Students and parents have so many questions about what comes after graduation. If their plans include starting post-secondary education close to home, the Spring into College information session Tuesday has the answers.
Billie Kowalski, who will graduate from Vernon Secondary School in June, attended a college prep event last fall.
“It was really good. Everything was all set up so we could find out about the sciences, arts and other programs and talk to the professors. Going there to the college lets you see what it’s like and that it’s not a big, scary place,” she said.
“I talked to a counsellor and that helped me make decisions about the courses to take and how to register online.”
Her mother, Barb Kowalski, attended an information session for parents.
“There was a presentation about all the available courses, the costs, how to use the website and the help with funding,” she said. “They explained which courses to take to carry on to university. I hadn’t known that there were courses that transfer to university and they are the same courses as at university but with smaller classes and less cost. There is also free tutoring for students if wanted. There was also information about who to contact to answer questions.”
They both like the idea of making the transition from school in a place close to home where Billie will know already know some of the other students. The lower cost of tuition and living at home are also factors for choosing the college as a place to start a university education.
“Why not find out about the college and start here if that works for you? I wasn’t aware that there were so many transfer courses. I would recommend these information sessions to parents and students,” said Barb.
Billie said that her school helped with information about post-secondary education and she had been on a college visit in Grade 11 and with the information sessions, she feels well prepared to start college.
“It’s really reassuring and comforting to be able to talk to the teachers and it makes you a lot less nervous. I’d tell anyone that these information sessions are worth your time,” said Billie.
Regional dean of the Vernon campus, Jane Lister, said, “The college is full of success stories. The Spring into College event will highlight these successes as well as the programs and opportunities available at the Vernon campus.”
The college is waiving the $30 registration fee for anyone who applies to Okanagan College at the event. People can drop in to the event if they simply want to apply and nothing more.
It’s not too late to register for Okanagan College for the fall term, although some programs are already full. The Spring into College information session for students, adult students and parents takes place Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at the lecture theatre at the Vernon campus.
Register for the event by contacting Tawyna Cameron at 250-545-7291 (ext. 2309) or tcameron@okanagan.bc.ca.
