COMMUNITY REPORT | 2017
cotr.ca Message Message from the from the Board President Chair
“Rocky Mountain Inspired. Small College Proud.” If For those of us who reside outside of the Cranbrook you’ve heard our radio ads or seen our hashtags on area where the main campus of the College of the Twitter or Instagram, you’re probably familiar with Rockies is located, the scale of activities and impact this phrase. It is our brand promise to our students, on each community is not always apparent. During sta, and our communities, but it is more than just a my three years as an appointed member of the convenient catch phrase. Board of Governors, I have come to appreciate the magnitude of both the social and economic impact We are proud of our successes, which far outreach the College continues to make in our region. what you’d expect from a college our size. Students transferring from College of the Rockies to university Our mission is to transform lives and enrich have the highest graduation rate in the province and communities through the power of education. perform better academically than those from any From Golden to Invermere and Fernie through other transferring institution in BC. Our students have the Cranbrook/Kimberley corridor to Creston, opportunities to enrich their education and future we see examples every day of how students’ lives careers through international internships, and study are transformed. Graduates become the business abroad opportunities. We welcome hundreds of owners, innovators, health care professionals, students from over 40 countries to the College and our skilled tradespeople, and service providers needed communities each year, and are proud to have been in our communities. In concert with our academic ranked number one in the world in overall international programming, industry partnerships and continuing student satisfaction for two years in a row. education programs provide stability and address strategic niches within communities. We are proud to be a small college and remain inspired to make a significant impact in the region College of the Rockies serves a remarkable that we serve and in the lives of our students. When constituency of British Columbia by being an our students begin their careers in our communities, outstanding college. I am proud to have served as they contribute economically to the health of our Board Chair for the last two years with an exceptional region to the tune of $176 million plus annually. group of colleagues on the Board of Governors. Within these pages, you’ll find stories that speak to Collectively the Board represents the geographic and the College’s mission – “to transform lives and enrich internal constituents across this region. We are Rocky communities through the power of education”. Mountain Inspired and Small College Proud!
David Walls Wilda Schab
2 Community Report COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES The Aboriginal Gathering Place WE HONOUR AND SERVE THE KTUNAXA, The Aboriginal Gathering Place (AGP) was ocially opened in October 2014. Since that time, many events, classes, meetings and other gatherings METIS AND SHUSWAP have taken place inside the stunning building. One of the great monthly AGP PEOPLES. traditions is lunch with our Ktunaxa Elders in Residence, Marguerite Cooper and Herman Alpine. All sta and students are invited to the AGP to enjoy a hot lunch, connect with each other and to talk with the Elders. Twice a month Fry Bread Mondays are also a popular attraction for sta, students and community members. A member of the Ktunaxa community demonstrates the making of the fry bread and then all present get to enjoy the fruits of his or her labour and have a chance to connect with Elder Herman Alpine.
Outside of the AGP, students looking to connect with Indigenous services have access to our Indigenous Education Coordinator, Avery Hulbert as well as our Indigenous Cultural Liaison, Raye Stensgaard.
COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Community Report 3 2016 - A Year In Review January May A new year and a new transfer agreement. In January, This year, we were thrilled to have been celebrating we signed a new agreement with the University of the our 40th year of recognizing students’ achievements. Fraser Valley. This agreement means that students who For 40 years, we have celebrated the successes of complete the Criminal and Social Justice certificate at our graduates while simultaneously feeling pangs of the College, and who meet admission requirements, sadness that they have completed their programs and can block transfer their credits directly into UFV’s will be moving on. However, when we hear stories of Criminology diploma or Bachelor of Arts the great things many of our graduates go on to do, in Criminology. we can’t help but feel small college proud.
February June As the first public step in our rebranding process, We received some exciting news in June when Premier we unveiled our new logo on Tuesday, February 2. Christie Clark announced at the Cranbrook Chamber At the time, President and CEO David Walls said, of Commerce lunch that the Bachelor of Science in “The continuous flowing shape of our new logo Nursing program will be held in its entirety at the signifies life-long learning, a continuous journey, College’s Cranbrook campus. The program, held sustainability and opportunity and speaks to our in partnership with the University of Victoria, has being adaptive, responsive and approachable. always required students to complete their final three The new look also pays tribute to our place in the semesters at UVIC. That will no longer be the case, Rockies without giving the sense that the mountains starting with the Fall 2018 intake. are the only thing that we’re about.” July/August March The summer months seem quiet at College of the After an exciting ‘Cinderella story’ PACWEST Rockies’ campuses, but we are actually very busy Provincial Championship win, our women’s Avalanche preparing for the start of the fall semester. Our Student volleyball team headed to Charlottetown, PEI in March Life department worked hard over the summer to compete at the 2016 CCAA Women’s Volleyball to coordinate events for Orientation Week in National Championship. Though the result may not September and to welcome new and returning have been what they wanted, they made the entire students to the College. College of the Rockies family extremely proud. September April Once the registration deadline passed in September, In April, Kim Garety was introduced as the new we were happy to see that, once again, our enrolment manager of the Creston campus. Since she took over numbers increased. Overall, our registrations rose 6.7 the reins in May, Kim has participated in a community percent over fall 2015. Registrar, Jason Colombo was consultation – out of which emerged a new Transitions pleased with the continued upward trend: “Our ongoing to Employment program. This program will help those increase in enrolments indicates that more students are with developmental disabilities to gain the skills they realizing College of the Rockies is an excellent option need to be able to find employment. for their post-secondary education,” he said. Smaller class sizes, personalized educational experiences, lower tuition and excellent transferability are some reasons we may be seeing more students.
4 Community Report COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES 2020 Vision In 2015 we published our Strategic Plan – Our Road Map to New Heights. From this plan, a set October of goals emerged for what our institution will look like by 2020. Four main priorities emerged from In October, we announced that Je Cooper was this in-depth, collaborative process: appointed as Business Development Manager, based out of the Kimberley campus. Je has been with the College since 2006, including several Students First Without our students, we don’t exist. We value years as Manager, International Education. each and every one of our students and our A long-time Kimberley resident, Je was excited commitment to them is to continue to work to to help grow the Kimberley campus operations better prepare them for the job market after while giving back to the community he loves. graduation and/or for the next stage of their educational journey. November Thanks to another $25,000 RBC Learn to Play Financial Health To be able to focus on providing the best grant, the College’s Physical Literacy Project – educational experience for our students, we need held in conjunction with School District 5 – was to remain a financially healthy and sustainable able to expand, once again. This new phase of organization. To this end, we are committed to the project will focus on inclusion. “Our objective maximizing our resource allocation and increasing is to include populations that have not been able our revenue from diversified sources. to participate previously,” says Sandi Lavery, Kinesiology instructor and lead researcher. “We want to ensure that physical literacy skill A Common Goal College of the Rockies employees are committed development is available to all students at the to working together to enhance student life, elementary level, and to include older students and health and wellness; to strengthen student into some new recreational activities as well.” pathways to employment and further education, to increase access to learning, to see applied December research grow and flourish, to enhance our program quality, and to expand demand-driven Once again (for at least the 15th year) our programs and courses. We will also work to Financial Services department got into the true enhance our strategic alliances to provide more spirit of Christmas by spearheading our Christmas experiential learning opportunities for students Giving Campaign. They collected donations of and to build our relationships with the community. gifts, non-perishable food items as well as all the fixings for a Christmas dinner from College sta that will go toward three very deserving families Working Better Together Our internal resources – our sta, our facilities and who have recently transitioned from Haven House our equipment – provide the foundation on which and are starting over on their own. Thanks to the we build our success. We will continue to reinforce generosity of our College community – these this foundation by enhancing the learning and three families should be able to have a very merry working environment through appropriate Christmas this year. usage of space and technology; improving our understanding of our students, employers and The number of communities; optimizing the eectiveness of credentials granted by our amazing employees and enhancing sound College of the Rockies governance and leadership. 726 in 2016 From: Our Road Map to New Heights – Strategic Plan 2015-2020.
COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Community Report 5 ADULT UPGRADING: A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Upgrading for academic or career programs, he or she often can still BC’s labour force relies entry can open doors. Adult enrol in that program and take heavily on workers with Upgrading provides a unique many of the program’s courses learning experience tailored to while simultaneously obtaining post-secondary education. each student’s needs and goals. the needed prerequisites. According to Post- Adult Upgrading is oered in two ways: semestered and directed Health Care Assistant, Cook Secondary Education Skills studies. Semestered courses Training and Hairdressing for a Prosperous British have a specific start and end graduates with grade 10 date with classes scheduled at completion can take just TWO Columbia—2016, prepared a specific time once or twice a Adult Upgrading courses to for BC’s public post- week. Directed studies courses are obtain their BC graduation secondary institutions by much more flexible. Participants diploma. Their program courses still have a time limit to complete act as their electives. Having a the Conference Board of – either 15 or 30 weeks, depending post-secondary education and Canada, in March 2016, on the course – but during that a graduation diploma opens the time, they can work from home door to many more employment 70 percent of BC’s jobs when it is convenient to them and opportunities. were filled by workers with pop into the classroom when they post-secondary education. need some extra help. Students Students who need assistance can come into the classroom with the cost of adult upgrading This was not always the whenever it fits their schedule may be eligible for Adult case and as recently as - for a quiet place away from Upgrading Grants which cover distractions where they can focus tuition and other costs related 1991, the share was evenly and get their work done. to attending school. Completion split between those with awards are available to those If a student is missing the not eligible for Adult Upgrading and without post-secondary prerequisites for other College Grants. education.
6 Community Report COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Achieving His Dreams
Raymond Bennett has benefited tremendously from the Adult Upgrading program oered at the Creston campus. Having left high school a few years prior, and after discovering he did not have the self-discipline needed to complete his high school education online, Raymond started taking courses at the College at the age of 17. After completing some upgrading at the Fundamental level, Raymond began taking grade 10 equivalent math and English courses.
Over time he began to gain confidence in his abilities and enjoyed helping other students in the classroom. Instructor Paula Harper says, “He was such a joy to have in the classroom to calm and reassure Scaling New other students before their exams or to help explain something to Heights students whose first language was not English.” Raymond’s education benefitted as well, as his classmates were all too happy to return the When Mary Shier isn’t teaching favour. Adult Upgrading or acting as an Education Advisor at our Fernie Working on a farm had always been a dream of Raymond’s. As a child, campus, you can frequently find he had visited a family farm and fell in love with farm life. When he her hiking in the spectacular was oered a job at Piper’s Farms in Creston, he couldn’t resist. He mountains in the Elk Valley. has worked for them performing various tasks including operating equipment and performing repairs on it when needed. After completing a Freedom Climb in Colorado in 2014, she Raymond found a particular fondness for fixing the farm machinery was inspired to continue to give when it would break down so he took a big step and applied for the back to this very worthy cause by College’s Heavy Mechanical program. Having completed several Adult participating in another Freedom Upgrading courses, he was able to pass the assessment required for Climb – this one held right in her entry into the program and ocially began his Heavy Mechanical beloved Fernie. education in September 2014. After completing the foundation- level program in May 2015, Raymond wasn’t ready to be done with Freedom Climbs focus on stirring school yet. He had his eye on his adult graduation diploma – which he compassion, action and advocacy successfully completed in 2016. on behalf of the nearly 30 million people – mostly women and “Having the adult graduation diploma was important to me as most children – who are exploited, work places require a grade 12 or equivalent,” he says. “My experience enslaved, and tracked globally. with the College was excellent, the instructors were incredible. They Climbing mountains is a symbolic truly make the College what it is.” representation of the hardships endured by those aected by Having come as far as he has, Raymond’s not quite ready to stop yet. human tracking. His next objective is to complete his apprenticeship in Heavy Duty Mechanics. We have no doubt he’ll achieve this goal too! The Fernie Freedom Climb raised almost a quarter of a million dollars, money that will go a long THE EFFECT OF FORMER COLLEGE OF THE way to helping women and children ROCKIES STUDENTS ON THE REGIONAL enslaved by human tracking. You can read more about Mary’s ECONOMY AMOUNTS TO APPROXIMATELY inspiring Freedom Climb on our $176.4 MILLION IN ADDED INCOME. blog: cotr.ca/blog
*Source: Analysis of the Economic Impact and Return on Investment of Education, December 2013
COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Community Report 7 Students who began their studies at UNIVERSITY College of the Rockies completed university with an overall higher grade-point-average (GPA) than did their counterparts at most SUCCESS other BC colleges and universities.*
INCREASED College of the Rockies students who transferred to a university scored the highest graduation rate for transfer institutions (85%) AFTER and second-highest of all BC post-secondary institutions. ATTENDING We have many transfer agreements with institutions throughout COLLEGE BC, Alberta, and the rest of Canada. OF THE *2015 British Columbia Council on Admission and Transfer (BCCAT) report ROCKIES Visit cotr.ca/transfer for more information.
Starting University at the College
Attending post-secondary can University of Lethbridge. With DUAL ADMISSION be a daunting experience. For these agreements, applicants are APPLICANTS ARE many people, the trepidation is considered a student of both the heightened by the thought of College and one of the universities CONSIDERED A going to a big university. Whether at the same time. Once they STUDENT OF BOTH THE someone is just out of high school have completed two years at the COLLEGE AND ONE OF or returning to school after some College, they move seamlessly into time away, the thought of getting their seat at either UVIC or ULeth THE UNIVERSITIES lost in a crowd of other students to complete their credential. AT THE SAME TIME can be intimidating. In those first two years students What some don’t realize is the will have eased into the post- first two years of your university secondary world in a supportive education can be completed environment. We hear all the at College of the Rockies. With time from our alumni about numerous transfer agreements in how helpful and encouraging place, students can easily transfer our faculty are. Students are their credits to the university of not just a number here – many their choice, after completing one times faculty members become or two years at the College. trusted friends and mentors. With the cost of attending a college Photo: College of the Rockies Vice-President An even better option? Dual being significantly less than at Academic & Applied Research Dr. Stan Chung and Dr. Catherine Mateer from UVic sign a dual Admission. College of the a university, students also save admission agreement between the institutions as (l-r) Dean of Instruction Heather Hepworth, Rockies has dual admission money in those first two years, Dean of Instruction Darrell Bethune, Director agreements in place with both especially for local students who of Student Aairs Doris Silva and Dean of Instruction Jack Moes look on. the University of Victoria and the choose to remain at home.
8 Community Report COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Giving Back to the Community Students in College of the Rockies’ Welding program were able to use their skills for a great cause in 2016 – fabricating and donating a bike stand for the Cranbrook Boys and Girls Club.
“This was a perfect project for our welding students,” said College of the Rockies Welding instructor, Ken McKay. “Not only did it allow our students to complete the required fabrication experience needed for their program but we were also able to meet a community need. It is our hope that the Boys and Girls Club will enjoy the use of the bike rack for many years to come.”
BUSINESS STUDENTS GATHER DATA FOR CITY
The City of Cranbrook is interested in finding ways to make the community more truck friendly, and so needed to learn more about the long haul truckers that come through town, and what their thoughts are on the local services currently oered.
A team of Bachelor of Business Administration students from College of the Rockies were keen to help. They conducted a survey at the game check located on Highway 3 just east of town – and found that truckers would like a truck stop that provides: ease of access, healthy food, easy refuelling and lots of parking.
Working with City of Cranbrook – and the Ministry of Transportation - was a great opportunity for our BBA students to put their classroom learning about research into action.
COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Community Report 9 REAL LIFE. REAL LEARNING.
Whenever possible, we take the learning out of the classroom and into real-life situations. The following images depict just a few of the opportunities that have enhanced the learning experience for our students.
10 Community Report COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Community Report 11 A SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIP
Sometimes it seems things happen Bruce’s intuition has again proven for me to be able to go to the local for a reason. Ashley Tanner was right as Ashley has also now been College and get the degree which, interviewing for a job opportunity named partner. in turn, allowed me to complete my for a local company when she CPA/CGA ,” Ashley says. met Bruce Hryciuk, who was Ashley began working at Hryciuk conducting the interviews on Gallinger in 2007 - performing With the College’s BBA focussing behalf of another client. Bruce is some bookkeeping tasks and on sustainable business options, the founder of local accounting then worked her way up from Ashley was required to complete a firm, Hryciuk Gallinger, Chartered Junior Accountant to Intermediate capstone project with an emphasis Professional Accountants. Though Accountant before reaching a more on sustainability. “The hardest part she was not the successful senior level, and now – partner. of the project is coming up with candidate for that position, she Through it all, Ashley continued to a good idea,” Ashley notes. “We caught the attention of Bruce focus on her education, with the were considering transitioning Hryciuk, who told his partner support of Bruce and Donna. She to a paperless oce at Hryciuk Donna Gallinger, “I think this completed her CGA and as a result Gallinger so I decided to make one’s got it.” of the accounting merger, wished that my project. I thought I could to obtain her degree to meet the do some of the research, with Whatever “it” is, Bruce has a keen requirements of the CPA/CGA the partners also doing their own ability to spot it. He had the same designation. research, into what programs experience when Donna began were available, how you go about working for him as a receptionist. A colleague of Ashley’s mentioned transitioning to paperless, as well Donna proved him right and College of the Rockies’ Bachelor as the challenges that others worked her way up the company, of Business Administration (BBA) who had moved to paperless had becoming Bruce’s partner in 1995. program. “It was a great option encountered.”
12 Community Report COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Now almost two years later, “Also the teachers there are financially but I can also give them Hryciuk Gallinger continues to amazing,” she adds. “I still have tips to help make their businesses use a paperless client records great contacts with all of the more sustainable.” system. “At first there were some teachers that I went through growing pains, of course, trying the program with. Now as a Donna looks forward to working to get everything transitioned,” partner, it is wonderful to be able with Ashley in her new role. Ashley says. “But even some of our to recommend the program to “We’ve mentored and trained employees who were maybe a little employees we’ve hired here.” Ashley right from square one so hesitant about going paperless are it’s been fascinating to watch the totally onboard now because it is Looking ahead, Ashley is very growth in her and the maturity so ecient.” excited about being named that has come about. I am happy partner. “It’s been a great she’s going to be a partner and Ashley graduated with experience working here and, I’m quite proud of her.” her Bachelor of Business having worked up through the Administration in Sustainable ranks, I am very familiar with Thinking back to the doors Business Practices in 2015 and most of our clients. I look forward opened to her through her BBA, has also completed her CPA/CGA to doing more of the consulting Ashley concludes, “Thank you designation. She is grateful that and getting to know our clients to College of the Rockies for the College oers degree-level businesses even better.” providing that opportunity for options in the East Kootenays. “I me because I wouldn’t have been think it was a great program and One of the additional perks of able to get my CPA/CGA without it is amazing that the College is her College of the Rockies BBA the degree. I’m grateful that the now oering this sort of program is her ability to advise her clients College has that program there. at a local level and at an aordable on matters of sustainability. As accountants we are always price. I know so many people who “Learning about the pillars of the looking for good sta members would like to get a degree but sustainability model I can kind of so it is nice to have that local can’t necessarily aord to go to an oer my clients a package deal. oering – and that it is also expensive university.” Not only can we advise them available online!”
COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Community Report 13 SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION
Cranbrook campus’ residence gas emissions by 12,000 kilograms Construction of a new trades building utilizes two types of solar of CO2e (carbon dioxide building at the Cranbrook main technology on the facility’s roof equivalent). Combined, the solar campus, which will begin in spring – photovoltaic and solar thermal - systems have saved 26 tonnes of 2017, will also consider LEED which allows the system to pull in CO2 from entering the atmosphere. criteria. as much heat as possible. Pinnacle Hall trades building All exterior lighting fixtures at The College also installed has a solar wall along one side the College (approximately 215) photovoltaic panels on the which helps to draw heat into the are LED lit as are thirty percent of roof of the Cranbrook campus’ building, improving indoor air the interior fixtures, with interior Kootenay Centre building which quality and reducing heating and LED lights increasing by 20 to 30% was determined to be the biggest operating costs. per year. consumer of electricity and had the best physical space for the The south entrance expansion, Future plans for the College solar panels. completed in 2010, achieved include a new recycling plan in certification by the Leadership in conjunction with the College’s The Kootenay Centre solar project Energy in Environmental Design Sustainability Committee, the produces 109,000 kilowatt-hours (LEED) certification program, installation of a “green wall” per year of electricity, enough to indicating the new construction and exploring the feasibility of operate 14 houses for a year – while meets the highest environmental a composting plan for the main reducing the College’s greenhouse performance criteria in Canada. campus.
Inspiring Physically Literate Children activities for life” (Canada’s UVIC Teacher Education began, Physical Literacy Consensus we have noticed improved Statement, June 2015). Children fundamental movement skills and youth need to engage in from our students,” says Steeples a variety of skills to help them Elementary School principal, David develop fundamental movement Martin. “Teachers have embraced and fundamental sport skills. the teaching of these skills and These abilities allow them the have reported being more focused opportunity to lead a healthy and in their delivery of physical active lifestyle. education. Students appear to In fall 2016, College of the Rockies be more coordinated, better received another $25,000 RBC The Physical Literacy project, held able to participate in physically Learn to Play grant for their in partnership with School District demanding activities and are Physical Literacy project. This #5, has seen improvement in the experiencing greater success when marks the third RBC Learn to Play physical literacy of students who being physically active.” grant the project has received. have participated in a physical “Physical literacy is the motivation, literacy lunch hour games program. With the additional grant money, confidence, physical competence, the project will be expanding the knowledge and understanding “Since the joint project between program to be more inclusive to value and take responsibility Steeples Elementary school of students with physical for engagement in physical and College of the Rockies/ disabilities.
14 Community Report COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES AN AVALANCHE OF SUCCESS
2016 was an exciting year for National Championships. Though volleyball at College of the they perhaps didn’t compete as Rockies. Not only did the men’s well as they hoped, it was still a and women’s teams both advance wonderful learning experience to the PACWEST Provincial for them. Championships, but the women’s team, ranked number 6 going into And speaking of learning, four the tournament, walked away with members of that provincial the gold medal! championship team: Kara Froese, Taylor Forster, Mackenzie “We peaked at the right time,” said Morey and Miranda Myndio were team member Kelsey Thompson also named 2015/16 Canadian at the time. “While some teams Collegiate Athletic Association peaked earlier on in the season, (CCAA) National Scholars. To be we came into our own at the right recognized as a National Scholar, time. And if we lost a point or a a student athlete must achieve game, we didn’t panic. We just honours standing at the post- stayed positive and kept pushing.” secondary institution in the current academic year. The women’s Avalanche team travelled to Charlottetown, PEI What a year to be a member to compete in the 2016 CCAA of the Avalanche.
COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Community Report 15 Architectual rendering of new trades building to be built in 2017 at the Cranbrook Main Campus
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE On January 10, 2017 we were proud to take part in an announcement of a $10-million investment in the College’s trades programs via a new trades training facility. Of the total investment, $4.2 million comes from the Government of Canada, $3.8 from the Province of BC, $1 million from the College and $1 million from the Columbia Basin Trust. THE PROVINCE HAS INVESTED MORE THAN The new building will allow the Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) and Electrical $900K INTO NEW programs to move from the Gold Creek campus to become a part of the main campus. Space will be available for the Heavy Mechanical program in TRAINING EQUIPMENT the new building as well. All three programs will benefit from being held in AT THE COLLEGE FOR a facility designed specifically for their unique needs. Construction will be underway in spring 2017 with the expectation the facility will be ready to IN-DEMAND TRADES welcome students in fall 2018. OCCUPATIONS
DISCOVERING TRADES IN INVERMERE
including Canfor and the Invermere Home Hardware. Held at the Shuswap Indian Reserve, students are introduced to carpentry, plumbing, electrical, drywall, tiling, flooring, auto body, and automotive mechanic. They will also receive 10 industry-related certifications. The introduction to so many dierent trades was appreciated by participant AJ Bruce who said the program was “a real eye opener to what is in trades and what is involved and what opportunities are With the ongoing shortage of skilled tradespeople available.” in BC, students at Invermere’s David Thompson Secondary school are getting an opportunity to not As part of their hands-on experiential learning, only learn about a wide variety of trades options but to students build 8 x 12 foot sheds which are then sold get some real hands-on experience as well. through the Invermere Home Hardware. Proceeds are donated to the Columbia Valley Junior B hockey team The Discover Trades program held by the College’s – a group agreed upon by all the program partners. Invermere campus is the result of a partnership We are proud to be able to combine valuable learning between David Thompson Secondary, the Shuswap about in-demand career options with giving back to Indian Band and local community trades businesses our campus communities.
16 Community Report COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES CULINARY ADVENTURES
Nick Zsillei first took cooking classes when he was in high school and soon realized he loved it. Having Level 1 Professional Cook training available at College of the Rockies made it easy for him to decide what to do after he graduated.
“The Chef instructors prepared us in every way for the cooking environment, including knife skills, speed of preparation, quality checking, sanitization and proper food handling procedures,” he says. “They made the program soar above and beyond what I had initially expected and I hope to keep in touch with them for years to come.”
Since completing Year 1 of the Professional Cook program, Nick has found employment –and an apprenticeship opportunity – with the Heid Out Restaurant and Brewhouse in Cranbrook. In July 2016 he completed the requirements necessary for his second year apprenticeship and is on his way to becoming a Red Seal Chef.
Once he obtains his Red Seal, Nick feels the sky is the limit. “I’ve always wanted to open my own small restaurant but working for a large place like the Heid Out has really made me want to try hopping from restaurant to restaurant around the world. That will allow me to spread my knowledge and to learn new ideas along the way.”
COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Community Report 17 Justice. He also ran for and won the position of President of the Students’ Association as well as a seat on the College’s Board of Governors. “Before the College I did not care about being involved,” he admits. “After my experience with the Students’ Association and Board of Governors, I always try to be involved in dierent activities as much as I can.”
Eventually, Fernando found himself drawn back to the legal profession. He completed the Masters of Laws program at the Setting the Bar University of Calgary and applied for his reaccreditation to work Fernando Arteaga was born and of an exciting journey. It changed as a lawyer in Canada. His goal raised in Ecuador where he had everything,” he says. “At the is to become a litigation lawyer a budding career as a lawyer. College, because my instructors focussing on civil cases. Intrigued by the common law legal were so approachable, I spent tradition in North America, he felt many hours talking to them. At first Fernando has had a lot of support an urge learn more about it. we would talk about courses and through his journey. He met Jasmin classes but eventually some of my at College of the Rockies when Knowing he would need to improve instructors became my mentors he was recruiting volunteers for a his English skills, Fernando began and friends.” Students’ Association project. to explore his educational options. They have now been married for Having heard great things about Fernando did have to adjust to seven years and hope to have Canadian colleges and universities, a very dierent lifestyle than children in the near future. he paid a visit to the Canadian he was accustomed to. Coming consulate in search of additional from a large city, the more “I have changed a lot as a person information. In the end, he applied rural and slow-paced lifestyle since coming to College of the to two Canadian colleges – and of the East Kootenay region of Rockies,” he concludes. “I have College of the Rockies quickly British Columbia was a bit of an a dierent understanding now responded back. adjustment. “Before the College, I of tolerance, diversity, gender loved buildings, malls and movies,” roles and religion. I have dierent Initially, Fernando’s plan was to he notes. “Now you have no idea priorities and goals. I am so complete his English Language how much I miss being so close grateful to this great country of program at the College, register to the Rocky Mountains or riding awesome people for the things for a Master’s degree program and my bike to Jim Smith Lake and I have experienced.” then return home to Ecuador. His jumping into it.” time at the College changed that. Because of his love of the country, After completing his English in March 2014, Fernando became a “My decision to attend College Language program, Fernando Canadian citizen. We are proud to of the Rockies was the beginning completed a diploma in Criminal have been a part of his journey.
18 Community Report COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES A Rewarding Experience
In August 2017, 3rd year Bachelor When asked if she thought she’d of Science in Nursing student use the Go Pro, she exclaims, “Oh Brittny Schroeter, along with six ya! I’m from the Kootenays! I love other nursing students, took part the outdoors.” in a field school in Kenya. Brittny got much more out of “I’ve always wanted to travel,” the experience than just a Go Brittny says. “So it was a great Pro, however. “It was a fantastic opportunity to get out and see opportunity,” she says. “It was the world. I knew it would be almost entirely paid for with really beneficial to my nursing bursaries and scholarships practice to get an idea of what through the College. It was health looked like globally and my first time travelling abroad just to see how dierent things overseas so it was a really are done around the world. I awesome opportunity for me learned a lot about data collection who has never had the time or and just about global health in resources to do something like general.” that before. It was nice that I got to see a part of the world, but While in Kenya, Brittny because it was focussed around documented some of her school it was so much more experiences in photographs. Upon enriching than if I had just gone returning she learned about a vacationing there.” BC Study Abroad contest. She entered 15 photos (worth three entries) and ended up winning the overall prize – a Go Pro!
Fun Facts From Our International Department 247 INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS OF STUDY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FROM STUDENTS ARE 38 DIFFERENT ENROLLED IN 21.5% COUNTRIES English Language AROUND THE WORLD 20 ATTENDED COLLEGE OF DIFFERENT 78.5% THE ROCKIES IN THE FALL COLLEGE Academic Programs with Canadian students SEMESTER OF 2016. PROGRAMS
COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Community Report 19 Responding to Community Need in Creston
When College of the Rockies Employment Services to explore Kootenay Employment Services undertook a community training opportunities that would has been integral in finding work consultation process in Creston provide individuals with disabilities placement opportunities to ensure to get a better sense of the with the skills they need to achieve students gain real-world job skills needs of the community, one a high quality of life and a sense of and experience. The program strong message was heard. purpose within the community. was made possible, in part, by a The community had a lack of one-time, targeted investment programming for those with Transitions to Employment began of $75,000 from the Ministry of developmental disabilities. on January 9, 2017 and will run until Advanced Education aimed at June 23. Through a combination of the development of programs The College formed a working classroom and hands-on learning, and supports for students with group with representatives from participants discover the skills they disabilities. local non-profit societies, parents need to prepare them to find and and caregivers, and Kootenay maintain employment.
Fernie Ambassador Program Fernie is well known as a tourism Fernie Lodging Company, and customer service skills and a mecca. People travel from all over Grow Children’s Boutique – who thorough knowledge about Fernie the world to enjoy the amazing came up with a unique way to help and the surrounding area. outdoor recreation opportunities ensure visitors had a memorable and astounding beauty of the BC experience when they spent time Administered by the Fernie Rockies. Even those things are not in Fernie. Chamber of Commerce in enough to keep people coming partnership with College of back, however. What really counts The Fernie Ambassador program the Rockies the program also is the experience that visitors have is an education opportunity for acknowledges support from the when they are here. anyone who is lucky enough to Resort Municipality Initiative call Fernie home. It builds on the (RMI). In its first year of existence, That was the thinking behind a community spirit and cooperation the Fernie Ambassador program group of volunteers from College Fernie is known for. The program trained 151 Ambassadors and of the Rockies, EK Employment, teaches residents how to provide expected to train another 100 in Park Vacation Management, a superior experience through time for winter.
20 Community Report COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Continuing Education and Contract Training IS THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS TAKING CONTINUING EDUCATION AND CONTRACT 708 IS THE NUMBER OF TRAINING COURSES CONTINUING AND CONTRACT ACROSS OUR TRAINING COURSES OFFERED REGION ACROSS OUR REGION 6,609 in the 2015/2016 Academic Year in the 2015/2016 Academic Year
Hot Careers Ignite In Kimberley
When it comes to hands- workplace preparation. Students on learning, few programs also earn their BC Class 3 license, can surpass the Fire Training making them eligible to drive most certificate oered at our firetrucks. Kimberley campus. Students in this 23-week program do spend Fire Training can prepare some time in the classroom participants for careers in but a greater percentage of the oil and gas, forestry and their learning is spent either mining industries in addition to with working firefighters at the rural and municipal fire halls. Kimberley Fire Hall or at the live Currently about 75% of our Fire fire training facility, amongst Training certificates students find actual fires or simulated smoke. employment within six months of graduation. Fire Training students also receive recognition for a number All College of the Rockies’ of certifications essential to the fire training is ProBoard firefighting profession including: Certified. Custom fire training working with hazardous materials, is also available to meet the rescue techniques, first aid specific needs of working fire and emergency responder departments. training, and emergency services
THIS PRO-BOARD CERTIFIED PROGRAM DRAWS IN STUDENTS FROM BOTH IN AND OUT OF REGION.
COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Community Report 21 REGIONAL ECONOMIC GENERATING IMPACT
College of the Rockies employs 295 (FTE) faculty and sta. Annual payroll of $21.5 million.
Much of this is spent in the College of the Rockies region to purchase food, clothing, goods and services.
The College purchases approximately $13.8 million in goods and services to support its operations each year
Net impact of College payroll and expenses in College of the Rockies’ region is approximately
Close to 1,000 students, $27.2 million in added including international regional income. sutdents, relocate to the College of the Rockies region annually. Out-of-region student spending adds approximately $3.2 million in income to the region.
REGIONAL INCOME CREATED BY COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES The eect of former College of the Rockies students
on the regional economy amounts $27.2 Million Eect of college operations to approximately $176.4 million in added income. $206.7
College of the Rockies’ total $3.2 Million MILLION Eect of student spending impact on the region’s economy is approximately Total Effect $206.7 million in added income.
That’s equal to 4.7% of the region’s Gross Regional Product.
*Source: Analysis of the Economic Impact and Return on Investment of Education, December 2013
22 Community Report COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES It’s time to start living the life you’ve imagined. Henry James
Think. Do. Become.
Over 40 programs o¤ered in class or online. Certificates Adult Upgrading Business Child, Youth and Family Studies Fire Services Oce Administration Tourism Trades Diplomas University Arts and Sciences Continuing Education Degrees
Special acknowledgement to our Board of Governors
Wilda Schab (Chair) appointed member Invermere Krys Sikora (Vice Chair) appointed member Golden Jim Abbott appointed member Cranbrook Glen Campbell appointed member Elk Valley Rod Giles appointed member Creston Darryl Hyde appointed member Cranbrook Steen Jorgensen appointed member Cranbrook Jesse Nicholas appointed member Cranbrook Cindy Yates appointed member Cranbrook Jan White elected faculty member Mary Davies elected support sta member Leslie Molnar Edco Chair/Ex-Ocio Member Jerod Dobson elected student member Tracey-Anne Howell elected student member Ex-Ocio Member: David Walls President & CEO
COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES Community Report 23 Cranbrook Creston Campus Golden Campus Kimberley Campus Main Campus 301 - 16th Ave. S., PO Box 1978 1305 - 9th Street S. 1850 Warren Avenue 2700 College Way, PO Box 8500 Creston, BC V0B 1G0 PO Box 376 Kimberley, BC V1A 1S1 Cranbrook, BC V1C 5L7 Phone: 250-428-5332 Golden, BC V0A 1H0 Phone: 250-427-7116 Phone: 250-489-2751 Toll Free 1-866-740-2687 Phone: 250-344-5901 email: [email protected] Toll Free: 1-877-489-2687 email: [email protected] email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Printed on recycled paper. Be kind to the environment. When done with this booklet, Gold Creek Campus Fernie Campus Invermere Campus please pass it along or recycle it. 1305 - 24th Ave. S. 342 - 3rd Ave., PO Box 1770 RR4, #2 - 1535 - 14th Street Cranbrook, BC V1C V1C 6Y8 Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 Invermere, BC V0A 1K4 Telephone: 250-423-4691 Phone: 250-342-3210 Toll Free 1-866-423-4691 email: [email protected] email: [email protected]