Welcome to OC
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 OC. 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.
Download the free AV app to help you during your time with us. Here you can find your class schedule, access your grades, view College maps, read the latest news from the College and more.
Online learning resource centre
Need help getting online, with online learning or instructions to learning platforms? Learn about myOkanagan, Moodle, Blackboard Collaborate and more.
General academic regulations and policies
As a student at AV, 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
AV cares about the health and safety of all and as we are returning to campus, more and more services are available in-person while also remaining available remotely. We are here to help you.
Visit the Services department pages below, visit the Current Students page to find about more or book and appointment now.
Accessibility Services
Coordinators on each campus assist those with a documented disability to provide equal access to educational opportunities.
Visit the Accessibility Services web page.
AV Advising
If you need some help, AV Advisors can assist you in coming up with your education plan. View the AV Advising website.
Have a question? Ask an advisor.
Financial Aid and Awards
A wide range of financial support is available to help you meet your educational goals. This includes awards, scholarships and bursaries. Find out more by connecting with Financial Aid and Awards.
There are awards applications available depending on which campus you attend and also whether you are entering a new program at the College or if you are a current student. Visit Financial Aid and Awards to learn more about what awards you may be eligible for.
Success Centres
Become an effective and independent learner with a little help from one of our Success Centres. Click here to visit the Success Centres website.
Indigenous Services
Prospective, new and current Indigenous students are supported at each of our four campuses. Culturally relevant support includes:
- Visiting elders
- Cultural and academic workshops
- Indigenous Services team
- Indigenous peer mentors
- Indigenous student centres
- Indigenous scholarships/bursaries/awards information
- Assistance with Band funding applications
- Personalized daily supports
- Computer access
Visit the Indigenous Services web page.
Library
As an AV student you are welcome to use any campus library, however, hours vary by campus and time of year. Use the library for:
- Borrowing materials
- Laptop loans
- Research help
- Group study rooms
Visit the Library website.
Campus events
Orientation
AV 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 AV and discover how getting involved in events earns you more than just a credential!
Spread across the four campuses of AV in Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, and Salmon Arm, Enactus AV 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 AV Accounting Club (OCAC) is a student run, not-for-profit organization connecting students with local accounting professionals. Located at the Kelowna campus, the OCAC provides students with practical knowledge of the accounting profession through workshops, volunteering and networking opportunities.
The AV Human Resources Club 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.
AV'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.
AV Council (also known as EdCo) is an internal governance body of AV as required by the . AV Council considers curriculum and educational policies relating to students, standards, planning and operations.
In carrying out the business of AV Council, members exercise their best individual judgment in accordance with the AV Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Directions. All eligible members vote freely on all issues considered by AV Council regardless of their association with a particular portfolio/area of the institution.
OCSU
The OCSU 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.
Website:
VSAOC
The governing body of the VSAOC 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.
Website:
Cards and passes
Your Student Photo ID card can be used for*:
• Official AV 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 College residence
*Some options available at limited campuses. Photo sessions are held at the beginning of each semester. You can also obtain your Student ID through the online photo submission. Your card will be valid for two years!