Student Success

Free menstrual products now available in AC’s Ottawa Campus washrooms

Algonquin College has recently partnered with Aunt Flow to begin offering free period products in the Ottawa Campus washrooms. Aunt Flow dispensers are stocked with organic cotton tampons and pads to ensure that menstruators never have to miss out on activities or classes due to their period or need to sacrifice something else within their budget to afford menstrual products. 

Photo of Aunt Flow dispensers in Algonquin College washroom. Dispenser is silver and has two small signs that read "free".

Aunt Flow dispenser in AC washroom.

According to statistics referenced by both the Government of Canada and Province of Ontario, 63 per cent of those who menstruate had concerns about not being able to access either menstrual products or proper sanitation facilities, and 34 per cent had faced budget/affordability issues.

AC believes in creating an accessible and equitable environment; if toilet paper and soap are freely accessible, period products should be too. Aunt Flow period products, serviced by Citron Hygiene, are 100 per cent organic cotton, chemical free, sustainably made and ensure the needs of the entire College community are met.

Aunt Flow is a brand focused on changing how periods are perceived, shedding the stigma and making period products available for free to all menstruators in away-from-home washrooms. For every 10 products purchased, Aunt Flow donates one to a menstruator in need.

Looking for products? Dispensers are located in 43 washrooms across campus; find the machine nearest to you here. Remember there is limited supply, and while best efforts will be made to keep them fully stocked, the Colleges asks to please only take what you need, when you need it.

Algonquin College and UPES University launch World Design Challenge

Algonquin College, UPES University in India and the World Design Organization (WDO) have partnered to host an international competition launching March 6, 2023. The World Design Challenge includes learners from Algonquin College’s School of Media and Design and the UPES School of Design. Participating programs include Graphic Design, Interior Design, Interactive Media Design and Interdisciplinary Studies in Human-Centred Design.

The WDO supports over 180-member organizations worldwide, representing designers and their contributions to economic, social, cultural, and environmental development. Both Algonquin College and UPES University are WDO members.

Jed Looker, Principal Investigator of the Human-Centred Design Lab, created the event in collaboration with UPES University after connecting with a UPES colleague at a WDO networking event.

“The first week of the challenge is in-person at Algonquin College and UPES respectively, where students come together to form teams, define expectations and learn about the challenge themes. From there, students collaborate virtually over Zoom to develop their projects before making their final pitch to the panel of industry judges in week three,” said Looker. Continue reading →

AC learners take centre stage at Canadian Culinary Championship  

Feb. 3 marks the start of the Canadian Culinary Competition, a two-day competition which will take place in Ottawa and feature nine of Canada’s brightest culinary minds. The event is divided into three separate competitions with one winner crowned at the cumulative grand finale event on Saturday, Feb. 4.

The first competition will be a Mystery Wine Pairing which will take place at the Shaw Centre — chefs will be given a mystery bottle of wine and challenged to create a dish with local ingredients that best complement the beverage.

Algonquin College will be the proud host of the second competition on Saturday, Feb. 4. The Black Box challenge will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the College’s state-of-the-art culinary facilities. The challenge will require the chefs to prepare two dishes in one hour using a box of mystery ingredients. Delicious nibbles will be prepared by Algonquin College’s culinary learners, using local ingredients, for onlookers to enjoy while they soak in this Iron Chef-type experience.

AC learners will be hard at work during the third and final competition at the Shaw Centre as well where teams of five will be assigned to each competing chef for culinary support.

This competition is an opportunity for budding chefs to learn from some of the best in the business and create meaningful relationships that will promote their success in the industry post-graduation. Student volunteers were chosen for their academic vigor and culinary abilities within all levels of the College’s culinary program.

Learners from Algonquin College’s Broadcasting – Television program will be onsite as well — a team of 18 students will put their audio and video skills to the test, broadcasting the Canadian Culinary Championship for viewers at home.

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to support Algonquin College learners and enjoy delicious fare prepared by the nation’s foremost culinary professionals. Learn more about the weekend’s events and buy your tickets today by visiting this link.