Algonquin College broke numerous enrolment records this fall, seeing increases across the board.
“The numbers are still being finalized, but already we can see that we are on track for a very impressive fall and winter,” said Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen. “We know that students have choices when they’re considering their post-secondary education, and we’re proud that so many students are choosing us. It’s confirmation that our programs stand out.”
Among the statistics so far:
the highest level of full-time post-secondary and graduate certificate enrolments in the College’s history (18,758 net registered; 3.8% above last year at same time)
record enrolments for new students and returning students
international enrolments saw a whopping 39% year-over-year increase and domestic enrolments are also ahead of last year
Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario, offering more than 185 programs in multiple disciplines.
Patrick Brown, Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition, visited Algonquin College’s Ottawa campus on Friday to participate in an open Q&A with students.
The forum took place in Minto Hall in the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE). The Conservative Party leader fielded student questions on everything from education funding and student assistance to job creation.
“I want as many students to have access to education as possible,” Brown said. “I want to continue to grow our student assistance. I hope, as Ontario prospers, that we have the ability to break down more barriers.”
Brown was joined by Algonquin College Students’ Association President, Victoria Ventura, Nepean-Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod, and Algonquin College President, Cheryl Jensen.
“I know that Patrick Brown is a big proponent of post-secondary schools being responsive to the needs of the workforce, and that’s something we are always trying to be here at Algonquin College,” Jensen said. “Our proposed Centre for Excellence in Heath Education is a great example of this. Just as the ACCE building we are in today has helped us meet the demands of the trades sector, we are now preparing to build a state-of-the art centre that will help us meet the future needs of the health-care sector in new and innovative ways.”
McLeod called Brown “someone who believes in post-secondary educations – in particular, our college system.”
Ventura led the Q&A session, which also focussed on post-college job opportunities. Brown spoke about the need to invest and support innovative job sectors like computer science, tech and engineering – and to provide fast provincial approval for new academic offerings at universities and colleges in order to meet the needs of emerging job sectors.
OTTAWA — Algonquin College is pleased to announce its first clinical research study at the Garbarino Girard Centre for Innovation in Seniors Care.
The study will help researchers design and deliver integrated assessment systems to monitor movement and brain health to support early identification of cognitive decline, including dementia.
“Mobility and cognition are the two most common, intertwined complexities faced by older adults,” says the study’s clinical research lead, Dr. Frank Knoefel of the Bruyère Research Institute.
The study is also noteworthy for its use of technology.
“This project looks at how technology can help identify early indicators of decline to support improved diagnosis and treatment of cognitive issues,” added Dr. Rafik Goubran of Carleton University, the study’s technology lead.
The 12-month study will involve participants recruited from the Garbarino Girard Centre. During twice-monthly sessions, participants are asked to play computer games and complete balance tasks on a ‘standing’ computer system. The result will be greater insights on the correlation between declining mobility and cognition which is needed to create robust systems to help identify and treat cognitive health issues.
The study will also provide experiential training to post-secondary students. Those in computer engineering, technology, psychology, occupational and recreational therapy (assistant programs) and other disciplines will be able to assist the principal investigators.
The initiative will be officially launched with a reception and technology demonstration on Sept. 19, 2017 at Algonquin College.
The research study is supported by the AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE), which is Canada’s Technology and Aging Network.
“This is an innovative project that aims to harness the power of computer games and balance technology to improve the lives of older Canadians with cognitive impairment,” says Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Scientific Director of AGE-WELL. “We are excited to see the study get underway and delighted with the collaboration involved in making it happen.”
Algonquin College is a new partner of AGE-WELL, which includes 37 universities and research centres as well as more than 200 industry, government, and post-secondary institutions and non-profit partners.
“This project offers personalized education that combines both experiential learning and applied research,” says Dr. Barbara Foulds, Dean, Faculty of Health, Public Safety and Community Studies at Algonquin College. “The partnership with AGE-WELL also helps create a new landscape for heightened collaboration between our respective institutions that will better prepare our learners in health and community studies, media and design as well as advanced technology to contribute to healthcare innovation.”
A number of partners including the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre Adult Day Program, Carleton University, the Bruyère Research Institute and the University of Alberta are involved in the project. The Garbarino Girard Centre for Innovation in Seniors Care opened on May 25, 2016.
Event details follow.
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EVENT DETAILS
When: Sept. 19, 2017 Time: 12:55 p.m. Where: Algonquin College, 1385 Woodroffe Ave., Ottawa Place: Garbarino Girard Centre for Innovation in Seniors Care Parking: Lot 1 RSVP: Ruth Dunley, dunleyr@algonquincollege.com
About Algonquin College: The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. Algonquin College, an Ontario public-sector community college, does this by offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in more than 185 programs. Based in the Ottawa Valley, Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario. www.algonquincollege.com
About AGE-WELL NCE: AGE-WELL is a federally-funded Canadian network of industry, non-profit organizations, government, care providers, end users and academic partners working together using high-quality research to drive innovation and create technologies and services that benefit older adults and caregivers. Its vision is to harness and build upon the potential of emerging and advanced technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), e-health, information communication technologies (ICTs), and mobile technologies to stimulate technological, social and policy innovation. AGE-WELL was launched in 2015 through the Networks of Centres of Excellence program. www.agewell-nce.ca
OTTAWA — Patrick Brown, Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition, will be visiting Algonquin College to participate in an open forum Q&A with students, followed by a private campus tour.
When: Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Algonquin College Ottawa Campus, Minto Hall, Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE)
Who:
Patrick Brown, Leader of Ontario’s Official Opposition
Cheryl Jensen, President, Algonquin College
Victoria Ventura, President, Algonquin College Students’ Association
Nepean-Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod
RSVP: Members of the media planning to attend the event can RSVP Communications Officer Chris Lackner at lacknec@algonquincollege.com or 613-727-4723 (ext. 2091)
Parking: Parking is available off College Avenue Extension
Minister Deb Matthews visited Algonquin College Monday to discuss the impact of the provincial government’s changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). More than one-third of Ontario college and university students will receive free tuition in 2017-18.
“Going to college or university is a wonderful opportunity for young Ontarians,” said Minister Matthews, Deputy Premier, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, and Minister Responsible for Digital Government. “That’s why this government is committed to making it as easy and affordable as we possibly can for students, so that they can pursue their dreams, fulfil their potential and get the skills they’ll need for the jobs of tomorrow.”
“I am pleased to tell you we now have 50,000 more students applying for OSAP this year than last year,” Minister Matthews added, highlighting the government’s boost to grants and loans for students from families with a combined income of up to $175,000. More than 210,000 students will receive free tuitionin 2017-18, and OSAP applications are up 10 per cent.
Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen joined Matthews for the announcement in the Algonquin College Student Commons.
“At Algonquin College, we believe in the potential of every student to turn their dreams into careers and have a positive impact in our communities,” President Jensen said. “That is why we applaud the government of Ontario for rolling out increased supports for low and middle-income students that will transform lives and allow us to support more dreamers in their path to success. We want to thank Minister Matthews for taking the time to come and meet with our student leaders who inspire us every day.”
Minister Matthews also took questions from students in a meeting organized by Algonquin College Students’ Association President Victoria Ventura.
“Algonquin College students were happy to have an opportunity to engage with Minister Matthews this morning and talk about the issues that affect us and the hope we have for the future,” Ventura said.
“We welcomed the Minister’s words about OSAP because financial concerns should not be barriers to access. The changes to OSAP will make sure 80 per cent of students will have fewer financial worries as they pursue their studies.”
Ventura also took to the podium to announce a $1 million investment towards Indigenous art, artifacts and architecture for the new Library, innovation centre and institute for Indigenous entrepreneurship. Ventura called the Students’ Association funding an effort to honour “the unique history of Algonquin College” and “create a more inclusive community.”
Minister Deb Matthews to make announcement
on Ontario Student Assistance Program
at Algonquin College on Monday, Sept. 11
OTTAWA — Algonquin College is pleased to host Deputy Premier Deb Matthews, the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, and Minister Responsible for Digital Government. She will be visiting the College’s Ottawa campus to meet with students, and make an announcement on changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program. Minister Matthews will also meet with Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen and Victoria Ventura, President of the Algonquin College Students’ Association.
When: Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, 9:10 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. (media are advised to arrive by 8:45 a.m.)
Where: Algonquin College Ottawa Campus, lobby of E Building (Algonquin College Student Commons)
Who:
Minister Deb Matthews
Cheryl Jensen, President, Algonquin College
Victoria Ventura, President, Algonquin College Student Association
Ron McLester, Executive Director of Indigenous Initiatives and Special Advisor to the President
RSVP: Members of the media planning to attend the event can RSVP Communications Manager Ruth Dunley at dunleyr@algonquincollege.com or 613-727-4723 (ext. 6452)
Parking: Parking is available in Lot 4, off Navaho Drive
Algonquin College is helping set Canada’s Table, a unique, sold-out culinary experience at which Canadian food and wine will be showcased at a 1000-person, open-air table on Wellington Street on Sunday, Aug. 27.
On Saturday, Aug. 26, the event’s star-studded roster of out-of-town chefs will cook up a storm in Algonquin College’s kitchen labs — the ideal local space to bring their culinary creations to life. Chefs from the School of Hospitality and Tourism will be helping organize the guest chefs. Continue reading Algonquin College helps set Canada’s Table
Algonquin College’s annual President’s Breakfast served up multiple surprises.
The College’s Ottawa campus was honoured to host his Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, to its Ottawa campus. Johnston was on hand to help unveil the Letters Patent for the College’s new Coat of Arms.
In his speech, the Governor General praised the College’s four core values – Caring, Learning, Integrity and Respect – which anchor the new Coat of Arms, and noted they can guide the College through any challenge.
“The 150th anniversary of Confederation and the 50th Anniversary of Algonquin College are opportune occasions for us to ask ourselves, What do we live for? and What do we value above all?,” he told the crowd of nearly 1,000 employees from Ottawa, Perth, and Pembroke. “The answers are in this emblem. I thank you all for your commitment to caring, learning, integrity and respect…. This institution aspires to empower people and to be learner driven, innovative, connected and sustainable, and one way you will do that is by staying true to ‘thine own self’ — to those values.”
His Excellency was joined by the Chief Herald of Canada, Dr. Claire Boudreau, and the Saguenay Herald, Dr. Samy Khalid, of the Canadian Heraldic Authority, to present the Letters Patent of the College’s new Coat of Arms – which also received its official proclamation from Khalid.
Algonquin College applied to the Canadian Heraldic Authority in 2015 for a grant of a coat of arms, flags and a badge as a legacy project to mark the College’s 50th anniversary. The Coat of Arms, the College’s first, is an honour from the Canadian Crown. This spring’s graduating class was the first to have it embossed on their degrees, diplomas and certificates.
The Governor General also noted that the final design reflected the input of many individuals and groups, including Indigenous communities.
The unveiling of the Letters Patent was part of the President’s Breakfast, an annual event for employees hosted by Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen to mark the start of the fall term.
In another powerful moment, Algonquin College Students’ Association President Victoria Ventura announced a $1 million investment towards Indigenous artifacts and architecture for the new IELC building and institute for Indigenous entrepreneurship, slated to open in spring 2018.
The Students’ Association’s board of directors approved $1 million “to ensure Indigenous architecture, arts and cultural artifacts” will be a “permanent part” of the new building, she explained. That investment includes design elements in the courtyard, which Ventura envisioned playing home to everything from pow wows to ceremonial drumming events. Ventura said the investment would encourage the College community to both experience and learn from “traditional Indigenous knowledge.”
“Your incredible contribution to the students we all serve — together — is appreciated,” Jensen said in thanking Ventura, the Students’ Association, and its Board of Directors. “By me, by the employees of Algonquin — those here today and those who will follow us in the years to come…. Your investment will allow us to see, touch, feel and experience the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation report. I salute you.”
In Jensen’s own speech, she looked towards the future, and discussed everything from the College’s five-year Strategic Plan to ongoing 50th Anniversary celebrations like the upcoming, inaugural Alumni of Distinction Awards Gala.
The Governor General praised the College’s first five decades in his own remarks: “For the past 50 years, Algonquin College has indeed honoured Canada through its relentless dedication to education — to learning, and to helping us build a smarter, more caring nation.”
To start the event, Ron McLester, Executive Director and Special Advisor to the President on Aboriginal Initiatives, gave a traditional Thanksgiving Address: “As summer is ending, harvest time is beginning and school is starting over again,” he said. “We are once again able to acknowledge our connections with one another… in this place, in this special organization, we have a chance and opportunity to make a difference, and that’s exactly what we are going to do…. We are going to look to our our future and we are going to make a difference today.”
Keynote speaker, futurist Jesse Hirsh, ended the morning by encouraging educators to be at the forefront of critical thinking and digital literacy in the 21st century. He called upon teachers and post-secondary institutions to ensure that “technology serves us rather than us serving technology” and to teach students to “question everything in their world.” He also praised colleges like Algonquin for leading the way by embracing entrepreneurship and opening innovation centres.
A reoccurring theme at the event was the College’s core values: Caring, Learning, Integrity and Respect.
“We’re going to keep our values … at the centre of everything we do,” Jensen said. “So, let’s get to work and focus on achieving our goals.
“As we have seen this morning, our beautiful new Coat of Arms is rich with symbols that reflect our values and goals — not just who we are, but who we aspire to be as we move into the future.”
Algonquin College is helping set