Algonquin College recently discovered that one of our computer servers had been compromised by unauthorized cyber intruders.
As soon as this discovery was made, the server was shut down by the College, and a security investigation was undertaken by a cyber-forensics firm. This is an isolated incident that affected a single server and did not affect other College systems. Although our investigation uncovered no direct evidence that any data was actually taken, it did reveal additional intruders. Algonquin College is taking the matter seriously because some student personal information was accessible to intruders.
We regret that this incident occurred. We are reaching out to all affected students. The only possibly affected individuals were enrolled in the following programs, in the following years:
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, jointly delivered with The University of Ottawa, during the years 2007 and 2008 – a subset of applicants or students registered between 2004 and 2008 (approximately 525 individuals).
The Bachelor of Information Technology, jointly delivered with Carleton University, during 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012 (approximately 700 individuals). Please note some students, particularly in the Summer 2008 and Fall 2012 terms are not affected.
If you are not in one of the two groups noted above, you were not affected by this incident.
If you are in one of the two groups noted above and you did not receive a notification email or letter, you can contact us at roresponse@algonquincollege.com or 1-866-921-5763 (toll free) to find out if you may possibly be affected.
Algonquin College has notified the University of Ottawa, Carleton University and the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) of Ontario of this matter, and we are working with them to address the situation.
We are notifying affected individuals and Algonquin College is covering the cost for them to receive credit bureau monitoring and identity theft protection. We have also set up an 1-800 information line to answer their questions and we are providing students with detailed information about how they can protect themselves.
Again, we sincerely regret that this incident occurred. This is a concern both for those affected and for our institutions. We take our role in safeguarding applicant and student personal information very seriously. We are committed to implementing the necessary remediation steps between the three institutions to minimize the possibility of future incidents of this nature.
As the team itself says, “the best broadcasters in the city” are working to bring you Ottawa Champions baseball games (home and away!) live on CKDJ 107.9!
Sure, you’ll miss the peanuts and Cracker jack, but if you can’t make it down to RCGT Park you can still catch the games by tuning in to 107.9 FM in the Nepean area or by streaming the games online at ckdj.net. Join broadcast crew Jordan Pearson, and graduating students RJ Steacy, Tim Probert, and Cory Mes for America’s…I mean, Ottawa’s pastime with five plus games per week right into the playoffs this September!
Larry Weatherdon, e-textbook project manager at Algonquin College, awarded the Glenn Crombie Memorial Award by the College Committee on Disability Issues – becoming the first college employee not from a Centre for Students with Disabilities office to ever win the award.
(Ottawa, June 9, 2015) Since Larry Weatherdon led the launch of the e-Text program at Algonquin College two years ago, textbooks have been more accessible to students. They are available through mobile devices, meaning students can take them anywhere they go, and textbook prices have become more affordable.
They also became more accessible in another important way – Larry’s efforts have ensured students who need alternative and accessible materials, such as screen readers and assistive technology, receive them at the same time as all other students.
For his work, Larry was recently recognized by the College Committee on Disability Issues, receiving the Glenn Crombie Memorial Award for his contributions to students with disabilities.
“Larry’s work is setting a pattern of behavior with publishers so that their books are provided ahead of time, not just when they’re requested,” says Christine Kelsey, Assistive Technologist at the Algonquin College Centre for Students with Disabilities. “This reduces the time students have to wait for an alternative format, and sets a precedent that can be capitalized on by institutions using the same textbooks as Algonquin.”
In addition to providing e-textbooks to over 10,000 Algonquin College students last year, and assisting students with disabilities in receiving their books sooner, Larry’s work has also resulted in more than 2,000 textbook titles to the Alternative Educational Resources of Ontario (AERO) database, meaning that other colleges and students across Ontario have earlier access to accessible textbooks.
The Glenn Crombie Memorial Award is awarded by the College Committee on Disability Issues each year to someone who has demonstrated leadership, advocacy, collegiality, dedication, and excellence in the special needs field. Larry was nominated by members of the Algonquin College Centre for Students with Disabilities, and he is the first ever recipient of the award who works outside of the Centre for Students with Disabilities network.
Algonquin College’s e-Text program has reduced the cost of textbooks to 52 per cent of their paper equivalents, and will be supplying necessary resources to over 15,000 students this fall. Students are also able to access e-textbooks on their computers and mobile devices with iOS or Android operating systems. Learn more at www.algonquincollege.com/etexts
Algonquin College awards honorary degrees and diplomas to individuals for their lifetime achievement and service to the Ottawa Community.
(Ottawa, June 5, 2015) Their names are synonymous with achievement and excellence. And later this month, they will become permanent members of the Algonquin College Alumni community.
Algonquin College is pleased to announce the recipients of its honorary degrees and diplomas in anticipation of the June 2015 convocation ceremonies. The College awards honorary certifications to members of the Ottawa Community who display exemplary achievement in education, industry, community service, and other areas of leadership.
This year’s recipients include:
Mr. Anthony Pollard, President of the Hotel Association of Canada. Mr. Pollard is a published expert for the travel and hotel industries in Canada, and has received many prestigious awards (Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Hotelier Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award). Mr. Pollard will receive his honorary degree from the School of Hospitality and Tourism on Monday, June 22, at 9:30 a.m.
Dr. Robert Cushman, Former CEO of the Champlain Local Health Integration Network. Dr. Cushman is a leader in the field of public health, having pushed for priority vaccine development, reducing surgical and diagnostic wait times, introducing smoke-free legislation, and opening over 200 local health services during his career. He is the recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Ottawa. Dr. Cushman will receive his honorary degree from the School of Health and Community Studies on Tuesday, June 23, at 9:30 a.m.
The Honourable Vernon White, Senator, Senate of Canada. Senator White has dedicated his life to policing, working on the frontlines of the RCMP, as the commanding officer of Nunavut, and as Chief of the Ottawa Police Service. Senator White is passionate about making communities safer by getting at the root causes of crime. With these motivations, he has worked to provide resources to youth with addiction problems, the homeless, and to help with positive mental health initiatives. Senator White will receive his honorary degree from the Police and Public Safety Institute on Tuesday, June 23, at 2:30 p.m.
Shirley Westeinde, Chair of Westeinde Properties Ltd. Ms. Westeinde has dedicated herself to giving back to the community by bringing women into the trades, finding housing for the homeless, and promoting mental health. Throughout her career, Ms. Westeinde has held various leadership positions in local business and charitable organizations, and has received the Order of Canada, and the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Awards. Ms. Westeinde will receive her honorary degree from the School of Advanced Technology on Wednesday, June 24, at 2:30 p.m.
Harvey Glatt, award-winning music promoter, manager, broadcaster. Mr. Glatt opened the first standalone record and music store, The Treble Clef, in Ottawa in 1957. Throughout his career, Mr. Glatt built the music scene in Ottawa by founding the innovative radio station CHEZ-FM, and bringing greats such as Johnny Cash and The Rolling Stones to Ottawa. In 2007, Mr. Glatt was inducted into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame. Mr. Glatt will receive his honorary diploma from the School of Media and Design on Wednesday, June 24, at 9:30 a.m.
Algonquin College’s 2015 Convocation ceremonies take place between June 22 and June 24 at the Canadian Tire Centre. Each honorary degree or diploma recipient will be asked to deliver the convocation address to a graduating class.
Some 9,000 students will graduate from Algonquin College this year across 11 ceremonies, including two in the fall, one in Pembroke on June 5, and one in Perth on June 11.
At today’s Pembroke convocation ceremony, Canadian country music superstar Jason Blaine was named Algonquin College Alumnus of the Year.
Learn more about the innovative Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. during Doors Open Ottawa!
Doors Open Ottawa is an annual City initiative, allowing citizens and visitors to learn more about Ottawa’s culture, history, and architecture for free on June 6 and 7, 2015. For more details, visit the City of Ottawa’s website.
Ask yourself: would you live in a house that looks like this?
Joseph Dupuis did – for two years in fact. He even made it himself (OK, 90-95% himself). Out of shipping containers. Yes, shipping containers. And: it runs off renewable energy.
Joseph, hailing from a proud tradition of successful entrepreneurs, is an engineering research assistant and student at Algonquin College. Passionate about renewable energy, community and holistically living, Joseph (age 28) built an cabin off the grid in the valley and lived there for two years. He thought he had a neat little idea going. But he didn’t know just how popular the idea could be.
When he invited his friend, a professional photographer, to come by and see the place, Joseph could not have anticipated that little photo shoot would result in 750,000 views and a trip to the frontpage of Reddit. That said, it is easy to see why when you check out the album of photos – amazing stuff. (All photos credit: Japhet Alvarez)
Way to go Joseph! Learn more about the project on BuzzFeed Canada.
Game Development graduates are kickstarting their amazing final project. Let’s help them reach their goal. Project Orion is a first-person space combat video game experience featuring epic large-scale battles, an in-depth story, and extensive ship customization.
Kyle Sergeant pens this thoughtful ‘acceptance speech’, recognizing the critical role the College played in his success – with special mentions to his professors and, yes, The Observatory. Read Kyle’s speech on Medium.
One of Pembroke campus’ best known graduates will be honoured for his career success and community commitment when Jason Blaine is presented with the Alumnus of the Year award during the Pembroke Waterfront Campus convocation ceremony. Blaine is a 2001 graduate of the Business program who combined his raw musical talent with the business skills he learned at Algonquin to become one of Canada’s leading country musicians.
