Please note that the College’s Risk Management team can be reached at any time to report any incidents:
General Inquiries
613-727-4723 X 5010
Emergency
613-727-4723 X 5000
Email Security@algonquincollege.com.
Security Office A149 (Ottawa Campus)
AC Mobile Safety – Get the App!
Learners:
Employees:
The news and images coming from Atlantic Canada are devastating. There are students and employees in our College Community who may be affected by the aftermath of this weather situation; some of our learners and employees also have friends and/or family directly affected by these events.
If you or someone you know needs assistance – counselling services and supports are available.
Crisis Support Line now open
While the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) help line is open for eligible employees (link below), LifeWorks has also opened up a Crisis Support Line for anyone in the community in need of emotional support in relation to these events. The Crisis Support Line is open 24/7 and can be reached at: 1-844-751-2133. This resource is available to anyone and everyone in Canada.
Please reach out to this link to find College supports for learners and this link for the Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP).
Thank you,
Wellness and Abilities
A crisis or traumatic event can trigger overwhelming emotional responses. Remember that the immediate and confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services are accessible 24/7/365 by calling our support line. The website features additional information and tips on coping with trauma. To quickly access the Employee Assistance platform you may click the below link log in using your employee email and password through the single sign on process (SSO) LifeWorks – A Platform For Social & Individual Wellbeing | LifeWorks.
The attached resources contain information to assist with coping with traumatic events
Tips for helping your child through a traumatic event.
Taking care after a traumatic event.
How a traumatic event can affect you.
Please also see Message from Senior Vice President Academic, Chris Janzen (Sept. 29, 2022)
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
The College community is mourning the passing of first-year Pre-Health Sciences Pathway’s student, Savanna Pikuyak. Ottawa Police contacted the College on Monday, Sept. 12, to confirm her passing, which is being investigated as a homicide.
Savanna, aged 22, was studying at the Ottawa Campus and had come to Algonquin College from Nunavut.
As we grieve this senseless and tragic loss, the College is making resources available, including counselling services, to any employee or learner in need of assistance. Program chairs and faculty are also coordinating any support required for classmates, teachers and friends of Savanna at this difficult time.
For those in need of support, please reach out to these resources:
Counselling Services and supports for learners
Counselling Services and supports for employees
Counselling Services and supports for College Indigenous Communities
Federal Government Website:
Canada’s response to the crisis in Ukraine (international.gc.ca)
Algonquin College Resources:
For learners –
Keep.meSAFE – Algonquin College | guard.me
Counselling (algonquincollege.com)
For employees –
Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) | Human Resources (algonquincollege.com)
Province of Ontario Resources:
The Employment Ontario network has service providers that are well-positioned to respond to the needs of the
Ukrainian newcomers. The ministry has set up a dedicated toll-free number (1-888-562-4769)
and email (Ukrainianjobs@ontario.ca) to help displaced Ukrainians find jobs, access training,
or get matched with employers that are hiring in in their communities. Employers can also use
these resources to find a Ukrainian newcomer to fill a job vacancy.
Ontario.ca now has resources to support people affected by the conflict, including information
on immigration measures, settlement, and employment services. Site visitors will find a link to
“Jobs for Ukraine,” which contains information for employers hiring, Ukrainian job seekers,
and community groups. In the coming weeks, we will continue to work with service providers
and stakeholders to provide targeted services to help Ukrainian newcomers connect with
employers in their new communities.
Kim Bedor, Team Lead, Welcome Centre
Tell us a bit about your position at Algonquin College, and how long you’ve been in this role.
As Welcome Centre Team Lead, I support my team of four Welcome Centre Representatives in all aspects of our support to the Centre for Accessible Learning, Counselling Services, and the Employment Support Centre. I have been in this role since 2013. This is a very busy role, and all three departments are busy – but, fortunately, their peak periods fall at different times. My work includes talking to clients directly, assisting my team members in achieving the goals of our clients, and liaising with a large network of contacts across the college.
Is the work you do now related to your post-secondary education?
Yes. I have a certificate from Algonquin College in “Ontario Management Development Program – Leadership Skills,” and I have completed Levels I and II at the Algonquin Leadership in Education Institute.
What does a day in your job look like?
Every day at the Welcome Centre brings new challenges and new accomplishments. My day starts at 7:45am with the opening of a few key areas (Counselling, CAL, and the Spiritual Centre). Mornings are particularly busy, as we book many same-day appointments, and clients are required to call us at 8am, when our phone lines open. Each morning, I write the schedule for the Welcome Centre Representatives, ensuring adequate coverage for opening, closing, lunch periods, and breaks. I also check the Welcome Centre voicemail and email to ensure coverage for the other areas, and reschedule appointments if needed. Statistics are a very important aspect of this position, as all members of my team collect data. I’m also responsible for keeping the Student Support Services Organizational Chart up-to-date. This is a fast-paced position, and my day goes by very quickly.
What should your colleagues in Student Services know about the Welcome Centre, or your work with the Welcome Centre?
The Welcome Centre supports three very different services – the Centre for Accessible Learning, Counselling Services, and the Employment Support Centre. Our volume of client interactions keeps my team busy, but never too busy to answer questions. If someone has a question about our area, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What’s the best part about your job?
The diverse population! Every day, I have the opportunity to interact with so many different people (current and prospective students, graduates, alumni, and employers), and work with my amazing team.
What has been your professional highlight at Algonquin so far?
My employment with Algonquin College began on October 11, 1988, so my highlight would be having a long and diverse career. I’ve worked with the Ontario Skills Development Office (Algonquin Management Centre), Ontario Skills Development Office and Futures (Perth Campus), Financial Aid (Woodroffe Campus), the Test Centre (Woodroffe Campus), Student Employment Services (Woodroffe Campus), and now the Welcome Centre! I have had the pleasure of seeing Algonquin College transition between four presidents, and I have worked under 10 different managers.
What personal or professional goals would you like to achieve in the next five years?
I am working towards retirement in 2023, so my goal is to continue expanding the role of Welcome Centre Team Lead for the next person to hold this position.
Is there a quote or piece of advice you try to live by?
My grandfather would always say, “Live life to the best of your ability!” (George Hardsand)
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
After high school, I worked as a head chef in a high-end restaurant (steak, seafood, crepes, and quiche), but due to allergies, I left the food industry.
Lisa Wellman, Client Service Officer, Registrar’s Office
Tell us a bit about your position at Algonquin College, and how long you’ve been in this role.
I’ve worked at the Registrar’s Office for just over 5 years in various positions. I started my time at Algonquin College as a Client Service Representative, then moved to Fees, then Financial Aid, and currently I am a Client Service Officer, a role I’ve held for just over a year. I process admissions, registration, and graduation for students in Bachelor programs. I am the contact in my office for collaborative programs with the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Nipissing University. I process advanced standing applications for all programs at Algonquin and oversee the exemption applications that come through the Registrar’s Office.
Is the work you do now related to your post-secondary education?
Yes! I studied Business Administration – Accounting at Algonquin College. The program gave me great skills that I use in my job every day, particularly computer and accounting skills. The accounting background I gained at school helps with the fees aspect of my job. Being an Algonquin graduate also helps, as I have taken a similar path as many of our students.
What would you like your colleagues to know about your work in the Registrar’s Office? What does a day in your job look like?
My day revolves around helping students. I assess students’ applications for admission by evaluating documents they submit, and I advise students on how to meet admission requirements. I complete registration for my programs and liaise with academic areas regarding registration. I also process and advise on anything related to incoming transfer credits.
What has surprised you most about your role?
The amount of food that my team brings in to share!
What has been a highlight for you with your experience at Algonquin so far?
Convocation, where we can see the result of all the work we put into helping students.
What personal or professional goals would you like to achieve in the next five years?
Improving and updating processes to make it easier and more efficient for students to navigate their post-secondary experience.
Is there an interesting fact or story you would like to share about yourself?
I bake the best brownies – many of my colleagues can testify to that!