Okanagan College Commits to In-Person Learning in Salmon Arm

Okanagan College President Neil Fassina reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining in-person learning at the college’s Salmon Arm campus during a presentation to the city council on August 25. Fassina emphasized the importance of this physical space for education, stating, “Consider that on record.” He also highlighted the need to support learners across various settings, whether urban, rural, or remote.

This commitment came in response to concerns raised by Councillor Sylvia Lindgren regarding the possibility of the Salmon Arm campus transitioning to a fully online model. Lindgren expressed fears that such a shift could jeopardize the campus’s future, impacting both the local economy and the student population. “That could lead to closing the campus here, and I think that would be a huge mistake,” she said.

Fassina clarified that misconceptions about the college’s direction have persisted in the community. He described the college’s approach as a “yes/and conversation,” aiming to blend traditional face-to-face learning with digital opportunities. “We are 100 percent committed to our face-to-face learning environment,” he asserted, revealing plans for a substantial investment of $100 million in capital projects for in-person education within the region.

In addition to enhancing on-campus learning, Fassina stressed the college’s objective to reach students who are unable to attend in person. He noted that while the college is dedicated to in-person education, it is also necessary to adapt and expand its digital presence to accommodate diverse learner needs.

During the meeting, Fassina addressed questions about staffing and programming reductions, which have occurred due to federal policies limiting international student admissions. He confirmed a decrease of 700 international students for the upcoming school year, dropping enrolment from 1,800 to 1,100, primarily impacting the Kelowna campus, where most international students were concentrated.

The anticipated reduction in international students also affects the newly opened student housing facility at the Salmon Arm campus, which was initially designed to accommodate a larger cohort of international learners. Nevertheless, Fassina indicated the college is exploring alternative uses for this housing, including short-term accommodations for organizations like Interior Health and trades students requiring temporary housing.

Looking ahead to 2024, Fassina projected that approximately 2,500 individuals would engage in learning activities at the Salmon Arm campus or through its programming. He urged the city council to advocate for the college during upcoming discussions with government officials at the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities convention. Fassina noted that colleges are often perceived as secondary to universities, despite being key contributors to regional economic development.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by a resource-constrained environment at both federal and provincial levels. “There is great difficulty trying to acquire new funds for programming that our region needs,” he stated.

As an example of essential programming, Fassina highlighted the college’s initiative to enhance offerings in allied health fields. He emphasized the importance of not only training nurses and doctors but also focusing on related areas such as laboratory technologies and imaging, which are vital for community health services. “We stand ready to launch multiple new programs,” he confirmed, reiterating the college’s commitment to meeting local educational needs despite current resource limitations.