Dean will continue in role while new search undertaken

Phil Beckmann may have been honoured as a retiree at the recent Employee Recognition event, but he'll continue to serve as Dean of the Science, Technology and Health portfolio for the next few months.

A recent search for a replacement for Phil was unsuccessful and Phil has agreed to stay on as Dean until summer 2009 to allow another search for a successor.

"We're very pleased Phil's agreed to stay with us," says VP Education Andrew Hay. "His leadership in the role is very important and we hope to recruit a new Dean to the position who could benefit from some time working with Phil."

The new recruitment process for the Dean's position is underway, as is the process to recruit a Regional Dean for Shuswap-Revelstoke. Lynda Wilson has announced she is retiring in 2009.

Think before you print is making an impression

IT Services Director Dave Harris reports that Okanagan College's efforts to reduce paper and print supply consumption is having a signficant effect.

Stats show that while student printing was on the increase last year (up 13 per cent in September 2007 over September 2006 and up 18 per cent in October 2007 over October 2006), that trend has reversed sharply this year. Printing in September 2008 was down eight per cent over last, while it was down 33 per cent in October and 29 per cent in November. Total pages printed are down in the first three months of the fall semester by more than 191,000 over the same three months in the previous year.

Dave credits the on-going campaign to prompt students to think before they print and the imposition of quotas as well. "But clearly," he says, "people are becoming more conscious of the impact that hitting that print button has and are changing their behaviour."

Lowry certified as first aid attendant at KLO

Michelle Lowry, Assistant to the Dean of Science, Technology and Health, has successfully completed her Occupational First Aid level two training and joins the Kelowna first aid attendants, who can be reached through the emergency number for the Kelowna campus - 6699. 

Gallant to retire

Bob Gallant will celebrate his career and upcoming retirement from Civil Engineering at an event on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. in C246 (the staff room opposite C245 in the lab building) in Kelowna. Contact Michelle Lowry for more information. The last edition of Inside Okanagan College invited colleagues to wish Richard Nygren a happy retirement; Richard has since decided to postpone his retirement until this fall.

Arellano to showcase Landscapes

Communications professor Marc Arellano will showcase a multimedia installation called Landscapes, at the Annual Members’ Exhibition of the Alternator Gallery in Kelowna from Dec. 12 – 20 and Jan. 8 - 23.

Landscapes is composed of 22 Tabloid sized images created by Okanagan College students and an accompanying video that documented the students’ drawing and collaboration on the 11” x 17” landscape photos.

An opening reception will be held on Friday, Dec. 12 starting at 7 p.m., which will be followed by a wicked after-party going from 9-12 p.m. The after-party will feature funky beats and images by a DJ and VJ.

Cornelia Bujara to join City of Kelowna

After spending three years as a valued member of the Human Resources department, HR Advisor Cornelia Bujara has taken a position with the City of Kelowna as a Human Resources Advisor–Recruitment. Cornelia’s last day at Okanagan College will be Friday, Dec. 19. The department will miss the solid contribution that Cornelia has made and wishes her continued success in her endeavors.





Okanagan College alumnus Ryan Donn was featured in the Kelowna Daily Courier as it featured his upcoming performance at Chance’s in Kelowna on New Year’s Eve. Read more about the award-winning singer/songwriter in: Local artist Donn making big waves.

Students participating in Okanagan College’s third annual RoboCup engineering technology competition were photographed in the pages of the Okanagan Saturday and the Kelowna Capital News. Check it out in: Robots face off and RoboCup.

A hefty donation to the Okanagan College Foundation from TD Bank Financial Group will see students in business programs at the College benefit from $125,000 in bursaries. Read more in: Bigger bursaries thanks to TD, TD Bank lends a hand to local college students, Bank donates to college business program, and TD donation funds college bursaries. 

Okanagan College student Shayla Lawrence was featured in an article in the Kelowna Daily Courier after reporters met her at the Spotlight on Aboriginal Career luncheon, where she was a panelist. Read more about Shayla’s experience in: Native students hear it’s good to stay in school.

Two Kelowna reporters joined the open session of the Okanagan College Board of Governors meeting, which was held on Tuesday, Nov.  25. Both reporters filed articles about the College’s growth, education plan and international education program. Read more in: College broadens its horizons and Success creates challenges for Okanagan College.

Marc Arellano was interviewed on CBC Radio talking about his documentary, Ke Na De En, which was among more than 200 films in the competition, Migrations. Listen to Marc talking about his film on Youtube. An article about the emotional impact of Marc’s film appeared in the Kelowna Capital News. Read more in: Viewers respond to college instructor’s family tale.

Jane Muskens’ School’s In column focused on education in times of a recession and the variety of unknown career opportunities that exist. Read more in: In recessions, working class hit hardest by job cuts and Career options often come with several alternatives.

In his Global Citizen column, Stan Chung recounted his memories of a student who was also his friend, before, during and after a suicide. Read more in: A life before suicide.

News of the death of former Okanagan College president Ron Jeffels appeared in a Kelowna Capital News article and in a letter to the editor. Read more in: Former Okanagan College president remembered for his leadership and Rotarians will miss remarkable person.

The 2009 Penticton Home for Learning program got a boost when its partner, Habitat for Humanity secured a lot for the residential construction program to build on. Read more in: Habitat secures property for home.

Partners and guests at the 2008 Kelowna Home for Learning program reception were photographed in the home built by students in the program. Check it out in: Home for Learning sales open house is today.

Donna Lomas, regional dean of the South Okanagan, was photographed in the Penticton Herald along with fellow Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors members. Check it out in: Chamber directors.

Kelowna citizen Bruce Brown wrote a letter to the editor of the Kelowna Capital News criticizing what he called Kelowna’s uncontrolled growth and praising Kelowna’s post-secondary institutions. Read more in: When will city hall finally say no?

Okanagan School of Business professor Norm Letnick’s campaign to replace Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Al Horning as the Liberal nominee has generated several articles. Read more in: Ex-city councilor secures a Liberal nomination, Letnick busy shoring up his Liberal ranks, and Letnick uncontested in Liberal nomination.

An Okanagan College electrical student was featured in an article in the Penticton Herald when his band won the Best Rap or Hip Hop Album award at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards in Toronto. Read more about Zane Gold in:  A hip-hop hit at Aboriginal awards and Hip hops guys do us proud.

Okanagan College’s Pay it Forward giving drive was featured in the Kelowna Capital News. Read more about the drive from Okanagan College Alumni Association president Kara Kazimer in: OC students help charities.

Transit was on the agenda for Summerland Council recently, and incoming Mayor Janice Perrino (a former Okanagan College boardmember, and proud mom of an alumna) noted regular transit from the South Okanagan to the Central Okanagan would be valuable for students at the College and UBCO.




Dec. 10 – Bring your donations of gently used clothing, household items, non-perishable food or small gifts to Okanagan College campuses in Kelowna and Salmon Arm to participate in the Pay it Forward giving drive. Wednesday, Dec. 10 is the final day to contribute to the campaign. Contact Marlis Wecels for more information.

Dec. 11 - An open house/information session on the Centre for Learning Building and the Daycare Building will be held for all staff on Dec. 11 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in KLO's Boardroom (S103B). Please join the Regional Dean's office and get informed. Free hot chocolate and holiday cookies will be served.

Dec. 14 – The Geography and Anthropology departments’ South Pacific Studies Group will host a clothing swap on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 12 – 4 p.m. in the Vernon campus cafeteria to raise funds for their study trip to Vanuatu and Australia this summer. A portion of the proceeds raised will also be donated to the Food Bank. Admission to the swap is $2 plus an item of clothing or non-perishable food item. The costs per item of clothing in the swap is $1, $2 and $5.
 
Dec. 17 – Celebrate the holiday season with staff from the Kelowna campus at the Snowflake Cocktail Party in the cafeteria. Entertainment will be provided by Lennox Smart, a soprano saxophonist who is also an international student. The event will take place from 4 – 6 p.m. and will offer appetizers and a cash bar. Staff are welcome to bring their significant others. Admission will be $5.

Dec. 18 – Practical Nursing Convocation will take place in the Penticton Lecture Theatre at 1:30 p.m. Contact Karma Lacoff for more information.

Dec. 19 – Practical Nursing Convocation will take place in the Kelowna Lecture Theatre at 1:30 p.m. Contact Karma Lacoff for more information.

Dec. 25 – Jan. 1 – Okanagan College closed for winter break. The College will reopen on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009.

Jan. 10 – Students from a variety of programs will attend Okanagan College’s Winter Convocation ceremony at the Kelowna campus at 10 a.m. in the Lecture Theatre. Students interested in attending have until Friday, Dec. 5 to apply to graduate. Students can download the form from myokanagan or visit the registrar’s office. Contact Karma Lacoff for more information.




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 Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008.

December 5, 2008, Vol. 2 Issue17

Sustainable transportation survey open to all employees

Okanagan College, the City of Kelowna, School District 23 and the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia are funding development of a sustainable transportation plan focused on the KLO campus area. The plan will set out how the College plans to manage traffic, transportation, safety and parking demands and will result in short-, medium- and long-term recommendations that take into account ongoing site development and the strategic plan.

Staff who would like to participate in the survey can follow this link. For further information, contact Facilities Management Director Steve Robinson Sr. at ext. 4722.

Okanagan College Family Award applications now accepted

Applications are now being accepted for the next round of the Okanagan College Family Award.

Full award criteria and the application form can be found in "My Okanagan", under "OC Express - Forms" and "Foundation".

All applications must be date-stamped at the Welcome Centre in Kelowna or the Campus Administration office at your campus by January 23, 2009. This round of applications is for programs starting between January 1, 2009 and April 30, 2009.

Please direct any questions that you may have about the Okanagan College Family Award to the Kelowna Campus Financial Aid & Awards Office at 250-862-5419.

IT elves collect for the Food Bank

Though renovations to the Kelowna campus offices of IT Services are preventing the department from hosting their annual holiday party, staff are encouraged to drop by to enter in the annual Christmas draw for a great gift basket. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds will be delivered to the Food Bank. Potential prizes include wine, smoked salmon and CDs, to name a few. The draw will be open until the winner is chosen on Dec. 19. Contact Terry Tuck for more information.

Centre for Learning & Daycare building open house & information session

An open house/information session on the Centre for Learning Building and the Daycare Building will be held for all staff on Dec. 11 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in KLO's Boardroom (S103B). Please join the Regional Dean's office and get informed. Free hot chocolate and holiday cookies will be served.

Holiday Season closures for 2008-09

Okanagan College will be closed to the public during the holiday season from Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008 to Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 and will re-open Friday, Jan. 2, 2009. Employees not scheduled to work are expected to take vacation or leave without pay as outlined below.
 
Wed, Dec. 24, 2008 – support staff floater - Admin, Faculty and Vocational employees report to work unless on approved leave
Thu, Dec. 25 and Fri, Dec. 26 – Christmas statutory holidays
Mon, Dec. 29 – employees book vacation days or leave without pay
Tue, Dec. 30 – employees book vacation days or leave without pay
Wed, Dec. 31– employees book vacation days or leave without pay
Thu, Jan. 1, 2009 – New Year’s Day - statutory holiday
Fri, Jan. 2, 2009 – Okanagan College is open for business – report to work unless on approved leave

Note:  If an employee is booking a vacation day for January 2, 2009 it must be taken from their 2009 vacation entitlement.

In accordance with Human Resources Procedure 8.3, on the last normal working day prior to Christmas Day, this year being Dec. 24, departments may close at 3 p.m. During the closure, the heating in the buildings will be set to low, therefore, if there are requirements for employees to work, Facilities Management should be notified.

Central Stores

The Central Stores Department at Kelowna Campus will be closed from 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23 until 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2009
 
Last Truck Runs …


The regular scheduled truck runs will resume the week of Monday, Jan. 5, 2009 with the first run to Vernon and Salmon Arm on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009 and Penticton on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009.

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

Services offered by the Purchasing Department

The Purchasing Department:

- Buys goods and services for the College community.

- Negotiates campus contracts that pool the Colleges’ buying power to obtain favourable prices and contract terms on many commonly purchased items.

- Conducts competitive bidding (RFQs) and requests for proposals (RFPs), on behalf of the College.

- Provides information about products, prices and suppliers.

- Researches and sources new products and suppliers to fit College needs.

- Issues Okanagan College purchase orders.

- Expedites timely deliveries, reconciles supplier invoices and purchase orders.

- Resolves disputes with vendors.

- Manages the Procurement Card program.

- Manages the Copier/Printer/Fax program.

- Manages the Corporate Express program.

- Manages the Fleet Vehicle program.

Check out the Purchasing Website for more information or contact us if you have any questions or require Web Requisition assistance. Email or call Purchasing at 862-5613.

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

Inside Okanagan College holiday publication schedule 

     
Inside Okanagan College will issue a special holiday edition of the publication on Wednesday, Dec. 17 before taking a brief hiatus until the New Year. Publication will resume on the bi-weekly payday schedule on Friday, Jan. 16, 2009. Staff with submissions are asked to email them to Christine Ulmer at least one day in advance of the publication date.

Employment news

Okanagan College’s Human Resources department has posted several instructional positions for areas including: English, plumbing, welding, carpentry, electrical, residential construction, automotive service technician and adult special education. Also of note are the postings for the Dean of Science, Technologies and Health and the Regional Dean of Shuswap Revelstoke. For all HR listings including instructional, support and administrative positions currently posted, please visit the HR website.

Help the Alumni Association Pay it Forward

Now in its third year, Okanagan College’s Pay it Forward giving drive is seeking support. Donations of clean and gently used warm winter clothing for adults and children, non-perishable food items, small gifts for children under 13 years, disposable baby diapers, unused toiletries, household items, books and cash donations are being accepted at Okanagan College campuses in Kelowna and Salmon Arm up until Dec. 10. For those who donate items during the morning of the last day of the drive, student volunteers will serve hot chocolate, coffee and snacks.

Charities and community organizations in Kelowna that will receive donations include: Kelowna Gospel Mission, Kelowna Women’s Shelter, Kelowna Food Bank, Kelowna Drop-In Centre and the Arthritis Society. In Salmon Arm donations will be made to the Salvation Army, SPCA and Okanagan College students who require assistance. For more information, contact Marlis Wecels.

2008 United Way campaign update

The 2008 United Way campaign is now complete. Thank you to everyone who participated in our annual campaign at Okanagan College. Through employee donations and pledges, the basket raffle, and the annual Halloween BBQ, we raised over $8300 for United Way of the Central & South Okanagan/Similkameen and the North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap United Way. That is an increase of over $1000 from our 2007 campaign!

And a big thanks to our volunteers at the Halloween BBQ:

Kathy Butler, Christy Cave, Jasmine McGee, Angie March, Marcy Nelson, Elvia Picco, Chrissy Rhein, Heather Schneider, Kim Snyder, and Marlis Wecels.

50/50 winner announced

Congratulations to Claudia Cable from Library Services in Kelowna who won today's 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.

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