Student Handbook
Welcome to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½
Transitioning to college is an exciting time, whether you are coming from high school, returning to school after being away for several years, an international student, or a transfer student! This online guide has been designed to help set you up for success as you begin or continue your educational journey at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. If it is online or in person, there are many ways to connect and access the supports you need.
We wish you great success during your time with us.
Getting started
Once you’ve been accepted to your program of study, what’s next? First you will need to determine whether or not you need to register. You can find that information “Do You Need to Register?†If you need to register, choose the courses that interest you and use ClassFinder to plan out your course schedule. ClassFinder lists all the courses that are available in a given semester with dates, times and instructors listed. Refer to the to view all the academic requirements for your program. You will also find important dates and deadlines there. You will receive an email from the Office of the Registrar assigning you a time when you can register. Registration for your courses will be done through your account. You will want to login to to register on or as close to that time as possible to ensure the courses you want to register for are available.
Review How to Register for full details on the steps involved and when to register.
Academics
Your academic success is important to us. As a student transitioning from high school to college or as a mature student who has been out of high school for a while, we’re here to support you along the way.
Online learning resource centre
Need help navigating online learning tools or platforms? Explore this page for guides and tips for using myOkanagan, Moodle, and other essential digital tools to support your learning experience.
General academic regulations and policies
As a student at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, there is a set of regulations and policies you must adhere to. In particular, you should review the Academic Integrity policy. Find policies in the Calendar here and on the college's policy page.
Some important policies:
Support services
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ cares about your academic journey and is here to support you, in person and online, every step of the way. Just reach out, we are here to help you!
Visit the department pages below, check out the Current Students page to learn more about available services, or book an appointment with a department by using our college-wide booking system.
Disability Access Services
Works to ensure students with documented disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Coordinators are available on each campus to provide personalized support, academic accommodations, and guidance throughout your studies.
Indigenous Services
Indigenous students at all four campuses have access to culturally relevant support through Indigenous student centres, personalized guidance, workshops, visiting Elders, and more. Whether you're a new, current, or prospective student, the Indigenous Services team is here to support your academic and personal journey.
Education Advising
Whether you're just getting started or planning your next steps, Education Advisors can help you explore your options and build a personalized education plan. Advisors offer guidance on programs, admission requirements, course selection, and more to help you stay on track and reach your goals.
Financial Aid and Awards
A wide range of financial supports—including awards, scholarships, and bursaries—is available to help you achieve your educational goals. Award opportunities vary by campus and depend on whether you’re a new or current student. Connect with Financial Aid and Awards to learn more about what you may be eligible for.
Library
As an ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ student, you can access library services at any campus. Whether you need to borrow materials, get research help, book a group study space, or sign out a laptop, the library is here to support your learning.
Success Centres
Offers free, comprehensive learning assistance to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students across a variety of subjects, including English, reading, writing, math, science, and trades. Support is available both online and in person at every campus to help you build skills and succeed in your coursework.
Counselling Services
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½â€™s clinical counsellors provide a safe, confidential space to talk through concerns and strengthen your ability to cope. Free, short-term counselling is available to support your personal well-being, mental health, academic success, and career planning—all right here on campus.
Want to talk to someone after hours?
Here2Talk
Free, confidential counselling and referral services available 24/7 to all B.C. post-secondary students. Access support through the app, website, or by calling 1-877-857-3397 (within Canada). Outside of Canada, dial +1-604-642-5212 (international charges may apply).
TalkCampus
An online mental health network offering students instant, 24/7 access to peer support. Connect with a global community in a safe, supportive space. Download the app on Google Play or the App Store and register using your college email address.
988 Suicide Crisis Line
A confidential, 24/7 nationwide service for anyone in Canada who is thinking about suicide or concerned about someone who may be. Trained responders offer compassionate, judgment-free support by phone or text.
Call or text 9-8-8 any time.
KUU-US Crisis Line
A 24/7 crisis service for Indigenous people in B.C. It offers confidential and culturally safe support for individuals in crisis or facing mental health challenges. Trained responders provide care rooted in Indigenous values and practices.
Call toll-free: 1-800-588-8717.
Campus events
Orientation
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ welcomes new students to each campus throughout the month of September. Make the most of your first weeks on campus by coming out to as many orientation activities as you can. It’s a great opportunity to get involved in your college community and meet like-minded individuals.
Get involved
Make the most of your time at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ and discover how getting involved in events earns you more than just a credential!
Spread across the four campuses of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ in Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, and Salmon Arm, Enactus ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is a non-profit student-run organization that develops and implements projects in our communities that improve the quality of life and standard of living across the region.
The Okanagan Business Students’ Association (OBSA) provides students with real-world business experience at the Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm and Penticton campuses.
The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Accounting Club (ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½AC) is a student run, not-for-profit organization connecting students with local accounting professionals. Located at the Kelowna campus, the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½AC provides students with practical knowledge of the accounting profession through workshops, volunteering and networking opportunities.
The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Human Resources Management Club (ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ HRM) is a student run, not-for-profit organization that aims to create a social and academic environment where students have the opportunity to connect, learn from and interact with other students and professionals.
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s Board of Governors has the sole responsibility for the management, administration and control of the property, revenue, expenditures, business and affairs of the institution.
Education Council (also known as EdCo) is an internal governance body of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ as required by the . Education Council considers curriculum and educational policies relating to students, standards, planning and operations.
In carrying out the business of Education Council, members exercise their best individual judgment in accordance with the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Directions. All eligible members vote freely on all issues considered by Education Council regardless of their association with a particular portfolio/area of the institution.
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½SU
The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½SU offers a number of programs and services to meet your needs as a student. Our services come in a variety of forms. Some are campus based and locally developed, such as free lockers in Penticton, Lunch Once a Month in Salmon Arm and print services in Kelowna. Some are organized for all members across our three campuses such as our water bottles/pens/lanyards/highlighters, while some are in partnership with the British Columbia Federation of Students – BCFS – like the free handbook/day planner that we give to every member.
VSAÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½
The governing body of the VSAÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is made up of elected student representatives, who form Student Council. The Student Council is empowered to make all decisions and take all actions on behalf of the Association, in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws. The student body is able to influence these decisions through participation in elections, referenda, general meetings and by making suggestions to the elected representatives. General Elections are conducted each March, with bi-elections in the early fall to fill any vacant positions.
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Student Photo ID card
Request your Student Photo ID online through your myOkanagan account. Your card will be valid for two years.
Your ID card can be used for*:
- Official ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ identification
- Library privileges
- Access to gym pass
- Entrance to exams
- Entrance to college events
- To receive computer support
- Discount for city buses
- Discounts from community businesses
- Access to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Student Housing
*Some options available at limited campuses.