student association

In-Person Events + Activities On Campus = FUN! Winter Semester, Here We Come.

There have been so many great virtual events that have happened over the past two years, but we’re excited to share that more on-campus, in-person events and activities are coming to AC! Here are a few of the things that you can look forward to this winter.

Getting Active

With the opening of the new Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre there are a whole bunch of classes available virtually, but now, also in-person! Try out zumba, yoga, muay thai, boxing, and more!

If you’re attending the Pembroke campus you’ll be happy to hear you can now get back to using the fitness areas and climbing wall! See their website for full details and to book a timeslot.

Socializing

Social Nights are back at the Pembroke Campus! We’re also excited to see that the Students’ Association is planning on hosting most of their events and activities in person across all of our campuses, starting with the upcoming winter semester! Check out their calendar for full details.

If you’re looking for socializing activities that could be in-person or virtual, don’t forget to check out the clubs and groups listing and join one today!

Enjoying Music or a Show

Live performances are back at the Algonquin Commons Theatre and shows are scheduled well into 2022. There are lots of options from musical performers and musical theatre to comedians and more. Get your tickets today!

Like attending events from the comfort of your own home? Maybe in your pyjamas? While we’re looking ahead to an increase in on-campus, in-person events and activities, virtual options aren’t going anywhere, including the beloved Dirty Bingo.

We like lounging in our PJs too, but we can’t wait to see everyone on campus for the return of live events and entertainment. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss out!

Throughout this exciting return to campus, the health and safety of everyone in our College community remains our primary concern. All of our planning will continue to be guided by public health guidelines. Make sure you’re ready to join us on campus this winter. Click here for more information about what you need to do.

6 Reasons we’re excited for the new ARC!

We’ve been excitedly watching the construction of the new Algonquin Students’ Association Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) and are so pumped for its opening this fall! Here are a few of the activities and spaces that we are most excited to explore!

1)Multiple activity areas to choose from!

Looking to do some cross-fit style activity? There is an entire turf training area! Looking for free weights to build up strength? There is a 10,000 square foot area with everything you can think of! Want to focus on cardio and other training approaches? The second floor has a wide array of equipment to choose from and five difference exercise nodes to work in.

There is something for everyone, and many choices for many different body types and individual’s unique preferences.

2)A 346m Discovery Track

On the second floor of the ARC, you can find a 346m track that winds and inclines around, giving you a bird’s eye view of the entire building! Super great for those of us who prefer not to run, walk, or wheel in one spot, or who want to move our regular activities into the comfort of indoors when the weather isn’t as enjoyable outside.

3) The new Wolves Den Restaurant!

A new on-campus restaurant with food freshly made in-house? We’re in! They are offering pizza, tacos, pub fare, curries, and more! With vegan, vegetarian, gluten-friendly, and dairy free options available.

4) The Wolves Den Games Room

This welcoming space is adjacent to the new restaurant and includes Ottawa’s only 10-pin bowling alley, a high-definition golf simulator, and three pool tables!

5) Fall Into Fitness

Looking for a fitness program to try out this fall to help keep your mind and body active and healthy? The ARC is offering a 12-week virtual fitness program for free for all Algonquin College students, staff, and alumni. This is also a great way to see the facilities as they are showcased throughout the fitness program videos.

6) Climbing and bouldering walls are coming soon!

Looking for a super fun challenge? With a brand new 34-foot Climbing Wall and a 15-foot Bouldering Wall there are ample ways you can challenge yourself and try something new!

Algonquin College will require proof of vaccination in order to attend in-person activities on campuses this fall. Learn more about Algonquin College’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

Due to COVID-19 and the ongoing restrictions to campus visitors, use of the ARC is only for current Algonquin College students and staff. When restrictions are lifted, the ARC may open to the community.

6+ great social events to kick off the semester!

AC Day 1 kicks off the semester but this year that’s not where the fun and socializing ends! Student Support Services and the Algonquin College Students’ Association have a whole array of social events for all Algonquin Students to check out in the first week of school!

1) Virtual Field Trip with Little Ray’s Reptiles!

Get a rare, up-close look at animals with this virtual field trip! Meet snakes, lizards, alligators, caimans, sloths, and more. Little Ray’s Reptiles animal expert will travel through a few different habitats and environments covering information on the animals, their diets, and interesting facts along the way. Event will take place Wednesday, September 8th from 12pm – 1pm.

2)Dirty Bingo!

Meet new people, laugh, and have fun with Dirty Bingo hosted by the fabulous and famous drag queens Krystal Caring and Zelda Marshall! Enjoy some naughty hilarity and play for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Venus Envy. Presented by the Students’ Association this event will be hosted on Wednesday, September 8th from 8pm – 9:30pm. Register to get the link to your bingo card.

3)Food tips to fuel your studies.

Four-minute cooking demos to help fuel your body and brain to academic success? Sign me up! Learn about some nutritious, affordable, and simple options in this event from Health Services. Event will take place Thursday, September 9th from 10 am – 10:30 am.

4)Mindful Breadmaking

Get into the practice of mindfulness before the semester ramps up, plus learn to make something tasty. Learn grounding techniques and to create food with intention with Counselling Services on Thursday, September 9th from 1pm – 2pm.

5)Dealing with roommate conflict

Living situations can get tense no matter who you live with! Learn to work through this conflict and ensure clear communication between everyone with two guest speakers who know a lot about it! Join in and chat with Kiefer Collison and Phil Paquette from Big Brother Canada on Thursday, September 9th from 4pm – 5pm.

6)What to do in Ottawa this Fall!

Whether you’re new to Ottawa or have been a resident for years, Nina Near and Far has some great tips for getting out and experiencing all the fun that Ottawa has to offer in the Fall. Drop in and chat about all the great experiences to be had during one of the best times of year! Event is taking place Friday, September 10th from 11am – 12pm.

These are just a few of the great events coming up this week! You can also get tips on getting job ready, learn about NFTs, get Naloxone Training, and learn about the variety of academic resources available to students. Head on over to the Let’s Get Social webpage for the full schedule, details, and the register!

The AC bucket list for first year students

You’ve accepted your offer and now you’re waiting for the fall to come so you can take the next leap towards your future – congrats! This is a huge deal, and while you may not know it yet, your life is about to change.

Despite the worries that you may have about the studying, assignments and exams, there are tons of experiences that are worth looking forward to.

Here’s a list of activities that you should take advantage of once you join us on Campus:

1. Take part in AC Day 1

AC Day 1

The first thing to check off your bucket list is AC Day 1. The event is for incoming full-time, first year Fall students, and as the name entails, this is your first day of school. Don’t miss out on one of our biggest days of the year where the campuses comes alive with tons of fun activities, free entertainment, games and more.

2. Compete in Open Mic, Trivia Night or Dirty Bingo at the Observatory

Dirty Bingo

 

The Observatory (or as most call it – “the Ob”) is the go-to place on the Ottawa Campus for a fun night out where you can enjoy excellent house-made food and drinks on a student budget. During the school year, they regularly put on events including Open Mic, Pub Trivia Night, and the ever-popular Dirty Bingo (what’s better than Drag Queens and fun prizes?)

3. Cheer on the Algonquin Thunder at one of several varsity games

Algonquin Thunder

 

Our men’s and women’s varsity teams compete province-wide in a variety of sports, including basketball, rugby, soccer, cricket, volleyball and even loggersports at our Pembroke campus. Whatever your jam is, come out and show support for your team at one of their many matches at our Woodroffe campus!

4. Give back and branch out by volunteering

Volunteers with kids in Kenya

 

Not only does volunteering help you meet new people, cultivate leadership skills and provide you with a meaningful experience, it’s also looks great on your resume! Our Volunteer Centre in the AC Hub is constantly updating their database with fun, local opportunities like Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival and larger, global projects in places like Kenya and Guatemala. Eligible activities can also be applied to your Co-Curricular Record to recognize the work you’ve done and increase your employment opportunities.

5. Get pampered at the Salon, Spa and Boutique

AC Salon Spa and Boutique reception

 

One of the perks of having Esthetician and Hairstyling programs at Algonquin College is that you get to take advantage of deals like $15 for an express mani-pedi, $20 women’s haircut and blow-dry, and $10 men’s cuts. The Salon, Spa and Boutique is open to everyone and is operated by senior students alongside industry certified instructors.

6. Join an intramural team

Gymnasium

 

Intramural sports are the perfect way to keep off that freshman 15 and meet a bunch of new people. Our Ottawa and Pembroke campuses offers a wide variety of leagues, tournaments and off-campus activities throughout the academic year. Registration starts in September so keep your eyes peeled for sign-ups!

Algonquin Perth Campus students can enjoy free yoga, ice hockey, basketball and swimming available at local facilities.

7. Treat yourself at Restaurant International

Chef with culinary students around fiery frying pan

 

Guys’ night, girls’ night, date night, solo night – whatever the occasion, consider spending it at Restaurant International at Ottawa Campus. Chow down on a delicious three course meal for less than $25, provided by students and faculty from our School of Hospitality and Tourism.

8. Enjoy a show at the Algonquin Commons Theatre

Algonquin Commons Theatre

Instead of scrolling through Netflix for hours trying to decide what to watch, head over to the ACT. Open to the entire community, the Algonquin Commons Theatre is home to our beautiful 700+ seat auditorium that hosts a variety of events including comedy shows, popular Broadway performances, live concerts, celebrity meet & greets, free movie nights and more.

9. Join one of over 100 clubs and communities – or make your own!

students hanging out in AC Hub

 

Whether you’re into dance, e-sports, coding, we’ve got a club or community for just about every interest. This is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and make fast friends. And if by some off-chance that you don’t find one that you like, you can start your own!