Salmon Arm campus
Opportunity meets community at the Salmon Arm campus with a full range of academic and vocational programs. Small class sizes coupled with high quality instruction and personalized support is our big idea.
Campus Showcase
Program Spotlight - Arts University Studies
Why study the arts? Because understanding critical issues facing the world is more important now than ever before.
Programs
There is an array of programs and courses available at the Salmon Arm campus.
Housing
There are options available in the community for students looking to relocate for their studies.
Services for students
Academic success for all
The Salmon Arm campus offers a variety of services designed to support learners and their diverse needs.
Education Advising
Advisors help you plan your studies, including course selections, program requirements, transfer information and much more. If you would like to book an appointment in advance, contact Shannon Kiehlbauch or Dani Valgardson (Rooms 120/121) by calling 250-862-2126.
Aboriginal Services
As part of the College’s commitment to enhancing the participation of Aboriginal learners, Aboriginal support services are available at each campus. Get started by stopping by Room 184 in the Gathering Place, located just beyond the Student Lounge area of the Cafeteria Building. Contact Caroline Chartier, Aboriginal Transitions Planner, by phoning 250-862-2126, ext. 8275 or emailing cchartier@okanagan.bc.ca.
Accessibility Services
Accessibility Services provides equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities at the College. Get started by connecting with Shannon Kiehlbauch, Accessibility Services Coordinator, by phoning 250-862-2126 or email skiehlbauch@okanagan.bc.ca.
Library
The Library is home to a large collection of print and digital materials, in addition to computers, study rooms and more.
Student Success Centre
The Student Success Centre offers free individual tutoring in math, science, English, writing and study skills. Drop-in services are available, and students can also sign up for workshops. Missed a workshop? You can request a workshop topic, as well as help from peer mentors.
The centre is located in Room 137A, accessed either through the Library or the hallway. Note: centre services are available September through April.
- English, writing and study skills: Joaquim Camps, 250-862-2126, ext. 8262, or email jcamps@okanagan.bc.ca
- Math and science: Dani Valgardson, 250-862-2126, ext. 8262, or email dvalgardson@okanagan.bc.ca
English as a Second Language and Settlement Assistance Program
English language training and settlement assistance is free for eligible newcomers to Canada. It offers instructor led small group English language practice and one to one meetings with ESL community volunteer tutors. The program is designed to help improve English language skills, make new friends, prepare for the Canadian citizenship exam and connect with community services. Visit the ESLSAP webpage to learn more.
Financial Aid and Awards
There are resources available to help you with the cost of education. The Financial Aid and Awards office 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 Salmon Arm's main building. Contact Olia Bullen at 250-862-2126, ext. 8237. Call to make an appointment or stop by her office in Room 119.
To email the office, make sure to include your full name and OC Student ID #:
- General inquiries: financialaid@okanagan.bc.ca
- Awards: awards@okanagan.bc.ca
- Upgrading inquiries: upgradinggrants@okanagan.bc.ca
Service is available at the Salmon Arm campus during office hours:
- September to June: Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.; Friday from 8 to 11 a.m.
- July to August: TBD
Helping Aboriginal learners
The Salmon Arm campus is located on the unceded territory of the Secwepemc.
As part of the College’s commitment to enhancing the participation of Aboriginal learners, Aboriginal Services provide culturally relevant support to students including visiting Elders, cultural and academic workshops, Aboriginal Peer Mentors, Aboriginal awards/scholarships and bursaries, assistance with band funding applications, personalized supports and computer access. The Aboriginal Services team also organizes regular cultural activities, events and potlucks to connect students and community.
Get started by stopping by Room 184 in the Gathering Place, located just beyond the Student Lounge area of the Cafeteria Building. Contact Caroline Chartier, Aboriginal Transitions Planner, by phoning 250-862-2126, ext. 8275 or emailing cchartier@okanagan.bc.ca.
Health and wellness
Resources are available to support your physical, mental and emotional health and wellness.
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. Get started by stopping by Room 121, Monday through Thursday. Book an appointment by calling 250-862-2126, ext. 8221.
Community resources are also available to support you:
- Crisis Centre: 1-800-784-2433, crisiscentrechat.ca
- HealthLinkBC
- YouthSpace, includes SMS/text support
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.
Move your body
Making time for physical activity on a regular basis has a number of physical and mental health benefits. Check in at the front office for discounts at:
Salmon Arm and the Shuswap communities offer an outstanding array of outdoor activities and amenities. Check out the Shuswap Trail Alliance and Larch Hills Nordic for more information.
Take a break
The Okanagan College Students' Union offers a variety of events and activities throughout the year, helping you unwind, relax and meet new friends. Get started by dropping by their office in Room 183, call 250-832-2126, ext. 8826 or email Lindsy Loftus at loftus@okanagan.bc.ca.
Making the most of your college experience
Activities are vital components of successful, rewarding and enjoyable college experiences. Meet new people, have fun and make connections.
Get involved
There are a series of events planned for you take part in each year, including: trivia night, bowling, rock climbing, paint and sip, dances and more.
Check out what Campus Life, Aboriginal Services and the OCSU has planned on campus and in the community in the Events Calendar below.
Work experience and opportunities
Apply your learning and gain valuable experience.
- 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.
- On-campus student positions: check out Okanagan College's student job board for opportunities available at the College.
- 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.
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