Message from the President (September 29)

Posted on Wednesday, September 29th, 2021

Dear Colleagues and Learners:

I would like to start off this week’s communiqué with a note of thanks for your ongoing patience this past month as we implemented the College’s new Mandatory Vaccination Policy for the start of the 2021 Fall Term. Support for the use of the Algonquin Mobile Safety App to submit vaccine status information has been incredible, with over 11,500 applications submitted by College community members. Of these submissions, 92% are fully or partially vaccinated against COVID-19.

The month of October lies ahead and features three crucial deadlines related to our policy:

  • October 12: Those choosing to be unvaccinated by personal choice will not be permitted access to the campus after this date – unless they have been approved for an exemption (details on this process can be found here).
  • October 16: For those pursuing vaccination, this is the latest date you can receive your last shot in order to meet the College’s October 30 deadline for full vaccination. (Once you receive your last dose, you must re-submit your proof of vaccination via our AC Mobile Safety App or web portal).
  • October 30: This is the date complete vaccination is required – meaning you have received your last dose and have waited the requisite 14 days to be considered fully vaccinated. If you have not received your last dose – and undergone the 14-day waiting period by this point – you will not be allowed entry to the campus.

I also want to remind everyone that the health and safety of the entire College community relies on everyone doing their individual part. College community members visiting our campuses must ensure they access our buildings through approved entry points, follow our self-screening and proof of vaccination procedures, and adhere to guidelines such as physical distancing and mandatory indoor mask use. We must continue to be vigilant about protecting one another.

This week also highlights another important date for all Canadians: Thursday, September 30 marks the inaugural National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – as well as the annual Orange Shirt Day.

This is an important day to reflect on the tragic victims of our residential school system – including young lives who were lost, survivors, and their families. There are a variety of Algonquin College resources and activities planned to help us learn, reflect, and commemorate this Thursday. The majority of these opportunities are virtual and accessible to all our students and employees. For example:

  • Students’ Association President Emily Ferguson, and Vice President, Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization Ron (Deganadus) McLester join me in a podcast to share in the many ways we try to incorporate Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization into our thinking and what we do at Algonquin College. The podcast is available here.
  • Pembroke Campus’ Jamie Bramburger, Manager, Community and Student Affairs recently spoke with Ry Moran, founding director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Watch the video interview here and Moran’s recent speaker series’ presentation here.
  • Algonquin College’s Early Learning Centre children were treated to Indigenous storytelling by Ron (Deganadus) McLester – an enlightening session that shows Truth and Reconciliation starts with all children. Watch the video.
  • An all-day memorial fire in our Ishkodewan Indigenous courtyard on Ottawa Campus.
  • A Sunrise smudge at 7 a.m. courtesy of the Mamidosewin Centre Facebook page.
  • The Legacy of Hope Foundation’s display Generations Lost: Healing the Legacy of Residential Schools is open to members of the College community who are on campus (located in front of Nawapon, the Indigenous Learning Commons in C Building on Ottawa Campus, until October 7, 2021).
  • Flags on Algonquin College’s campuses will fly at half-mast to pay tribute to residential school victims.

A full list of all virtual and in-person engagement opportunities can be found here. To learn more about the College’s overall commitment to Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization, visit our TRI site here.

Of course, this is also Campus Pride Week and I encourage everyone to participate in this week’s fantastic array of events. This is all about celebrating and empowering our 2SLGBTQ+ community, so let’s come together to do so. Looking ahead, I also encourage everyone to engage in activities and learning opportunities planned for Mental Illness Awareness Week.

As always, stay safe everyone.

Sincerely,

Claude Brulé

President and CEO

 


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