News

Dear Colleagues and Learners:

I want to update you with the latest details on the College’s Mandatory Vaccination Policy – originally announced last week.

I know many of you have urgent questions regarding this policy and its impact, and I want to sincerely thank you for your patience. While some implementation details are still being finalized, you can read the official policy here, and visit our FAQ for more information.

Our mandatory vaccination policy applies to all learners, employees, contractors and visitors attending in-person activities at our campuses or off-campus locations leased by the College such as Corporate Training Services at 700 Sussex Drive in Ottawa and Employment Services Offices operated by the College. In-person activities include participation in academic instruction, accessing services or attending organized events. The College’s new policy responds to regulatory requirements to implement public health guidance calling for post-secondary institutions to require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for those attending campuses.

The College is implementing the use of a digital, proof-of-vaccination feature within the Algonquin College Mobile Safety App – which is already being used for COVID-19 self-screening purposes. Information on how to download the app is available here; the app’s proof of vaccination feature will be available Wednesday, September 1. If you already have the app, you will be prompted on the screen to update your settings once the vaccine module is launched

Our Mandatory Vaccination Policy only applies to those attending in-person activities. If you are studying or working remotely, and not planning to attend campus, please do not use the App to submit proof of vaccination. The College does not require your proof of vaccination.

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August 18, 2021

Dear Colleagues and Learners:

Driven by new public health recommendations and the growing impact of COVID-19 variants of concern, Algonquin College has decided to implement a mandatory vaccination policy for the Fall 2021 Term.

All learners, employees, contractors and visitors will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination – unless exempted – in order to attend in-person activities at our campuses in Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth. This includes those learners living in our Residence on the Ottawa Campus.

Starting September 7, the College will require those accessing our campuses to show proof they have received at least one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine – with a second-dose vaccination requirement to follow by October 12 at the latest.

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A small group assembled in the DARE District Tuesday to recognize the contributions of PCL Construction to Algonquin College with a ceremonial plaque dedication.

Welcomed by Mark Savenkoff, Vice President, Advancement, the participants admired the new plaque, shared a few words and then visited the Three Sisters Garden. The DARE District, Three Sisters Garden and the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) have all been generously supported by PCL Construction.

“PCL is special in the sense that not only have they built several of our College buildings but they have expressed an ongoing interest in becoming more familiar with Indigenous culture and we are thrilled to share in their journey,” said Claude Brulé, President and CEO of Algonquin College. “After their original contribution of $50,000 to the DARE District, they pledged $216,000 over six years to the DARE6 initiative, which supports Indigenization efforts on our campus – such as plans currently under development to expand our Three Sisters Garden.”

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This is the second part of a two-part feature on the impact graduates of Algonquin College’s Perth Campus have on the surrounding community.

Algonquin’s Perth campus is located on a leafy green lot a short drive from Perth’s heritage downtown, and features an airy student commons area, numerous student-constructed outbuildings, a tool lending library, and a joinery shop.

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For many people, their college years briefly take them far from home. After graduation, the college town and all those fond memories of late study nights, local coffeeshops and time spent on campus are often left behind.

But for many graduates of Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus, the charm of living in Pembroke can lead them to put down permanent roots after the student experience has ended.

“It’s great living in a small community,” said Jim Butterworth, who graduated from the Pembroke Campus in 2007 with an outdoor adventure degree and business diploma. “In a smaller rural community, everyone knows who I am. The joke is if we need a cup of sugar or maple syrup, we ask our neighbours.”

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July 28, 2021

Dear Colleagues and Learners:

As we approach the end of July, I want to provide another update about our evolving plans for the Fall Term.

To begin with, it is important to note that 48 per cent of Algonquin College’s programs will include some component of face-to-face activity in the Fall Term – as the College continues to gradually and safely expand academic activities on our campuses while adhering to public health guidelines. (As a reminder, program-delivery details can be found here.)

Secondly, I am happy to announce that progression to Step 3 of the Province’s COVID-19 reopening plan allows the College to increase events and activities on-campus, which may not have been previously permitted. It is still necessary that events and activities conform to various restrictions and health and safety protocols, as such there is an ongoing need for the College to maintain oversight over campus activities. To support this, employees who are organizing events or activities will be required to submit an online form at least 10 days ahead of any planned event.

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For Immediate Release

OTTAWA (July 28, 2021) – Algonquin College is pleased to announce the recipients of its fifth-annual Alumni of Distinction Awards, to be held virtually this year on September 30.

The event will officially celebrate 10 Algonquin College alumni for their outstanding professional and community contributions, plus an employer from our campus communities who has empowered our graduates to make a difference.

This year’s honourees have demonstrated remarkable dedication to the well-being of others. They include a best-selling author, prominent federal civil servant, distinguished First Nations poet, influential journalist, and constable with a decades-long history of volunteerism and leadership, as well as dedicated health professionals and one of this city’s tops chefs.

Examples of exceptional accomplishments include supporting people and businesses during the pandemic; safe-guarding mental health for individuals in crisis; promoting economic vibrancy among Canadian Arctic communities; protecting Indigenous heritage; piloting a healthcare program for under-served patients; and improving access to education for Black students.

This year’s Alumni Employer of the Year is an award-winning Canadian animation studio based in Ottawa, that has hired and mentored a significant number of our graduates and supported education at the College.

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Imagine being 18 years old, in your first year at Algonquin College and you’re about to speak before a prominent international organization. For first year Public Relations student Shelby Richardson, this is her future. Richardson and fellow students Catherine Matovu, Anna Ranger and Amarjeet Singh, alongside supervisor Jed Looker, will be presenting at a United Nations meeting on July 27.

“I feel nervous and very proud and confident, but I don’t know how it’s going to go,” said Richardson, a Public Relations student at Algonquin. “You wonder, ‘how did I get here?’ You have imposter syndrome. You worked hard and that’s how I’m here. I’m proud, especially during COVID.”

The four students and their supervisor researched the topic of gun violence and masculinity, spoke with their client IANSA – the International Action Network on Small Arms – and stakeholders including Gun Free South Africa, and have created a workshop for youth aged 12-15. They will be presenting their findings and recommendations to a United Nations international panel on Tuesday. The goal is to have the workshop available not only in South Africa but in other countries including Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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