College of the Rockies is a small college in the East Kootenays of British Columbia, with campuses across several communities in the region.
James Patterson, a hard rock miner and School Board member in Kimberley, recognized the need for apprenticeship training in the East Kootenay region and approached the provincial government in 1971. East Kootenay Community College (EKCC) was established on May 8, 1975, and Dr. Gary Dickinson became its first principal in June 1975. The official opening of the Cranbrook campus took place on September 20, 1982. In May 1995, the name was changed to College of the Rockies through a BC Government Order in Council. The building named Patterson Hall was officially opened in August 2018, honouring the College's founder.
The College's first four-year degree, the Bachelor of Business Administration in Sustainable Business Practices, was established in 2010. The College's first online course, Applied Research Methods, was offered in January 1997. By the 2022/23 academic year, enrolment had risen to 2,341 full-time equivalent students at seven campuses.
The College's campuses include the Cranbrook Main Campus, the Gold Creek Campus, and regional campuses in Creston, Fernie, Golden, and Invermere. All of the College's campuses are located in the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa people, which is also home to the Kinbasket people. The College's first student housing building, Purcell House, was completed in 1995. Five cottage-style buildings increased on-campus housing by 100 beds. Student housing options include on-campus, off-campus, and short-term summer accommodation, along with drop-in activities and intramurals.
Admission routes vary by program. Academic programs require an application, followed by acceptance and registration. Career programs involve an application, an admissions package, a letter of acceptance, and seat confirmation. Trades programs require a letter of acceptance and seat confirmation. International students apply online and submit documents, receive an offer, make payment, and obtain a study permit.