AC Café – Frequently Asked Questions

All students must meet the entrance and academic progress requirements, and there is no special consideration to change these requirements.

Students who are registered with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) may access reasonable accommodation in order to meet these expectations.

Algonquin College is fully committed to supporting students who are accepted into its college programs; however, programs are not modified to meet the needs of students who are not academically ready for college.

When a student makes the decision to enroll at Algonquin College, it is important that they are college-ready. This means that students must be:

• independent learners
• aware of their strengths and challenges
• able to articulate their needs
• able to access services

Students are expected to take responsibility for their education.

If you are a student with a disability, you may require accommodation in the form of taking fewer classes per semester. If you have a documented permanent disability, you can reduce your course load to as low as 40% of a full course load and still maintain your full-time status (as per College policy AA08: Course Load).

To reduce your course load, speak with your Disabilities Counsellor.  Any changes to your course load need to be made in consultation with the Program Coordinator and the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL). The Program Coordinator will work with you to plan which courses you will take each semester.

Reducing your course load will often extend the program by a semester or two; however, many CAL students who utilize this accommodation experience greater academic success.

For more information about reduced course loads, please contact CAL.

The Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) provides support for students with disabilities.

To access services though CAL as an Algonquin student you must be registered. For more information about the registration process, visit the page on Registering with the CAL. You can also see information about making appointments once registered, accessing accommodations before you have documentation, and accessing accommodations for admissions assessments.

If you are registered in a cooperative education (co-op) program and choose to withdraw from your program, you must inform the following relevant parties that you are withdrawing from your program and that you are no longer able to continue working as a Co-op Student:

• The Coop & Career Centre: You can email them at coop@algonquincollege.com.
• Your Co-op employer: If you are in your co-op work semester, you should also inform your co-op employer.

If you are hoping to get a job at Algonquin College, you can conduct your search in a few places:

• Apply for the College Student Employment Program (CSEP). If you are eligible, you may be able to find a job on campus through this program.
• Check HireAC. Some departments at the College will post student jobs here.
• Contact college departments and services (e.g. ITS, Connections: the Campus Store, Fitness Zone, etc.) directly. Ask them if they have any opportunities for students.
• Check the HR list of job postings. This list is not specific to students, so you may not meet the educational requirements for some positions; however, this list is still a good place to look for on-campus employment.

If you are thinking about studying at Algonquin College and you would like advice to help you choose a program, the Prospective Student Advisor (a member of the recruitment team) can help you.

The Prospective Student Advisor will help you review the many courses and programs available to you at Algonquin College and help you map out your next steps.

You can find information on tours on the Campus Tours page. You can see a virtual tour of each of the Ontario campuses:

• Ottawa
• Pembroke

Prospective students may be invited by the Registrar’s Office to complete Admission Assessments as part of their application. Admission assessments are tests used for applicant placement, ranking, or to demonstrate an equivalency to an academic program requirement. If you’ve been invited to complete an Admission Assessment, please visit the Admission Assessments page for information on how to book and sample questions for the various tests.

Accommodations for Prospective Students with Disabilities

Prospective students with an identified disability can access accommodations for entrance testing through the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL). You can find more information on CAL’s  Admission Assessments page. Please contact CAL Test Services to inquire further about accommodations for admissions tests.

You can find information about a program on the program website, which you can find through the list of programs. You can search by keyword or browse the list using the filters to find what you’re looking for.

The program page has the following information:

• A program summary:
  • What credential you will earn (e.g. certificate, diploma)
  • The duration of the program (the length, e.g. one year, two years, etc.)
  • A link to the program delivery information (i.e. will it be all in person, hybrid, etc.?)
  • The campus (Ottawa or Pembroke)
  • Any Work Integrated Learning component (e.g. co-op or a clinical placement)
• The available start term (e.g. Fall)
• The schedule of when each level is offered (e.g. Level 1 in Winter, Level 2 in Spring)
• An overview of the program, including success factors (qualities that make you well-suited for this program)
• The admission requirements
• Courses in the program
• Potential careers options and further educational pathways for graduates
• Tuition and fees
• Contact information for the program

If you are a student with a documented disability and require admissions assessment accommodations, please see the Centre for Accessible Learning Test Services.

If you are not sure if your program is the right fit for you, there are a few services where you can receive guidance:

• Academic Circle of Care (Your Student Success Team): Your Student Success Team, including your Program Coordinator and Student Success Specialist, can discuss your concerns or doubts about your current program and suggest other programs that you might be interested in at the College.
• Career Counselling: In one-on-one counselling sessions, Career Counsellors can help you figure out your career goals and determine which program will help you achieve those goals. They can help you explore your values, skills, interests, and personal strengths.
• Career and Program Choice module: This online module can help you determine your interests and career goals and show you how to find information about college courses and the labour market.

If you decide to change your program, please follow the instructions on the Program Withdrawal/Transfer website.

Health issues can disrupt your life and affect your ability to focus on your studies. If you are experiencing health-related issues, the following resources can help you address your concerns:

• Health Services: Access confidential medical services on campus. You can make an appointment with a Registered Nurse or a doctor (Ottawa campus). See the Pembroke Health Services page for campus-specific services.
• Counselling Services: Access mental health support on campus. Mental health professionals work with you to assess your needs and identify the right type of care for you. See the Pembroke Counselling Services page for campus-specific services.
• Your professor(s): Talk to your professors about any effect that your health issues have on your class performance. They may be able to provide options that help.
• Your Academic Advisor/Program Coordinator (on-campus students): Talk to your Academic Advisor/Program Coordinator about the effect that your health issue has on your studies if it is affecting multiple classes. They can work with you to determine what your options are.
• Your Pathway Advisor (AC Online): If your health issues are impacting your ability to succeed in your courses, contact your Pathway Advisor to discuss your options.

The Counselling Services team are trained and experienced professionals who work with Algonquin students to help them with a variety of issues, such as those that follow:

• Uncertainty about career goals or program choice
• Feeling overwhelmed by assignments, tests, or exams
• Coping with anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts
• Living in a distressing or abusive relationship
• Life situations that seem impossible to overcome

See the Pembroke Counselling Services page for campus-specific appointments.

Whether you are concerned about your use of substances or you want to reduce the negative consequences when you use, there are resources available. In partnership with the AC Umbrella Project, counsellors at Algonquin College work with students to reduce the negative health and social consequences related to substance use.

Here are a few resources that can help you:

• Lowering Your Risks – Harm Reduction Strategies: If you are planning to use, this page has information to help you do so as safely as possible. It includes information about cannabis, alcohol, hallucinogens, cocaine, and MDMA/Molly, as well as information about overdose prevention.
• Need Help?: If you are concerned about your substance use, this page is a good place to start. It includes information about how to access support from counsellors. It also links to online self-assessments for alcohol and marijuana, as well as on-campus, off-campus, and online support.

Are you experiencing feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, fatigue, and lack of energy? Do you find it hard to get motivated and have to push to get things done?

You are not alone. There is help available, and we encourage you to reach out in the following ways:

• It would be beneficial to get support from a trained counsellor. Counsellors use different types of talk therapy in sessions in order to assist the student to manage these feelings. There is more information about counselling and how to make an appointment on the Counselling Services website (or Pembroke Counselling Services and Perth Counselling Services).
• It is important to share these feelings with your doctor, whether that is an outside family doctor or a doctor at Algonquin College Health Services. See the Pembroke Health Services page for campus-specific services.

Note: If you are experiencing a crisis, there are Crisis Support Resources that you can contact to get support quickly.

Have your grades on tests and exams suffered because of anxiety? The following services can help you manage your anxiety and learn strategies to prepare for tests and exams:

• Counselling Services: A counsellor can show you relaxation techniques that help you stay calm before and during the test. See the Pembroke Counselling Services page for campus-specific services.
• Study Skills Workshops: You can learn techniques to manage your stress and strategies to help you study and prepare for tests so that they don’t seem so intimidating. These group workshops are offered throughout the semester online and in person.
• Essential Study Skills guide: This online resource has tips, video demonstrations, and activities to help you manage your stress and study more effectively. It also explains some good habits for the test itself.

If you are feeling stressed, there are several resources that can help:

• Counselling Services: You can meet with a counsellor to learn effective stress management techniques. Counsellors can help you learn mindfulness practices and develop problem solving strategies, and they can provide additional resources. See the Pembroke Counselling Services page for campus-specific appointments.
• Stress Management module (online): This resource includes tips for managing your stress and exercises that help you feel calm.
• Web-Based Self-Help Tools: This page lists some online tools that can help you manage stress, anxiety, and other issues.

There are a few services on campus that can help you work on English skills such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These services are all available at no cost to students.

One-on-one coaching 

Coaches work with you to help you with the following skills:

• Writing: Grammar, brainstorming & outlines, preliminary research, thesis development, formatting a paper, citation and reference, and self-editing techniques.

• English as a Second Language: build confidence in your English-speaking skills, improve fluency. Oral presentation, reading comprehension, and oral and written communication and more.

To book an appointment, visit the Coaching Lab page of the Student Learning Centre (SLC) website or the SLC Kiosk.

Coaching is currently offered online and on-campus. Students from all campuses can join the online coaching sessions. Students at the Pembroke campus can also access coaching through the Student Support Lab. 

Workshops 

Several workshops are available to help you strengthen your English writing and speaking skills, including the following:

In the workshops, facilitators help you develop skills with a group of other students. There are several workshops that can help you develop your English skills in writing and speaking, including those that follow:

• Writing Your Research Paper

• Presentation Skills

• APA Citation Style

• IEEE Citation Style

You can read more information and sign up for a workshop on the Workshops website.

Resources from the Library 

The Library has quite a few resources that can help you develop your English skills. You can discover many resources in these subject guides:

• ESL/EAP: This is a collection of recommendations for books, videos, and web resources for ESL students. It includes an ESL reading list. After all, what better way is there to improve your reading than to practice reading!

• English Communication Survival Guide: This guide has resources that help you with the mechanics of writing, like how to structure a sentence.

International students who are studying full time in an academic program and who maintain continuous enrolment according to the course calendar for their program of study may be entitled to work on or off-campus.

For further information about your ability to work while studying, please visit the Immigration Canada website.

If you are an international student and you want to find employment, the services below can help you:

• For assistance with finding a job, writing a resume and cover letter, building and using your LinkedIn profile and preparing for your next interview, please visit the Employment Support Centre. visit the Employability Toolkit for International Students webpage where you will find career‑related resources designed to help you successfully navigate work opportunities during and after your studies.
• If you require further assistance or have questions about your status as an international student, please visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship information on the International Education Centre website.

If you have questions or would like more information, visit the International Education Centre’s Contact page for contact information.

When reading your timetable, most classes that have an on-campus component (standard, multimodal, and some hybrid courses) will have a room number to let you know where the course is located. The room information for each class includes the campus, building, and room number.

Ottawa Example

If you see you have a class in room WB457, you’ll find your class in:

W = Woodroffe/Ottawa campus
B = B Building
457 = 4th floor, room 457

There are a few exceptions to be aware of:

• VRTUAL = This course will be delivered in a completely virtual format.
• CA = This course will be delivered in the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) building, located at the Ottawa campus

Pembroke example

If you see you have a class in room PB457, you’ll find your class in:

• PB = Pembroke campus
• 457 = 4th floor, room 457

There are a few exceptions to be aware of:

• VRTUAL = This course will be delivered in a completely virtual format.
• PB100S = This course is part of the Carpentry program and the lab is located off-campus. Your Professor will confirm that location in the first week(s) of class.

If you are considering taking a break from your studies and you know you would like to return to your program, it may be possible to take what is referred to as an unscheduled break. An unscheduled break is a break in studies that is not a part of the program’s scheduled progression.

First, speak with your Program Coordinator or Student Advisor (AC Online) to discuss your options and whether a break is possible for your program. They will also be able to explain the process of returning to your studies. International students must also speak with an International Student Advisor for information on unscheduled breaks (also referred to as authorized leave by the IRCC) to ensure they continue to meet the conditions of their student visa/study permit.

Taking an unscheduled break involves withdrawing from the program and returning at a later date. Please follow the instructions on the Program Transfers and Withdrawals website to begin the withdrawal process.

Algonquin College has agreements with other post-secondary institutions that allow you to have credits earned in one program count towards a degree or diploma at another institution. Having existing credits recognized can help you finish a program faster or reduce your course load.

For information about how to have your credits recognized for a new program of study, refer to the AC Pathways website.

Some programs at Algonquin College include a work placement where students work for an employer in their field of study. A work placement is an opportunity for students to get hands-on experience applying what they learned in their classes. Work placements are typically unpaid positions.

• To find out if your program has a work placement component, visit the program website, which you can find through the list of programs.
• For information about the work placement component in your program, talk to your Academic Advisor/Program Coordinator.

Health issues can disrupt your life and affect your ability to focus on your studies. If you are experiencing health-related issues, the following resources can help you address your concerns:

• Health Services: Access confidential medical services on campus. You can make an appointment with a Registered Nurse or a doctor (Ottawa campus). See the Pembroke Health Services page for campus-specific services.
• Counselling Services: Access mental health support on campus. Mental health professionals work with you to assess your needs and identify the right type of care for you. See the Pembroke Counselling Services page for campus-specific services.
• Your professor(s): Talk to your professors about any effect that your health issues have on your class performance. They may be able to provide options that help.
• Your Academic Advisor/Program Coordinator (on-campus students): Talk to your Academic Advisor/Program Coordinator about the effect that your health issue has on your studies if it is affecting multiple classes. They can work with you to determine what your options are.
• Your Pathway Advisor (AC Online): If your health issues are impacting your ability to succeed in your courses, contact your Pathway Advisor to discuss your options.

General Education courses are courses that cover topics outside of your chosen program. They are designed to give you a broad education that will help you be adaptable in a changing workplace. Many programs at Algonquin College include some mandatory General Education courses, as well as one or two electives.

Information about General Education Electives:

• See if your program includes General Education: Check your program website to see if your program includes General Education electives.
• See the courses you can choose from: Visit the General Education Electives website for the list of General Education courses. Your program website will have information about which of these courses you can take in your program.
• Get more information: Talk to your General Education School Representative for more information about your General Education Electives.
• Register for your elective: You will usually register for your elective course through ACSIS. For more information about the process, visit the page on How to Register.

While your grades for assignments and tests will typically be posted in Brightspace during the semester, to view your final grades, you will need to check ACSIS. Your final grades will become available a few weeks after the end of the semester (see the Academic Calendar for the exact date each term).

To view your final grades:

1. Login to ACSIS.
2. In the menu on the left of the main ACSIS page, under Courses, click View Grades.
3. Select the academic term from the drop-down menu and click Display. Your grades for the selected term will be displayed.

Once you have your timetable (or course list for AC Online students), you can find your textbooks through the Connections: The Campus Store website. For more information, visit the Course Material Services website.

Purchasing Course Material

1. Find out what books and materials are required for your program: Students can use the Booklist tool to see their list of required textbooks and other course materials.
2. Print and digital textbooks, as well as other course supplies, can be purchased from the bookstore, either on campus (Ottawa) or online through the Connections: The Campus Store website.

Getting help with digital textbooks

• For help finding, purchasing, and accessing digital textbooks, visit the Connections FAQ page or contact Course Material Services.

The location of each Program Orientation is posted on the Orientation website. If no locations are currently available, please check again closer to the start of the term.

• Ottawa campus Orientation website
• Pembroke Orientation website

If you are thinking about getting further education after you complete your program at Algonquin College, there are several services and resources that can help you determine what to do next.

Services

• Career Counselling Services

  Career Counselling Services can help you explore your academic pathways to further post-secondary options either within Algonquin College or at other post-secondary institutions. The counsellor can help you with information about areas such as the following:

  • articulation agreements that Algonquin College has with other institutions
  • your career options
  • pathways after university
  • how to connect with universities that do not have agreements with the College
  • the application process.
  • counsellor can help you navigate the system and provide information to help you make an informed decision.

• Pathway Coordinator

  The Pathways Coordinator can help you review the available academic pathways to further post-secondary options either within Algonquin College or at other post-secondary institutions.

Resources

• Pathways Tool

  Algonquin College has agreements with other post-secondary institutions that allow you to have credits earned in one program count towards a degree or diploma at another institution. Having existing credits recognized can help you finish a program faster or reduce your course load. To review a list of available pathways please use the Pathways Tool.

• Graduate Certificates

  Graduate certificate programs can complement your diploma, advanced diploma or degree you earned at Algonquin. These graduate certificates are generally one or two years long and allow you to further your education. See the complete list of graduate certificates on the Programs page of the college website.

When you are in your program, and you need to make sure you are on the right track, it is useful to know that you have people you can talk to discuss what the next steps are after each semester. Here are some tips you can follow to make sure you are taking all the courses you need to graduate:

• Check the level-by-level breakdown of your program to ensure you know what will follow at the end of each semester. You can find your program information through the list of programs.
• Talk to your Academic Advisor/Program Coordinator. They can help you develop a path that leads to graduation, and they can answer questions about your field of study.

If you want to stay in your program but would like to drop a few courses, please contact your Program Coordinator or AC Online Student Advisor to discuss your plans and they will assist you. Please be aware of the deadline to drop courses without academic penalty. This date can vary between programs but is reflected in your timetable for each course, or you can refer to the academic calendar.

Courses at Algonquin can be delivered in different formats or instruction modes, ranging from totally on-campus to totally online.
The instruction mode for each of your courses will appear on the View Timetable page in ACSIS, in your course list. Here are the different possible course instruction modes you may see on your timetable:

• In Person: You will attend the course on campus, on specific days and times during the week.
• Synchronous Online: You will attend the course online on specific days and times during the week, through virtual lectures in tools such as Zoom.
• Asynchronous Online: This course is online and self-directed, which means there are no scheduled class times. There are no lectures or regular classes. Instead, you will learn the material through assigned readings, assignments, etc., with set due dates.
• Flex: You will attend the course on specific days and times during the week. You will have the choice of whether to attend on campus and/or join the class virtually through a video meeting tool such as Zoom.
• AC Online Asynchronous: This course is offered through the AC Online campus. It is online and self-directed, which means there are no scheduled class times. There are no lectures or regular classes in this type of course. Instead, you will learn the material through assigned readings, assignments, etc. This course will have a later start date and will not have a mid-term break week.

Tip: Whenever your course instruction mode includes the word “Hybrid” (e.g. “In-person hybrid,”) it means that the course includes additional online, self-directed coursework.

Save this PDF for your own quick reference: Course Instruction Modes.

If you are not sure if your program is the right fit for you, there are a few services where you can receive guidance:

• Academic Circle of Care (Your Student Success Team): Your Student Success Team, including your Program Coordinator and Student Success Specialist, can discuss your concerns or doubts about your current program and suggest other programs that you might be interested in at the College.
• Career Counselling: In one-on-one counselling sessions, Career Counsellors can help you figure out your career goals and determine which program will help you achieve those goals. They can help you explore your values, skills, interests, and personal strengths.
• Career and Program Choice module: This online module can help you determine your interests and career goals and show you how to find information about college courses and the labour market.

If you decide to change your program, please follow the instructions on the Program Withdrawal/Transfer website.

If you are having trouble in many of your classes, here are some strategies that can help:

• Talk to your Program Coordinator. They can help you figure out what your next steps can be and connect you with other Algonquin College services that can help you.
• Meet with your Student Success Specialist. They can help connect you with resources and support to help improve your academic performance. If you are experiencing challenges that impact your ability to focus on your studies, they can inform you about any supports available to you.
• Participate in an essential skills workshop. Workshops can help with study skills, test preparation, writing, research, citing sources, and more.
• If you need accommodations due to a disability, visit the Centre for Accessible Learning. 
• Access Counselling Services. Counselling Services provides Mental Health Counselling to help you address other issues that may be impacting your ability to focus on your studies. For students at campuses other than Ottawa, see the Pembroke Campus Counselling.

If you have questions about fees and payments, visit the Registrar’s Office website. The website has information about fees and payments, answers to frequently asked questions, and contact information.

If you are having financial difficulties, refer to the Financial Aid and Student Awards website. The website has information about the following sources of funding:

• Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Grants and loans for Ontario residents.
• Out-of-Province programs. Sources of funding for students who don’t live in Ontario.
• Bursaries. Funding awarded to qualified students based on their financial need.
• Scholarships. Funding that is given in recognition of academic excellence.
• Specialty Programs.  Additional information or sources of funding for specific groups of students, including mature students and students with disabilities.
• Work-study program. The College Student Employment Program (CSEP) allows eligible students to work on campus while they study.

If you have any questions about your options, please contact your Financial Aid Officer.

The Counselling Services team are trained and experienced professionals who work with Algonquin students to help them with a variety of issues, such as those that follow:

• Uncertainty about career goals or program choice
• Feeling overwhelmed by assignments, tests, or exams
• Coping with anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts
• Living in a distressing or abusive relationship
• Life situations that seem impossible to overcome

See the Pembroke Counselling Services page for campus-specific appointments.

Algonquin College provides services and support for indigenous students.

At the Ottawa campus, the Mamidosewin Centre  (the Indigenous Student Centre) provides a variety of cultural services, events, and resources that are respectful and reflective of First Nations, Metis and Inuit cultures.

Learn more about the services offered by the Mamidosewin Centre on their website. Please visit the Mamidosewin events calendar to see upcoming events at the Ottawa campus.

Students at our Pembroke Campus have access to various services and resources at that campus. Check out the Pembroke campus Indigenous services website for contact information and a list of resources.

There is a lot that you can do in the library on campus, including the following:

• Work on your own or in a group in the different study spaces:
  • Silent study
  • Collaborative study
  • Meeting rooms (book online)
• Borrow books and DVDs
• Print documents
• Get help with research (find out how to navigate resources, develop search strategies, and find sources for your assignments).

The Library also has a vast collection of resources online. Visit the Library website for more information.

The Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) provides support for students with disabilities.

To access services though CAL as an Algonquin student you must be registered. For more information about the registration process, visit the page on Registering with the CAL. You can also see information about making appointments once registered, accessing accommodations before you have documentation, and accessing accommodations for admissions assessments.

Counselling Services supports students actively registered in a program of study at Algonquin College. Students must be enrolled at Algonquin College in a minimum of one course consisting of at least 24 hours of instruction to be eligible to use Counselling Services.

To arrange an appointment with a counsellor, contact the appropriate point of contact for your campus:

• Ottawa campus
• Pembroke campus 

Cancelling/Rescheduling: If you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, please let Counselling Services know as soon as possible. There is no fee for cancelling your appointment; however, we ask that you respect the needs of other students trying to use Counselling Services by providing 24-hour advance notice whenever possible.

You can access a variety of resources online on the Library website, including the following:

• Academic journals
• Magazine and newspaper articles
• Videos, tutorials, and images
• Ebooks
• Trade publications
• Reports and statistics
• Case law and legislation

You can search most of our resources through Page 1+; if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can also look in individual digital resource collections. You can access these resources on or off-campus. If you are off campus, you will need to log in with your network account credentials to access the resources.

A good place to start your research is in the Subject Guide for your program. This is a collection of books, ebooks, videos, journals, and web resources that the Library recommends for the subject area.

It can be hard to manage everything you need to do as a college student; assignments, classes, exams, jobs, and personal commitments all compete for your time and attention. Luckily, these resources at Algonquin College can help you learn how to keep everything straight:

• Time Management Workshops: These group workshops are offered several times every semester online and in person. Sign up for a workshop and find out how to create a schedule for your week and a plan for the semester.
• Counselling Appointments: Counsellors can help with time management and study skills by working with you to create a semester plan, develop an assignment tracker, and work towards a more balanced schedule.
• Essential Study Skills guide: The time management module has tips and tricks to help you manage your time, as well as downloadable templates for weekly schedules, semester plans, and assignment trackers.
• Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) – Accessible Learning Advisors:  If you are registered with CAL, Learning Strategists can help you develop skills such as time management by showing you effective strategies.
• Study Skills Coaching: Coaches can help you with study skills and success strategies. Coaches are available by appointment at Ottawa and Pembroke.

If you are sick at the time of an exam, you should contact your professor and/or program coordinator in writing as soon as possible. Please refer to policy AA21 Deferred Evaluation for details and next steps.

In the event that you miss an exam due to a temporary or permanent disability, you may also contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) to inquire whether your situation qualifies for a retroactive accommodation.

Each of our campus libraries has space for you to work on assignments or study. In the Ottawa campus library (C350), we have study areas for any need, most of which are open 24/7:

There are a few services on campus that can help you work on English skills such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These services are all available at no cost to students.

One-on-one coaching 

Coaches work with you to help you with the following skills:

• Writing: Grammar, brainstorming & outlines, preliminary research, thesis development, formatting a paper, citation and reference, and self-editing techniques.

• English as a Second Language: build confidence in your English-speaking skills, improve fluency. Oral presentation, reading comprehension, and oral and written communication and more.

To book an appointment, visit the Coaching Lab page of the Student Learning Centre (SLC) website or the SLC Kiosk.

Coaching is currently offered online and on-campus. Students from all campuses can join the online coaching sessions. Students at the Pembroke campus can also access coaching through the Student Support Lab. 

Workshops 

Several workshops are available to help you strengthen your English writing and speaking skills, including the following:

In the workshops, facilitators help you develop skills with a group of other students. There are several workshops that can help you develop your English skills in writing and speaking, including those that follow:

• Writing Your Research Paper

• Presentation Skills

• APA Citation Style

• IEEE Citation Style

You can read more information and sign up for a workshop on the Workshops website.

Resources from the Library 

The Library has quite a few resources that can help you develop your English skills. You can discover many resources in these subject guides:

• ESL/EAP: This is a collection of recommendations for books, videos, and web resources for ESL students. It includes an ESL reading list. After all, what better way is there to improve your reading than to practice reading!

• English Communication Survival Guide: This guide has resources that help you with the mechanics of writing, like how to structure a sentence.

If you believe that you received an unfair grade on an assignment, these are the recommended steps to take:

1. Connect with the professor to explain the situation, your perspective, and to request feedback to your grading. Please allow your professor up to 5 business days to respond. Please note that when reviewing your grade, the grade may remain the same, increase, or decrease. Your professor is to provide feedback and clarity on their grading, they are not required to change your grade unless there is an error.
2. If you’re unable to resolve this concern or unable to connect with your professor, please connect with your Academic Chair for next steps. Please allow 5 business days for a response from the Academic Chair.
3. If the problem persists, you are within your rights to contact the Ombudsman for assistance escalating your concerns and beginning a formal review.
4. You can also seek advice from Counselling Services. They can help you navigate the process. (See the Pembroke Counselling Services page for campus-specific appointments. )

For the full details of the procedure for reviewing grades, please read policy AA37: Review of Grade and policy AA19: Academic Appeal.

If you are having a problem involving a professor in class, these are some recommended steps to take:

1. Meet with the professor to explain the situation and your perspective (informal complaint). State the facts as well as you can, preferably in writing. You and the professor will discuss a possible resolution to your concerns. If your concern is resolved, then no further steps are required. If your concern has not been resolved, proceed to the next step.
2. Submit a formal complaint. If your concerns have not been resolved through a meeting with your professor, or if you feel uncomfortable approaching your professor, you can bring your concern to the Program Chair.
   At the meeting, provide the Chair with a written complaint that includes the following information (see policy SA03: Student Complaints Appendix 3 for the form template):
   • Description of the complaint, including time and date of events
   • Employees involved (e.g. professor’s name)
   • Names of witnesses, if any
   • Actions taken to date
   • Solution sought
3. Wait for the resolution from the Program Chair. The Chair will investigate your complaint and speak with the professor. They will then provide you with a written resolution. If appropriate, the Chair may arrange a meeting with you and the professor to discuss the situation and come up with a strategy.

If you require assistance to submit your complaint, or would like mediation when meeting with your Professor, you can contact the Ombudsman for support.

For more information about the formal process of lodging a complaint, please read policy SA03: Student Complaints.

The Student Learning Centre offers two types of academic support: Coaching and Peer Tutoring.

Both expert coaches and peer tutors can help you better understand course materials and concepts, review assignment instructions, develop study skills and self-editing techniques to allow you to build confidence and succeed in your studies.

The chart below explains the differences between the two services:

Peer Tutoring is also offered at the Pembroke campus. For more information, visit Peer Tutoring at Pembroke campus website. 

If you are having trouble understanding material in a class, here are some strategies that can help:

• Ask your professor for help or clarification. 
  Try to keep a list of questions as they come up so that you don’t forget something that you need explained. You can ask questions in class, in lab, after class, in your professor’s office hours, by email, etc.

• Form a study group with other students in your class. 
  You can help each other fill in gaps in your understanding of the material or compare notes. Having multiple people working on the material can help you understand concepts that you struggle with on your own.

• Work with a Peer Tutor. 
  The Student Learning Centre (SLC) offers you the opportunity to connect with a trained tutor for one-on-one course-specific support. Peer Tutoring is also offered at the Pembroke campus.
• Get coaching support through the SLC Coaching Lab. 
  Coaches provide support with anatomy & biology, computer skills, English as a Second Language (ESL), math, presentation skills, science, study skills and writing. (Pembroke campus coaching is offered through their Student Support Lab.)
• Participate in an essential skills workshop. 
  Workshops can help with study skills, test preparation, writing, research, citing sources, and more.
• Visit the Library for research support.
  The Library staff can help you find sources of information, like articles and books, for your projects. They can show you how to search through the Library website or locate a book on the shelves. Visit the Research Guide for more information.

• Improve your study skills and strategies through the online Essential Study Skills guide. 
  Here you can find tips, videos, activities, and tools to help achieve academic success. It covers practical skills ranging from time management to studying effectively. You will also find tools and information to help you cope with the demands of college.
• Access Counselling Services. 
  Counselling Services provides Mental Health Counselling to help you address other issues that may be impacting your ability to focus on your studies. Pembroke students can visit the Pembroke Campus Counselling.

The Library offers workshops that can help you develop research and writing skills, such as the following:

• find credible resources more easily
• plan your paper
• write good quality papers
• cite your sources correctly

We also partner with other departments to offer workshops on Study Skills, Digital Skills, and more. There are workshops on a wide range of skills that will help you in college and your career. Most of these workshops take place online.

Visit the Workshop page to read more about the workshops, see the calendar of upcoming workshops, and register for sessions.

If you are having trouble in many of your classes, here are some strategies that can help:

• Talk to your Program Coordinator. They can help you figure out what your next steps can be and connect you with other Algonquin College services that can help you.
• Meet with your Student Success Specialist. They can help connect you with resources and support to help improve your academic performance. If you are experiencing challenges that impact your ability to focus on your studies, they can inform you about any supports available to you.
• Participate in an essential skills workshop. Workshops can help with study skills, test preparation, writing, research, citing sources, and more.
• If you need accommodations due to a disability, visit the Centre for Accessible Learning. 
• Access Counselling Services. Counselling Services provides Mental Health Counselling to help you address other issues that may be impacting your ability to focus on your studies. For students at campuses other than Ottawa, see the Pembroke Campus Counselling.

Learning strategies are useful tools that can help you succeed in your studies. Learning strategies include skills such as time management, taking useful class notes, studying effectively, and preparing for a test or exam. These services can help you with learning strategies:

Self-Study Resources  

• Essential Study Skills guide: This online resource has tips, video demonstrations, activities, tip sheets, and downloadable templates to help you plan your time, take effective notes, study effectively, and more.

Workshops  

• Study Skills Workshops (Ottawa campus): These group workshops are offered throughout the semester in-person and online. Sign up for a workshop and find out how to create a schedule for your week, improve your study strategies, prepare for exams, and more.

One-on-one and group support 

• Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) – Accessible Learning Advisors: If you are registered with CAL, Accessible Learning Advisors can work with you and help you develop skills to improve your academic performance. They can help you with time management, organization, procrastination, study strategies, note taking and more. Pembroke students can see the Pembroke Campus Accessible Learning Advisor.
• Counselling Services: Mental health professionals work with you to assess your needs and identify the right type of care for you. See the Pembroke Counselling Services page for campus-specific services.
• Student Success Specialist: They provide resources to help you with learning strategies such as time management, organization, note-taking, studying, etc.
• Study Skills Coaching: Coaches can help you with study skills and success strategies. Coaches are available by appointment at Ottawa and Pembroke campuses.

When reading your timetable, most classes that have an on-campus component (standard, multimodal, and some hybrid courses) will have a room number to let you know where the course is located. The room information for each class includes the campus, building, and room number.

Ottawa Example

If you see you have a class in room WB457, you’ll find your class in:

W = Woodroffe/Ottawa campus
B = B Building
457 = 4th floor, room 457

There are a few exceptions to be aware of:

• VRTUAL = This course will be delivered in a completely virtual format.
• CA = This course will be delivered in the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) building, located at the Ottawa campus

Pembroke example

If you see you have a class in room PB457, you’ll find your class in:

• PB = Pembroke campus
• 457 = 4th floor, room 457

There are a few exceptions to be aware of:

• VRTUAL = This course will be delivered in a completely virtual format.
• PB100S = This course is part of the Carpentry program and the lab is located off-campus. Your Professor will confirm that location in the first week(s) of class.

Your timetable is decided by the college (with the exception of General Education Electives if you have any). You may wish to make changes to your timetable, such as changing course sections so that your scheduled classes are at a different time. This may be possible in certain circumstances.

There are two possible ways to change your timetable:

1. Make the changes yourself in ACSIS.
2. Ask your Program Coordinator, Academic Advisor, or Student Success Specialist for assistance.

IMPORTANT: Changing your timetable may impact your ability to progress in your program. If you want to change your timetable, we recommend that you contact your Program Coordinator, Academic Advisor, or Student Success Specialist for assistance. Please see the Timetable Changes page from the Registrar’s Office to find out who you should contact.

Watch the video and read the information below to find out how to understand the information in your timetable.

You will find your timetable in your ACSIS account, under View Timetable.  Your timetable will show the following information:

• The course code
• The day and time when each of your classes will take place
• The location, which could be one of the following
• The room number (if your course is on campus)
• VRTUAL (if your course has virtual lectures)

You can change the view of your timetable to display as a list, a calendar by week, or a calendar by month. Courses that are offered online will not appear in the view by week or by month, as they do not have scheduled times during which you need to attend.

On the same page in ACSIS, you will also see a list of your courses, which will include the following information:

• The course code and name
• The name of the professor
• The instruction mode of each code (e.g. standard, hybrid, etc.)
• The start and end dates
• The deadline to withdraw without an academic penalty
• The course outline

Tip: AC Day 1 and statutory holidays are also reflected on your timetable.

In certain circumstances, you can change your timetable in ACSIS. Find out when you can change your timetable yourself.

If your program has enabled the Add/Drop function in ACSIS, you may follow the steps below to make changes to your timetable.  You can also read the full Changing Your Timetable How-to Guide for more information. Watch the video or follow the instructions below to find out how to do the following:

• Transfer course sections
• Drop a course
• Add a course

Transfer course sections (change to a different course time)

To transfer into a different course section:

1. Log into ACSIS.
2. Select Add/Drop/Transfer under the Courses section from the menu on the left-hand side.
3. Read the Refund Policy, click the “I have read the refund policy below” button and click Continue.
4. Click Section Transfer.
5. You will see a list of your courses that have available alternative sections. Select a course to view the section options and click Display Timetable beside each of the section options to see the day/time it is offered.
6. Click the check box for the section you choose and then click Transfer.

Note: If you don’t see any course section options or see an error message indicating that there are no available sections to transfer into, you can contact your Program Coordinator, Academic Advisor, or Student Success Specialist for assistance in changing your timetable. Be aware that there are instances where timetable changes are not possible due to section sizes or availability.

Drop a course

To drop a course and remove it from your timetable:

1. Log into ACSIS.
2. Select Add/Drop/Transfer under the Courses section from the menu on the left-hand side.
3. Read the Refund Policy and click the “I have read the refund policy below” button and click Continue.
4. Click Drop.
5. You will see a list of courses that you can drop without special permission from your program. Select a course you wish to remove from your schedule and then click Drop.

Note: If you don’t see any course section options or see an error message indicating that there are no available sections to drop, you can contact your Program Coordinator or Student Success Specialist for assistance in changing your timetable. Be aware that there are instances where timetable changes are not possible.

Add a course (e.g. general education electives)

To add a course to your timetable:

1. Log into ACSIS.
2. Select Add/Drop/Transfer under the Courses section from the menu on the left-hand side.
3. Read the Refund Policy and click the “I have read the refund policy below” button and click Continue.
4. Click Add.
5. You will see a list of courses that you can add without special permission from your program. Select a course/section that you wish to add to your schedule and then click Add.

Note: If you don’t see any course section options or see an error message indicating that there are no available sections to add, you can contact your Program Coordinator or Student Success Specialist for assistance in changing your timetable. Be aware that there are instances where timetable changes are not possible due to section sizes or availability.

Courses at Algonquin can be delivered in different formats or instruction modes, ranging from totally on-campus to totally online.
The instruction mode for each of your courses will appear on the View Timetable page in ACSIS, in your course list. Here are the different possible course instruction modes you may see on your timetable:

• In Person: You will attend the course on campus, on specific days and times during the week.
• Synchronous Online: You will attend the course online on specific days and times during the week, through virtual lectures in tools such as Zoom.
• Asynchronous Online: This course is online and self-directed, which means there are no scheduled class times. There are no lectures or regular classes. Instead, you will learn the material through assigned readings, assignments, etc., with set due dates.
• Flex: You will attend the course on specific days and times during the week. You will have the choice of whether to attend on campus and/or join the class virtually through a video meeting tool such as Zoom.
• AC Online Asynchronous: This course is offered through the AC Online campus. It is online and self-directed, which means there are no scheduled class times. There are no lectures or regular classes in this type of course. Instead, you will learn the material through assigned readings, assignments, etc. This course will have a later start date and will not have a mid-term break week.

Tip: Whenever your course instruction mode includes the word “Hybrid” (e.g. “In-person hybrid,”) it means that the course includes additional online, self-directed coursework.

Save this PDF for your own quick reference: Course Instruction Modes.

Your timetable should be available in your ACSIS profile under “View Timetable.” Please make sure you select the correct term from the drop-down menu.
If you don’t see your timetable, here are some possible reasons:

• It’s too early:
  • Timetables for the upcoming term are released on the timetable release date, which you can check in the Academic Calendar. After that date, you should be able to see your timetable in your ACSIS account under “View Timetable.”
• You haven’t paid or deferred for the term: 
  • Your timetable will not be available until you pay/defer your fees for the term. Your registration will proceed once you have done so. When you are fully registered, your timetable will be available in ACSIS. To see a demonstration of deferring fees, watch the video ACSIS Tutorials – Defer Your Fees.
• You are still only conditionally accepted:
  • If your acceptance into the program is currently conditional based on the completion of the admission requirements, your timetable will not appear. If you have any questions about the outstanding requirements, please contact the Registrar’s Office for assistance (for instructions on how to submit a ticket, watch the video on their contact page).
  • You can check the status of your application in ACSIS under “View Application Status.” Once you are fully registered, your timetable will appear in your ACSIS account under “View Timetable.”

If you have registered for a program after the timetable release date (as found in the Academic Calendar), you will see your new schedule in ACSIS once your registration in the new program is complete. The following day, you will see your new courses updated in Brightspace.

Once you have your timetable (or course list for AC Online students), you can find your textbooks through the Connections: The Campus Store website. For more information, visit the Course Material Services website.

Purchasing Course Material

1. Find out what books and materials are required for your program: Students can use the Booklist tool to see their list of required textbooks and other course materials.
2. Print and digital textbooks, as well as other course supplies, can be purchased from the bookstore, either on campus (Ottawa) or online through the Connections: The Campus Store website.

Getting help with digital textbooks

• For help finding, purchasing, and accessing digital textbooks, visit the Connections FAQ page or contact Course Material Services.

To connect to the college WiFi network on PC, Mac, or iOS, you have to do the following:

1. Select ACSecure from the list of available networks.

2. Enter your network username and password (found in ACSIS under Network account info) and click Join.

3. When prompted, select Trust to gain access to the ACSecure wireless network.

1. Accept the certificate to trust the network

To connect to the WiFi network on your Android device, device, follow these steps:

• Navigate to the Settings application on your mobile device and select the Wi‑Fi option.

• Select the ACSecure wireless network and adjust the following settings:

• Ensure the EAP method is set to PEAP.

• Under Advanced or View More, set the Phase 2 authentication to MSCHAPV2.

• In the Identity field, enter your UserID (ie, smit0123) and password.

• In the CA certificate field, select Don’t validate.

• Click Connect.

Chromebook and Pixel 

Your device might need to use an app to connect to ACSecure. 

If you are unable to connect after following these steps, use the following troubleshooting guides to try to fix the problem: If you continue to have trouble connecting, visit the ITS Service Desk.

Your network account is the user ID, college email address, and password that you will use to sign in to most things at Algonquin College. You will use your network account information to log in to your student email account, Brightspace, WiFi, and much more. Watch the video and read the information below for instructions on how to find your network account information in ACSIS.

How to find your network account information

To find your student email and password (otherwise known as your network account information):

1. Open ACSIS. You can also find ACSIS on the Current Students page of the Algonquin College website.
2. Log in with your student number and the password you set when you first logged in.
   • If this is your first time logging in to ACSIS: you don’t have a password set, so you will need to enter your date of birth.
   • If you have logged in to ACSIS before, but can’t remember your password:  Click Forgot my password and follow the instructions to reset your password
3. On the ACSIS homepage, click Network account info in the left menu. You should now see the following:
   • Your User ID (e.g.smit0001)
   • Your initial password.

   Your email address is your username, followed by @algonquinlive.com. For example, if your User ID is smit0001, your email address will be smit0001@algonquinlive.com

Algonquin College Students students of Algonquin College will have access to Microsoft 365 software (formerly Microsoft Office) for each semester they are registered. To access this software:

1. Go to https://www.office.com/ and log in using your student username (@algonquinlive.com) and password.

2. In the left side pane, click the App Launcher.
3. In a new pop-up, click More apps. 
4. On the new page, in the top right corner, click Install apps and select Microsoft 365 apps.
5. On the next page, click Install Office and follow the instructions to download and install the application.
6. Open your student email (you can find it under Live@AC on the Current Students page) and sign in with your college network account.
7. Click on the waffle icon (grid of dots) in the top left and then click Microsoft 365 at the top of the menu that appears.
8. Click Install an more and follow the on-screen instructions.

If you are having trouble logging in to Brightspace or your email, there are multiple possible causes. Try the solutions below to fix the issue:

• Make sure your network username and password are correct. You can find your username and initial password in ACSIS. Watch the video on Getting connected at Algonquin College to see how to find your network credentials and use them to log in. If you have not changed your network password, the credentials listed in ACSIS should be accurate.
• If you do not have network credentials in ACSIS, you may need to wait.
  • Wait until closer to the start of the term for your username and password to be created.
  • Check your application status in ACSIS. You need to be confirmed in a program and have paid/deferred your fees.
  • If you registered less than 72 hours ago, check again in a few days.
  • If you have done the above, contact ITS if you still don’t have a username and password.
• If your password is incorrect and you have changed it from the original, contact ITS. Your password may need to be reset. Contact ITS or visit the ITS Service Desk during business hours.
• If the problem is not your username and password, read the ITS article Why can I not log on to my Algonquin student email? This page includes solutions to possible problems with your WiFi and Browser.

To access the AC Café, you will need to log in to Brightspace and self-enroll in the course. For more detailed instructions, visit the AC Café: Getting Started guide.

Here are some possible solutions to login problems:

• You can’t log in to Brightpace: Ensure that you have the correct credentials from ACSIS. If you have typed the email and password correctly but are still unable to log in, please contact ITS for assistance.
• You don’t have an email and password in ACSIS: Network credentials (user ID, email, and password) appear in ACSIS shortly after you are registered (within 72 hours).
  • If you were registered recently, check your ACSIS account again in a day or two.
  • If you have been registered for longer than 72 hours, please contact ITS for assistance.
• You don’t see the AC Café course for your term: A new version of the AC Café is created for each new term to ensure the information is up to date. The AC Café for the upcoming term becomes available in the Discover tab in Brightspace approximately one month before the start of term.

If you are still unable to log in, or if your issue is not addressed above, please contact the Student Learning Centre for assistance.

When you withdraw from a program, whether you receive a refund can depend on whether you withdraw before the refund deadline. This last day to withdraw with a refund can be found on the academic calendar, and it is typically the 10th business day of the term. See more details below.

Withdrawing before the deadline

If you officially withdraw within 10 business days from the start date of your program, you are entitled to a refund of fees paid less the $500.00 non-refundable tuition deposit (for domestic students). For international students, please see the international student refund policy for more information about deposits and other fees.

If the College has received any OSAP payments, the remaining credit (less the $500.00 non-refundable tuition deposit) will be returned to the National Student Loans Service Centre.

Tip: In many cases, you can use the $500 deposit towards another program or course within the same academic year.

Withdrawing after the deadline

If you officially withdraw after 10 business days from the start date of your program or change to part-time status, no refund will be issued, and you will still be liable for payment of any outstanding fees owing to the College.

For more information, see the Registrar’s Office Refund Policies.

If your education is sponsored by an organization or employer (Band, Second Career etc.), you should reach out to your sponsor to let them know you are withdrawing. In some cases, your sponsor will expect you to pay back any money they are forfeiting for tuition, including the non-refundable $500 tuition deposit.

For more details about sponsorships and what happens if you withdraw, please visit the Sponsorship for Full-time Program Registrations page.

If you have any questions, contact the Registrar’s Office.

• Program Withdrawal means leaving your program, including all of your courses. You will need to complete a program withdrawal form to finalize your withdrawal. For more information about the process, visit the Program Transfers and Withdrawals website.
• Course Withdrawal means dropping one or more courses but continuing as a student in the same program. Dropping one or more courses may impact your progression in the program and may impact your full-time status. Contact your Program Coordinator to discuss impacts to your progression and to initiate dropping a course.

If you are considering taking a break from your studies and you know you would like to return to your program, it may be possible to take what is referred to as an unscheduled break. An unscheduled break is a break in studies that is not a part of the program’s scheduled progression.

First, speak with your Program Coordinator or Student Advisor (AC Online) to discuss your options and whether a break is possible for your program. They will also be able to explain the process of returning to your studies. International students must also speak with an International Student Advisor for information on unscheduled breaks (also referred to as authorized leave by the IRCC) to ensure they continue to meet the conditions of their student visa/study permit.

Taking an unscheduled break involves withdrawing from the program and returning at a later date. Please follow the instructions on the Program Transfers and Withdrawals website to begin the withdrawal process.

If the withdrawal or transfer form does not open in your browser when you click on the link, it may be blocked by your pop-up blocker.

To fix this problem, copy the link from the email message, paste it into the address bar in your browser, and press Enter to visit the website.

If you decide to withdraw, follow the procedure on the Program Transfers and Withdrawals website.

Please be aware of the deadlines to withdraw from a program. This date can vary between programs, so please refer to the academic calendar to find out the last day to withdraw and receive a refund and the last day to withdraw without academic penalty.

For more information about the process, visit the Program Transfers and Withdrawals website.

If you withdraw from your program, your U-Pass will stop working shortly after you withdraw. You don’t need to return the card, nor is any other action required on your part. We recommend that you load some money onto a Presto card so that you do not have trouble taking public transit when your card stops working.

If you’re withdrawing from your program or transferring into a different program, you will have been provided with the link to a form.

Watch the video or read the instructions below to find out how to log in to the form.

Video Transcript – RTF

Instructions: How to log in to the program withdrawal or program transfer form

In order to complete the Program Withdrawal form, you will need your Algonquin student email and password.

Step 1 describes the details of how to find your student email and password. You may skip step 1 if you already have this information.

Step 2 describes how to access and submit the Program Withdrawal form.
Step 1: Logging in to ACSIS and finding your email and password

1. Navigate to algonquincollege.com, and click Current Students.

2. Scroll down and click ACSIS.

3. Type in your student number.

4. Enter the password or your birthdate:

• If this is the first time you log in to ACSIS, you don’t have a password set, so you will need to enter your date of birth.

• If you have logged in to ACSIS before, enter the password you set previously. If you can’t remember your password, click Forgot my password.

5. Accept the terms and conditions and click Continue. If you’re a new student, you’ll be prompted to set up a new password now.

6. You will now see the ACSIS homepage. Click Network account info on the left. You will see your user ID and initial password. Your email address is your User ID followed by @algonquinlive.com.

7. Keep this tab open, so you have easy access to your login information.

Step 2: Open the withdrawal or transfer form and log in

1. Open the email you were sent during your withdrawal or transfer meeting.

2. Click on the button in the body of the email to open the form. Note: Make sure you’re not logged in to any other Microsoft accounts in this browser, or the form will deny you access.

3. When prompted, log in to the form using the email and password you just found in ACSIS.

4. If this is the first time you log in with your student email, set up a verification option when prompted.

5. Once you’re logged in, you will see the form. Complete the form online and click Submit.

6. Your form will be automatically sent to the Registrar’s Office and they will process your program withdrawal or transfer.

If you have any difficulties logging in, contact ITS.

If you are considering taking a break from your studies and/or withdrawing from your program, there are important dates to be aware of.

• Last day to withdraw with refund: You must withdraw from your program on or before this date in order to receive a refund of your tuition/not be charged tuition for this semester. This date can vary depending on the term and the program delivery, but it is typically the tenth business day of the term. Please refer to the academic calendar or your timetable in ACSIS for exact dates.

  Note: If you are withdrawing from your first semester of the academic year (Fall to Spring) you will have been charged a tuition deposit. The deposit will not be refunded, but you can use it towards a single course or a new program within the same academic year. For domestic students, please refer to the following FAQ answer: $500 Deposit: Can I use my $500 deposit for another program? International students are subject to the International Refund Policies. 

• Last day to withdraw without academic penalty (date may vary): This is the last day to withdraw without academic penalty in most post-secondary programs (actual date reflected, by course, on your timetable.) If you withdraw after this date, you will receive an ‘F’ on your transcript. Please refer to the academic calendar for the approximate date and see your timetable in ACSIS for exact dates.

If you want to stay in your program but would like to drop a few courses, please contact your Program Coordinator or AC Online Student Advisor to discuss your plans and they will assist you. Please be aware of the deadline to drop courses without academic penalty. This date can vary between programs but is reflected in your timetable for each course, or you can refer to the academic calendar.

If you are enrolled in an Apprenticeship program, please send an email to apprentice@algonquincollege.com to officially withdraw from the program. Please include “Withdraw” in the subject line and allow 3-5 business days for a response.

Depending on when you withdraw you may be entitled to a refund:

• If you officially withdraw prior to the start date of your program, you are entitled to receive a full refund of any fees paid.
• If you officially withdraw within 3 business days from the start date of your program, you are entitled to receive a refund of any fees paid, less a $100.00 administrative fee.
• If the program is suspended or cancelled by the College, you are entitled to a full refund of any fees paid.

Please see the Refund Policy for details.

If you have registered for a program after the timetable release date (as found in the Academic Calendar), you will see your new schedule in ACSIS once your registration in the new program is complete. The following day, you will see your new courses updated in Brightspace.