Institute to provide additional support for learning and teaching at Okanagan College

A new institute is being launched to further improve the learning and teaching experience at Okanagan College. The Institute for Leadership in Learning and Teaching will be moving forward as a pilot project in 2009.

“This is an important development,” explains Vice President Education, Dr. Andrew Hay. “As a learning organization we have made many significant steps since our launch in 2005, and now we want to build on that to further enhance the teaching and learning environment at Okanagan College.

“Our student surveys, discussions with alumni, and our marketing surveys have demonstrated that Okanagan College has a very good reputation for the quality of instruction and the learning experience. We want to build on that, and enhance not only the experience for students but also the learning and teaching experience for the College’s employees.”

The Institute’s mandate is to create opportunities to encourage reflection, dialogue and exploration of learning and teaching. Development of the concept for the Institute was steered by a committee comprised of 18 faculty, instructors and staff. “They developed a peer-led vision that is bold, original and inspiring in its creativity,” says Hay.

Ten fellows of the Institute will be nominated later this spring from eight instructional areas and two staff groups. Those fellows will be tasked with developing “communities of practice” in their respective areas that will encourage sharing, mentoring and dialogue around learning and teaching.

Each of the Fellows will be given an honorarium and an expense budget. A half-time co-coordinator will be hired in the spring to aid the Fellows as they develop and pursue the Institute’s short- and long-term goals. The Institute’s founding Director will be Stan Chung. Stan was the project leader that guided the committee that developed the concept.

“I’m grateful to the committee who taught me a great deal about how a grassroots vision like our Institute will lead to outstanding learning opportunities for the entire Okanagan College community,” says Chung. “The Institute is about supporting engagement in learning and teaching. For professors, instructors, and staff it will be an opportunity to develop peer-led initiatives such as lesson plan development, peer-coaching, and improved abilities around training and service delivery.”

The committee is comprised of Carol Abernathy, Glen Coulthard, Carl Doige, Michael Douglas, Sandra Hadersbeck, Howard Hisdal, Rob Kjarsgaard, Laura Loewen, Siri Marken, Kyleen Myrah, Margo McMahan, Mike Minions, Jane Muskens, Darcy Shaw, Paul Stevenson, and Wilma van der Veen. They have been working for over a year on the development of the Institute.

Hay, Chung and members of the steering committee will be holding a series of informational sessions regarding the Institute beginning very soon – the dates will be announced in the next edition of Inside Okanagan College.

Accounting students Aaserud and Bahniwal earn bronze at Canada’s most prestigious business case competition

Fourth-year accounting students Magnus Aaserud and Sandeep Bahniwal can add “award-winner” to their resumes after finishing third at the Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (ICBC) at Queen’s University last weekend. The duo was coached by Okanagan School of Business professors Derek Cook and Randy Newton and qualified for the final round of the competition after finishing in the top six in the preliminary round in November. ICBC is Canada’s oldest national business case competition and included 138 teams from 28 schools, including four from Asia and two from the United States. To read more about the team’s success read a Public Affairs press release.

Baseball celebrities turn out for Okanagan College Baseball fundraiser

Scott Richmond

A fundraising dinner and silent auction for the Okanagan College Baseball Team drew Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Scott Richmond and Team Canada’s Brooks McNiven on Thursday evening. The event raised funds for the College team, which will begin the regular season later this month. The team was formed this fall through a strong partnership with the Okanagan Baseball Society and participated in a very successful exhibition season. Watch video from the event by following this link.

Residential Construction students celebrate milestone on Kelowna Child Care Centre

Students and partners in the 2009 Kelowna Residential Construction program took a break from building this afternoon to celebrate their achievements as they began laying the roof on the 3,000 square-foot Child Care Centre. With support and supervision from general contractor TEAM Construction, the students will bring the project to the lock-up phase before heading back to the classroom to complete their level-one carpentry apprenticeship. TEAM Construction will continue with the project, which is on schedule to open this fall. The YMCA-YWCA of the Central Okanagan will oversee all operations of the Child Care Centre. For more information, read a Public Affairs press release.

College celebrates first Convocation of 2009

More than 140 students graduated from Okanagan College at a Winter Convocation ceremony on Jan. 10, 2009. Among graduates receiving credentials were those from the following programs: Associate Degree of Arts, Diploma in General Studies, Business Administration Degree, Diploma and Certificate programs, Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology, Bachelor of Computer Information Systems, Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Diploma in Water Quality and Environmental Engineering Technology, Early Childhood Education Certificate, Home Support/Resident Care Attendant Certificate, Diploma in Therapist Assistant, Diploma in Fine Arts, Diploma in British Columbia Adult Graduation.

Special congratulations to Alf Leimert who attended the ceremony both as Vice Chair of Education Council and as a proud father of his son Caley Leimert of the Civil Engineering Technology program.  Also of note is the graduation of Okanagan College Board of Governors member Jason Manning, who also received his Civil Engineering Technology diploma.

SD 23 student-built home sells

Partners School District 23, Okanagan College and Harmony Homes attended a media event on Thursday to hand over the keys to the home built by students in Rutland Senior Secondary’s Residential Construction program. The home at 160 Hardie Road was recently sold generating a net profit of between $30,000 – 35,000 for SD 23. A portion of that profit will be provided to the students by way of bursary if they choose to further their carpentry training at Okanagan College. Seen in the photo from Okanagan College are Nancy Ankerstein, Program Administrator and Associate Dean of Trades Randy Werger.

Okanagan College Foundation offers continued support to students in 2009  

Despite a slowdown in the economy the Okanagan College Foundation will disburse a growing number of scholarships and bursaries in 2009.

That’s due in part to a conservative investment and disbursement strategy that anticipated the need to maintain disbursements in the event of changing economic circumstances. The Foundation, similar to its counterparts, has been affected by the downturn in the economy, but has been able to generate enough income on its investments in 2008 to continue its distribution of student support.    

The Foundation Board made the decision in December to disburse 3.5 per cent of its endowment (approximately $235,000). The Foundation’s endowments are currently valued at almost $6.7 million.

“The Foundation’s investment policy recognizes the expectation of donors to provide funds for scholarships as the first priority. The asset allocation in the investment portfolio is varied enough so that there is sufficient interest and dividends to support scholarships,” said Kathy Butler, Executive Director. “We also have the added advantage of having no administrative or fundraising expenses charged against the revenues of the endowment.”

The Foundation’s annual donations for student support increased more than $100,000 in the 2008-09 fiscal year. 

“With the increase in donations, we expect to disburse close to $1 million in student and program support by the end of March 31,” said Butler. To read more about the work of the Foundation, read a Public Affairs press release.

Colleagues to celebrate Marietta Stanley's life

During the winter break the Okanagan School of Business lost a valued member of faculty when Marietta Ruth Ellen Stanley passed away suddenly at the age of 56.

Colleagues and friends of Marietta are establishing a bursary in Marietta’s name to assist a first-year student going into Accounting in second year.  Anyone wishing to contribute to that fund in Marietta’s memory can make their cheque payable to the Okanagan College Foundation care of the Marietta Stanley bursary. 

Colleagues and friends are also planning a celebration of Marietta’s life.  This event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, January 24 at 2 p.m. in Kelowna.  Marietta took sailing lessons at the Central Okanagan Sailing Association (COSA) and loved the water so the event will be held at COSA at 4220 Hobson Road. This will be a casual event to remember Marietta and her life and contributions to Okanagan College, her community and friends. Marietta always enjoyed South African wine so in that spirit friends will be gathering to remember and celebrate her life with a “toast” in her memory. Non-alcoholic refreshments will be available. Please feel free to bring your own refreshments. 

Marietta joined Okanagan University College (OUC) in the mid-1990s. She has since contributed greatly to the institution. Marietta was currently on leave from the Okanagan School of Business and had planned to return in September. She will be greatly missed by her colleagues, students, friends and family. For those wishing to send condolences to the family, her mother’s mailing address is Mrs. R Stanley, 165 Main St, Sackville, NB, E4L 4S2.  

Mike Craig helps make the NHL Classic shine

Okanagan College’s Mike Craig helped make history when he joined his father, Dan Craig, in Chicago to work with a 10-person team to lay the ice for the outdoor NHL Classic, which was held on New Year’s Day. Read more about Mike and his father in an article from ESPN.com: This time around, Classic a family affair for NHL's ice guru.

Anne Kirkpatrick joins Advancement and Alumni

The Advancement & Alumni team welcomes Anne Kirkpatrick, who joined the department on Jan. 5 in the role of Development Officer, Major Gifts. Anne recently relocated from Edmonton to Summerland. She has many years of experience in development, most recently having held the posts of Director of Development at NAIT and Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts, at the University of Alberta (Calgary Office). In addition to consulting services, Anne has also worked with the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and spent several years with the United Way in Edmonton and Calgary. Anne can be reached at local 4770 and is working out of P103C at the KLO Campus.  

Penticton Campus holiday hamper project a success

Staff, faculty and students at the Penticton campus donated non perishable foods, gifts, toys, treats and money to create hampers for students in need during the month of December. The hampers were distributed on December 18 to recipients who all expressed their deep gratitude. This is the 14th annual hamper drive undertaken by Penticton campus. Thanks to all staff who participated. Seen in the photo are Donna Lomas, Cliff Nelson and Debbie Cutt. 

Help celebrate Don Campbell’s 31-year career

Staff are invited to a wine and cheese event to honour the career and retirement of Don Campbell. The event will take place at Infusions on Jan. 22 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. A cash bar will be offered and appetizers will be served. For more information, contact Alf Leimert.

News of a third place finish for Okanagan College accounting students at the Inter-Collegiate Business Competition made the pages of the Kelowna Daily Courier. Read more in: College team meant business.

Communications professor Marc Arellano was featured in event magazine after his documentary Ke Na’ De En finished among the finalists in the international film competition Migrations, which is sponsored by Radio Canada International and CBC’s international broadcasting service. Read more about Marc’s success in: Man’s mixed heritage inspires video.

A photo and short article announcing the sale of a home built by students in Rutland Senior Secondary’s Residential Construction program appeared in today’s Kelowna Daily Courier. Read more about the program and Okanagan College’s role as a partner in: Student-built home sold or watch a clip from CHBC.

Okanagan Life magazine ran an article written by Dona Sturmanis, The Fine Art of Community, which featured several people connected to Okanagan College including: John Lent, Judith Jurica and Kevin McPherson.

The Okanagan College Foundation made the pages of the Kelowna Capital News after it announced it would continue to grow scholarship and bursary opportunities for students, despite an economic downturn. Read more in: OC foundation has money to spend.

A fundraising dinner in support of Okanagan College Baseball Team garnered some media attention. Read about the event in: Pro baseball on the menu at Okanagan College fundraiser and Fundraiser for OC baseball.

Okanagan School of Business professor and Liberal party nominee for the Kelowna Lake Country riding, Norm Letnick, appeared in a series of articles focused on the upcoming MLA race. Read more in: Nominee lives out ‘boy scout’s dream’ to help others, New Liberal political landscape, Liberals Okanagan Overhaul, Letnick to bear Liberal standard and Letnick standing for Liberals.

Okanagan College Board of Governors member Brian Hughes wrote a letter to the editor of the Penticton Herald. Read more about Brian’s perspective on the importance of creativity in the workplace and in business in: Must attract creative people.

Stan Chung’s Global Citizen column finished off 2008 with hopeful perspective in: Living through the storm. Read Stan’s first column of 2009, which takes readers on a trip back in time to an early morning fishing trip with his father: First cast.

Jane Muskens published two School’s In columns during the holidays. Read more in: Value of education often relates to wealth of a nation and Research important before enrolling college (column attributed to Christine Ulmer in error).

Christine Ulmer filled in for Jane Muskens’ School’s In column during the holidays. Read Christine’s tips for improving writing skills in the new year. The write way to start the new year. 

January 16, 2009 Vol. 2 Issue19

Celebrate Chinese New Year with International Education

Okanagan College’s International Education department will host an evening of multicultural celebrations in honour of Chinese New Year. The event will take place on Jan. 26 in the lecture theatre at the Kelowna campus. The evening’s events begin at 6 p.m. with doors opening at 5. Admission to the event is free but seating is limited so plan to arrive early. For more information contact Quentin Hughson.

Stay current with Financial Services

Financial Services would like to remind all staff of the importance of keeping their information on file up to date. Please review the address that appears on your pay statement and notify Human Resources if this address is not current. Even if your pay statement is emailed to you, it is still important to provide Financial Services with a current address, as there are other important items that may be mailed throughout the year, including your T4.

Runners, mark your calendars for the Campus-to-Campus Half Marathon and Bookworm Relay Race

Now in its sixth year of operation, the Campus-to-Campus Half Marathon and Bookwork Relay Race will get underway on Sunday, March 29. For anyone planning on running the 21.1 km race, now is the perfect time to focus on your training. This year’s route will revert to the original route from a few years ago and will begin at UBC Okanagan, travel through Glenmore, into City Park and will finish at the Kelowna Campus. For those who would like to participate but are a little less ambitious than half marathoners, the relay race is a great opportunity to share the fun with colleagues or friends. For more information about the race contact Race Director Jane Muskens or go online. Registration is now live online. 

SIFE Okanagan to host: teaching, creating and advancing entrepreneurship in the Okanagan

Students from Okanagan College’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Okanagan are hosting the second annual SIFE Fundraising Business Gala featuring keynote speaker Launi Skinner. Skinner is the COO and President of 1-800-GOT-JUNK, former President of Starbucks USA and an Okanagan College alumna. The event will take place on Feb. 5 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. in the sun room at the Hotel Eldorado in Kelowna. Skinner’s presentation will focus on sustainable entrepreneurship principles from an international perspective. The focus of the evening is to education individuals on what SIFE Okanagan represents, as well as what community projects the organization is currently involved with. Tickets are $30 per person and include appetizers, a glass of red or white wine from Lakebreeze Winery, access to bidding at a silent auction table and door prizes.

For more information regarding this event, or the SIFE Okanagan chapter please contact either Michael Blondé  250-681-6329 or Lauren Strang 250-863-9801.

IT Services brightens the holidays for many

Congratulations to Rhonda Poullos from the Certified Dental Assistant program for being the draw prize winner of IT Services’ holiday gift package. Through the sale of tickets IT Services was able to donate $650 to the Food Bank, which results in the equivalent of $1,950 in spending power for the organization. Thanks to all who participated.

CS offers free Office 2007 training

Continuing Studies is offering free Office 2007 training to staff on select days. 

Penticton:  Monday, Feb. 16, 2009 (CRN 80922)
Kelowna:  Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009 (CRN 80921)
Vernon:  Tuesday, March 17, 2009 (CRN 80923)

This training will fill up quickly so please register EARLY to ensure you get a seat in class.

To register on line visit:  www.okanagan.bc.ca/csreg (Select TERM:  Winter 2009; enter appropriate CRN and select SEARCH) To register by phone:  Contact Continuing Studies in Kelowna 250-862-5480 (or local 5480)

Nominations now open for distinguished alumni

Do you know of alumni who are making a difference in their community? Nominations are now open for Okanagan College’s two alumni awards: the Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni Awards. The nomination criteria and nomination forms are available online - nominations will be accepted until Feb. 28, 2009. For more information, contact Dawn Douglas.

Room booking reminder

Employees will be unable to book any rooms until after the first two weeks of the new school semester. Student scheduling is first priority. Please send in email requests after the 15th of the month for any bookings. Room bookings will be tight as all classrooms and computer labs will be prioritized for student classes first. Block booking of Committee meetings and rooms required every week or two weeks can not be guaranteed.

Dial 7 for an outside line

Effective immediately, faculty and staff in Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm, and Revelstoke can dial 7 to access an outside line to make a local or long distance phone call.

Effective February 1, 2009 you will no longer be able to dial 9 to access an outside line. This change is being made to reduce the number of accidental 911 calls. 911 will continue to work to contact emergency services.

If you have speed dial buttons on your phone that are programmed to dial 9 to access an outside line they will need to be reprogrammed to dial 7. You can make that change immediately. For assistance in reprogramming your phone, visit MyOkanagan to review the phone instruction manual.

50/50 winner announced

Congratulations to Alf Leimert from Trades and Apprenticeship in Kelowna who won today's payday draw for $460. Congratulations are also in order for Ken Soucy from Trades & Apprenticeship who won the Jan. 2, 2009 payday draw for $ 470. 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.

Catch the Wave…And Use the On-Line Web Requisition

What is a Web Requisition?

There are various ways to purchase products and services for your department. One procurement pathway, the Web Requisition, is intended as an efficient way to requisition products and services that do not qualify for any other pathway.

Web Requisitions serve as a formal request for goods and/or services and are the beginning of the procurement cycle. Once the Web Requisition is approved and in the Purchasing queue, Purchasing obtains pricing and availability for the item(s) requested. The Requisition is then converted into an official Purchase Order and issued to the appropriate vendor.

Web Requisitions are the quickest and most efficient means of submitting purchase requests. Use of the Web Requisition system reduces paperwork while increasing the accuracy of information necessary to process the request.  Web Requisitions are also stored electronically and can be recalled for future use without the need for repeated entry. A user guide to initiating a web requisition can be found in My Okanagan, Employee Tab, Requests and Notices, Purchase Requests link and then “Web Requisition Wizard Notes.”

Check out the Purchasing Website for more information or contact us if you have any questions or require Web Requisition assistance. Call 250-862-5613 or email (purchasing@okanagan.bc.ca)

Purchasing welcomes your comments or concerns, and will gladly answer any questions related to the areas for which the Purchasing Department is responsible.  Follow this link to a Feedback Form.




Jan. 19 – Kalamalka Speaker Series: Kandahar: A Province of Afghanistan with Wynn Polnicky. The mission in Afghanistan is one that rightly attracts much attention within Canada, but little detailed examination. Canadian goals and the implementation of its strategy in Kandahar will be examined by former military operational analyst, Wynn Polnicky, based on his experience there in 2006/2007.  The event takes place on Monday at 12:30 in the Kalamalka Lecture Theatre. There is no admission cost and parking is free during the lecture.

Jan. 21 – Join Dr. Erik Rosolowski of UBC Okanagan who will speak at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in C-272. Rosolowski is a radio astronomer and professor who will describe the life cycle of stars in our galaxy, focusing on how the Earth and Sun are part of a vast galactic ecosystem. The presentation will also feature some results from Rosolowski’s own research, including the processes by which newly made elements are spread through the galaxy and incorporated into forming star systems. The talk is free and all are welcome.

 Jan. 26 - Okanagan College’s International Education department will host an evening of multicultural celebrations in honour of Chinese New Year. The event will take place on Jan. 26 in the lecture theatre at the Kelowna campus. The evening’s events begin at 6 with doors opening at 5. Admission to the event is free but seating is limited so plan to arrive early. For more information contact Quentin Hughson.

Jan. 26 – Kalamalka Speaker Series: South Pacific Field School: Vanuatu and Australia. Join professors Stephanie  Bunclark (Geography) and Rick Goulden (Anthropology) for an  exciting preview of the new Okanagan College Anthropology/Geography Field School. Study and travel in May-June  2009. This lecture will take place on Monday at 12:30 p.m. in the Kalamalka Lecture Theatre. There is no admission cost and parking is free during the lecture.
 
Feb. 2 – Kalmalka Speaker Series: Nothing to Be Achieved – A Pilgrimage to the Buddhist Temples of Shikoku with Wayne Emde. 
In March of 2008, Wayne Emde and his son Jason set out together to walk the 1200-kilometer pilgrimage to the 88 Buddhist Temples of Shikoku. The pilgrimage is based loosely and strangely around the life and achievements of Kobo Daishi who brought  Shingon Buddhism to Japan in 806. The majority of the more than  100,000 henro, or pilgrims, mostly Japanese, who complete the journey each year travel in groups on bus tours. Fewer than 1,000 walk.

Wayne Emde is a retired journalism/photography teacher who has recently been teaching digital photography on cruise ships in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Jason Emde lives and teaches  English  in Japan. He is a graduate of the writing program at Okanagan College and the author of “My Hand’s Tired and My Heart Aches,” a collection of letters from Japan published by Kalamalka Press. This lecture will take place on Monday at 12:30 p.m. in the Kalamalka Lecture Theatre. There is no admission cost and parking is free during the lecture.



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 Friday, Jan. 30, 2009.

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