Important Details
The Top 15 Things Parents Should Know about College
Privacy Legislation Restricts the College from Sharing Information with Parents
Algonquin College adheres to the Province of Ontario’s privacy legislation and its own directives in protecting the personal information of its students. Therefore, students must sign an “authorization for release of student information” form for the College to provide information to parents on the academic status of their son/daughter. The form specifically outlines the information that can be shared.
Students Must Provide the College with All Necessary Documentation
Many Algonquin College programs require students to provide proof of a clear criminal records check, personal health information, or a valid Canadian passport if the student is required to travel out of the country on field trips. Parents should review information received from the College with their son/daughter to ensure all required documentation has been submitted to the College within the noted deadlines. You can pay full-time program tuition fees at Algonquin College through online banking, debit, cheque, or money order. Payments may not be made with credit cards. For more information, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/ro/
Internet Connectivity on Campus & Access to College Systems in the Community – The College provides students with a high speed wireless Internet network on campus and access within the community via a secure mobile connection to the College’s server. Students can also use other computer labs on campus, when available. All Pembroke programs have a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) requirement and in some programs, there is an e-Text, a downloadable electronic textbook instead of a traditional textbook.
Dental and Health Plans – All students who attend Algonquin College are charged a fee by the Students’ Association at the start of the school year to cover the cost of providing students with a dental/health plan.
Students who already have coverage through their parents or a partner, can apply to the Algonquin Students’ Association to have the fee reimbursed. The refund application is called an “Opt Out” form and has the option of a direct deposit or refund cheque mailed to them.
Parking and Locker Fees – If your child plans on driving and parking in our College parking lot, they will be required to purchase a parking pass. The College also rents lockers to students for a fee payable each term. Note: Students in the Environmental Technician program are required to rent a locker.
Health Services – Pembroke has one community hospital (Pembroke Regional Hospital). The College also has a health nurse who is available Monday to Friday on campus and a family doctor is on campus a few days a month. Health Services makes referrals within the community and has a mini-pharmacy. Staff have been trained in first aid and in the use of Epi-pens and there are Epi-pen and AED stations on campus. Most staff and faculty are trained in Mental Health First Aid. Students with serious allergies or ongoing health issues should report these to our health nurse during the first weeks of school. All medical information is strictly confidential.
Housing for Out-of-Town Students – The College helps out-of-town students secure housing while they study at the Pembroke Campus. The College provides an on-line housing list to out-of-town students and updates it as new locations become available. This includes information on privately-owned and operated student residences, apartment rental units, and room rentals. We recommend you seek housing between April and June to ensure the most suitable accommodations. Unless the student has access to a vehicle, finding accommodation within walking distance of the campus is the best option. The College offers landlords in the community the opportunity to list their particular accommodations for students; this is not an endorsement of the rental units listed. The decisions regarding renting or boarding in community accommodations are private agreements made between the landlord and the student.
Employment Opportunities – The College has a Student Employment Centre on campus that provides students with access to job postings in the community, help with resume and cover letter preparation, and tips on getting ready for an interview. There may be some cafeteria and maintenance positions for students.
Security on Campus – Security is provided on campus through an outside security agency. Pembroke is a small, safe city, however, like in any community, common sense and caution should always prevail when studying, working, or going out late at night. There is a guard on campus from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays.
Be Aware of Student Services Available – Your son or daughter has access to a complete range of student services throughout the year. Whether they need financial assistance, study tips, personal health information, counselling or tutoring … they just have to ask. Sometimes students want to be successful on their own terms without having to get extra help — but if a time comes when they need it, we’re here to help. Our Student Success Specialist is a great person to start a conversation with — she can get the ball rolling for academic strategies and make referrals to other staff who can help.
Stay in Touch With the College – Stay in the loop and know what events are taking place at the College. Also, be mindful of when tuition fees are due and what services are available to assist your child. Our services are listed online at: algonquincollege.com/pembroke. You can also join our social community by liking our Facebook page, following us on Twitter and Instagram
You can also sign-up for our Parents’ & Families’ Newsletter!
Don’t Lose Touch – Be sure to communicate frequently with your child and ask them how they are doing. Always encourage them to be successful and let them know you care.
If Your Child is Struggling – The College does offer a wide range of student services. When speaking to your child ask them if they have talked to their faculty advisor, inquired about tutoring or counselling, or if they have inquired about bursaries or financial aid assistance. Sometimes a student from out-of-town can feel lonely or isolated. That’s why it’s important for them to make friends by participating in other activities.
Academic success is important, but a balanced student experience that includes on-campus social activities is also critical to their success. In addition to supporting their academics, we hold a number of social and volunteer activities where they can meet and mingle with other students, feel comfortable in their new environment, and enjoy some free food and entertainment. Check out some of the Orientation & Retention activities here. We hope you’ll encourage your children to participate in these fun events.