Aerial photo of the Penticton campus

Penticton campus

With an active and energetic learning community, the Penticton campus is the perfect place for students to discover life-long relationships and their path to success. Students benefit from the region’s array of four-season outdoor activities, from kayaking and paddle boarding on Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, to skiing and snowboarding at Apex Mountain only minutes away.

World-class instructors choose the Penticton campus as home because of their passion for teaching and the opportunity to foster close connections with students. Many professors are active in research and contributing to community-driven projects throughout the region – infusing classroom lectures with innovation and best practice that primes students for achievement. 

As a Penticton student, you will learn in an active environment designed for social connection. Meet new people and make friends at campus life events and intramurals in the gym, where the OC Coyotes basketball teams play. This campus even celebrates finals: enjoy pizza and popcorn in your pajamas while getting some study help during the annual Long Night Against Procrastination. Therapy dogs regularly do the rounds on campus to offer students a breather from workload expectations, and Enactus Okanagan College students work on entrepreneurial projects that make a tangible difference in the community. 

Educational amenities on campus provide an innovative and inspiring place for you to explore subjects. Catch up with friends in the College Grounds Café, or get some serious study time in at the library and Aboriginal Centre. Built to LEED Platinum standard, Jim Pattison Centre for Excellence was named the most sustainable post-secondary building in Canada, and serves as a living lab for students in the Sustainable Construction Management Technology program. Human Kinetics students are actively involved in gymnasium and fitness room activities. The Wine Sensory Information Centre, supported by the B.C. Wine Information Society, is a professional venue to discover the many facets of the Okanagan’s signature wines. The Little Learners Academy supports students needing on-site child-care, and is the first Passive House-certified day care in Canada.

 


 

Program Spotlight - Business Administration

Your degree needs to be more than just theory. The OC Business program is based on students applying the theory they study into practical uses. Your professors have real-life expertise and will design projects that allow you to use your growing knowledge in a hands-on manner.  Choose from 6 specialty areas and have the choice to bridge into the BBA Degree.

Explore the program

Two students walking in front of the Okanagan College outdoor sign

Programs and courses

Programs

You can complete several programs in Penticton, or begin your studies on credentials at the campus as well. Keep an eye out for programs that are on a rotating basis in Penticton.

Courses

Arts, Business and Science studies allow you to select the individual courses you want to take. Use our Classfinder system to find out which courses are coming up in Penticton for given subjects.

Housing

There are options available in the community for students looking to relocate for their studies.

Services for Students

Academic success for all

The Penticton campus offers a variety of services designed to support learners and their diverse needs.

Education Advising

Education Advisors help you plan your studies, including course selections, program requirements, transfer information and much more. Stop by the Ashnola Building or call 250-492-4305 to book an appointment with an advisor; make sure to bring relevant documents. Email educationadvising@okanagan.bc.ca for general inquiries. 

Indigenous Services

As part of the College’s commitment to enhancing the participation of Indigenous learners, Indigenous Services are available at each campus. Stop by PE A17 in the Sunoka Building , call 250-492-4305, ext. 3280 or contact the Indigenous Student Services Coordinator, by email indigenous@okanagan.bc.ca

Accessibility

Accessibility Services provides equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities at the College. Call 250-492-4305, ext. 3242 or contact Gitan Rakhra, Accessibility Services Coordinator (PL105 in the Ashnola Building), by email at accessibility@okanagan.bc.ca

Student Success Centre

The Student Success Centre offers free tutoring in math, science, English and writing with Learning Co-ordinators providing one-on-one help. The Student Success Centre is located in PE C13 and can be reached by calling 250-490-3957 or emailing Brittany Rust (English and writing) at brust@okanagan.bc.ca or Barbara Lacy (math and science) at blacy@okanagan.bc.ca.

Library Services

Book an appointment to study in the Library, use a computer or pick up a book. Library staff are happy to help you with your research and citations so that you can be successful in your course assignments. Hours may vary, be sure to view the Library webpage for up-to-date information. To contact the Library, call 250-490-3951 or e-mail the campus librarian Eva Gavaris at egavaris@okanagan.bc.ca

Student loans, awards and other funding options

There are resources available to help you with the cost of education. Financial Aid and Awards  can help you identify what options are available to you, such as:

  • Student loans: this is funding the student is required to repay.
  • Awards: Awards are funding types that the student does not have to repay. These include scholarships, bursaries and grants.
  • Other funding: Other funding may be available for emergencies, upgrading and former youth in care.

The Financial Aids and Awards office is located in PL142 in the Ashnola Building. Call 250-492-4305.  To email the office, make sure to include your full name and OC Student ID #:

Supporting our Indigenous learners

The Penticton campus is located on the unceded territory of the Syilx-Okanagan people.

Indigenous Services provide culturally relevant support to students including visiting Elders, cultural and academic workshops, Indigenous Peer Mentors, Indigenous awards/scholarships and bursaries, assistance with band funding applications, personalized supports and computer access. The Indigenous Services team also organizes regular cultural activities, events and potlucks to connect students and community.

Get started by stopping by PE A17 in the Sunoka Building, between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Call 250-492-4305, ext. 3280 to speak to the Indigenous Student Services Coordinator.

Supporting your physical, mental and emotional health

Resources are available on campus.

Flourish

Having a healthy mind will make you a better student. Take part in different sessions and Wellness Wednesday workshops. Check out this free wellness initiative on campus.

Counselling services

Personal, emotional and academic problems can be a normal part of student life. OC Counselling Services provides professionally trained counsellors and other resources to help students cope with problem areas.  In addition to individual personal counselling, our counsellors also provide support for academic success and career exploration.  To request an appointment, please complete the webform on this link https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/counselling-services#book or speak to someone in the Regional Dean's Office and they will be able to assist you.

If you are in need of immediate listening and support, you can access Here2Talk, a free 24-hr support for B.C. post-secondary students.  If you are in crisis, please contact the B.C. Crisis Line at 1-888-353-2273 or call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).  If this is an emergency, call 911.

Community resources to support you:

 

Sexual Violence Support

Okanagan College is committed to fostering supportive campuses which promote assistance, intervention and consent. If you have been affected by sexual violence or know someone who needs assistance, we are here to help with support, information and resources.

Get active

Making time for physical activity on a regular basis has a number of physical and mental health benefits. Check out intramurals and gym hours. For access to the Gymnasium (PC145) or Fitness Centre (PC148), contact 250-492-4305 or email japarliament@okanagan.bc.ca.  Check out the Recreation and Student Life webpage for updates during COVID-19.

Take a break

Okanagan College Students' Union offers a variety of events and activities throughout the year, helping you unwind and relax . Stop by the Students' Union office at PE C14 in the Sunoka Building, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday. Call them at 250-490-4305, ext. 3208.

Get active, get involved

Sport, fitness, and campus life activities are vital components of successful, rewarding and enjoyable college experiences.  They allow you to meet new people and build strong social networks!

Campus life

A number of exciting events will be held both in person and online.   Examples include a Beach Day, Yoga sessions, and Board Games Night.  Events vary from season to season. Check out the events calendar to get connected

Fitness and Fitness Center

Check Recreation and Student Life for updates on programs available to you.

Memberships are $10 for use of the gymnasium and fitness center and are valid for the duration of your studies.   They can be purchased at the reception areas on campus.  

Students Union

The Okanagan College Students Union (OCSU) offers a variety of services, advocacy and events to help make student life easier.  The OCSU also provides resources for students and operates the student health and dental plan.  All information can be found at http://ocsu.ca/

 

Work experience and opportunties

Apply your learning and gain valuable experience.

  • OC's Penticton campus hires 20-25 students per term on average for a wide variety of roles including Recreation Assistants,  Aboriginal Student Mentors,  and Recruitment and Events Assistants. Reach out to the Regional Dean's Office to find out more about student employment on campus: rdopenticton@okanagan.bc.ca
  • Co-op Education is paid work in the field the student is studying. Students alternate academic terms with relevant work experience. Connect with the Co-op Office about the requirements and applications.
  • Employers can hire OC grads by posting jobs on the College job board.
  • The College hosts several career fairs to showcase employment opportunities to students and grads, as well as people considering what programs to take. Check out the Event Calendar for a full listing.

OC Speakers Series

A lineup of experts and authorities will offer presentations touching on a range of topics like Robbie Burns in Princeton, discovering Ea-nasir from ancient Ur, to the joys of electric bikes.  See full presentation details below. 

Talks will be held in the Lecture Theatre (PL 107) of the Ashnola Building.  Admission is by donation, with proceeds going to support students in need.

Speakers Series details

OC Speakers Series

News

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Photos

Penticton students take part in multicultural events that feature activities like henna application
Students hang out in between classes at the Penticton campus
male and female floating down the penticton channel

 


 

Experience

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Ask

Have your questions answered by an advisor or recruiter. 

Apply

Take the next step and enrol in a program or course at OC.