus of Okanagan College. The conference will focus on Community Sustainability in a Changing Global Environment and will be held at the Kalamalka campus on Friday Oct. 24 and Saturday Oct. 25. Guest speakers will include: Richard Hebda, Royal BC Museum and University of Victoria; Tim Lesiuk, Government of BC Climate Change Secretariat; John Robinson, Sustainable Development Research Initiatives; and Bruce Sampson, Consultant/Specialist in Climate Change Issues. For more information about the conference and to find out how you can get tickets, follow this link to download the conference poster.

The following pre-conference films are going to be screened at the Kalamalka Campus in the Lecture Theatre:
Oct 15  Wed     7 p.m. The 11th Hour  
Oct 22  Wed     7 p.m. Addicted to Plastic: the rise and demise of a modern miracle.
 
 FREE PARKING for conference and pre-conference films. 

Take a virtual tour

An initiative by the Westbank Chamber of Commerce has resulted in a new way for the general public to tour Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus. The Chamber’s website has posted a link for users to take a virtual tour of the facilities, grounds and several classrooms at the campus. To take a tour, visit: www.westbankchamber.com and click on the virtual tour box on the right. Follow the link that says “unique to us” and you will see Okanagan College.

Okanagan College Foundation Annual Report now available

The Okanagan College Foundation 2007/08 Annual Report is now available online. To access the report, please visit the Foundation website at: www.okanagancollegefoundation.ca and select "Annual Reports."

For a hard copy of the annual report, please contact Dawn Douglas at Local 4774.

IT Services Update

Effective immediately, IT Services is pleased to announce that there will be Technician and Help Desk support available Monday through Thursday until 9 p.m. during the fall and winter semester. Please call 4444 for assistance.

Okanagan College IT Services is hosting the next meeting of the Higher Education Information Technology group on Friday, October 10.  HEITBC is comprised of 23 post-secondary institutions from across BC that meet to discuss centralized software licensing arrangements, training opportunities and to enhance dialogue and collaboration throughout the IT BC post-secondary sector. 

Canada Savings Bonds available

The Federal Government delayed the sale of Canada Savings Bonds by one week due to the unsettled markets. The Bonds will be available for sale through the website on Friday, October 10 at 8 am. Please check the website on Friday if you wish to purchase or make changes to your current CSB amounts. For more information on Canada Savings Bonds through payroll deduction, please contact Vicki Pannell.

Okanagan College Tuition Bursaries deadline: Oct. 17

Last year Okanagan College distributed $322,000 in tuition bursaries to our continuing and completing students. Bursaries are still available, up to a maximum of $500 per term, for the fall and winter semesters. The number of eligible applicants will determine our ability to assist as many students as possible, to the extent of funding available.
Successful applicants will receive written notification (to the mailing address on their student record) and will have a tuition credit applied to their winter 2009 term fees (unless applying for the fall term only).

Eligible applicants must:

a) be in the second year of a diploma, associate degree or university transfer program, or second, third or fourth year of a degree program
b) be registered in a minimum course load of 60% (40% course load for students with a permanent disability)
c) be in good standing as per the Okanagan College Student Conduct Policy, not on academic probation and not have outstanding fees 
d) demonstrate financial need
e) be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants

 Follow this link to download an application form. Completed applications must be submitted to the Student Services Welcome Centre at the Kelowna campus or to the Regional Campus administration office by the deadline – Friday, Oct. 17, 2008.

Human Resources offers employee orientation

Human Resources will be hosting an Employee Orientation at the Penticton Centre on Friday, October 17, 2008 in Portable No. 3 and at the Kelowna Centre on Friday, October 31 in H115; both at 9:45 a.m. All new employees are required to attend and existing employees are welcome.

Please note that HR will be at these campuses after the orientation for the Regional Service Day.

Human Resources Regional Service Days previously scheduled for the following dates and locations have been cancelled: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at the Penticton Campus Tuesday, November 18 at the Vernon Campus; and Tuesday, December 4 at the Kelowna Campus.

October 2008 is United Way Month at Okanagan College

The 2008 United Way campaign kicked off valley wide in September 2008.  As part of our ongoing support of the United Way, we have named October 2008 as United Way month at Okanagan College.

By now, all Okanagan College employees should have received a package containing information about your local United Way as well as the 2008 pledge form. We invite you to participate in this year’s United Way campaign, “One + You.”

Some events have been scheduled to help raise awareness and funds for the United Way, please visit the events section of Inside Okanagan College for all event listings. If your department is interested in co-coordinating an event to benefit your local United Way, please contact Dawn Douglas in Advancement & Alumni at Local 4774.

CS seeks personal interest programming instructors

Continuing Studies is expanding its personal interest programming.  We are looking for instructors to teach in the following areas and design exciting programs such as:

Financial & Life Planning
Financial Planning for the Next Chapter, All Condos are Not Created Equal, Tips for First Time Buyers

Communication & Languages
How to use your Blackberry, Screen Writing for People who Love Movies, Change your Story – Change your Life

Health & Wellness
Care giving Options for your Parents, Managing Energy to Balance Your Life, Ground Rules for a Better Life

Travel
Traveling on a Budget, Thai it Up, The Grape Escape to Chile

Make & Take
Knitting for Charity, A Carbon Neutral Experience

Home & Garden
Farmers Market 101, Taming Clutter, Great Floral Arrangements

For more information or to get involved with these programs, please contact Lorrie Bauer, Program Administrator at local 4533, by Oct. 20.

Campus Store book orders

The Campus Store would like to remind staff that book orders for the winter semester are due October 15.  As well, any course packs that are required should be into Gord Stefansson by November 15. For more information please contact Gord.

CS seeks odds and ends for Career Fair

Continuing Studies needs your help! Something fun is in the future for Career Fair on Nov. 2, but we’re missing a few crucial ingredients:
•    A plush parrot
•    A large crystal ball
•    Some black cats (not real!)
•    Round fish bowls
•    Plastic skulls
Anyone willing to lend us these items will receive free fortunes, lots of appreciation, and the best drink money can’t buy.  Please email Jill by Oct. 30 if you are able to help.




Oct. 14 -  United Way Booth 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sunoka Building Entrance, Penticton Campus
Come and meet your local United Way representatives and learn how the United Way helps our communities.

Oct. 14 – United Way Services Fair 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Pit, KLO Campus
Come and meet some of the local United Way member agencies and learn how the United Way helps their organizations and how their organizations help our communities.

Oct. 14 - Don't forget to vote in the federal election. Visit www.elections.ca for more information.

Oct. 15 - For the past few weeks financiers, investors and politicians have been staring into the abyss of a total market collapse. The US sub-prime mortgage problem has proved to be a catalyst for a worldwide crisis that many believe  threatens the entire capitalist system and could lead to a  Global depression that could make the 1930s look like the  decade of opulence. Join Okanagan College Business professor Davie Raye, as he presents a lecture "The Financial crisis - everything you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask." This presentation will take place in the Kelowna lecture theatre beginning at 5 p.m.

David has over 20 years experience  of the financial services industry, having worked for several blue chip  companies in the banking and insurance sector. He spent the last 12 years  of his career working in investment banking as an equities analyst covering  the Pan European Banking industry. He retired as a Director of Credit Suisse First Boston in 2006 and emigrated to Kelowna.

Oct. 20 – Penticton Speaker’s Series
Lecture Theatre, 7 p.m., admission by donation
Straight from the Streets!, Cpl. Mike Moyer
An opportunity to learn and discuss with the RCMP what role the social and cultural environment of a community plays in the development of gang culture, what signs may indicate the development of gang culture, and what steps a community can take to ensure that gangs and gang activities do not take root in their backyard. Cpl Mike Moyer is a member of the RCMP “E” Division Gang Awareness Unit. Contact Kaya Forest for more information.

Oct. 21 -  Food for Thought Presents: The CSI Effect: Is Popular Television Affecting Canadian Justice? The presentation will take place from 1 - 2 p.m. in the Kelowna lecture theatre.

Of the top 100 rated shows in the United States in 2007, an unprecedented number of shows (13) depicted criminal investigations. Some of these shows are ridiculous (e.g., Monk), however, others attempt to show criminal investigations in a more “realistic” fashion (e.g., CSI).  But how realistic is it? Recently, there has been a concern that with the popularity of these shows, crime victims and jury member’s expectations regarding forensic science are becoming impossible to meet in the real-world.

 Dr. Leora Dahl will present evidence regarding the presence of a “CSI Effect” in the Canadian justice system. In addition, she will present evidence that brings into question the supposed infallibility of forensic techniques.
 

Oct. 23 – Join Mel Hurtig, a Canadian publisher, author, political activist and former political candidate, for a lecture on his latest book, “The Truth About Canada: Some Important, Some Astonishing, and Some Truly Appalling Things All Canadians Should Know About Our Country.” The event will take place in the Penticton lecture theatre at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 or by donation to support the Penticton Secondary School Global Awareness project.
 
Oct. 24 - Join Mel Hurtig, a Canadian publisher, author, political activist and former political candidate, for a lecture on his latest book, “The Truth About Canada: Some Important, Some Astonishing, and Some Truly Appalling Things All Canadians Should Know About Our Country.” The event will take place in the Kelowna campus lecture theatre beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 in support of Project Literacy.

Oct. 31 - Annual Halloween BBQ (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
Outside the Cafeteria, KLO Campus
For a $5 donation, you will receive a BBQ lunch and goodie bag, some goodie bags will have prizes inside. Net proceeds from the BBQ will be donated to the United Way.

Nov. 3 –  Penticton Speaker’s Series
Lecture Theatre, 7 p.m.
Join the Penticton Speaker's Series for a special screening of the film Into the Wild. Admission is by donation. Contact Kaya Forest for more information.



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

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The next edition of INSIDE OKANAGAN COLLEGE will be issued on Oct. 24, 2008.

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