The start of the 2023 Winter term also marks the start of a new year, a time when we come together to look ahead, reconnect after a well-deserved break, and work together toward our goals and objectives. As we open our doors for AC Day 1, I want to welcome everyone and share some information with you.
For new employees and learners:
Navigating campus
Throughout this week (January 9 – 13), Here2Help booths with be set up at all major access points across the Ottawa campus. Take a moment to chat with a Here2Help volunteer for campus directions, and tips and tricks for campus life.
For learners at our Perth and Pembroke campuses who require assistance navigating campus, you can book a campus tour with Explore AC here.
Student information sessions. Explore AC will also be hosting live 45-minute Question & Answer webinar sessions from January 16 to January 26 to answer program-specific questions. Weekly general sessions will also be offered to cover our support services, student life and residence. You can register for a session here.
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for our region commencing the evening of Thursday, December 15 and continuing into Friday, December 16. College leadership has been monitoring the forecast, which indicates a rapid accumulation of snow. As a result, please be advised of the following: Continue reading Winter Storm Message – Dec. 15
Announcement caps donor recognition event celebrating a ‘million-dollar day’
December 7, 2022 (OTTAWA) – Algonquin College is pleased to announce that RBC Foundation has pledged $500,000 through its RBC Future Launch program to support College skilled trades initiatives over the next five years. RBC’s investment will help tackle a critical and worsening nationwide shortage of skilled trades workers and prepare students for inclusive and sustainable jobs of the future.
“We are very pleased that RBC chose to partner with Algonquin College on its initiatives to close the skills gap and train workers for the current and emerging disciplines that will be critical to a sustainable future,” said Claude Brulé, Algonquin College President and Chief Executive Officer.
“This multi-year investment will pay dividends for years to come. Our graduates will bring new skills into the workplace and become leaders who approach their work with a sustainability mindset.”
Powered by RBC Future Launch, this collaboration builds on RBC’s 10-year, $500 million commitment to help Canadian youth prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
RBC’s donation will help Algonquin College increase enrolment in skilled trades programs, including in short-term “upskilling” programs for certified workers; boost work-integrated learning opportunities, such as coops and field placements; provide industry networking and event opportunities that focus on topics of interest to industry, including the development of a diverse talent pool; and support projects and applied research partnerships that prioritize sustainability.
“There’s a huge shortage of people in skilled trades. With retirements coming up, it’s only going to get worse. We need to act now. This is why RBC is joining forces with Algonquin College to help attract more people to the trades,” says Marjolaine Hudon, Regional President at RBC. “Creating on-the-job learning and showcasing career opportunities will help attract more students — women, men, people of diverse backgrounds — to the trades. This will prepare them for critical jobs required to deliver key infrastructure and construction projects in the future.” Continue reading RBC invests $500,000 to support skilled trades at Algonquin College
(OTTAWA — Nov. 30, 2022) – Algonquin College is pleased to announce that TD Bank Group (TD) has become its newest DARE6 partner, opening the door to a wide range of opportunities to engage, share unique experiences and build stronger relationships with like-minded, prominent community builders.
The DARE6 concept is based on a governance model for Indigenous Peoples derived from the Iroquois — or Haudenosaunee — Confederacy dating back a thousand years. The Confederacy, sometimes described as one of the world’s oldest participatory democracies, included the Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, Mohawk and Tuscarora. Occupying what is now upper New York state and southeastern Quebec and Ontario, these six tribes united under the Great Law of Peace. Continue reading Algonquin College announces TD Bank Group as newest DARE6 partner
(OTTAWA – October 31, 2022) – Algonquin College Corporate Training has rolled out all seven approved courses and exams required by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) for new home builders in Ontario.
Now running on their public enrolment schedule, home builders applying for their license can get the training they need from Algonquin College in order to pass their competency exams. Each one- or two-day course includes the exam fee and is taught by certified industry instructors. Live instruction is considered the best way for knowledge transfer and setting participants up for success for their exam.
“We are excited to be adding to our roster of course offerings in the construction sector” said Business Development Director Pouya Safi. “Corporate Training has had a long history working within this industry and we are long-time members of the Greater Ottawa Homebuilders Association and the Ontario Homebuilders Association. Getting these courses built and approved by HCRA, was a natural fit for us.”
Algonquin College is making final preparations for its Ottawa 2022 Fall Convocation ceremonies, which will include an in-person component for the first time in two years.
Over 1,100 graduates have registered for the ceremonies in Ottawa.
“We are pleased to be able to celebrate the accomplishments of our learners with the return of our Fall Convocation,” said Claude Brulé, President and CEO of Algonquin College. “Graduation is a significant moment and we look forward to a memorable event for our learners and their families as we recognize their efforts and accomplishments, and wish them well as they continue onto their next chapters.”
Photos, videos and special moments will be shared on the college’s social media feeds using the #Algonquin2022 convocation hashtag.
(1) To support highly strategic applied research projects in collaboration with industry and community partners (an estimated five projects per year).
(2) To grow applied research capacity within the College.
“The RDI will support special, collaborative applied research projects that have strategic
importance to the College and community,” said Claude Brulé, President and CEO, Algonquin College. “The projects will reside in the College’s existing domains of research excellence, and they will address issues of national importance, working with local and community partners. Topics include supply chain innovation, tools for online learning, intimate partner violence, wastewater for rural development and reduction of carbon footprint in biogas generation.”
Canadian Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, today announced that Algonquin College is the recipient of a new grant from the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF). The project, entitled “Social Procurement & Enterprise Development (SPEnD)”, will develop, curate and disseminate research on the capacity of Canada’s college sector for social procurement and social finance and contribute to community wealth building through research and development of market driven social enterprises.
“We appreciate the support from the College and Community Social Innovation Fund and the recognition of Algonquin College’s Social Innovation Lab,” said Claude Brulé, president and CEO, Algonquin College. “We are pleased to embark on this long-term research partnership that will harness the skills of our students and faculty and contribute to developing a new generation of professionals with the skills required to serve the needs of Canada’s social innovation sector.”
College holding day-long series of events for students and employees
Each year, Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Recognition of the tragic history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
As part of a full day of activities, Algonquin College is holding a Recognition Ceremony and Commemorative Sculpture Unveiling on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The unvelling will take place in Ishkodewan at the Ottawa campus on Friday, September, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
President and CEO Claude Brulé will be joined by Indigenous story-telling with community Knowledge Keeper and Indigenous Rights Advisor, Michael Desautels. Algonquin College will then unveil a monument created by local artist, Barry Ranger, to commemorate the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential schools across the country.
Activities will also be held throughout the day at Algonquin College’s Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth campuses in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Campuses will have a Legacy Of Hope Foundation exhibit on display. Escaping at Ottawa; Generations Lost at Pembroke; and Bi-Giwen at Perth. Each campus will also fly the Every Child Matters flag.
The Mamidosewin Centre (Ottawa campus) will be open for students dropping in to host supportive discussions. The Centre intends to provide a place students can go to feel supported, to make sense of what reconciliation means to them, and have a meal as well as supportive dialog.
9:30 a.m.: Morning smudge and welcome breakfast
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Chili and bannock lunch
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Speakers Series: The History of Colonization from Pre-Contact to Truth and Reconciliation led by Eric Johnston and Jackie Tenute
Film Screening, Nawapon (Ottawa campus), 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Join to watch the multiple-award-winning film Beans and hear a special talk by Director, Tracey Deer. Afterwards, there will be space for reflection and discussion outside by the fire, which will be moderated by the Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival.
This event is a collaborative effort by Learning and Teaching Services, Film and Media Production, the Truth and Reconciliation Initiative, as well as the Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival.
Pembroke Campus
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony, 9:40am Please join a Special Truth and Reconciliation ceremony led by Kampus Kokum and Campus Elder in the Commons.
Kairos Blanket Exercise, 10am-1pm Join the Pembroke campus in the gymnasium for an interactive session to experience teaching tool that shares the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
The College community is mourning the sudden passing of first-year Pre-Health Sciences Pathway’s student, Savanna Pikuyak. Savanna, aged 22, was studying at the Ottawa Campus and had come to Algonquin College from Nunavut.
A community gathering to honour Savanna will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. in Ishkodewan (rain location in Nawapon). Community members are invited to mourn, pay respects and come together at this challenging time.
As we grieve this senseless and tragic loss, the College is making resources available, including counselling services, to any employee or learner in need of assistance. Program chairs and faculty are also coordinating any support required for classmates, teachers and friends of Savanna at this difficult time.
For updates and information, check back here before the event.
student, Savanna Pikuyak. Savanna, aged 22, was studying at the Ottawa Campus and had come to Algonquin College from Nunavut.