Activities & Prep

Get ready for College!

Your first day of school is coming soon. We have a series of activities to get you excited and provide online preparation to help you get ready.


Activities and Workshops

Saturday, August 9 – Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament

All students who enjoy golfing are invited to participate in the annual Algonquin College Alumni and Friends golf tournament on Saturday, August 9 aPhoto of AC Golf Ballt the Island Brae Golf Club.  This is a great opportunity for new and returning students to make a connection with alumni who are working in their field. The cost to participate is $60 per player and includes 9 holes of golf, dinner and prizes for all participants.

Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

Monday, August 11 – Finding a Home in Pembroke Webinars

Finding a place to live is key to success in your studies! Algonquin College is here to help by offering resources to prepare incoming students to understand the housing market and options near the Pembroke Campus.

Webinar Dates:

  • Monday, August 11 · 9 am-10:30 am

You will learn:

  • Off-campus housing options available near the Pembroke Campus
  • Housing costs you can expect
  • Tips for searching and viewing properties
  • Rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants
  • How to access Arrival Services and additional housing supports

Advance registration is required. Zoom details will be provided once you have registered.

Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

Friday, August 22 & Saturday, August 23 – Buskerfest

Take in the Ottawa Valley Buskerfest, a vibrant festival that celebrates international & local talent and fosters community engagement through music, performance, and art. Please find all the details that you need here.

Tuesday, September 2 – Kickoff to Wolves Welcome Week

Start your first day of classes with the kickoff to Wolves Welcome Week! You will attend your first classes, explore the campus, build your support network, and participate in social activities. Stay tuned for more event details. 

International Student Orientation

In addition to the various orientation activities taking place at the Pembroke campus, the International Education Centre is offering two virtual International Student Orientation opportunities. Topics include immigration, health insurance, international student support/resources, safety and security, academic success, and more. The orientation will be delivered in a virtual format.

Register for only one session below:


Log In and Get Prepared!

Log in to your AC accounts (ACSIS, Brightspace)

Watch the video below for step by step instructions on how to sign into your ACSIS student information system and Brightspace learning center. You can access ACSIS, Brightspace and your AC Live student email through the Current Students page. 

Learn how to navigate Brightspace

Brightspace is a college wide interface where you will retrieve and submit assignments, view course content, participate in group discussions, manage and collaborate in group projects and receive other information from your instructors and peers.

Need to register for a General Elective?

Once you have paid or deferred your tuition fees, you can log onto ACSIS  and click on the “Gen. Ed. Or Program Electives” button to see if you have to take an elective next term. If you do, you will also see the electives that are available to you. For more information about General Electives, click here

Clinical Placement Requirements

Students with a clinic placement (health/community services program excluding BScN Year 1) are required to submit their documentation. Please review your program’s clinical placement requirements:

Prepare for College with the Pembroke AC Café

The Pembroke AC Café is a free self-directed course that will provide you important information about Algonquin College before you start your semester. The course will help answer questions such as:

  • What technology will I use?
  • How will I find my way around campus?
  • What services are there to support me?
  • Am I prepared for college learning?

Learn how to access the Pembroke AC Café here.

Get your AC Student Card

Your AC Student Card has many uses around campus. You will need your AC card to print, take out resources from the library, access labs and much more. Submit your photo online and we will contact you when your card is ready for pick up.

See detailed instructions on how to order your AC card. 

View your Class Timetable

To view your timetable, log in to ACSIS. To log in, enter your Student Number and your ACSIS password. If you have never logged in, your password is your date of birth.

On the menu under “Courses”, select ‘View Timetable’.

To print your timetable, select the ‘Print this Page’ link at the top of the ‘View Timetable’ screen in ACSIS.

Ordering your Textbooks

Order your textbooks in advance here: bookstore.algonquincollege.com/Course/campus.

Have them shipped to campus free of charge or directly to your home (shipping charges apply). 

 

Parking Pass and Lockers

If you are parking on campus, you will need to purchase a parking pass. There are a variety of short-term and long-term options available to best suit your needs. Learn more about parking pass options and how to purchase one here.

Interested in having a locker on campus? Learn more here.


First Contact

Our First Contact experience is designed to provide incoming students an advantage by connecting with the people, information and resources that will shape their success at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus.

This three-step process helps you feel confident and prepared before the first day of class:

  1. Meet with a Faculty Member to discuss crucial information about your program
  2. Connect with Student Services to review logistics and explore personalized support options
  3. Chat with current students to hear first-hand what life at the Pembroke Campus and local community is really like

By participating in First Contact, you’ll start building relationships, have your questions answered and develop confidence and readiness leading up to the start of school.

Book your First Contact experience today.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orientation, and how do I sign up?

Your Orientation will happen the week before classes start. During Orientation, students meet with their program, get everything set up for the first day of class and have a chance to meet their fellow classmates and college community. There are also lots of fun events happening for students during the Orientation days and the first week of classes. 

To find out which day your Program Orientation is on and to register, visit the Orientation Home page. 

Who should participate? Can I bring family members?

All students coming into a program at Algonquin College in Pembroke should attend orientation.  Feel free to bring your family!

When do classes start?

The first day of classes is Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Make sure to check your class timetable on ACSIS.

I didn’t sign up – can I still attend?

Yes! We recommend that you review your orientation schedule thoroughly so that you don’t miss a thing. Make sure you check the orientation website frequently as we are adding more details!

I need additional support, who can I contact?

Student Support Services is here to help! We provide support with academics, career and employment, student experience, mental health, health and wellness, accessibility, services for Indigenous students, support for new students, and more.

Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

What is a bursary? How can I apply?

What is a bursary?

A bursary is monetary funding that is awarded to a qualified student based on financial need.

How do I apply for a bursary?

Bursaries: Algonquin College Bursary Program is administered by Financial Aid and Student Awards, based on criteria defined by the donor. The main criterion when awarding bursaries is financial need. 

Students can apply for all in-year bursaries administered by Algonquin College by submitting one application!

Our Financial Aid website has some helpful information on the bursary application process. 

Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

I want to learn how to connect with ITS for technology support

Our IT Services team at the Pembroke Campus is Here2Help! We offer a wide range of support for students and employees to ensure that your technology and information systems run smoothly. 

Learn more about what IT Services are available here

Have questions for the IT Services team? You can contact them by email or call 613-735-4700 ext. 2634

 

What does it mean that I am in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program?

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) defines a program delivery model at Algonquin College requiring you to have a mobile computing device that meets the technical specifications outlined by your program.

These specifications include hardware requirements based on the software tools and learning outcomes for your program of study.

Your learning experience is enhanced through the use of online and mobile technologies in and out of the classroom, allowing you to work with course materials, participate in collaborative learning environments, and become a skilled, confident user of technology.

Learn more

 

What are fees and how much are they?

Fees are the money that is over and above the program tuition costs. Customize your Tuition and Fees Estimator search criteria to see the estimated full-time tuition and compulsory ancillary fees by program. Your estimate will show tuition, compulsory ancillary fees, as applicable. Physical textbooks and living costs (ex. housing/residence, food, etc) are not included. 

A full breakdown of all fees can be found on your ACSIS student account. 

Do I need to pay for parking during orientation?

Parking is free on campus during orientation days – Thursday, August 28, and Friday, August 29. 

After orientation days, you will need to purchase a parking pass if you are parking on campus. Visit our Parking website to learn more about parking pass options and how to purchase.

Where are some good places to eat in Pembroke?

Visit the City of Pembroke’s website for a list of over 20 eateries in Pembroke featuring cuisines from across the world!

Q: Who should I call with my admissions questions?

A: We have admissions specialists available to answer questions about your application. Click here to learn which specialist you should contact. Still not sure? Email us at yourfuture@algonquincollege.com and we will ensure the right person connects with you. 

Q: How can I complete my admissions assessment?

A: You will book your assessment through ACSIS. Visit our Testing Center Website for more information and instructions on how to book.

Q: Will the admissions deadlines still apply?

A: It is an important time of year for Fall applications. To ensure fairness for applicants, we will continue to follow the existing application deadlines. Click here to review the admissions deadlines. 

Q: Do I have to pay my tuition before I go to class?

There is a non-refundable deposit that students must pay in order to hold their seat in the program. Algonquin College students who have applied for OSAP or Out-of-Province financial aid are eligible for a deferral of their non-refundable tuition deposit. Learn more about the non-refundable deposit and different ways to pay here

Q: What if I can’t pay my tuition deposit?

A: Students unable to pay the full tuition deposit may be eligible for an exception. Please visit algonquincollege.com/ro/tde for further details.

Q: When will I be able to get my timetable?

A: Timetables for the fall are posted in the first few weeks of August on your ACSIS account.

Q: How much will my program at Algonquin cost?

A: Investing in your education is one of the most important things you can do. Customize your Tuition and Fees Estimator search criteria to see the estimated full-time tuition and compulsory ancillary fees by program. Your estimate will show tuition, compulsory ancillary fees, as applicable. Physical textbooks and living costs (ex. housing/residence, food, etc) are not included.