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Orientation Matters for College Students

Melissa Bishop, Olympian and Pan Am Gold medalistIn the past week students at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus have had the chance to meet a Canadian Olympian, hang out with the Ottawa Redblacks Cheer Team, take a morning off from classes to participate in a series of team building games, and pick up free tickets to the Pembroke Lumber Kings junior hockey game.

It’s called orientation and it is critically important to helping students adjust to college life.

So why is it so important? Simply stated, it’s about helping students make connections.

Pembroke Campus, Games DayTransitioning to college is a huge step for students, particularly younger students who have had to re-locate to a new community. They are meeting new people, living away from home for the first time, learning how to manage a budget, and gaining independence. That’s a lot to throw at a young person, but it’s much worse if they are feeling isolated or homesick.

Home sickness is very real for some students, but most of the time it can be overcome if colleges provide opportunities for students to connect, and that’s what happens at orientation. New friendships are formed, students interact with students from other programs, and very quickly the college starts to feel like home.

Fall Games - OrientationIn addition to hosting both academic and social activities, colleges work hard to introduce students to support services like tutoring, counseling, health services, coaching and technology help that can keep them on track in their academic studies. Without orientation, many students would not learn about all of the extra support that is available to them, at no charge.

Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus is an extremely welcoming and caring community. Orientation is like one big group hug!

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

Young College Students Still Need Their Parents

There really is no feeling like the start of the school year on a college campus. The energy of so many young students who are experiencing independence for the first time is palpable and generates excitement for both the students and college staff.

With a record enrolment of almost 1,000 students studying this fall at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus there are plenty of reasons to celebrate, but with more students also comes a greater need to support them in making the transition to college.

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Almost half of the students that are studying at the campus this fall have had to re-locate to the Pembroke area. That means these young people have a lot of adjusting to do, from cooking their own meals to managing a budget and of course getting to know new people to take away the very real feelings of homesickness.

office administration student at a computer

Last week during orientation, the Campus provided information sessions for parents and provided tips to Mom’s and Dad’s about how they can help their student succeed. From more frequent check-ins at the start of the school year to sending a care package from home, these small gestures can go a long way in helping a student adjust to their new surroundings. It’s also helpful for parents who may themselves be experiencing “empty nest” syndrome, particularly if they are sending their oldest or only child away to school.

mother and college-age daughter sitting on hammockThe Waterfront Campus has recently developed a website for Parents and Families that helps them better understand what it is like to be a student at Algonquin College. The site includes a glossary of common terms used by the college, a newsfeed of articles that are geared to parents of post-secondary children, information on college services that can help students succeed and much more.

Students need their independence, but having a healthy and open relationship with their parents so they can talk through issues remains important as they move on to post-secondary education. Parents need to find the balance between providing support and allowing their child the ability to make their own decisions. Young people will make mistakes, and college is a great place to learn responsibility and take ownership of their academic performance and their life outside of the classroom.

All parents want their child to be successful in their post-secondary studies. September is the start of a life-changing journey for young college students who are taking their first step in building a career. It doesn’t mean they still don’t need support from Mom and Dad. It just means they are growing up.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager Community and Student Affairs

Some Advice for Late College Applicants

The summer is slipping away and you’ve been listening to your friends talk about going to college in the fall. They’re excited about what lies ahead and you’re second guessing your decision to take some time off before moving on to post-secondary schooling.

Well, there is a silver lining. It’s not too late to apply to college. In fact, there are still many programs that have openings because colleges offer such a wide breadth of programming, some seats don’t fill until just before classes begin in September.

So what do you need to do? Here are five top of the mind thoughts to help late college applicants not only get into a program, but to be successful in their studies.

Student getting accepted

1. Don’t delay any longer. You’ve waited long enough, so get in touch with the college you are interested in attending and find out what programs remain open to applicants. Better yet, visit the campus and take a tour or attend an information session. Gather as much information as you can to ensure you have met the admission requirements and you have a broad understanding of what the program has to offer you. The more information you have on the program and the school, the easier it will be to make a good program choice. Remember the clock is ticking, so get moving.

2. Talk to a college financial aid officer. Investing in a post-secondary program is one of the smartest decisions you will ever make and there are lots of resources available to help students pay for their education. A financial aid officer can share information with you on government loan and grant programs, bursaries and scholarships and line of credit options offered by financial institutions. The financial aid officer will also go through the steps required when applying for a student loan, laying out what information you will need to provide and how loans are distributed to students.

Preparation

3. Enrol in upgrading classes. Many colleges offer short courses or workshops to incoming students to help them prepare for the start of their full-time studies. These classes can range from English, Math and Science upgrading to focusing on student success strategies like time management, organizational skills and test preparation. Many of these classes are free. They can be offered during the day or in the evening. It’s time well spent and will help ease you into college.

Big Joe4. Attend your orientation. Your orientation is intended to help connect you to your faculty and fellow classmates and to learn more about the many services the college provides to help students succeed. Orientation is fun and educational. Whether its getting logged on to the college network, participating in a workshop on e-text books or attending an Ottawa REDBLACKS football game, orientation is about making connections and embracing your new surroundings.

5. Build your support network. Your friends and family will have your back. Let them know what your intentions are because you’ll need them as you make your way through your college program. Having someone to talk to about your successes and struggles can make a huge difference when you are trying to balance your studies and everything else that is happening in your life. Your supporters will be thrilled with your plans to attend college. Reward their confidence in you by being the best college student that you can be.

Attending a college program is a big deal. Don’t let the opportunity slip away. There’s still time to enroll for this September.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

 

Get an Early Start on Your College Studies

The academic calendar says you don’t start classes at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus until Tuesday, September 8th, the day after Labour Day, but there’s no reason why you can’t get started earlier. In fact, the College recommends students complete some academic preparation classes before beginning their formal studies.

Why? Because it helps students succeed!

Grads Checklist

The College has two great opportunities available to students in August. The first is what is known as Jump Start, a one week program that focuses on helping students get organized for their studies. It includes helpful tips on time management, organizational skills and study habits. It also blends in some English, Math and computer applications.

There is also an optional science program where students can brush up on their chemistry and biology skills. This is important for students who will be enrolled in a program that has science involved such as Practical Nursing, Environmental Technician or Radiation Safety.

There are 60 seats available in the Jump Start program, with 30 students taking part in each of the two week-long sessions. Classes run during the day. While the program is free to incoming students, they are required to pay a $50 deposit to hold their seat. The money is refunded upon completion of the Jump Start program.

Success Strategies

The second option is a Success Strategies Course that will be offered in the evenings during the month of August. Students will take classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights and successful completion of the course will earn them a general education credit that can be applied to their full-time program.

The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, analyzing your learning style, solving problems, working in a team and establishing personal and career goals. Classes will run from August 4 to 27th from 6 to 9 p.m.

All Algonquin College students are required to have a General Education credit to graduate from their full-time program, so taking this course before formal classes begin in the fall, is very advantageous for new students. This course is also being offered free of charge.

Students that are interested in these classes can register by contacting the college Fees office at 613-735-4700, ext. 2702.

Going to college is a big step. Being well prepared is a good decision that will help you get off to a great start.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs at the Waterfront Campus.

 

 

Celebrate Your Graduation

For most senior college students their educational journey is coming to an end. They have completed their academic studies and are beginning their job search.

Getting that first job is important. In fact, it needs to be the priority, but pausing to celebrate all that they have accomplished is also important. Unfortunately, too many community college graduates don’t attend their convocation ceremony.

Convocation 2014

So the question is why don’t they attend?

I’ve chatted with a few graduates, and here are the top five reasons they gave me for not attending.

  1. I plan on being employed and I don’t want to ask for a day off to attend graduation.
  2. I’m moving away and it’s too far to travel to come back for the graduation ceremony.
  3. Most of my close friends from college won’t be attending, so I don’t want to celebrate alone.
  4. It’s not a big deal to me. I’m not into ceremonies.
  5. My family left the decision up to me and I opted not to attend.

So, now let me share the top five reasons why graduates should attend their convocation ceremony.

  1. Later in life, they will regret not attending. As we get older we have a greater appreciation for everything that we have accomplished and looking back on grad photos is a reminder of the hard work that needed to be done to earn a certificate, diploma or degree.
  2. It’s not just about the graduate. For parents, spouses and family members the celebration of a college graduate is just as meaningful for them as it is for the grad. While some parents will be passive and let the graduating student decide on whether to attend, trust me, inside they want their grad in the procession. Snapping that photo of a son, daughter or spouse walking across the stage in their gown and receiving their diploma from the President of the College is a moment of pride that they want to experience.
  3. Convocation ceremonies are fun. Yes, there is some down time when all of the graduates have their moment on stage, but for the most part, the ceremony is filled with inspirational messages, plenty of smiles and the anticipation of an even greater celebration with family and friends when the auditorium empties.
  4. You never know who is watching and paying attention in the audience. This is particularly true for award winning graduates who may catch the attention of a prospective employer as they are acknowledged for their academic prowess and college success in their field of study.Business Graduate Liam Smith received the Dean-Sinclair Chartered Accountants Awards from the Business Program Coordinator Kim Drake
  5. It’s the right thing to do. Convocation ceremonies are the closing of a chapter in a person’s life. It may not be the last time a graduate enters into an educational program, but for now, it needs to be marked as a very special moment in time, just like a marriage or the birth of a child. Graduating from a post-secondary program can be life-changing, and it needs to be recognized in a formal way.

In closing….

  • Your new boss will probably understand if you let them know up front whenNursing students look on as President MacDonald gives speech your graduation ceremony is being held and that you would like to attend.
  • Call your fellow graduates and encourage them to participate. You’ll be amazed how influential you can be. If you need to travel, make it a great road trip to see some very dear friends. You’ll be glad you made the effort.
  • Give it is the importance it deserves. It really is a “big deal.” Do it for your parents or partner. They do care and want you to be at the ceremony. Most importantly, do it for yourself!
  • Life is too short. Fill it with great memories of your accomplishments. Your grad photos will live on for family generations to follow.

Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus will be celebrating its 2015 graduating class on Friday, June 5th at 2:30 p.m. at the Pembroke Memorial Centre. I hope this blog will convince all of our graduates to attend.

Post by: Jamie Bramburger , Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus.

Celebrating Algonquin’s Iron Men and Women

It takes courage to challenge yourself to do something that most human beings would never dream of doing, but at Algonquin College there is a collection of faculty and staff that are determined to push themselves to the limit. Trekking through a 150 kilometre snow trail on a bicycle is an extreme test of cam day after finishendurance. In fact, Outdoor Adventure Technician, Cam Dube, had tried it once before when he registered in Minnesota’s Arrowhead Ultra race, but he had to drop out about 40 kilometres through because of frigid temperatures that resulted in frostbite to both his fingers and toes. He learned from that experience and was determined more than ever to complete the race, setting a goal of finishing within 30 hours. He did much better, crossing the finish line in just over 19 hours. Business, Technology and Outdoor Training Department Chair, Murray Kyte, has run a few marathons in his lifetime, but he has rarely strapped on a pair of cross country skis. When he was challenged by some friends to participate in the world famous Vassaloppet race in Sweden, he couldn’t say no. He trained for several months and completed the 90 kilometer race in just over eleven hours. Big Swim BannerWhen she was in university, Environmental Technician Coordinator, Sarah Hall, was a competitive swimmer. Winning short sprint races in a pool is very different than swimming in an ocean, but in the summer of 2014, Hall was driven to help raise money for a charity that helps critically ill children when she participated in the “Big Swim.” Hall will do it again this coming summer, as she swims the 15 kilometres across the Northumberland Strait, linking New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island. And then there is Ben Shillington, a skills instructor in the Outdoor AdventureBen Shillington - Faculty Member program, that is the ultimate warrior. Shillington has tackled the most extreme winter conditions on several expeditions including a 300 kilometer ski trek across Lake Winnipeg in the darkest days of winter. He has led an 11,000 kilometre, four-month long mountain biking expedition through Istanbul, Turkey to Beijing, China and he once biked solo across Canada in 27 days. In between expeditions, Shillington has found time to write a book on winter camping while he plans his next great adventure. There are others at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus who are planning personal endurance tests, prepared to face the aches and pains that come from these human challenges, but willing to do it for the personal satisfaction of knowing they have knocked one more thing off of their “bucket list.” What’s your “iron man/iron woman” story? Please share. Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

Congrats! You’ve Been Accepted to College!

There is nothing more exciting for a college applicant than receiving an offer of admission. For thousands of Ontario College applicants that news is coming soon. For most college programs, acceptance offers are made in the first week of February and when they arrive, the real big decisions need to be made.Student getting accepted

Sometimes it’s cut and dry. An applicant receives the offer of admission they were hoping for from the school they want to attend, but what happens if an applicant receives several offers and isn’t sure what one they should accept?

Deciding on what program to enroll in and what college to choose is a big task and it needs to be an informed decision. Researching the decision is paramount. Applicants need to learn as much as they can about the schools that are courting them.

The first step is to make contact with the school and book a campus tour. Talk to the staff. Connect with current students. Learn more about program graduates and what they are doing in their chosen careers. Find out as much as you can about the reputation of the college and the program you are interested in.

First impressions are important. During your campus tour you should get a sense of whether you can picture yourself as a student at the campus. Bring along a parent, spouse or friend so you have someone to talk to about the experience.

Applicants need to make sure they are paying attention to their email account and the mail that is delivered to their door. This information includes key deadlines, invitations to Open Houses, important documents concerning student services and academic areas, and much more.

Waterfront Campus Library

Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus in Pembroke is holding a March Break Open House on Saturday, March 14th. If you have been offered admission, it would be time well spent to learn more about the campus and why it is a great place to study.

You don’t have to make a decision until May 1st. That’s when you need to confirm your offer of admission to college. You have some time to make this important decision, so make sure you use that time wisely.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs

A Business Worth Steeping

A number of our Business students are on the cusp of graduating and it’s Business alumni like Lisa Banville, co-owner of Tealee who inspire these soon-to-be grads to follow their dreams.

Tealee Logo

After graduating over two years ago, Lisa found she had the basic skills she needed to turn her passion into a business called Tealee.

As a result, the 24 year-old marked her tea business’s one-year anniversary in October. Tealee began when her boyfriend and now partner, Sami Devine, suggested that he could build a website for her own business. That was all Banville needed to run with her idea – tea. She now has created eight original tea blends that are sold at grocery stores around Ottawa.

Both Banville and Devine are continuing their studies with Algonquin College by working towards their Canadian Tea Sommeliers certification. The added certification should help to ease the pressures associated with importing teas from all over the world. Banville and Devine plan to venture into tea plantations and purchase directly from the growers.

Tealee Tea

Tealee has a lot of plans moving forward, including turning this part-time hobby into a full-time venture. They hope to open up a storefront in the Ottawa area in the next five to ten years.

It is success stories like Tealee that continue to foster and encourage innovation here at our Waterfront Campus.

Do you have an alumni success story? We want to hear about it!

Posted by: Jodi Bucholtz, Here 2 Help

How to Choose a College – There’s a Method

As a high school student you are more than likely experiencing a variety of emotions right now: ExcitmentStressedBewildered

  1. Excitement – you are finally getting to spread your wings and fly. You know exactly what college and which program you are applying to.
  2. Anxiety – you feel overwhelmed by the number of choices available to you. You don’t feel as though you are in a place to know “what you want to be when you grow up.”
  3. Bewildered – Grade 12 snuck up on you and you aren’t in a position to apply to the program of your choice.

If you are getting ready to apply to college and don’t know how to choose between all your different options, you may wish to read the advice below. We’ll walk you through the things you will need to consider when choosing a school to attend!

  • Consider what you want to study. This is the most difficult part. This is essentially deciding what you want to do with your life. You can always change your mind, of course, but you will want to try to choose a school which offers the program(s) you would like to study. You can choose something you’ve always wanted to do or you start in a more flexible program like our General Arts and Science, which offers flexibility and the chance to explore of a variety of areas.
  • Consider the location – book a tour! Consider where you would like to go to school. This is a place you will be living for anywhere from 1 to 4 years! It is important to choose a location which you will be happy with. This may be a big city, or a smaller more connected campus like our Waterfront Campus. Choose a campus where you will be comfortable.
  • Find out about facilities and available resources. You will want to decide what kind of facilities and resources are important to you. Some schools provide assistive services through their Centre for Students with Disabilities, different schools have different housing options, some schools will have a gym/fitness facility, some might have health services, or any number of other services.
  • Meet with instructors. With the programs you consider, talk to the coordinator of the program which you plan on studying with. Make a list of questions. This will help you get a better view of the kinds of things you will be studying.
  • Be realistic. Understand that some programs are difficult to get into and, though it may be your dream to attend, you might not be able to get in. You can have excellent grades, but perhaps you aren’t prepared for additional admissions testing. Don’t panic. Study and prepare for additional testing, but also have a Plan B in place, perhaps you should also apply to a prep course like General Arts and Science – Pre-Health Science or make sure your have a second or third choice as part of your application.

Preparation Don’t stress too much, just put yourself in the best situation to make an informed decision. Is there a piece of advice that you wish you had been given when you were choosing your college or program? Share you thoughts. Posted by: Jodi Bucholtz, Here 2 Help

Big Purple Couch Arrives at Waterfront Campus

One in five or 20 percent of Canadians will suffer from a significant mental health condition at least once in their lifetime according to the Mental Health Association of Canada, and unfortunately most of society is programmed not to talk about it. However, things are changing as campaigns like Olympian Clara Hughes’ cross Canada “Big Bike Ride” raises funds and brings attention to how many Canadians are inflicted with mental health conditions. These initiatives are taking away the stigma that prevents those suffering from mental health issues from seeking help.

At Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus, the college is trying to take a leadership role in Renfrew County by engaging its students and staff to better understand their own mental health, and how they can help others who are experiencing mental health issues. In the past year, more than 70 college employees have completed the 12 hour Mental Health First Aid certification course, training that has taught them how to be first responders when a student is experiencing a mental health problem.

Recently, the college also sponsored a film presented at the Valley Documentary Festival in Pembroke, entitled “Out of Mind, Out of Sight,” which focused on four patients at a Brockville Psychiatric Hospital who had committed violent crimes as a result of their struggle with serious mental health inflictions like schizophrenia. The film was followed by a panel discussion involving college faculty that have done research in the field of mental health.

Valley Film Festival mental health panel

 

Now, the college is introducing a purple couch at the campus, a symbolic overture to students that it’s ok to talk to someone if they are feeling depressed, battling an eating disorder, have had suicidal thoughts, or any other mental health concerns that they have been keeping to themselves.

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The purple couch will move around the campus and will often have a staff member or student available that has been trained in starting mental health conversations. There will also be pamphlets and other information that accompany the couch. These materials can be shared with any student that needs support.

Purple couch - 5 people

In the months ahead, there will be more mental health awareness campaigns on campus, because these conversations need to happen. Let’s all work together to help those that suffer in silence by letting them know we care. There’s room on the purple couch.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus.