Cooperative Education work-terms at Algonquin College have surged to record levels and are ranking among the best in Canada, despite challenges posed by the pandemic. The news comes as National Co-op & Work Integrated Learning Month is launched today.
Fall 2020 co-op work-terms increased by 27 per cent at Algonquin compared to the same pre-pandemic time in 2019. The trend continues in the 2021 Winter term, with year-over-year growth pushing towards 30 per cent. The increases come as Canada celebrates National Co-op & Work Integrated Learning Month.
The good news is more remarkable considering work-terms across the rest of the country have been decreasing, according to recent statistics from Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL). The organization’s November report indicated overall nation-wide placements were down by 14 per cent year-over-year. Continue reading Algonquin Co-op Work-terms Reach Record Levels
Let me first start by thanking you for the resiliency, creativity and flexibility you have continued to display each and every day as we navigated the recent province-wide shutdown and its impact through the Winter Term on the delivery of our programs and services.
As we mark the Winter Mid-Term Break period next week (for most programs of study; exceptions include AC Online and apprenticeships), I want to commend you for your hard work and spirit of collaboration in the face of the many unique challenges created by the pandemic. Continue reading Message from the President – February 25
The new accelerated training program for personal support workers (PSWs) announced today by the provincial government will produce a huge increase in the PSW training at Ontario’s colleges.
“This timely program supports learners and future patients by helping address the community demand for personal support workers,” said Claude Brulé, Algonquin College’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “It’s an excellent opportunity for people interested in a new career in this crucial health care field.”
Ottawa and Perth returned to this regionalized COVID-19 response system Tuesday, February 16 – following Pembroke on February 10. Returning to this framework allows our campuses to operate largely as they have throughout the Fall term. Continue reading Message from the Acting President – February 17
OTTAWA (February 11, 2021)– Today as we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Algonquin College is pleased to announce that the Leacross Foundation has donated $60,000 to support women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs at Algonquin College.
“We are thrilled by the ongoing generosity and support from the Leacross Foundation,” said Claude Brulé, President and CEO of Algonquin College. “Their ongoing commitment to ensuring women are supported in STEM fields is a great help to our learners. Their contributions help remove barriers for female students to participate in STEM programs, connect with female mentors and have gender inclusive classrooms.”
On Monday, the Premier announced that Ontario’s State of Emergency would end on Tuesday, February 9 – allowing for a gradual reinstatement of a regionalized system of assessment and restrictions.
The existing stay-at-home order and shutdown measures will remain in effect in individual communities and regions until they transition back to the province’s revised COVID-19 response framework. Ottawa and Perth are scheduled to return to this system on Tuesday, February 16 while Pembroke returns today (Wednesday, February 10). As part of the revised framework, non-essential retail will be allowed to open in some zones with strict capacity limits and other new safety measures. Continue reading Message from the President – February 10
For many students, leaving family and loved ones behind to attend college means leaving a support network and family traditions. Luckily, Indigenous students at the Pembroke campus have the opportunity to interact with a supportive grandmother-figure who is ready and willing to engage with them.
Annie Parker is the Pembroke Kampus Kokum. A Kokum is an Algonquin Anishinaabe word for Grandmother. On campus, her roles to provide cultural and traditional insight, support and personal consultation for our Indigenous students.
It’s a new role for the College, and for Parker, and one she has embraced. “It’s a real honour,” she said. “I see it as being able to be open and honest with the students, I don’t have all the answers but I have a willingness to find the answers, to be approachable, and students can come to me. In short, develop relationships.” Continue reading Pembroke Kampus Kokum Offering Support to Indigenous Students
OTTAWA – Algonquin College will commence its most intensive undertaking to date on the subject of anti-racism on Monday, February 1 when it opens its week-long Taking a Stand – Disrupting Black and Indigenous Racism Week (Feb. 1 – 5), with a ceremony highlighted by Indigenous and African drumming performances.
The week’s 20 events will sound a call to action on the racism that exists in every corner of society and also provide space for groups to come together for healing and highlight the culture and successes of Black and Indigenous people that too often goes unnoticed. Speakers include noted authors Desmond Cole, Blair Imani and Waubgeshig Rice, among many others. Continue reading Algonquin College ‘Taking a Stand – Disrupting Black and Indigenous Racism Week’
OTTAWA (January 28, 2021) – Mercury Filmworks has established an annual award for a graduating Algonquin College Film and Media Production student. The five-year commitment has an annual value of $5,000 and was created to honour former Mercury Filmworks’ employee and former Algonquin College student Kevin Kocvar.
Launched in the Fall of 2020, Algonquin’s two-year Film and Media Production program provides hands-on experience with the equipment and processes used in the film and screen-based media production industry. Ottawa’s Mercury Filmworks is one of Canada’s most prolific independent studios and internationally recognized as a leader in the animation industry for its benchmarks in quality, reliability, and innovation. Continue reading Mercury Filmworks Donates $25,000 to Students of Algonquin College’s New Film and Media Production Program