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
There's no place like home...
Did you know?
- You can apply for Fall 2022 Programs or individual courses until September 16th.
- Many of our short-term programs ladder into higher-level certifications. Whether you turn a certificate into a diploma or a diploma into a degree colleges help you take your education one step at a time.
- Housing prices are skyrocketing in most University cities. Our students report saving at least $10,000/yr on living expenses by being able to live at home.
- Students that attend a college first have better overall GPAs than their university counterparts.
- Salmon Arm offers several night classes to accommodate busy schedules.
- BC Student Loans requires only three classes to be considered a full-time student and eligible for a loan.
- Part-time study grants are also available for students returning to school.
Come talk to an advisor today. Call us at 250-832-2126 or visit our campus.
Where are they now?
First Year University Science Students Remember OC Fondly
Madi and Cam both took their first year University Sciences at OC Salmon Arm in 2016-17. They each went on to complete Science Degrees at UBCO and are now employed in their respective fields just 5 yrs later. Here's what they had to say about their experience in the Science Program in Salmon Arm.
Madison Philibert BSc Ecology and Evolutionary Biology-Microbiology Labtech
"I felt like I had an advantage from going to OC. While the content we were taught was similar, students who had attended UBCO from first year did not have the same experiences or academic confidence I had felt I had gained from starting at the college. I strongly believe that a lot of the success I have found in work can be attributed to the time I spent at OC, gaining hands-on experience and working closely with my professors." - Madi
Cameron McGregor BSc Medical and Molecular Biochemistry Technician ARC Medicals Inc
It was so great that I wish I could have done two years there. It’s nice when Profs actually know your name. You’ll remember things better when it’s one-on-one with a prof, which is easier when they have less students and office hours are not limited to 2 hours a week. Smaller classes are good for encouraging participation/teamwork. As someone that went on to teach first-year chemistry labs at a university, I can say that a lot of the frustrations students experience at big schools are eliminated by having profs that know your name and are marking your work themselves. -Cam
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 at 250-832-2126 ext. 8211 or skiehlbauch@okanagan.bc.ca or Stacey Larsen at 250-832-2126 ext. 8202 or slarsen@okanagan.bc.ca
Indigenous Services
As part of the College’s commitment to enhancing the participation of Indigenous learners, Indigenous 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. For inquires or to book an appointment, contact Diyame Derrick Caterer at 250-832-2126 ext. 8275 or dderrickcaterer@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 at 250-832-2126 ext. 8211 or 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. Both drop-in services and online support are provided. For English and writing, students can also make appointments using LibCal. Workshops and help from peer mentors are available.
The Centre is located in Room 137A, accessed either through the Library or the hallway.
- English, Writing and Study skills: Joaquim Camps, jcamps@okanagan.bc.ca
- Math and Science: Sharon Bennett sbennett@okanagan.bc.ca, 250-832-2126, ext. 8262
For more information go to: https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/success-centres
Note: Success Centre services are available from September through April.
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 Indigenous 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 Indigenous learners, 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 Room 184 in the Gathering Place, located just beyond the Student Lounge area of the Cafeteria Building.
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 programs in which students can complete a paid 12-16 week work-term to gain experience in a chosen field.
- Access to resources to get new information on funding, job hunting, resume building, and other useful links.
- Support in discovering open positions and submitting applications.
Helpful Links
- 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.
Connect with a Salmon Arm/Revelstoke Coordinator
Call Erin Pedro (she/her/hers) at 250-863-1183 (text friendly) or book an appointment: https://okanagan.libcal.com/appointments/erinpedro
News
Campus events
Experience
Join an info session or become a student for a day.
Ask
Have your questions answered by an advisor or recruiter.
Apply
Take the next step and enrol in a program or course at OC.