Waterfront Campus Blog

Algonquin College Responds to COVID-19 Pandemic

It happened quickly, but students at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus are now completing their winter term online. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented situation for the entire world, and as countries responded by enforcing physical distancing, it prompted post-secondary institutions to move curriculum that would normally be taught in classrooms, labs and in the workplace to an online format.

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Starting on Monday, March 23, students who were accustomed to attending classes on campus were now engaging from their homes. The College knew this would be a big adjustment for both teachers and students, and so a variety of supports were put in place to support both parties. Faculty who had extensive experience teaching online rallied to support their colleagues and the College’s information technology and academic support teams put together a “super team” of trainers who introduced new online learning tools and best practices to ensure teachers were in the best position to deliver their classes virtually.

Across the College, teams of employees brainstormed and then put into action fresh ideas to build a toolbox of resources to support students. A great example is a learning kit portal that shares resources on how to succeed in online classes. There are videos on topics such as time management, studying and test-taking and delivering presentations. Another section puts students in contact with the College’s student support lab where they can set up virtual meetings with academic coaches who can help them better understand subject material in areas such as English, Math and Science.

The College uses Zoom technology to allow its faculty to deliver lectures and presentations to student remotely. The learning kit portal provides step-by-step directions to students on how to navigate their way through Zoom so they are comfortable using it. There’s also a Student Services User Guide that puts students in contact with the right college staff member who can help them, whether that is an academic advisor, a counsellor or a financial aid officer.

Online Classroom

It hasn’t been an easy transition moving from a face-to-face educational model to an online campus in such a short period of time, but given the circumstances, there was no choice and there was limited time to make the transition. It’s been a learning experience for everyone, but our students and faculty deserve a lot of credit for their patience and willingness to adjust during a very difficult time.

For example, the College understands that with elementary and secondary schools closed, many college students have children at home as do some teachers. This sometimes leads to unexpected interruptions from younger family members or even pets. There’s an appreciation that life is happening in real-time for everyone and that the uncertainty of the pandemic is concerning for all. For that reason, the College is working very hard to be flexible and supportive of students as they navigate their way through what is a completely new learning environment for some of them.

Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

It will be some time before the Waterfront Campus re-opens to students for in-person classes, but out of this crisis will come many new opportunities for the College to better serve its learners. Developing a learner-driven plan that customizes the experience of students has been a priority for the College, and moving to an online platform of instruction, will certainly help generate new ideas of what the future student learning experience could look like. It’s an exciting concept, but a dialogue that will have to wait a bit longer as the College prioritizes its commitment to help students complete their academic term.

In the meantime, Algonquin College will continue to aspire to its mission to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. The College is just doing it in a different way, while also looking forward to a return to regular college operations when it is safe to do so. Be safe and be well.

Jamie Bramburger is the Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. You can reach Jamie at brambuj@algonquincollege.com

Spring Business Leadership Conference May 21 at Pembroke Waterfront Campus

Maximizing the potential of your employees should be a priority for every business. That’s the focus of the 2020 Spring Business and Leadership Conference scheduled for May 21 at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus.

Now into its sixth Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, Algonquin College, Spring Business Conference, Pembrokeyear, the conference supports local organizations by providing high quality and affordable professional development opportunity close to home. This year’s headliner is Doctor Robyne Hanley-Dafoe who will deliver a poignant keynote address on resiliency in the workplace.

As the senior educational developer for the Centre of Teaching and Learning at Trent University in Peterborough, Hanley-Dafoe is a multi-award winning psychology instructor who specializes in navigating stress and change with a focus on personal wellness in the workplace.

Hanley-Dafoe will be joined by five other women in producing the first all-women line-up of presenters in the conference’s history. All will focus on topics that will drive improvement within organizations.

For example, Iman Haasan will provide tips on how to promote health and wellness in the workplace through lessons learned from sports psychology. Hassan is a mental health performance consultant who is also a Sport Performance and Psychology doctoral student at the University of Ottawa.

Colleen Walsh, Algonquin College, Spring Business Conference, PembrokeColleen Walsh has spent more than 20 years helping businesses solve human resources issues. She has entitled her workshop as “The Modern-Day Performance Management Process.” From Walsh’s perspective, there is a lot of discontent with the way employers evaluate employee performance. Her workshop will focus on how to provide constructive criticism that will motivate your employees to build stronger working relationships.

Within a work team, everyone has different responsibilities, but when someone lets the team down it can cause a lot of tension. Victoria Miles is an employee engagement specialist and will deliver a punchy presentation on “Demystifying Accountability,” an interactive workshop that will tackle questions like, what does accountability look like when it’s in action? Most importantly, the session will drill down on why accountability is so important in the workplace and will provide tips on how to introduce it as an employee engagement priority.

Why do so many projects fail? Becky Wright is a certified project manager and will explore the most common reasons why projects don’t succeed. Through group work, Wright will help her audience understand how poor planning is usually to blame and more importantly will delve into what organizations can do to learn from their past failures to plan better.

Erin Blaskie, Algonquin College, Spring Business Conference, PembrokeErin Blaskie is a social media guru, but she’s also a leading entrepreneur. A lover of technology, Blaskie helps entrepreneurs achieve their goals by inspiring them to achieve greatness, while also understanding the pitfalls that often derail entrepreneurs. In her enlightening session, Blaskie will tackle the question of what does it mean to be an entrapreneur within an organization? In answering that question, Blaskie will be promoting the need for more creativity and innovation to drive business growth and build successful teams.

Registration has opened for the conference. Early bird rates of only $210 plus applicable taxes are in place until March 31 and businesses that register three people for the conference will receive the fourth registration free.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus.

Top 5 Reasons to Study at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus

At some point, you may ask, “Why should I go to college?” Here are five reasons to study at our campus:

  1. Police Foundations, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusWe prepare you for your future career – learn the skills to get the job: Research reveals 86% of college graduates secure employment within six months. College education continues to be an effective and swift route to employment. The provincial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) show that 85.5% of Algonquin College graduates found employment within six months of graduation. “Colleges are experts at helping people find rewarding careers,” said Linda Franklin, the president, and CEO of Colleges Ontario. “Our graduates’ professional and technical expertise will be even more important in the years ahead as new technology and automation create a heightened demand for a more highly qualified workforce.” There’s no question that having a post-secondary credential has become paramount to a person’s ability to progress in the workplace. Increasingly, employers are asking for a minimum of a college certificate or diploma as a starting point to be considered for a job posting. That reality is the primary factor that drives a person’s decision to enroll in a college program.

  2. You’re not just a number – we get to know you: At the Pembroke Waterfront Campus, you’re not just a number – we get to know you, your name, and your goals – your opinion is valued. Our campus feels smaller and homier than others, and we are always here to help. Our Support Services team works together to support you based on interactions with you. The best way that we can support you to achieve success is through planning and collaboration within the College’s support services.

  3. Rafting, Outdoor Adventure, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusWe offer one-of-a-kind programs – you won’t find anywhere else: We offer a number of truly one-of-a-kind programs, with a strong reputation across Canada and internationally. Our beautiful campus is surrounded by scenic countryside, forests, lakes, and rivers–the perfect location for some of the most exhilarating outdoor training programs on earth. Whether you are interested in building the action sports culture, learning how to preserve the present for the future, or looking to become an outdoor guide, we have the programs and certifications that will guide you toward your dream career! Learn more about our programs.

  4. We’re generous – bursaries help pay your tuition: A bursary is a monetary award that is granted on the basis of financial need. Bursaries are different than scholarships. Scholarships are merit-based and are awarded for academic achievement. Bursaries are financial-need based awards that do not have to be repaid. We have over $250,000 available in bursaries money annually for our Pembroke Campus students. These generous gifts of money from our community members and local businesses are truly appreciated by the students and the College. It helps the college to fulfill its overarching goal of supporting students to be successful in their academic studies and to be career-ready when they graduate. Learn more about

  5. Our small campus provides more opportunity to connect to your professors: Your professors are experts in their chosen field, so they can help you to succeed academically. Whether you need help to answer questions or clarify materials that are covered in class, you have the opportunity to get that extra one-on-one time at our campus. Professors also know people and have many connections, so when it comes time for you to secure a co-op, placement or even a job, they can reach out to companies who are looking for qualified individuals and speak with them on your behalf.

Join us and learn first-hand the advantages of studying at a smaller campus where we offer our students exceptional learning opportunities and a friendly, supportive environment.

HomeStay Helps International Students Feel at Home

Jennifer AustinSince 2004, Jennifer Austin and her family have hosted out of town college and high school students in their home. Now, she has become a champion for Algonquin College’s efforts to attract more international students to its Pembroke Waterfront Campus. Austin has signed on to host an international student for the Fall 2020 term because she says “Homestay is a meaningful experience that empowers students to succeed, and it helps you learn a new culture and meet a new friend for life.”

The College has partnered with Canadian Accommodation Services to establish a Homestay program in Pembroke that encourages families to open up their homes to international students. For Austin, it was an easy decision to participate in the program. Her family has hosted high school students from across Canada including the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and from as far away as New Zealand, normally for six months to full year stays. In all, the Austin family has provided a home for 15 students over the years.

“The most rewarding part of being a host family is the bonds that are formed. Each student creates a different bond with our family. It could be something special like inside family jokes or cherished memories of time spent together,” says Austin.

International studentsIn recent years, the Pembroke Campus has been gradually attracting more international students. These students have come to the campus from several countries including India, China, the United States, Morocco, Ukraine, and Africa. The students study in many programs and have come to Canada because of our country’s excellent reputation for providing high-quality post-secondary training and also its openness to welcoming people from around the world.

“Diversity enriches everyday life. These students have traveled around the world on an adventure, and we get to be part of it,” says Austin who is now collaborating with the College to find other families who are interested in taking part in the Homestay program. As a supporter of the work the College is doing to promote cultural diversity, International Student Orientation, Algonquin College, PembrokeAustin speaks passionately about why she has stepped up to help the Pembroke Campus and has offered some simple advice to other families who are considering hosting an international student.

“Host with open arms and an open heart. Show your student a new perspective, a new culture and be ready to learn something new yourself,” says Austin who is excited to recruit more families. More information on the Homestay program is available on the campus website, including the application form.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

 

A New Car or a College Education?

What’s a better investment? Buying a new car or enrolling in a college program? The answer is very obvious, but too many families don’t hesitate to finance a vehicle, but they second guess the cost of post-secondary education.

SimplValidate your chose, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campusy put, buying a car is a short term purchase while enrolling in post-secondary education is a life long investment in your future.

Society has been programmed to believe that higher education is expensive and out of reach for many families, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The recent transformation of the Ontario Student Assistance Program has made access to post-secondary training greater than it has ever been.

More grants are available for students with lower incomes, the threshold for family income eligibility for student loans has increased and the application process has been simplified. Moving forward, students will also have a much clearer picture of what their investment will need to be in their education, allowing families to have better information sooner to make their plans for college.

High School Student, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

The next time you see the sticker price of $25,000 or $30,000 on a new vehicle that is tempting you, just think how that money could be better spent on earning a post-secondary credential that will carry its value for the rest of your life. Going to college is often a life-changing experience for a student that propels them into a career with higher lifetime earnings, more employment opportunities, enhanced confidence, and eventually more disposable income for things like new cars.

The bottom line is a higher education credential doesn’t depreciate and if you commit to life-long learning, you’ll continue to open doors for yourself. The little black book is a certificate, diploma or degree that will maintain its value and never run out of gas.

Need more convincing, check out Algonquin College’s graduate placement report.

Algonquin College Alumnus Wins Silver Medal at World Deaflympics Championships

Sean Kyte was hoping for a better result. He had represented Canada at the World Deaf Hockey Championships in 2017 in Buffalo, New York and had felt the sting of losing in the gold medal game to the United States, but two years later he was confident his team could beat the Americans.

Johnny Kyte-Sean Kyte-Thomas Kyte-Deaf Olympics-2019 in Italy

L to R: Thomas Kyte, Johnny Kyte, Sean Kyte

Kyte, along with two of his cousins, Thomas and Johnny Kyte, had made the Canadian team that had travelled to Chiavenna, Italy to play against the best hearing impaired hockey players in the world at the Winter Deaflympics hockey tournament. To participate, players must have a minimum hearing loss of 55 decibels in the better of their two ears.

Through the round-robin, the Canadian team cruised to four consecutive wins, beating Russia 3-1, Finland 5-1, Kazakhstan 18-0 and the United States 4-1. The undefeated record, including the win against the Americans, gave the Canadians confidence they could prevail in the gold medal game. Unfortunately, that confidence was shattered as the Americans took command of the game early and won 7-3, meaning Kyte and his teammates would again have to settle for a silver medal.

“After losing to the U.S. two years ago, and losing again this year, it was really heartbreaking. It was a hard pill to swallow, but it was an unbelievable experience,” says Kyte.

Part of that experience was playing in an arena that offered a breathtaking open-air view of the Alps. The arena had seating on only one side, and while the playing surface was covered, the other side of the building faced the mountains and was wide open, providing a picturesque setting for the championship game that was played in front of a sold-out crowd.

Sean Kyte, Algonquin College grad, Pembroke

“It was stunning. Sitting on the bench, you could see the mountains across from you, which is something I will never forget,” says Kyte.

Players were not permitted to wear their hearing aids during games, so in addition to whistles, strobe lights were used to alert the players of a stoppage in play. The arena also had only one door on the player’s bench, making it more difficult to make line changes.

Hearing impairment is prevalent within the Kyte family. Sean’s father, Murray Kyte, also has hearing loss and won a bronze medal when he played in the tournament several years ago in Russia, while his Uncle Frayne Kyte won a gold medal in Switzerland. Sean’s Uncle, Jim Kyte, was the first deaf player in the National Hockey League, and through his 16-year professional career and following his retirement as an athlete, he continues to be a great advocate for deaf athletes.

Kyte is a double graduate of Algonquin College. He completed the Construction Techniques program (now Carpentry and Renovation Techniques) at the Pembroke Campus after graduating from high school, picking up some fundamental carpentry skills that have turned him into a “handyman,” for his family and friends. He then enrolled at Saint Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia where he earned a Business Degree, but his educational journey at Algonquin College wasn’t over.

His passion for sports led him to enroll in the post-graduate Sports Business Management program at the Ottawa Campus. “I knew I wanted to work in a career that centred around sports,” says Kyte, who landed his first job with a start-up company called “Fan Saves.”

Fan Saves has developed a mobile sports application that helps companies promote their products and sell them to support local sports teams and organizations. The app gives users discounts and deals from brands affiliated with their favourite clubs and businesses, whether it be a local baseball team or a professional hockey club.

For Kyte, it has been exciting to be in at the ground level of the new company and watch it grow. With the title of business development executive, Kyte spends plenty of time on the road and making pitches to prospective clients. “It has been a blessing to be able to work within the sports industry while learning every day about the app world within business,” says Kyte.

To be able to play for Canada at the Deaflympics, Kyte required the support of his employer as he needed to be away from work to attend tryouts and training camp, plus travel to Italy to compete in the tournament. He was grateful to have had the opportunity to again play against the best deaf hockey players on the planet, but he is not satisfied with having two silver medals under his belt. He is still craving a gold medal.

In 2021, the World Deaf Hockey Championships will be played on Canadian soil in Vancouver, a city that has a golden hockey history, having hosted Sidney Crosby’s “golden goal” in the 2010 Winter Olympics. If Kyte can again make the team, he hopes Crosby’s game-winning overtime marker against the Americans will provide the inspiration for Canada’s deaf team to win it all. If that happens, it will truly be a golden moment for both him and his country.

Top 10 Survival Tips

We asked some former Pembroke Waterfront Campus, first-year students, what survival tips they thought you would benefit from…some insider info! Here are your Top 10 Survival Tips from fellow student:

  1. Be proactive, surround yourself with positivity – be a star.
  2. Love your program, get involved – don’t be a tourist.
  3. Milk your instructors for their knowledge & expertise – know your learning style.
  4. Go to class, do assigned homework – learn new study habits.
  5. Stay clear of distractions, be focused – commit to a standard.
  6. Know your budget – apply for bursaries.
  7. Tap into available resources – talk to your coordinator or a support services staff member and visit the Students’ Association.
  8. Plan ahead. Your agenda is your bible – use your resources.
  9. Buy a watch, know the time and what you are doing next – be 5 minutes early.
  10. Ask questions, be in the know – read your email daily.

 

Winter opportunities at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus

When considering attending college, most prospective students associate the start of the school year with the fall, but there are also opportunities to begin post-secondary studies in the winter. In fact, Algonquin College leads the Canadian college system in online student registrations, but for students who prefer more traditional face-to-face classroom training, here are some options available this winter at the Pembroke Campus.

Dawn Andrews, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

Academic Upgrading offers opportunities for students who are considering enrolling in a full-time college program to pick up pre-requisites that will help them meet admissions requirements. These courses are normally free for Ontario residents and can really help a student prepare for the rigor of post-secondary studies. Some students may have the admission requirements, but they have been removed from formal education for several years, and a refresh of their English, math or science skills can really prepare them for a college program.

Many of the courses offered in Academic Upgrading are available on a continuous intake cycle, meaning students can join classes at any time. This is very convenient for learners and with the help of an academic advisor, the students can carve out a plan that sets them up for a successful college experience.

General Arts and Science, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusSome students have plans to study in a specific vocational program, but because the program doesn’t start until the fall they enroll in the General Arts and Science program. This can be a very smart move for many students as they can customize their timetable to pick up credits that can be applied to other college programs. This lessens the student’s workload when they enroll in future programs as they have exemptions. Students can also enroll as a part-time student, a tactic often used by junior hockey players who are under consideration for an athletic scholarship at a university.

Personal Support Worker, Algonquin College, Bonnechere Manor, Renfrew

Personal support workers (PSW) are in high demand and Algonquin College is again collaborating with the County of Renfrew to offer a PSW program, beginning in January at Bonnechere Manor in Renfrew. With jobs plentiful in the field, the extra offering will help employers throughout the County meet their labour market needs. Many of these health care organizations have expressed concern over their difficulty in hiring PSWs as there is currently a shortage of these frontline health care workers.

The College is also offering a pre-apprenticeship electrical program at its Pembroke Campus this winter. This six-month program provides students with an opportunity to complete level one of the electrical apprenticeship theory course and includes a paid workplace experience within the electrical field. Pre-apprenticeship programs are free to students but are highly competitive as they draw a significant number of applications.

Finally, high school students can get a head start on college by enrolling in a Dual Credit course. Each year Algonquin College offers several of these courses in the fall and winter terms. A Dual Credit is a college course that high school students can enroll in, and if successful, they can earn both a college and a high school credit. It is a great way for high school seniors to transition to post-secondary education.

More information on all of the options that are available to students this winter can be found on the college website at www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke or by visiting the Pembroke Campus and speaking to an admissions officer. It’s never too early or too late to be planning your educational journey.

The Sideline Master-Pre-Apprentice Graduate Leaves His Mark on the Football Field

Aiden Maher knew it was going to be a long day when he arrived at six o’clock in the morning on November 1st at TD Place field. The Ottawa REDBLACKS were playing that evening and after a day of pelting rain and high winds, Maher understood the field would need a lot of work to get it ready for the team’s final home game of the season.

Aiden-Maher-Grad-RedblacksThe 23-year old Petawawa native had moved to Ottawa five years earlier to secure consistent work as a carpenter, but when he saw an advertisement for a job with Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, he applied and landed a position helping to set up and tear down major events like concerts. He was working part-time in carpentry but thought the extra hours working in the entertainment business would help pay the bills.

After a few months on the job, Maher was asked, if he would be interested in helping the field preparation crew. He was curious about the work and once he started doing it, he really enjoyed it. He has now been doing it for five years as one of the organization’s leading Playing Surface Technicians, responsible for painting on both the TD Place field and the ice at the Ottawa Civic Centre.

“It’s a job that can be very demanding”, but Maher loves it. There is a lot of precision to the painting, whether it’s using a stencil to complete the Canadian Football League logo or it’s painting the numerals on the 110-yard long field. “There are some similarities in the carpentry work that I do in that you have to be really focussed to do the job well. Concentration is important,” says Maher.

After graduating from General Panet High School, Maher had enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship Construction Trades program at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus in 2015. The program lasted six months and allowed Maher to complete level one of the theory portion of the carpenter apprentice training program. Students in the program also received a work placement experience, including a large group assignment to re-build Pembroke’s aging waterfront boardwalk.

Boardwalk project student group

“I enrolled because the program was free and I was always doing carpentry work when I was a kid. It was a great experience and got me started in my career,” says Maher. After finishing the program, Maher quickly found work in his trade, but when he was laid off from his job, he and his sister decided to move to the nation’s capital.

His first focus was on finding someone who would take him on as an apprentice so he could continue to hone his skills as a carpenter. It didn’t take long to find a small company that hired him on a part-time basis. That arrangement afforded him the opportunity to look for other work and that’s how he found himself on the sidelines of TD Place Field, keeping a watch on the playing surface.

On game nights, he blends in with the many other team officials who are watching from field level, standing near his alma mater, the Algonquin College Loggersports team. But, there is one thing that stands out. On this cold November night, it’s his jacket, covered in paint streaks, recognition of a hard day’s work.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

Program Advisory Committees Play Critical Role at Colleges

Colleges are well known for the practical education that they offer students. It’s in their DNA to be integrated with the communities they serve and as a result, students who study at a college can expect to have work-integrated learning experiences as part of their program of study. What students don’t see is the effort that is made to build curriculum that is relevant and meets the expectations of employers so that graduates are well prepared for the workplace.

Advisory Commitee, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

A key part of the curriculum development process is gathering feedback from stakeholders. There is no group that is more important than a program advisory committee when it comes to taking the pulse of the industry. These committees are mandated for full-time college programs and are made up of individuals who have a vested interest in what is being taught in the classroom. They are often employers, entrepreneurs and organizational leaders who are in a position to hire graduates and because they come equipped with knowledge of the latest trends within their field, these subject matter experts are well-positioned to offer the college good advice.

Classroom

Advisory committees normally meet two or three times a year. It is not an onerous commitment, but it is time well spent. Advisory committees are often involved in digging deeper into a program’s performance, reviewing critical data such as student retention and graduation rates, making recommendations on new courses or certifications that should be added to a program while also suggesting courses that should be discontinued, and offering feedback on partnerships that should be explored. Advisory committees can also play a major role in helping to promote programs, utilizing their connections within the community to share any changes to a program that will benefit businesses, such as adding co-operative education placements for students.

Committee members are very proud of the work that they do. The collaboration between these stakeholders and the college faculty and administration helps build a program’s reputation and can be very influential in decision making. Minutes from advisory committee meetings are shared with the Campus Dean and Vice President of Academic for the College, ensuring that committees are active and their recommendations are brought forward to the highest levels of the college.

Advisory committees are a key ingredient to the success of Ontario’s college system. They ensure that colleges are always in tune with industry needs, and that bodes well for the students who entrust colleges with preparing them for the workplace. They can rest assured that the organizations that will hire them when they graduate have been well consulted on the curriculum they have been taught.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger is the Acting Chair of Health and Community Studies at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus