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March | 2015Volume 5 | Issue 8

Reach OutNews from the Registrar’s Office (Kelowna)

Deadline to Apply to GraduatePlease remind all students who are eligible to graduate they must submit an application to graduate by March 31, 2015. This year’s Spring Convocation will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015.The deadline to apply for the Vernon Convocation or Summer Convocation is April 30, 2015. These ceremonies will be held on June 23 and June 25 respectively.Those planning to attend Spring or Summer Convocation ceremonies should check the box on the application form saying they will attend the ceremony.The Trades Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Kelowna campus Friday, June 5, 2015 at 6 p.m. and those finishing their program before the ceremony are encouraged to apply and attend.

University Transfer Information Nights Prospective students and applicants are invited to attend Arts and Science University Transfer Information Nights Tuesday, March 31 in Vernon and Wednesday, April 1 in Kelowna.Those attending who are considering Okanagan College as their starting point for their Arts or Science degree will learn why they should choose Okangan College, how to transfer credits to B.C. universities and more.Kelowna’s presentation will begin at 6 p.m. in the Atrium of the Centre for Learning on April 1, 2015, followed by a Mix and Mingle with faculty and current students.Vernon will hold an Arts and Science

information session and a Business Information session with presentations and a Question and Answer portion with faculty, current students and graduates on March 31, 2015. The Arts and Science session will be at 6 p.m. in the Lecture Theatre and the Business Information session will be at 6 p.m. in room E102 and E103.

Okanagan College Registrar’s Office

www.okanagan.bc.ca/registrar

1 Deadline to Apply to Graduate

1 University Transfer Information Nights

2 Education Council News

2 Scheduling Office News

2 Final Exam Schedules

2 Important Dates

3 Program Profile

IN THIS Issue

February 16 to March 30: Schedule preparation.March 30: Draft 1 schedule published for review by Deans, Department Chairs and Scheduling representatives.April 30: Draft 2 schedule published for review by Deans, Department Chairs and Scheduling representatives.May 29: Schedule published online in myOkanagan Timetable and ClassFinder.

Reach OutNews from the Registrar’s Office (Kelowna)

March 2015Education Council News

Below is a brief update on items approved at Education Council in March. Please view the Items Approved or Minutes for details.

Program Revision

Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting Specialty and Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Accounting

The three separate accounting bodies in Canada are in the process of merging into one and are revising the educational requirements for accounting students. In order to maintain accreditation with CPA Canada, Okanagan College must meet the new requirements.

Date of implementation is September 2015.

Medical Office Assistant Certificate

The course MOA 01 - Medical Terminology will be updated to reflect changes being made to the Nursing Unit Assistant Certificate.

Proposed date of implementation is June 2015.

Nursing Unit Assistant Certificate

After an annual review, it was determined that the course name, course descriptions, course hours, admission requirements and learning outcomes should be revised to keep up with the changes to the role of a Nursing Unit Assistant.

Proposed date of implementation is June 2015.

New Courses• BUAD 363 - Audit Planning• BUAD 463 - Internal Control and

AuditingCourse Revisions• MECH 144 - Dynamics• MECH 249 - Robotics and CIMCourse Deletions• BUAD 364 - Internal Control and

Audit• BUAD 420 - Audit Practice SetThe next regular Education Council meeting is scheduled for April 9, 2015.Details of EdCo approvals can be found at: www.okanagan.bc.ca/edco.Please note that all new programs and all program changes require Board approval.

Scheduling Office NewsFinal ExamsThe winter final exam period is April 17 -25, 2015. The exam schedules for all campuses have been posted online at www.okanagan.bc.ca/exams. It is also available to students and staff via links in myOkanagan.The 2015-16 scheduling process is now underway. Alison and Ronda are now working towards the Draft 1 schedule, preparing and scheduling the Academic Schedules for Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm and Vernon.Here are some keys dates for the production of the 2015-16 Academic Schedule:Electronic Pre-prints have been completed.

April 2015

1 Kelowna Arts and Science University Transfer Information Session

3 Good Friday (College closed)

6 Easter Monday (College closed)

9 It’s a Wrap student event (Kelowna)

Stress Less Fair (Salmon Arm)

14 Last day of regularly-scheduled classes for academic programs

16 Staff Campus Pub and Trivia night at Infusions

17-25 Final exams

28 Last day to submit final grades

March 2015

15 Transfer credit request deadline for Summer 2015

29 Okanagan College Half Marathon

31 Deadline to apply to graduate

Vernon Arts and Science University Transfer and Business Program Information Sessions

Reach OutNews from the Registrar’s Office (Kelowna)

Program ShowcaseCriminal and Social Justice DiplomaPost-graduation options are vast for students taking the Arts-based Criminal and Social Justice (CSJ) Diploma program at Okanagan College, Penticton campus. They will graduate and be able to work immediately, or continue on at other post-secondary institutions to complete a degree.“The program is interesting, exciting and a lot of fun,” says Drew McKee, a current CSJ student. “Whether you’re interested in becoming a police officer or you want to work in forensics, this program will equip you with the knowledge that you need to excel in your chosen career.”Many students who enrol in this program are interested in the world around them and have a curiosity about why people behave the way they do. According to Mitch Walker, a professor who teaches Criminology courses, “Students need to care about people, societal injustices and feel a driving need to help alleviate social problems.”So why choose Okanagan College? “Choosing to attend Okanagan College over other post-secondary institutions was an easy decision,” says McKee. “(The) College is made up of a community of individuals who truly care about each other and the faculty stop at nothing to help students achieve and exceed their goals. The instructors have played a large role in my academic success. They have always happily made themselves available when I have needed help with assignments and studying for exams.” Guest speakers are also a frequent addition to classes. “I have had the privilege of listening to guest speakers who are currently working in the criminal justice system, such as judges, lawyers and probation officers.”Courses are interesting and challenging, but McKee credits the library and the Success Centre on campus for helping when needed.

After graduation, students will often go to work for the provincial or federal government, according to Walker. “With a two-year diploma, (students) can seek out work as a Correctional Officer, By-law Officer, Police Officer or Probation Officer working with low-risk clients,” says Walker. “For those individuals who move on to university and finish a four-year degree in a Social Science field, the jobs listed above remain available to them, as well as a Parole Officer, Social Worker and Probation Officer working with higher risk clients. If students move on to Law School they can work as a lawyer for the government or operate their own law firm.”As for McKee, she plans on earning a

Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, followed by a Masters Degree in Criminology and possibly earning her PhD in Criminology as well. “I would love to work directly with adult offenders as a probation officer. There are many different career options available for CSJ graduates, varying in location and salary.”To learn more about the CSJ program, visit the Calendar.

Students can turn to the library or the Success Centre for help when needed.