Salmon Arm campus

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

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. 

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 Recreation Centre
• Shuswap Total Fitness

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. 

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. 

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.