OCNews

On behalf of Okanagan College and the Board of Governors, we are deeply concerned and saddened by the violence and aggression being experienced by the people of Ukraine.

Our thoughts are with all who are impacted by the pain, suffering, grief, and turmoil we are seeing. We join our global colleagues in the post-secondary community in voicing our hopes for a swift and peaceful resolution to the conflict.

We acknowledge that members of our learning community will be impacted by this conflict in diverse ways. We also recognize that this troubling situation comes at a time when many are already bearing the day-to-day stresses of a long pandemic. If you need support, please reach out. If you see your peers struggling, please encourage them to do so as well. This is a time when we all must continue to look out for one another.

• OC students in need of support are encouraged to reach out to Counselling Services.
• International Students are also encouraged to reach out to the International Education department if you would like to speak with someone.
• OC employees can access support through OC’s Employee and Family Assistance program.

As a place where knowledge is shared, ideas are exchanged and dialogue is encouraged, Okanagan College stands for inclusivity, community, respect and relationships. We hope these values continue to take root and flourish in every corner of our College and our society, because no one should ever have to face the prospect of such violence and dislocation as we have witnessed in Ukraine this week.

Respectfully,

Juliette Cunningham
Chair, OC Board of Governors

Neil Fassina,
President, Okanagan College