Message from the Dean

Welcome to the Central Okanagan Region and the Okanagan Kelowna Campus! Encompassing Lake Country to Peachland, this is the heart of Okanagan College’s region. The region’s major centre, Kelowna, is the largest city in the interior of British Columbia. With its sandy beaches and pristine lakes, world-class ski hills, challenging golf courses, and abundance of shopping, entertainment, and cultural activities, the region is a four-season playground for tourists and residents alike. It is also the economic hub for the region, expanding from the traditional agriculture, tourism and wine industries to include high tech, small manufacturing, building-related industries and more.

The Kelowna Campus has a long history of serving the Okanagan Valley going back 40 years. It was the original site for the B.C. Vocational School, which opened its doors in 1963 and was home to the Okanagan Regional College established in 1965. As the two institutions merged and eventually became Okanagan University College (OUC), the campus developed a reputation of providing outstanding trades, technologies, business and vocational programs as well as innovative adult education programs.

Today, the Kelowna Campus of the new Okanagan College is home to a variety of university studies, trades, technology, business, vocational health and adult education programs. The campus is proud to offer a comprehensive array of first- and second-year university transfer courses as well as two bachelor degree programs in business or computer information systems. The College’s Continuing Studies department offers a wide variety of training programs such as first-aid and safety training along with specialized certificate programs designed to meet the needs of industry in our community. The Kelowna Campus is also pleased to have a growing and diverse International program that welcomes students from 15 different countries each year to the Okanagan Valley. An extensive summer school program is also offered at the Kelowna Campus each year for students who want to upgrade or want to get a head start on their programs for the fall.

The Kelowna Campus is growing and now home to over 5,800 fte (full time equivalent) students. Our Penno Road trades facility was opened in April 2006 and supports the College’s Electrical Program and the Acland Road Centre is home to the Sheet Metal and Plumbing programs.

Whether you are looking to train for your first career, transition to a new career, obtain a university degree, or pursue a new interest for personal or professional development, the Kelowna Campus provides an excellent learning environment to help you reach your educational goals.

The Kelowna Campus is building for your future. It opened a brand new student focused and learner centre facility (September 2009) called the Center for Learning. It is also one of the most sustainable buildings in Kelowna with Leed’s Gold certification. In addition, a new child care centre is open on the campus to support students and staff (September 2009). While on campus, please make sure you visit our fine-dining restaurant (Infusions) and cafeteria staffed by our Culinary Arts students, our recently refurbished residence (Skaha Place), a state-of-the art fitness facility and sand volleyball courts.

Welcome to Kelowna and to Okanagan College!

Heather Schneider, Dean Central Okanagan