This is my first communiqué in a few weeks and I have a few updates I would like to share.
The start of the Fall term is always a time of great excitement, and this year is no exception in that regard. It is, however, different in many other ways when compared to last fall. Our campuses look a little different, some of our course delivery is different, and when we re-enter the College with our masks – for those who are required to be on campus – we will all look a little different, too.
As much as we are anxious to resume all of the activities we associate with the start of a new academic year and a new term, we know that we must proceed with caution in order to continue to make the health and safety of our College community our number one priority. For this reason, we have made the decision to extend the suspension of all in-person events (celebrations, large gatherings, professional development, etc.) on campus at Algonquin College up to and including Dec. 31, 2020. This deadline may be revised mid-way through the Fall term and we will notify you of any updates as soon as they are available. Continue reading Message from the President – August 25
On behalf of Algonquin College, I want to wish this year’s Virtual Capital Pride Festival every success.
Diversity and inclusiveness are central to the spirit of this dynamic festival – and they are also key strengths of our College community.
For the last two years, Algonquin has participated in Capital Pride’s annual parade. Last summer, in one of my first public events as President, I had the pleasure of marching alongside 80 members of our community behind a rainbow-covered Algonquin College fire truck. While the COVID-19 pandemic has sidelined the downtown parade this year and made virtual events necessary, Algonquin will celebrate this important festival online in a spirit of solidarity – engaged in the wide variety of performances, speakers and panels. Continue reading Algonquin celebrates Virtual Capital Pride 2020
The Fall term has always been a time for change – a time for new beginnings, discovery and innovation, a time for setting new goals and renewed determination . . . a time for coming together as a college community.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both that spirit of change – and the need for community – are even more profound this year. We are entering a Fall term unlike any other in Algonquin College’s history. It will be a time of unique challenges, but also a time of unique opportunities.
Ottawa, ON., Aug. 20, 2020 – Thanks to a $250,000 donation to The Royal from RBC Foundation, clients at the Youth Services Bureau (YSB) and students at Algonquin College will have improved access to virtual care to support their mental health needs. Transitional youth (ages 16-24) will now be able to meet with a psychiatrist from The Royal to create a customized treatment plan.
He’s only 14, but Aaryan Harshith is already changing the world.
Over the past year, the Sudbury teen has partnered with Algonquin College’s MakerSpace to create what he refers to an AI-Powered Cancer Detection Device. The innovative instrument finds cancer cells in the body without invasive surgery.
As Aaryan puts it: “Essentially, it’s the first hand-held, real-time way for surgeons to streamline the operating process.”
Aaryan talked with Matthew Jerabek, Impact Coordinator in the College Applied Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship section, about his invention. Explaining its purpose and why at such a young age he decided to help cancer patients, he reveals an awareness of the world that belies his age. Continue reading Teen partners with AC MakerSpace to build cancer detection prototype
My condolences to those who lost loved ones in today’s plane crash in India. On behalf of Algonquin College, I offer our deepest sympathy to the people of India, and wish strength to all those experiencing grief and loss as a result of this incident.
In support of our students and employees who may be impacted by this tragedy, resources are available here.
My thoughts are with those who lost loved ones in today’s explosion in Beirut, and those in the Algonquin College community with close ties to Lebanon and its people.
This tragic incident comes amidst news of Lebanese economic and social instability. For those with family and friends in the country, I want to recognize the ongoing impact of this uncertain period. Mental health resources for students and employees are available here.
When Taiwo Abraham joined Algonquin College it was an opportunity to shape the next generation of project management practitioners, bringing his global experience to help change the world for the better.
It’s that sense of purpose and passion that helped Abraham recently be named one of the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) 2020 Future 50 honourees.
“Some time in February the PMI reached out for an interview and sent me some questions. Then a week before the announcement, I got an email from the office of the CEO letting me know this was going to happen and to keep it confidential until it came out,” said Abraham, 37, a Professor in Algonquin’s Project Management program. Continue reading Professor receives Project Management Institute’s Future 50 honour
In his communiqué on July 16, 2020, President Claude Brulé shared some good news about the progress of our pilot program to allow a limited number of learners and employees back to our campuses in order to complete studies from the Winter term. Now, nearly three weeks after the pilot began, I am happy to report that learners in the Welding and Fabrication Techniques as well as the Massage Therapy programs have successfully completed their Winter term. The remaining pilot programs will finish in the coming weeks.
Success for the pilot is defined in several ways. These activities have been completed in a safe manner. The responses to a survey of employees and learners who were on campus during the pilot indicated they were satisfied with the adequacy of safety measures being taken to protect their health while on campus. Though the health and safety of all our employees and learners has been at the forefront of all our decision making, the most exciting measure of success is that these groups of learners have finally been able to complete their studies. Continue reading Update to Summer Pilot Project – A Message from AC Senior Vice President Academic
From basement hackers holding vulnerable people for ransom, to more sophisticated and insidious attacks from foreign actors, it is critical to have strong lines of defence against increasing cyber threats. To help respond, Algonquin College is readying to launch its new graduate certificate program that will give students the skills to join this rapidly growing job market.
He’s only 14, but Aaryan Harshith is already changing the world.
When Taiwo Abraham joined Algonquin College it was an opportunity to shape the next generation of project management practitioners, bringing his global experience to help change the world for the better.
Dear Learners and Colleagues: