Like many of her peers, 18-year-old Penticton high school graduate Anika Raynolds has had a busy year researching post-secondary education options. The end goal has always been a Bachelor of Arts, but to get there she was searching for a program where she could apply her creativity, curiosity and one that suited her learning style.

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OKANAGAN - Like many of her peers, 18-year-old Penticton high school graduate Anika Raynolds has had a busy year researching post-secondary education options. The end goal has always been a Bachelor of Arts, but to get there she was searching for a program where she could apply her creativity, curiosity and one that suited her learning style.

Raynolds first heard about the ArtsX program at an Okanagan College information session.

“It sounded like a non-intimidating introduction to post-secondary education,” says Raynolds. “It’s reassuring that for the first year, courses are pre-selected to meet requirements and be well rounded. I was drawn to the small group focus, up to 30 students. I think that will definitely help to meet new friends and get more time with the instructors.”

Prospective students and their parents are invited to explore the College’s new program, the Arts Experience (ArtsX), at an upcoming information session at the Kelowna campus on Monday June 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. The session will be held in room E202 of the Centre for Learning building.

Attendees will meet the program’s faculty, including College professors Sharon Josephson and Jake Kennedy, who will explain the program, which is tailored to students who want to explore connections between key subject areas of our society in a multi-disciplinary approach. It is an opportunity for students and parents to ask questions they may have about the progressive structure, curriculum, and about what to expect.

The Arts Experience (ArtsX) was designed by Okanagan College faculty as an avant-garde learning approach offering a collective class for the two-year university transferable Associate of Arts Degree. The progressive and innovative education option will see a small group of students flow through core course curriculum together, but the classroom model and way of learning is what will be different.

“I can get my two years of credit under my belt, while still trying a variety of classes,” says Raynolds. “It’s reassuring to know that I will get the same transferable credits of the regular Associate of Arts Degree, but that I can learn in a format that is focused on collaboration, self direction, and that goes beyond the classroom.”

For Raynolds, the affordability of Okanagan College’s program, compared to similar styled programs offered at various North American universities, also factored into her decision to pursue the option that was close to home.

Students who have received admission into the Associate of Arts Degree program at Okanagan College will have an opportunity to apply to complete their studies with the limited enrolment ArtsX program at the Kelowna campus. To find out more about ArtsX, attend the June 29 information session in Kelowna and visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/artsx.

News from © iNFOnews, 2015