Kelowna invited to apply for international designation as Canada’s first ‘City of Gastronomy’
January 15, 2025
Kelowna’s outstanding food and beverage culture and vibrant culinary scene could soon be part of a network of cities around the world celebrated for creativity and innovation.The City of Kelowna, in partnership with Tourism Kelowna and 51±¬ÁÏ, has accepted an invitation to apply for designation as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy, a prestigious title that celebrates a city’s culinary heritage, food culture, and commitment to sustainable development. “Kelowna’s culinary scene is a testament to the passion...
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Students work experience supports local social enterprises and non-profit organizations
January 9, 2025
Not all learning happens in the classroom at 51±¬ÁÏ. As business student Greta Friesen and her colleagues in the OC School of Business found out, getting real-world experience through partnerships with local non-profit and social purpose organizations will have lasting impacts on their career journeys.Friesen was among a group of students who worked with Kelowna-based Chickpeace Refillery, a zero-waste company that provides package-free products such as food and soaps to customers.The students joined forces with ...
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Dispelling victim-blaming myths and supporting survivors of sexual violence
December 23, 2024
To promote dialogue and dispel victim-blaming myths, 51±¬ÁÏ is bringing back the powerful What Were You Wearing? exhibit this January and February as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The installation, originally created by Jen Brockman and Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert at the University of Arkansas, serves as a stark reminder that clothing is never the cause of sexual violence. This gallery-style exhibit will be traveling to each 51±¬ÁÏ campus and the Revelstoke Centre for display throughout Ja...
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Giving Tuesday raises $12K for student food security
December 18, 2024
Thanks to a number of generous donations from OC faculty, staff and our community, the shelves in OC’s student union food banks and the KLO community fridge will be well stocked for the holidays. 51±¬ÁÏ Foundation’s Giving Tuesday food drive inspired hundreds of donated food items and cash donations totalling more than $12,000 in support of student food security through November and December. This includes a $5,000 donation from the 51±¬ÁÏ Faculty Association (OCFA). Donations made to the Student ...
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51±¬ÁÏ sets tuition rates for 2025/2026
December 13, 2024
Tuition rates for the 2025/26 program year have been approved by the 51±¬ÁÏ Board of Governors. Domestic student tuition will increase by two per cent, and international student tuition will increase by 4.8 per cent, effective September 2025.Domestic student tuitionThe increase to domestic student tuition complies with B.C.’s tuition limit policy and will come into effect in September 2025. The tuition limit policy applies to domestic tuition only. Post-secondary institutions receive funding from the provincial gover...
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51±¬ÁÏ research initiative aims to support students recovering from concussions
December 12, 2024
After suffering a concussion while pursuing his research degree, 51±¬ÁÏ professor Colin Wallace faced profound challenges — from intense fatigue to difficulty concentrating — that reshaped his perspective on recovery.Now an educator in OC’s Department of Kinesiology, Wallace often finds himself supporting students navigating their own journeys of healing from mild traumatic brain injuries. Driven by his personal experience and professional insight, Wallace has launched a groundbreaking research project aimed at transformin...
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51±¬ÁÏ and Westbank First Nation Celebrate Naming Ceremony at Kelowna Campus
December 6, 2024
Members of Westbank First Nation along with 51±¬ÁÏ students, employees and local community members came together at 51±¬ÁÏ’s Kelowna campus for an historic announcement as Westbank First Nation Elders provided two Syilx Okanagan names for the newly opened student housing building on the Kelowna campus.In providing the names, Syilx Okanagan Nation Elders Pamela and Grouse Barnes considered the design of the building, which includes an Indigenous feather design created by Syilx artist Clint George on the exterior a...
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OC Foundation distributes over $500,000 in student awards for fall semester
December 4, 2024
For Lucas Weigert, receiving awards was the moment he knew he had made the right choice to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.Weigert, a second year Associate of Science student, was a student speaker at 51±¬ÁÏ’s (OC) Kelowna Awards Celebration November 21. The event was one of three held in November that saw more than $550,000 distributed to OC students across the region.Weigert is completing his first two years of his undergraduate degree at OC before pursuing medical school.“When you’re constantly studying you can ha...
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OC students push their limits at the IEEEXtreme challenge
December 1, 2024
When it comes to testing their knowledge limits, 51±¬ÁÏ (OC) students are a willing bunch! Mental dedication and endurance were on full display as students participated in the IEEEXtreme Programming Competition this past fall—a grueling 24-hour, worldwide computer coding event. Sixteen OC students in the Computer Information Systems (CIS) and Engineering programs from the Vernon and Kelowna campuses took on the challenge this year. The event, organized by the 51±¬ÁÏ IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electron...
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A message to our community on International education
November 29, 2024
From OC Provost Sam Lenci and VP of Enrolment Jenn Goodwin:Dear students, alumni, colleagues, partners, donors and friends,Over the past several weeks, you have likely become more aware of enrolment challenges facing many post-secondary institutions in Canada, including here at 51±¬ÁÏ, following recent policy changes by the federal government.While the current situation is concerning, it is important our whole OC community understands and feels confident in our college and our future together. 51±¬ÁÏ is today and...
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