Benefit of small class-sizes and campus community draws students to College, hear more at upcoming info nights in Vernon and Kelowna

Okanagan College Media Release

Good things come in small packages. At Okanagan College the small class sizes at its four local campuses continue to be a differentiator for prospective students.

“Class size is the key piece,” says 32-year-old Vernon student Tim Osborne who is completing his Associate of Arts Degree along with some science foundation courses at the College. “When there are only 10 to 30 students in a class, you have more one-on-one time with your instructors. They genuinely care about your education, helping you learn. I felt they were invested in my success for the future.”

At three upcoming information sessions in Vernon and Kelowna, high-school students, their parents, and anyone considering further studies for additional training or a career change are invited to hear from Okanagan College instructors and students including Osborne about the learning options available to them. The sessions will also provide information about university transfer credits, financial aid and awards, and discuss career options for those pursuing studies in arts, science and business.

The Arts and Science information session will be held on Tuesday March 31 at the Vernon Campus lecture theatre and also on Wednesday April 1 at the Kelowna Campus in the Atrium of the Centre for Learning. A Business program information session will also be held in Vernon (room E102/103) on March 31. All sessions commence at 6 p.m.

Beyond receiving valuable information about programs offered by the College, those in attendance will also have the chance to hear about the academic and social culture on campus.

“The College is a real community,” adds Osborne. “I’ve taken courses at both the Vernon and Salmon Arm campuses. Because of the smaller campuses, the place becomes familiar. It was easy to meet friends and peers to help me study.”

Instructors are also a key part of the College community. Osborne credits the industry-expertise of the faculty for fostering an unexpected interest in sciences for him. He will pursue psychology and English when he transfers to UBC Okanagan next year.

“I’m an arts student, and had no science experience. I took a biology for arts course at the College. The instructor would actually approach students when he felt as though clarity was not fully attained. It was this help and knowledge that helped me achieve one of my highest grades that semester.

“The instructors know you by name. I don’t feel like I am just a number to them.”