OTTAWA (November 17, 2020) — Kind Village Inc. and Algonquin College are pleased to announce their partnership and the launch of Project In-Kind: Campus Edition in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and local communities experiencing the impacts of COVID-19.
Together, the partners will activate 20,000+ students, staff, and faculty across Algonquin College’s campuses and support over 500 charities and non-profit organizations in an experiential learning and community support effort. This effort will see participants give time, skills, goods, and other non-cash resources in an effort to help meet the needs of local charities and non-profits, expand awareness for the UN SDGs, and demonstrate a world-class impact education program for other Canadian and global campuses to join.
Project In-Kind demonstrates how to turn a campus into an engine for good. Through an ambassador program, virtual events, learning resources, and social media templates, this ground-breaking initiative will educate, inspire, and engage the post-secondary population to take part in the critical Decade of Action to achieve the UN SDGs by 2030 and build long-lasting resiliency in local communities around the world. Continue reading Algonquin College Launches Project In-Kind: Campus Edition
Reports of increasing cases of COVID-19 and warnings they could continue to climb higher are a stark reminder that we must continue our stringent adherence to public health guidelines and plan ahead with the health and safety of College learners and employees as our top priority.
As such, I have two announcements today regarding our operations as we head toward 2021.
First, the College has decided to extend the cancellation of all on-campus events until June 30, 2021. Public health officials continue to underscore the high risk associated with large indoor gatherings, and because many of our events require weeks and months of preparation, we wanted to give everyone the advanced notice so people can plan accordingly. Continue reading Message from the President – November 17
To follow COVID-19 health and safety protocols, Algonquin College’s Remembrance Day Ceremonies are virtual this year. Please see the full details for each campus below:
The Ontario budget investment of $59.5 million to expand micro-credential retraining programs will help more Algonquin College students find rewarding careers and job seekers acquire the expertise to return to the workforce.
“The Ontario government’s investment in micro-credentials will help support the ever-changing needs of both our students and Ontario’s economy,” said Claude Brulé, Algonquin College’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Micro-credentials will allow colleges to respond to demand for upskilling and retraining, and address needs in regional labour markets – as well as support our collaborative efforts with employers and industry partners.”
The 2020 Ontario Budget tabled on Thursday announced the new funding over three years to support Ontario’s new micro-credentials strategy, which will help people retrain and upgrade their skills to find new employment.
The funding will be used to create an online portal of micro-credential training opportunities, develop new micro-credential programs, launch a public awareness campaign and to develop a virtual passport that creates opportunities for people in the programs to pursue further learning.
The government also announced that students enrolled in qualified programs will be eligible to get student assistance.
Expanding micro-credential programs to provide more retraining opportunities was one of the recommendations in a recent white paper, The Future of Ontario’s Workers, by the StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy. It was submitted to Colleges and Universities Minister Ross Romano as part of the minister’s consultations on modernizing higher education.
The paper has also recommended other important steps Ontario must take to produce a strong workforce that will drive economic growth. These include establishing career-focused three-year degree programs at colleges and creating master’s degrees at colleges for college and university graduates in specialized fields such as robotics, cybersecurity and animation.
As we enter the second half of the Fall term, we must continue to make health and safety our primary concern – especially as local restrictions change based on developments in our campuses communities.
I also want to acknowledge the many sacrifices being made by employees and students in order to maintain our vigilance and adhere to public health recommendations. There are many people whom we’ve asked to continue to work and study remotely. I appreciate their frustrations and the desire to return to some kind of normalcy; we all look forward to a day when onsite College activities can return to their former bustle and vibrancy. Continue reading Message from the President – November 06
Annie Sprouls dreamed for years of becoming an Early Childhood Educator (ECE).
When a friend studying at Algonquin College told her about the college’s online program options, Sprouls heard a voice inside her head saying, ‘Annie, you can do anything you set your mind to,’ and began investigating.
Algonquin College is implementing the use of a digital self-screening tool for COVID-19 as an app within our existing Mobile Safety App. This tool will help to improve upon health and safety measures and coordination of access at all campuses.
It is clear that there will be a need for ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the College community and contribute to the efforts by public health agencies to control the spread of COVID-19. This need will endure, regardless whether College campuses remain in modified Stage 2 or return to Stage 3 requirements. Continue reading COVID-19 Self Screening App
OTTAWA, PEMBROKE AND PERTH – Algonquin College will host its first-ever virtual Convocation on Wednesday, October 28. Each program will receive a personalized ceremony complete with speeches from the President, Dean and valedictorian. All three of Algonquin’s Ontario campuses will participate in the online festivities.
Due to COVID-19, it was not possible to host a normal ceremony with hundreds of students gathered together with their classmates, family members, mentors, College faculty and administration. In an effort to allow graduates to celebrate their success this year, the Algonquin College Events Team created individualized ceremonies for every program and graduate.
“Our graduates have earned this moment. The class of 2020 has had to endure many additional challenges and sacrifices, and it is more important than ever to recognize their achievements,” said Claude Brulé, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Hosting these ceremonies is a continuation of our commitment to our learners, helping them realize their lifelong dreams, and I congratulate them on reaching this important milestone.” Continue reading Algonquin College hosting first-ever virtual convocation
I want to start by recognizing your persistence, resilience and adaptability this fall. As we mark the Mid-Term Break period next week (October 26-30), it’s a time to reflect on the many unique challenges we have overcome together so far. Thank you for your continued hard work and collaborative spirit.
The Mid-Term break week is designed to be a chance to catch our collective breath – and support improved student mental health. To our learners, I hope you make the most of the week ahead – whether enjoying some down time or catching up on your studies. To our academic teams and in keeping with the intent of the Mid-Term break week, I ask you to limit academic expectations of students during this time. I hope this period offers an opportunity for you to focus on your own well-being and to engage in professional development opportunities like Kaleidoscope and Learning and Teaching Services’ Teaching Expo. Continue reading Message from the President – October 23
It is more important than ever to reduce the spread of the flu.
Algonquin College’s Health Services has been working closely with Risk Management and Ottawa Public Health to finalize plans to provide flu shots this Fall. In keeping with College direction to minimize traffic on campus, we will be offering flu shots to all students and employees who are approved to be on campus for work and/or study as well as to all students living in Residence.
Ottawa Public Health was not able to guarantee the number of flu vaccines we will receive. They are distributing the vaccines evenly throughout the city of Ottawa so the total number of vaccines we will receive will depend on availability. Health Services has recently received a limited supply of flu vaccine and will be commencing flu shot clinics on Monday November 2nd in the Nawapon room on the first floor of C Building. Clinics will be by appointment only. Appointment booking will be available by phone as of Monday, October 26th. To book an appointment, please call 613-727-4723 ext.7222. Continue reading Flu Vaccination Clinics 2020/21