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 online preparation to get you prepared.
Activities and Workshops
Saturday, August 26 – 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 26th a
t 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 $45 per player and includes 9 holes of golf, dinner and prizes for all participants.
Wednesday, August 30 – SLICE Conference
The Strategic Learning In the College Environment (SLICE) conference is an in-person transition event for students with disabilities starting their first year at Algonquin College. A free, half-day event, SLICE gives you an overview of the services of the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) and Algonquin College. The session will be from 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Level Up Your Learning
The Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) is offering a series of workshops during the week before the Fall 2023 term to help you prepare for your studies. Whether you are starting your first college program or returning to a program in your final semester, any Algonquin College student with a disability can take advantage of these learning opportunities. To learn more and register, visit the Level Up Your Learning page.
Thursday, August 31 – Move-In Day BBQ
Welcome to Algonquin College’s Pembroke campus, and for some of you, the City of Pembroke. If you’re moving to Pembroke from out of town, take a break from unpacking and come join us for a FREE barbeque on campus. If you already live in Pembroke, join us to celebrate the start of the school year and meet new friends! Families are welcome.
The BBQ will be from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. on the front patio at the campus.
Saturday, September 2 – Welcome Brunch
All students and families are invited for a free brunch on Saturday, September 2nd @ 10:30 am.
Stop by the campus cafeteria between 10:30 am – 12:30 pm!
Thursday, September 7 – Sunset Boat Cruise
Join us for a sunset boat cruise on the Ottawa River with Owl Rafting. The hour-long pontoon boat cruise will showcase the picturesque beauty of the Ottawa Valley and includes dessert and coffee/tea/cold drinks on the boat, bus transportation to Owl Rafting and a pizza dinner on the bus.
The cost per student is only $10. Space is limited.
Monday, September 11 – International Student Orientation
International students are invited to attend our International Student Orientation happening on Monday, September 11th from 3:00-4:00pm outside at the picnic table in front of the college by the river. This is a great opportunity to check in with our International Student Success Specialist after your first week of classes, socialize with other students and enjoy an ice cream sundae bar.
Wednesday, September 13 – 5km Walk or Run
Join us on Wednesday, September 13th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. for our 5km walk or run to get to know your fellow students! This walk will take you along the Kiwanis walkway and Algonquin Trail which surround the waterfront campus. Lots of great prizes to be won, including free groceries! All participants also receive a free poutine after completing at least 2.5 kilometres of the walk/run.
Show your program spirit by having your classmates join you. The program that has the best participation in the walk/run will win a free pizza lunch. All participants also receive a free Algonquin t-shirt and bandana when they sign up.
Tuesday, September 19 – Painting with Sheila
Join us for a relaxing step-by-step paint session where you can connect with other students at AC Pembroke while creating your own masterpiece – a picturesque Ottawa River view.
The session will be happening in the Landing on campus starting at 11:00a.m.
Space is limited.
Level Up Your Learning
The Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) is offering a series of workshops during the week before the Fall 2023 term to help you prepare for your studies. Whether you are starting your first college program or returning to a program in your final semester, any Algonquin College student with a disability can take advantage of these learning opportunities. To learn more and register, visit the Level Up Your Learning page.
International Student Orientation
In addition to all of the orientation activities happening at the Pembroke campus, the International Education Centre is offering two virtual International Student Orientation opportunities, Monday, August 28th and Thursday, August 31st (students should register for one date only). Topics includes immigration, health insurance, international student support/resources, safety and security, academic success and more. International Student Orientation will be delivered in a virtual format. Registration coming soon.
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 and contact our Clinical & Field Placement Support Team if you have any questions – lomoree@algonquincollege.com.
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.
Brush up on your Study Skills
Essential Study Skills – Explore a variety of online guides that cover essential skills such as citing sources, avoiding plagiarism, research, math, English communication, technology, study skills, and much more.
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
Winter 2024 Note: Class Timetables will be released on Monday, December 4, 2023.
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
Note: Book lists for Winter term will be available once class timetables are released in December.
Ordering your textbooks is easy! On the Connections bookstore website, use your Algonquin College network credentials available through ACSIS (see instructions above) to view your booklist and order your textbooks. You can choose to have the textbooks mailed directly to your home or arrange pick up at the Pembroke campus AC Proud Shop.
See detailed instructions on how to view your booklist and order your textbooks.
Parking Pass and Lockers
First Contact
Meet one-on-one with your coordinator or academic advisor in what we call a First Contact meeting. This is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have to better prepare for your studies in the Fall and to learn more about your program. You will receive an email or phone call inviting you to participate in First Contact before the start of term. It’s a great way to start building a relationship with your program faculty and to ensure we provide you with support as you begin your academic journey. If you have not completed a first contact conversation yet, please contact Dan Cuddy, cuddyd2@algonquincollege.com, to schedule.
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 5, 2023. 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.
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.
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.
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 31st and Friday, September 1st.
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?
Check out the Downtown Eateries Guide 2023 created by Experience Downtown Pembroke 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.