FAQs
Have questions about Orientation (Online Prep or AC Day 1) or starting at Algonquin College? Check the FAQs below!
Be sure to check out our Resources to Know About to see some handy tools and supports that may apply to you.
What is Orientation, and how do I sign up?
There are three components to your Algonquin College Orientation:
Online Prep has everything you need to get ready before your first day of school from the comfort of your home! Complete your 10-minute must-do list, sign up for a College Essentials Q&A Webinar, tune in on Instagram for the Inside Scoop series, and check out our online resources to get ahead.
AC Start is an opportunity to receive one-on-one support before the start of term. Explore the campus, get your questions answered, and connect with key services in a one-stop-shop setting.
AC Day 1 is your first day of school, where new students will attend Program Orientation and learn about their program, and all students can take part in free Social Activities throughout the day.
Check out each page for the steps to register/and or complete the recommended tasks.
Who should participate? Can I bring family members?
Online Prep is for incoming full-time, level 1 students. Family members are invited to tune in to our College Essentials Q&A Webinar.
AC Start is for incoming full-time, level 1 students and their families.
AC Day 1 is for all full-time new and returning students in Ottawa.
AC Online students do not need to attend AC Day 1, and will instead attend their own Online Learning Orientation.
What if I can’t make it to the College Essentials: Q&A Webinar?
If you can’t attend the webinars, check back on the College Essentials Q&A Webinar page after the webinars take place – we will post the recording there.
Everyone is encouraged to attend AC Day 1 for fun social activities!
I’m having trouble signing up, lost my ticket, or want to change my ticket info.
Your Eventbrite ticket will be sent to the email address that you used to sign up. You will also be able to register on the day of for AC Day 1! If you lost your ticket, no worries! We’ll be able to look up your registration when you check-in at AC Day 1.
If you can’t access these emails, or are experiencing other issues, please contact us at orientation@algonquincollege.com.
Will I have class during AC Day 1?
Classes will be suspended on AC Day 1 for incoming Level 1 learners at the Ottawa Campus (this excludes apprenticeship students) so that you can attend Program Orientation and take part in AC Day 1 workshops and social activities. Classes will return to regular schedule the following day. Please check your schedule on ACSIS.
I’m an International student. Do I need to attend International Student Orientation and AC Day 1?
Yes, we recommend that International students attend both AC Day 1 (which will connect you with social opportunities) and your International Student Orientation organized by the IEC (which provides information about living, working and studying in Canada).
We also encourage you to watch our online College Essentials Q&A Webinar, where you can receive answers to your questions about starting College.
I need additional support, who can I contact?
Student Support Services is here to help! We provide support with academics, student experience, mental health, health and wellness, accessibility, services for Indigenous students, support for new students, and more.
How do I get to campus on AC Day 1? Where can I park?
There are many ways to get to campus including public transit, biking, ride matching, carpooling and more. Check out our sustainable transportation initiatives here. If you are entitled to a U-Pass (transit pass) submit your photo in advance online here and your pass will be ready for pick up on campus.
If you have purchased an Algonquin College parking permit, please park in your designated area (Lot 8, 9, or 12). If you do not have a permit, limited parking will be available in the Lot 12 (Park, Pay and Go), or in the Visitor’s Parking Lot, for a fee.
I have questions about my timetable, fees, or admission status.
For information about about accessing your timetable and paying your fees online, visit our Online Prep page.
Visit the Registrar’s Office website for information on:
• Admissions – Find out your program requirements, application status, etc.
• Fees and payments – Tuition fees and due dates
• Registration – How to register for courses and view or change your timetable
• Key academic dates – Important dates and deadlines
International students: For questions about your application status, tuition fees, or arrival in Canada, contact international@algonquincollege.com or visit our International Students page.
What financial aid options are available to me?
From OSAP to bursaries to awards and scholarships, there are many options for financing your studies. Visit the Financial Aid and Student Awards website for more information.
Where can I find housing on or off campus?
Don’t have a place to live yet? Need emergency housing? Our Student Housing Coordinator can help you.
Where can I get tech info or support (for ACSIS, Brightspace, email, course materials, printing, etc.)?
Our 10-minute to-do list will help you connect to ACSIS, your AC Network Account, your student email, and Brightspace.
Need more help?
• Tune in to one of our College Essentials Q&A webinar
• Visit the Course Material Services website
• Check out our Student Survival Guide for tutorials on the software and tools you’ll need at Algonquin College
• Visit the Information and Technology Services (ITS) website for self-help or to request help from ITS
How can I get involved in campus life at Algonquin College?
There are many ways to get involved through events, clubs, volunteering, and more!
• See upcoming events on the Student Services Events Calendar
• Check out volunteer opportunities through the AC Hub Volunteer Centre
How can I improve my study skills?
The online modules in our Essential Study Skills Guide provide tutorials, tips, and tricks on everything from time management, to test-taking, to career planning.
When you start at Algonquin College, check out the many online supports available at the Student Learning Centre, including study skills workshops, peer tutoring, and one-on-one coaching.
Can I receive course credit for previous academic or life experiences?
Yes! Visit Transfer Options to learn about applying previous experiences from post-secondary studies, work, volunteering, etc. toward your course credits.
I have specific questions about my program.
For program or course-specific questions, please contact your Program Coordinator for information. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions and meet your profs at Program Orientation on AC Day 1.
I need additional support, who can I contact?
Student Support Services is here to help! We provide support with academics, student experience, mental health, health and wellness, accessibility, services for Indigenous students, support for new students, and more.
How do I set up my Live AC email?
Your Live AC email should be listed under Network Account on ACSIS. This video outlines the process of logging into your ACSIS, Live AC Email, and Brightspace accounts. Additionally, you can find more information in the Student Survival Guide for AC Applications by the Library.
My User ID is blank on ACSIS, what should I do?
If your User ID is not present on ACSIS, this may be related to your status. If you have not yet paid or deferred your fees to Algonquin College, this may cause a delay in receiving your Network Account information. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for more support. Please note, there may be a delay in receiving a response from the Registrar’s Office due to a high volume of inquiries at this time, we thank you for your patience.
I am having technical difficulties, who should I contact?
Please visit the ITS Help Centre for help with troubleshooting.
Where can I find my course materials for my program (textbooks, manuals, etc.)?
You can view and purchase your course materials by visiting The Campus Store online.
Please note:
If you are a learner at the Ottawa, Perth or Pembroke campus, you can access your course materials through Booklist once your timetable is available using your Algonquin College network username and password to gain access. For more information on Booklist, check out our FAQ page.
If you are an AC Online learner, please use the “Textbook Search by Course” function to locate your required and suggested course materials.
Get AC-Ready with these services!
There’s a lot to know when it comes to starting college, but we have many services to help you along the way. Explore these links below.
Campus Services
Campus Services delivers services designed to create a simple and enjoyable experience to ensure that you can focus on achieving success. From getting your AC Card to ensuring your course materials are available to you, Campus Services is here to enhance campus life.
- AC Card
- Connections: The Campus Store
- Printing on campus
- The Print Shop
- Course Materials
- Parking Services
- Lockers
Centre for Accessible Learning
The Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) provides academic accommodations and educational support services to students with disabilities applying to, or attending, Algonquin College. If you are a student with a disability, you are strongly encouraged to contact the CAL. With close to 15% of the student population registering for services, the goal is to provide the necessary accommodations to equalize the opportunity for students to meet their essential course or program requirements. CAL services are confidential, free, and voluntary. Students are, however, required to self-identify to access services.
Services include:
- Disability-related counselling services
- Letters of Accommodation
- Learning strategy support
- Assistive technology support
- Apprenticeship support services
- Transcription services
- Transition planning support
Mamidosewin Centre
The goal of the Mamidosewin Centre is to empower and support Indigenous students at Algonquin College into the next phase of their lives (mino-biimaadizwin — “the good way of life”) in a way that is respectful and reflective of Indigenous cultures.
The Mamidosewin Centre provides a variety of cultural programs and services to Indigenous learners attending Algonquin College. (For a full list of services, see the Services page.)
Indigenous learners may identify as any of the following: First Nations (Status or Non-Status), Inuit, and/or Métis, as well as those with Indigenous ancestry who are just discovering their heritage and want to learn more. The Centre is also open to non-Indigenous learners who are interested in learning more about the culture and participating in any events.
What does “Mamidosewin” mean? “Mamidosewin” is Algonquin/Ojibwe for “Meeting place” or “Walking together.” The Centre strives to build a community that embodies this sentiment.
Security Services
Security Services provides services to ensure the security and protection of staff, students, and College assets on a 24 hour/day basis. Services and consultation in areas related to emergency response, criminal investigations, key control, risk assessments, electronic security systems design and application, crime prevention awareness and training, and crisis intervention constitute the framework for the delivery of this diverse program within the College community.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
ITS offers a wide range of support in a variety of areas, including:
- Computer, software, and printing
- Algonquin College network account and Brightspace account
- Wireless networks, VPN, and Internet troubleshooting
Algonquin Students’ Association (SA)
The Algonquin Students’ Association (SA) is a student-run, not-for-profit corporation that works for you! Check out what the SA has to offer, from the student health plan to clubs and communities on campus, accessing the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre, and more.
Registrar’s Office & Financial Aid
Visit the Registrar’s Office and Financial Aid office to pay your fees, make changes to your timetable, apply for bursaries, and more!
Student Mental Health & Wellness Website
Wellness isn’t a destination, it’s a journey! Some days you might be feeling great, while on others, you might need some extra support. At Algonquin College, we’re dedicated to supporting you and connecting you with the help you need – both on and off campus.