News

Ontario’s colleges released a new set of common standards today to strengthen programs and supports for international students.

According to Claude Brulé, the President and CEO of Algonquin College, it is imperative that every student who enrolls in their institution be given the opportunity to thrive. He also added that the implementation of these new benchmarks will further enhance the college’s standing as a sought-after choice for international students. Continue reading →

Algonquin College among 10 Ontario colleges awarding annual scholarships of up to $40,000 per student

(OTTAWA – February 9, 2023) – The Schulich Foundation today announced a game-changing program, Schulich Builders, a scholarship program dedicated to students pursuing a career in the skilled trades at 10 Ontario Colleges, including Algonquin College. In its first year of operation, more than $3 million is committed to combat labour shortages and highlight the importance of skilled trades in Canada through this initiative.

Schulich Builders will cover tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trade program. Priority will be given to students nominated by their high school. Students may also apply directly through participating colleges: Algonquin, Centennial, Fanshawe, George Brown, Mohawk, Sheridan, Conestoga, Durham, Humber and Loyalist. Continue reading →

Algonquin College has been named a National Capital Region’s Top Employer for 2023, making this the tenth year in a row that the College has been recognized for this accomplishment.

“I am proud that the College continues to build on its record of engaging the strengths of our employees, offering opportunities for further performance and professional growth – and fostering a vibrant, resilient and diverse workforce,” said Claude Brulé, President and CEO of Algonquin College.

“Whether working virtually, hybrid or onsite – you can feel it – our employees are here to help each other … work together to solve problems…. and to celebrate successes and accomplishments,” said Brulé. “Congrats for making this such and incredible place to learn and to work.”

Canada’s Top Employer is an annual competition that awards exceptional workplaces on both a national, provincial and regional basis. Algonquin College has won an award in the National Capital Region category every year since 2014.

Brulé made the announcement before the morning session of AC Engage. AC Engage is an extension of AC Vision and an opportunity to revisit the year’s goals and recognize the great work employees do daily.

Dear Learners and Colleagues,

The leadership team at Algonquin College has been monitoring continuing news coverage of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria. We know that many in our College community will be impacted by these horrible events, which continue to unfold and will have consequences for many months to come. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted and their families at this very difficult time.

If you, or someone you know, is impacted by these tragic events, please reach out for support to the following resources:

Algonquin College learners can access counselling services through a same or next day appointment, where a counsellor will meet with you and support you in developing strategies to manage the difficult emotions that you may be experiencing. To do so, please call 613-727-4723 ext. 7200, email: welcomecentre@algonquincollege.com, or visit the Welcome Centre (3rd Floor, Student Commons). You can request urgent or same day counselling by contacting the Welcome Centre.

Resources can also be found at Student Support Services Mental Health website, and a number of helpful apps and online tools can be found through the WellTrack service.

For accessing emotional support outside of office hours, you can call Good2Talk, which provides free, confidential support services for post-secondary students 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at 1-866-925-5454 or by texting GOOD2TALKON to 686868.

Employees can a find detailed list of wellness supports here and are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources. Employees may also wish to connect with LifeWorks, AC Employee Family Assistance Program. Several helpful apps and online tools can also be found in the WellTrack service.

Events like this can be overwhelming and distressing and present uncertainty, difficult emotions, and cause people to have many questions. Please know that the College is here for you, and encourages anyone in need of support to take advantage of the resources offered.

Sincerely,

Claude Brulé

President and CEO

Provincial Key Performance Indicator (KPI) results released today show that Algonquin College continues to provide its learners with an effective path to employment upon graduation and that employers are increasingly satisfied with their decision to hire an Algonquin College graduate.
Continue reading →

Dear Learners and Colleagues,

To mark Algonquin College’s Mental Health Awareness Week, from January 23 to January 27, the College, in partnership with the Students’ Association, will be hosting events, sharing resources, and highlighting the mental health and wellness supports available on our campuses throughout the year. Please see the list below for events and activities.

January 25 – The Royal & DIFD event at Algonquin Commons Theatre:

• We are fortunate this year to partner with The Royal and DIFD (Do It For Daron) to present a free panel discussion for employees and learners over the lunch hour on January 25 (Bell Let’s Talk Day) in the Algonquin Commons Theatre.
• Hosted by CTV Ottawa’s Stefan Keyes, this free, 60-minute in-person and virtual experience will feature a panel discussion and question and answer session with mental health experts from The Royal: Dr. Gail Beck, Clinical Director of Youth Psychiatry and Interim Chief of Staff and Psychiatrist-in-Chief; Mike Souilliere, Director of Patient Care Services for the Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders Program; and Dr. Zachary Kaminsky, a molecular biologist and the DIFD Mach-Gaensslen Chair in Suicide Prevention Research.
• Register for the event here. The event will also be livestreamed for anyone wishing to take part virtually, you can register for the virtual event using the same registration link.

Continue reading →

– Applications now being accepted for September 2023 –

January 16, 2023, Ottawa, ON – Students interested in science and technology have access to a new post-secondary certificate at Algonquin College to pursue their interests and spur their creativity toward potential career paths.

“The Science and Technology Foundations certificate program expands offerings from the School of Advanced Technology,” said Claude Brulé, President and CEO of Algonquin College. “Innovations in science and technology have improved our daily lives by making the world easier to navigate and more accessible. The one-year Science and Technology Foundations Ontario College certificate program allows students to explore exciting academic and career opportunities within the fields of applied science and technology, while developing fundamental skills in these areas and preparing the learners for a well-suited academic and professional pathway.”

Continue reading →

Dear Learners and Colleagues,

The start of the 2023 Winter term also marks the start of a new year, a time when we come together to look ahead, reconnect after a well-deserved break, and work together toward our goals and objectives. As we open our doors for AC Day 1, I want to welcome everyone and share some information with you.

For new employees and learners:

Navigating campus

• Throughout this week (January 9 – 13), Here2Help booths with be set up at all major access points across the Ottawa campus. Take a moment to chat with a Here2Help volunteer for campus directions, and tips and tricks for campus life.
• For learners at our Perth and Pembroke campuses who require assistance navigating campus, you can book a campus tour with Explore AC here.
• Student information sessions. Explore AC will also be hosting live 45-minute Question & Answer webinar sessions from January 16 to January 26 to answer program-specific questions. Weekly general sessions will also be offered to cover our support services, student life and residence. You can register for a session here.

Continue reading →

Dear Colleagues and Learners,

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for our region commencing the evening of Thursday, December 15 and continuing into Friday, December 16. College leadership has been monitoring the forecast, which indicates a rapid accumulation of snow. As a result, please be advised of the following:
Continue reading →

Announcement caps donor recognition event celebrating a ‘million-dollar day’

December 7, 2022 (OTTAWA) – Algonquin College is pleased to announce that RBC Foundation has pledged $500,000 through its RBC Future Launch program to support College skilled trades initiatives over the next five years. RBC’s investment will help tackle a critical and worsening nationwide shortage of skilled trades workers and prepare students for inclusive and sustainable jobs of the future.

“We are very pleased that RBC chose to partner with Algonquin College on its initiatives to close the skills gap and train workers for the current and emerging disciplines that will be critical to a sustainable future,” said Claude Brulé, Algonquin College President and Chief Executive Officer.

“This multi-year investment will pay dividends for years to come. Our graduates will bring new skills into the workplace and become leaders who approach their work with a sustainability mindset.”

Powered by RBC Future Launch, this collaboration builds on RBC’s 10-year, $500 million commitment to help Canadian youth prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

RBC’s donation will help Algonquin College increase enrolment in skilled trades programs, including in short-term “upskilling” programs for certified workers; boost work-integrated learning opportunities, such as coops and field placements; provide industry networking and event opportunities that focus on topics of interest to industry, including the development of a diverse talent pool; and support projects and applied research partnerships that prioritize sustainability.

“There’s a huge shortage of people in skilled trades. With retirements coming up, it’s only going to get worse. We need to act now. This is why RBC is joining forces with Algonquin College to help attract more people to the trades,” says Marjolaine Hudon, Regional President at RBC. “Creating on-the-job learning and showcasing career opportunities will help attract more students — women, men, people of diverse backgrounds — to the trades. This will prepare them for critical jobs required to deliver key infrastructure and construction projects in the future.” Continue reading →