AC Day 1

Join us on Tuesday, September 8, 2026!

New students, AC Day 1 is your official welcome to the AC community! You do not want to miss out on your opportunity to connect with your classmates and professors, get the tech support you need, and learn about the academic resources available to you!

AC Day 1 programming is open to new students at the Ottawa Campus only. Classes will be suspended on September 8 so that new students can take part in Program Orientation and AC Day 1 activities. Please note: EAP students will have class on September 8 and are encouraged to take part in AC Day 1 activities outside their class time. Please view your schedule on ACSIS.

Click here to secure your spot!

What’s in store

Program Orientation: Level 1 learners at the Ottawa Campus, you will be contacted by your Program Coordinator via email with specific details about where your Program Orientation will be hosted closer to AC Day 1. Closer to the start of term, you’ll be able to find your Program Orientation time and location here. If you have any questions, please contact your Program Coordinator.

Academic Support and Workshops: Stop by these booths and attend these workshops to get ready for the academic term ahead. You’ll leave AC Day 1 ready to succeed in your classes. Please note, that activities are subject to change.

AC Day 1 Activities

All day • Registrar’s Office and Financial Aid Resources

The Registrar’s Office and Financial Aid have put together some helpful “How Tos” to guide you through our most frequently asked questions. Before you call or email us, you can DIY your request through the following links:
Still have a question? We’re here for you online and in person! The Registrar’s Office and Financial Aid will be operating virtually and in person at the Ottawa Campus, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To reach us, please use the following contact information:
Email: AskUs@algonquincollege.com
Phone: 613-727-4723 or 613-727-0002

8 a.m. • Coffee & Tea Stations

Grab a complimentary hot cup of coffee or tea as you arrive on campus and head to your Program Orientation.
*While supplies last.
Locations:
  • 1st Floor, C Building (Main Entrance)
  • 1st Floor, ACCE/CA Building (Baseline Station Entrance)

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • OC Transpo Information Booth

OC Transpo will have staff on-site to assist students with any questions about Ottawa’s transit system!
Whether it’s understanding new routes, schedules, or general questions, the knowledgeable staff at OC Transpo will be available to provide helpful information and ensure students are well-informed about the latest updates to the transit network.
Location: 1st Floor, E Building (Student Commons)

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Here2Help Booths

Have a question? Need directions? We’re Here2Help! On AC Day 1, stop by a Here2Help booth from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for assistance with all your AC-related questions!
Booth Locations:
  • E Building Entrance
  • 4 Corners
  • C Lobby (1st Floor)
  • C Building (2nd floor)
  • ACCE Baseline Entry
  • T Building Entry (AC Day 1 only)
  • J/N Junction

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • ITS Network Support Drop-In Booth

Get on-the-spot tech support for connecting to the college’s Wifi, downloading software, accessing ACSIS and Brightspace, and more!
Booth Locations:
  • 1st Floor, H Building (next to Savoir Fare)
  • 1st Floor, C Building (next to Nawapon)
  • 1st Floor, D Building (Marketplace Food Court)

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • AC Card and U-Pass Service Centre

New students who require their AC Card and U-Pass can submit their photo for their card at acphoto.algonquincollege.com. Once a photo has been submitted and approved, students can pick up their card from the Card Services Office in the Marketplace Food Court.
Please note, you must submit photo first at acphoto.algonquincollege.com and wait for approval email with instructions to pick up card.
Event Location: Marketplace Food Court (1st Floor, D Building)

9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. • Welcome to AC Coffee Break

Welcome to AC! Start your first day of college off right by visiting the AC Hub! Brewbar will be onsite serving up delicious organic teas and masterfully brewed fair-trade coffees. Take your pick from an array of beverages, including espresso, lattes and whole-leaf teas, grab a sweet treat and connect with the AC community before heading off to your Program Orientation.
While you’re here you can learn about all the amazing events and activities happening this semester, from anti-procrastination workshops and friendship bracelet making to speed friending, wellness events and so much more. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover ways to get involved, meet new people and make the most of your AC experience.
Don’t forget to pick up your Welcome to AC Kindness Kit, thoughtfully created by upper-level students to help ease those first-day jitters and give you a warm welcome to the AC community.
Please note, coffee, pastries and kindness kits available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Location: The AC Hub (2nd Floor, E Buidling)
Brought to you by our proud sponsor BMO.

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Housing Drop-In Booth

Still searching for housing or have questions about your new rental? Our Student Housing Coordinator will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to answer your questions and provide support. Not sure what to ask? No problem! Drop by to learn more about our workshops designed to help students better understand renting in Ontario, as well as the online resources available to support you throughout your housing journey.

Booth Location: 1st Floor, E Building (Student Commons)

9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. • International Education Centre Drop-in Booth

Hey international students! Do you have questions about immigration, healthcare, employment, making friends, or events on campus? We’re here to help. Visit the International Education Centre (IEC) drop-in booth to learn about all the resources available to international students and newcomers to Canada.
Booth Location: 1st Floor, E Building (Student Commons)

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Student Learning Centre Kiosk

Have questions about academic supports and not sure where to start? Drop by the Student Learning Centre booth and learn about services like Coaching, Peer Tutoring, and workshops.
These resources are designed to help you succeed academically and beyond. Join us and discover how we can support you!
Location: Student Learning Centre Desk (2nd Floor, C Building)

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Discover the Coaching Lab

Come meet your Academic Coaches in the Coaching Labs and get to know the people who are here to support you throughout your studies. They can help you stay organized, understand course expectations, build stronger study habits, and navigate challenges as they come up.

Whether you want to talk through your goals, boost your confidence, or figure out a better way to manage your workload, the coaching team is ready to help you make your academic journey feel a little easier and a lot more manageable.

Location: Room C250 (2nd Floor, C Building)

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. • Getting Started with Brightspace, Email, and Microsoft 365 Workshop

Find out how to sign in and navigate Brightspace, the online platform for your courses! This workshop covers how to access your course material, submit assignments, take quizzes, see your grades and more!
You will also learn about your student email and Microsoft 365 apps, like Word and Teams, that are accessible through your email account and that will help you with your studies.
Please note, this workshop is first-come, first-served due to limited spaces. Can’t attend this session? Click here to check out other dates available!
Location: Library Learning Lab – Room C263 (2nd Floor, C Building)

10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. • Library Tour

Join us for a short, but informative walk through our beautiful library that will introduce attendees to our onsite services and resources. Learn how easy it is to use our self-checkout kiosks to borrow books and how to borrow laptops from our 24 hour laptop lockers.
Finally, meet Page 1+; – it’s a lot like Google, but instead of searching the web, it searches the library’s online and in-house collection!
Location: AC Library Main Desk – Room C350 (3rd Floor, C Building)

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Career Development Services Booth

Find your Career Superpower! Learn how your strengths can help you explore career possibilities, make confident decisions, develop employer-valued skills, and prepare for part-time jobs and future opportunities. Visit Career Development Services to unlock your potential.

Booth Location: 1st Floor, E Building (Student Commons)

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • The Chill Zone

We know your first few days of college can be hectic, so stop by The Chill Zone to calm those first-week jitters and build connections. Come and enjoy some of our activities: friendship bracelets, vision boards, journaling, puzzles and be sure to check out the calm room to learn mindfulness skills for the upcoming school year.

There’s something for everyone to unwind and relax at The Chill Zone!

Location: Nawapon (1st Floor, C Building)

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Print Services Drop-In Booth

Drop by this booth to ask any questions you may have about printing on campus or the Print Shop! Get all of your devices set up to easily print from your phone, tablet, and/or laptop throughout the term!
Booth Location: 1st Floor, E Building (Student Commons)

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Course Materials Drop-In Booth

Drop by this booth to ask any questions you may have about your course materials and booklist, plus check out Connections: The Campus Store while you’re there!
Booth Location: Outside Connections: The Campus Store (1st Floor, H Building)

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Spiritual Centre Drop-In

Stop into the Spiritual Centre to meet the team, have a few moments of quiet and reflection, and learn more about the faith and spirituality groups on campus!
For any questions, please email: spiritualcentre@algonquincollege.com
Location: Room E204 (2nd Floor, E Building)

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Women in Tech and Trades Booth

The Women in Tech and Trades (WiTT) program aims to provide women students in technology and trades with opportunities for mentorship, networking with industry, and professional growth.
WiTT hosts a variety of events throughout the year designed to empower, connect, and uplift women students in fields with gender disparity. Whether you’re looking to grow your network or hear inspiring stories these events are designed to help you build confidence and community. For more information, come visit us at our booth!
To learn more, click here.
Booth Location: 1st Floor, C Building (across from Nawapon)

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Campus Connectors Booth

Looking to boost your well‑being, get connected, and feel supported on campus? Visit the Campus Connectors booth to learn about free 1:1 peer appointments, peer groups, and engaging events and initiatives offered through the Student Health and Wellness Zone.
Booth Location: 1st Floor, C Building (outside to Nawapon)

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. • ASPIRE AC Info Booth

Are you a domestic student looking for support as you start your academic journey? Stop by the ASPIRE AC booth to connect with a team dedicated to helping you feel confident and prepared.

Whether you’re curious about mentorship opportunities, want guidance on finding part‑time work, or need help navigating college life, ASPIRE AC offers resources designed to support you every step of the way.

Come chat with us, learn about the services available to you, and discover how ASPIRE AC can help you build a strong foundation for your time at AC.

Booth Location: 1st Floor, C Building (across from Nawapon)

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Student Leadership Program Info Booth

Start your leadership journey with the AC Hub!
The Student Leadership Program is a fantastic opportunity to gain a strong foundation of leadership skills and experience. Open to all second-semester students or those who have previously completed a program in Canada or abroad. Whether you are studying at the Ottawa Campus or online, our hybrid delivery makes it easy to tune in. For more information, come visit us for a chat!
Booth Location: 1st Floor, C Building (across from Nawapon)

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Wolves Fest

Wolves Fest Day 1 brings big energy to the Student Commons front lawn, turning it into a lively, music‑filled hangout packed with food and games. Enjoy fresh‑grilled burgers, then jump into fan‑favourite activities like axe throwing, giant chess, and mini putt.

Looking for a place to chill? Our Chill Zone is set-up with bean bags and hammocks for a place to sit down and relax. A live band keeps the energy high all afternoon, creating the perfect soundtrack for competing, relaxing, or dancing between rounds. A fun and flavour‑filled kickoff to the year.

Location: Student Commons (E Building) Front Lawn

Brought to you by your Algonquin Students’ Association. 

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Ottawa Public Health Booth

Ottawa Public Health is joining us for AC Day 1 to help you start the year feeling informed, supported, and confident about your well‑being.

Visit their booth to learn about key health resources available to students. Their team is here to answer questions, share practical guidance, and connect you with community services that can make your college experience safer and healthier.

Whether you’re looking for wellness advice, information on local clinics, or ways to take care of yourself during busy academic weeks, Ottawa Public Health is ready to support you as you begin your AC journey.

Booth Location: 1st Floor, E Building (Student Commons)

12 p.m. to 1 p.m. • Getting Started with Brightspace, Email, and Microsoft 365 Workshop

Find out how to sign in and navigate Brightspace, the online platform for your courses! This workshop covers how to access your course material, submit assignments, take quizzes, see your grades and more!
You will also learn about your student email and Microsoft 365 apps, like Word and Teams, that are accessible through your email account and that will help you with your studies.
Please note, this workshop is first-come, first-served due to limited spaces. Can’t attend this session? Click here to check out other dates available!
Location: Library Learning Lab – Room C263 (2nd Floor, C Building)

1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. • Library Tour

Join us for a short, but informative walk through our beautiful library that will introduce attendees to our onsite services and resources. Learn how easy it is to use our self-checkout kiosks to borrow books and how to borrow laptops from our 24 hour laptop lockers.
Finally, meet Page 1+; – it’s a lot like Google, but instead of searching the web, it searches the library’s online and in-house collection!
Location: AC Library Main Desk – Room C350 (3rd Floor, C Building)

1 p.m. to 3 p.m. • Mamidosewin Centre Booth

Drop by the Mamidosewin Centre booth say hi and meet the staff! This is your chance to learn about Indigenous student initiatives and programs, opportunities to get involved, and upcoming events!
Booth Location: 1st Floor, C Building (Across from Nawapon)

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. • Speed Friending

Join us in the Observatory on AC Day 1 for Speed Friending! This fun and relaxed networking activity is a great way to meet fellow students, spark conversations, and make new connections. Through a series of quick, guided chats, you’ll have the chance to learn about others’ interests, experiences, and what brought them to AC.

Whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting someone new, Speed Friending is the perfect way to kick off the event and start building your AC community. Complimentary refreshments will be served!

Location: Observatory (1st Floor, A Building)

Sponsored by BMO. With their Student Banking Solutions, you can earn up to $800 in value, including a $200 Tech reward from Best Buy! Click here to learn more.