Dear students,
As wildfires continue to impact communities across our region, we know the situation has become increasingly challenging for many members of our Okanagan College community. Please contact your Dean's office at the numbers below with any concerns.
Contacts
Dean's Offices
Arts, Foundation, Science and Technology
Dean Judith Anderson
Email: janderson@okanagan.bc.ca
Health and Social Development
Associate Dean Leigh-Ann Postowski
Email: LPostowski@okanagan.bc.ca
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4429
Hall School of Business
Associate Dean Aggie Weighill
Office: 250-762-5445 ext. 4931
Mobile: 250-756-8580
Email:Aweighill@okanagan.bc.ca
Trades and Apprenticeship
Dean Caitlin Hartigan
Email: chartigan@okanagan.bc.ca
Phone: 780-518-8769
Continuing Studies and Corporate Training
Amanda Langhorn
Email: alanghorn@okanagan.bc.ca
Current applicants
Your safety comes first
If you have been evacuated, are under evacuation alert, or are otherwise affected by wildfire-related circumstances, please prioritize your safety and follow directions from local emergency authorities.
We recognize that these events can affect your ability to attend classes or complete coursework. Students who are experiencing disruptions are encouraged to connect with their Dean's Office, as soon as they are able, to discuss their circumstances and available supports.
Counselling and wellness supports
Wildfires and emergency situations can have a significant impact on mental health and well-being. Okanagan College students have access to confidential counselling services and resources.
Academic and student supports
Students who require assistance navigating academic challenges or accessing supports are encouraged to contact Coordinated Support Services (CSS). CSS helps students connect with academic, financial, well-being and community resources and can assist students in navigating challenges related to extenuating circumstances.
Students requiring disability-related accommodations or support due to the impacts of an emergency situation may also contact Disability Access Services (DAS) for guidance.
Emergency assistance
For students who have been evacuated or otherwise directly affected by an emergency, BC Emergency Support Services (ESS) may provide short-term assistance with essential needs such as accommodation, food, clothing and other supports.
Emergency financial support for students
Students experiencing financial hardship as a result of wildfire-related impacts may be eligible for emergency financial assistance through Okanagan College. The College's emergency funding program is intended to help students facing unexpected financial challenges that may affect their ability to continue their studies.
Information about available emergency funding and eligibility can be found on our Financial Aid and Awards webpage.
Students with questions about financial assistance are encouraged to contact Financial Aid and Awards for guidance.
Campus and community response
Okanagan College remains connected with Regional Emergency Operations Centres and is prepared to support the broader emergency response as needs evolve. As part of these efforts, the Penticton campus will be used as a donation centre, and students may notice increased or different activity on campus in the coming days.
Staying informed
For current information on wildfires, evacuation alerts and orders, and conditions across the province, please visit the BC Wildfire Service dashboard and follow updates from your local emergency operations centre.
Conditions can change quickly. Please continue to prioritize your safety and reach out for support if you are experiencing challenges related to the wildfire situation.
Okanagan College will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new information becomes available.
Please go to the OC Alerts page for current information and updates.