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From OC Provost Sam Lenci and VP of Enrolment Jenn Goodwin:

Dear students, alumni, colleagues, partners, donors and friends,

Over the past several weeks, you have likely become more aware of enrolment challenges facing many post-secondary institutions in Canada, including here at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, following recent policy changes by the federal government.

While the current situation is concerning, it is important our whole OC community understands and feels confident in our college and our future together. º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is today and will continue to be for many years – a strong, thriving institution that contributes through high quality post-secondary programming.  

Federal policy changes – impacting future International Students

New rules announced earlier this fall by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) greatly reduced the programs that international students can take at colleges, if they want to be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).  

This change, combined with the federal government’s decision last winter to scale back the number of international students approved to come into Canada, has already had impacts on enrolment at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ.

In September 2024, there were approximately 40 per cent fewer first-year international students at OC, compared to September 2023. In January 2025, our first-year international enrolment is approximately 70 per cent less than January 2024 and January 2023.  

It is too early to know with certainty what the impacts will be on our enrolment next year, in 2025/26. However, we can expect it to follow a similar pattern, and for our overall number of international students to continue declining – at least for the next year or two.  

What is happening at OC in response to the policy changes

No programs have been cancelled or closed this fall or winter because of the decline in international student enrolment. That’s not our next step.  

However, over the coming weeks and months, all areas of the College are exploring ways we can respond to lower enrolment, whether that is making changes to the schedule and combining sections, adjusting how different services are provided to match student demand, or engaging in longer term efforts to begin reviewing and revising program curriculum.  

It is too early to say what will change – but we are taking an approach where we look at a wide range of options together, to make sure College expenses are within budget and that resources are aligned to where they have the best impacts. We will also keep monitoring enrolment numbers, so that we can adjust and adapt to the needs and size of our student population.  

To every student who is currently enrolled in a course of study, please be assured that you will be able to complete your program, we will not willingly make changes that prevent current students from completing what they’ve started. Whether you come from near or far, thank you for choosing º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ – it is awesome to have you as part of this community!

To all international students at OC: We are so, so glad you’re here, and we’re grateful to you for what you contribute daily to our community. We will continue to support you as we work to understand new policies together, and as you move through your program.  

What comes next – looking to the future

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and colleges across Canada are navigating difficult decisions right now, due to the federal policy changes impacting international students and the immediate consequences of lower enrolment. We know that it isn’t – and won’t be – easy.  

Knowing this, it is important that our whole OC community can understand and feel confident in our college and our future. Despite current challenges, we have a strong foundation at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ thanks to the many people who are a part of this institution: our students, alumni, staff (current and retired), donors, partners, and supporters.  

Our current year financial position is stable: For 2024/25 we continue to track towards having a balanced budget, as required by legislation. The overall number of international students this year is consistent with the past two years because we’ve had a high number of returning international students, which offset lower enrolments among new international students since September.  

We are taking action now: All teams at OC are committed to the sustainability and ongoing existence of the College. That’s why we are acting now to review our operations and make sure we are managing our resources carefully, aligning our services with the number of students we serve. While this will mean changes in the coming months, we know it will be much harder if we delay.  

Our relationships across the region are strong and our presence in communities is ongoing: We are committed to continuing to offer programs at each of our four campuses, and to partnering in communities throughout the Okanagan Shuswap, including Revelstoke and the south Okanagan. OC works closely with the school districts – both at the district level and in schools, as well as Indigenous and municipal governments.  

Our strategic direction is established – and we are moving forward: It has been nearly three years since we launched Inspire together, and significant progress has been made across OC. This includes implementing a College-wide domestic student recruitment team – and this year, we’re thrilled to see attendance at OC events for prospective students is growing. The Inspire roadmap details dozens more initiatives that contribute to our vision for the future.  

We are pursuing strategies to build on our strengths and to grow – increasing access for more students to discover OC: In-person learning, whether it is in a classroom or lab, or in a workplace, will always be a part of what students can access at OC. We are committed to continuing to offer programs such as university transfer and adult upgrading, providing choices to more people to be able to access post-secondary. And we’re growing the number of short courses, microcredentials and flexible learning options, so that many, many more people can study and train with us.  

Over the next decade, the demand for skilled professionals has never been higher: OC can and will help people at all stages of their career: whether they’re just starting, advancing in their profession or pivoting to a new opportunity.  We have confidence in our ability to make a difference – and this shared vision pulls us forward.  

OC continues to play an essential role today and in the future

Most importantly, we believe in you – our students, grads, staff, partners and friends throughout the community, and you are the evidence OC continues to play an essential role today and into the future. 

It is hard to go a day without meeting one of our alumni at work, whether you’re in a hospital, local business, at a construction site or government office. From engineering techs to early childhood educators, HR professionals to chefs – their OC education helped them be career-ready.

Although colleges across the country are experiencing challenges, more and more people are standing up to voice their support for the value and relevance of a college education: thank you.

Dr. Samantha Lenci 
Provost, VP Academic

Jenn Goodwin
VP, Enrolment & College Relations