Algonquin College Waterfront Campus

Winter opportunities at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus

When considering attending college, most prospective students associate the start of the school year with the fall, but there are also opportunities to begin post-secondary studies in the winter. In fact, Algonquin College leads the Canadian college system in online student registrations, but for students who prefer more traditional face-to-face classroom training, here are some options available this winter at the Pembroke Campus.

Dawn Andrews, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

Academic Upgrading offers opportunities for students who are considering enrolling in a full-time college program to pick up pre-requisites that will help them meet admissions requirements. These courses are normally free for Ontario residents and can really help a student prepare for the rigor of post-secondary studies. Some students may have the admission requirements, but they have been removed from formal education for several years, and a refresh of their English, math or science skills can really prepare them for a college program.

Many of the courses offered in Academic Upgrading are available on a continuous intake cycle, meaning students can join classes at any time. This is very convenient for learners and with the help of an academic advisor, the students can carve out a plan that sets them up for a successful college experience.

General Arts and Science, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusSome students have plans to study in a specific vocational program, but because the program doesn’t start until the fall they enroll in the General Arts and Science program. This can be a very smart move for many students as they can customize their timetable to pick up credits that can be applied to other college programs. This lessens the student’s workload when they enroll in future programs as they have exemptions. Students can also enroll as a part-time student, a tactic often used by junior hockey players who are under consideration for an athletic scholarship at a university.

Personal Support Worker, Algonquin College, Bonnechere Manor, Renfrew

Personal support workers (PSW) are in high demand and Algonquin College is again collaborating with the County of Renfrew to offer a PSW program, beginning in January at Bonnechere Manor in Renfrew. With jobs plentiful in the field, the extra offering will help employers throughout the County meet their labour market needs. Many of these health care organizations have expressed concern over their difficulty in hiring PSWs as there is currently a shortage of these frontline health care workers.

The College is also offering a pre-apprenticeship electrical program at its Pembroke Campus this winter. This six-month program provides students with an opportunity to complete level one of the electrical apprenticeship theory course and includes a paid workplace experience within the electrical field. Pre-apprenticeship programs are free to students but are highly competitive as they draw a significant number of applications.

Finally, high school students can get a head start on college by enrolling in a Dual Credit course. Each year Algonquin College offers several of these courses in the fall and winter terms. A Dual Credit is a college course that high school students can enroll in, and if successful, they can earn both a college and a high school credit. It is a great way for high school seniors to transition to post-secondary education.

More information on all of the options that are available to students this winter can be found on the college website at www.algonquincollege.com/pembroke or by visiting the Pembroke Campus and speaking to an admissions officer. It’s never too early or too late to be planning your educational journey.

Naomi Fong, Alumni of Distinction Award

Every year, Algonquin College celebrates the incredible achievements of its alumni through the Alumni of Distinction Awards. These awards honour the extraordinary contributions our graduates make to the community while achieving career success. Here is a closer look at the Recent Graduate award recipient.

Naomi Fong, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusCommunity is vital to Naomi Fong. When she speaks about her two years studying at the Pembroke Campus of Algonquin College, one of the things she highlights is the extraordinarily tight community she formed with her fellow students in the Social Service Worker program. Even now, you can hear the enthusiasm in her voice as she speaks about this special time in her life.

Originally, she planned to study in a different program at the Ottawa campus. But when she looked into becoming a Social Service Worker at Pembroke, she saw a natural fit with her interests and her personal priorities. She wanted to learn how to help others and at the same time learn more about herself. She wanted to develop the confidence to be a full contributor to group work, to stand and speak in public, and to earn her credentials.

“My studies helped me come into my own skin and be confident and tell my story safely in a way that I hope can help others,” she says.

Naomi’s story is a difficult one to hear — but one she wants you to know. The nine-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, now retired, was sexually assaulted while she was in the military. The attacks devastated her physically and mentally. One incident in particular that contributed to her Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) resulted in a physical injury that denied her one of her fondest wishes: to serve her country overseas. The former Bombardier is proud of her achievements in domestic operations serving Canada and the military but she says she will always regret that an overseas posting eluded her.

The assault completely altered her personal and professional trajectory. She says she went from being a proud member of the military to someone chain-smoking alone in her basement and refusing to come out into the light. It has only been gradually and with considerable help from the College and others that she has been restored to something like normal life. She describes the ongoing process as years of taking small steps in order to cope with the negative cycles that accompany PTSD.

One of her first initiatives involved taking a yoga teacher training course, where she rediscovered the sense of community she had once enjoyed in the military.

“Then I stepped into the College, and I found another community where you look at who you are and where you want to be, and there are people to help you get there academically and in terms of your mental health. I received a lot of support from my colleagues and professors and the Centre for Accessible Learning; they were there for me when I needed them.”

What the honours graduate gained through her studies, she says, now helps her tie everything together: she uses what she learned and experienced at the College in her dealings with other people when she’s speaking in public when she is making decisions about what comes next in her life.

One of those decisions after completing her diploma involved joining 39 Canadians competing in 13 sports at the 2018 Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia in October 2018. The games, an international event founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, showcases the physical accomplishments of wounded and injured armed service personnel and veterans from around the world. Fong, a dedicated athlete who can be found daily at the gym, took home two bronze medals in the Women’s Road Cycling competitions, competed in three other sports, and was the Team Canada flag bearer at the opening ceremonies.

Fong says despite a disability and obstacles she is becoming “one per cent better every day.” She maintains a Facebook page promoting her values of fitness and creative expression. She says Algonquin College gave her a platform to practice making presentations and acquire confidence when speaking in public, and she believes that might provide a pathway to her next career.

“Talking about mental health and mental illness is a way forward. It’s healing for the speaker and for the listener. My education is helping me tell my story. If I can take what I learned and help others if I can help them feel safe and know they aren’t defined by their injury — maybe that will be my way to make a difference.”

The Tip of the Iceberg: Making Friends in College

“I’m having trouble making friends in college. I’ve met some cool people in class, but everyone already seems to have their own social circle. On top of that, it’s hard to coordinate schedules and find time to hang out. How do I make closer friendships?”

The paradox of college: despite literally being surrounded by thousands of peers, it can be hard to meet people. These 10 tips will increase your chances of hitting it off with a new crew of friends.

Read more >

– Eliza, Counsellor

5 Reasons to Get Back-2-Business

Angela Plummer, Business, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusMeet Angela Plummer, or Angi as she is affectionately called in the Community and Student Affairs Department here at the Pembroke Campus. Angi has been our Marketing and Event Planning Assistant since May as part of her paid co-op with the Business program. Angi has taken over the Waterfront Campus Blog to share a little bit about her AC journey.

“It was a quick decision. I guess some would call it split-second. However you choose to describe it, it altered my life dramatically.

I had been stressed for some time. At work, my supervisor made it her mission to ensure I could not climb the corporate ladder. At home, my daughter, while away at university, was going through some intense personal challenges that required me to re-tie those apron strings and take a leave of absence from work to assist her. During my attempts to help my daughter and put the pieces of her life back together, I did a lot of self-analyzing. I whittled my life’s decisions down to the basic dilemma I was currently facing. I was unhappy—with work and my limited future, with life as I was single and getting older. I could not control the misery my daughter was facing but I could definitely control mine. I needed to take control. I needed a change and I needed it now. So, I applied to college.

It was the second last week of August. School was about to start in just over two weeks. Once I discovered I qualified for financial assistance, I sent in my college application. I knew exactly the program I wanted and I knew precisely where I wanted to go….Business…at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus.

But Why?
Why Business? I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so business was a natural choice. Plus, the Business program at Algonquin’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus is condensed. Rather than have four semesters of classes, I would only need to commit to three. As a bonus, there is a paid co-op option over the summer.

Why Algonquin College in Pembroke? Have you seen the Campus? Where else could I literally be but a stone’s throw away from the historic Ottawa River every day? Not only is the campus surrounded by parks and natural beauty, but it is also a part of my hometown, my heritage. So, for me the choice was easy.

This Choice was Life-AlteringMature Students, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus
I admit I was intimidated attending college as a 43-year-old. My anxiety-riddled brain was prepared for an onslaught of millennials giving me weird looks, their probing eyes questioning my existence in their domain. Wow, what a waste of mental energy. My fears were completely unfounded. Not only was my presence never questioned (either subliminally or literally), I was not the only student well over the age of 25. In fact, in my program, one in five of my classmates were over 40!

With seven to eight courses per semester, it definitely took me a couple of weeks to get into the swing of things. Getting back into student-mode, after nearly 20 years, definitely took some adjusting. However, knowing I wasn’t alone, that my professors truly cared about my success eased my worries and helped me forge ahead. I kid you not, it was intense. Nonetheless, I persevered. Two semesters are behind me and my co-op is almost finished– I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. In just over five months it will be all over. I, for the first time in my life, will be a college grad!

5 Reasons Why

So, how exactly was this a life-altering decision? Well, when I graduate, I am going to have immense knowledge, real-life experience, and skills that I would not have otherwise. Truthfully, I cannot say enough about the Business Program. Why? Because:

  1. Instructors include real-life accountants, marketing professionals, and entrepreneurs—people who have ‘walked-the-walk’ so they can honestly ‘talk-the-talk’.
  2. This past year, the Business Program launched the Ambassador Program—a partnership between Business students and merchants in downtown Pembroke. Student groups work closely with these business owners and develop marketing plans, social media posts, and campus showcase promotions, all using content learned during classes.
  3. Co-op opportunities provide additional avenues to learn through hands-on learning during paid placements in a variety of business-oriented settings.
  4. There is a strong community connection between The City of Pembroke and the College. The City is extremely supportive of the College and its endeavours. This type of relationship is relatively non-existent in larger cities.
  5. Two words—Kim Drake. As program coordinator, mentor and instructor this powerhouse is very involved in her students’ studies. Approachable, intelligent, supportive and caring, Kim will work with you to help you navigate your way through the Business Program.

Mind Your Own Business
I truly believe everyone should take a business program. In every aspect of life, we are exposed to the world of business in one form or another. For example, think of ten items you see around you right now. Maybe you see clothes, a computer, a phone, a car, a mug. Someone had to design, manufacture, transport, and sell each item. When designing that item, someone had to see a need and have an idea, then draw it, discuss its uses, discover the best materials to use, etc. The people involved need a plan involving human resources, marketing, finances and more. Business isn’t just about physical creations either. Service providers such as dentists, utilities, and hair salons all function on business models as well. Having a background in business gives people a better understanding of how the world around them functions. This knowledge could inspire an entrepreneurial spirit and develop creative minds to strengthen our communities through innovation and initiative.

When you’re ready to mind your own (or someone else’s) business and see what the Business Program can do for you, check out Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus. After all, it is their mission ‘to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success’.”

Angela graduated for the Business program in December 2019 and was hired immediately to work at Herb Shaw and Sons Limited in the Pembroke/Petawawa area as Receptionist/Accounts Payables. Angela shares, “I completely attribute my current career path to the Business program. Through the program, I strengthened my accounting skills, learned the Sage accounting software and expanded my Excel skills. All of these helped me secure my position at Shaw’s. In addition, knowledge from my courses in operations and supply chains enhanced my understanding of how my employer functions as well.

The Business program offered me the chance to gain the essential skills and knowledge I needed in a shorter amount of time than other similar college Business programs. Plus, it was in my home town which allowed me to stay home and be with my family.

While the world situation today may seem like business is a futile option, the truth is quite the opposite! This program is not necessarily just about “starting your own business”, though it is a great foundation if someone wishes to. When you think about it, the whole world runs on business. From the clothes you wear to the shampoo that you use, to the flowers you plant in your garden–business is a part of every single step. Think about the marketing, manufacturing, and shipping that help an idea become the product that gets into your hands—this program teaches it all! Fantastic program if you want to learn more. After all, business makes the world go ’round!”

Post by: Angela Plummer, former Business student & Marketing and Event Planning Co-op Assistant, Community and Student Affairs Department, Algonquin College, Pembroke and Business Grad.

Business Education That Extends Beyond the Classroom

Hailey O'Connor, Business, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusHailey O’Connor is a current Business student and even though she is in a compressed diploma program that is demanding, she recognized that join the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce (UOVCC) offered an exceptional learning opportunity. “In the fall, Lorraine MacKenzie, Executive Director of the UOVCC, gave a presentation to my Introduction to Business class. During this presentation, an overview of the Chamber was given and it was announced that they would be bringing on one student from Algonquin to participate on the Board of Directors. After learning how the Chamber supports and interacts with local businesses in the Ottawa Valley, I was very interested in applying to the student position. I was extremely excited by the opportunity to network with professionals in the business community and participate in the community events that the Chamber hosts” shares O’Connor.

When asked about the importance of this community partnership, MacKenzie shares, “having a Business student representative on the UOVCC is a win-win for us. The student gets to experience what it is to sit on a Board of Directors and gives them access to local business owners/managers/entrepreneurs who can give them advice what it is like to run a business. The Chamber wins by having access to the next generation of business owners/managers/entrepreneurs. We get a perspective from someone just starting their business career. They bring new ideas and ways of thinking. Even though there is only one representative, the other students are encouraged to participate in our events as well and that exposes them to businesses as well.”

UOVCC, AGM 2019

In photo are the new Board of Directors left to right: Tara Neville, Rebecca Bittner, Hailey O’Connor (Algonquin Business Student rep), Dez Bair Patel (Vice President), Bev McCormack, Cyndi Mills, Meghan Sutherland (President) and Lorraine MacKenzie (Executive Director) Missing from photo Maria Morena Church (Past President), Kaitlin Antler (Treasurer), Heather Salovaara and Beth Matasich.

O’Connor who is new to the Pembroke Area saw that this position would be a wonderful chance to get involved and jumped at the chance to further integrate into her new community. “In January 2019, I was informed that I was the successful applicant and I would hold a seat on the Board for the upcoming 12 months. I am still new to the Chamber, however, my experience so far has been very positive. In addition to attending the Chamber meetings, I have volunteered to be a part of the Events Committee and I am excited to be involved in planning some of the Chamber’s main events, including their Annual Gala. In the upcoming weeks, we will be planning the grand opening of the of the Chamber’s new office space located at 177 Alexander St. in Pembroke. The Chamber truly advocates the interests of local businesses and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be involved and hope to contribute ideas that will help promote and encourage local businesses.”

When reflecting on what skills she is learning in her day-to-day school work that will benefit her in her new role O’Connor thoughtfully shares, “In the business program, I have taken classes in project management, business communication and marketing that I think will be valuable in this position. Project management has given me a skill set that I think will benefit me in my role on the Events Committee as it has taught me vital processes involved in planning. Being a part of the Board provides a great opportunity to learn from professionals and gain practical experience to compliment my course content. I think it is wonderful that the Chamber is open to engaging with the student population in Pembroke.”

Having community partners like the UOVCC allows our students to extend their learning in a supportive environment.

 

Hepatitis B Vaccine Now Available on Campus

The Hepatitis B vaccine that was previously on backorder is now available in Health Services on campus, Room 127, for those students who are still in need of this vaccine to either initiate or complete the series that is required for their program of study. Please contact Health Services to arrange an appointment, 613-735-4700 x2748.
A reminder that the cost of the vaccine is $50.

Wellness Programs – Winter Semester

Welcome back to a new semester. With the new semester, we have new programming for students to improve their wellness while here at campus.

Weekly Wellness Activities

  • Chill Café – Mondays 2-3pm in Room 308 – Group for students struggling with stress and looking for a way to manage stress better.
  • Movement Meditations – Mondays 5:30-6:30 in Room 328 – Mindfulness group with a dynamic approach to stress reduction.
  • Positive Space – Tuesdays 12-1 in Room 216 – Open drop in space for LGBTQ+ and allies to get together and have lunch together. Planning of social events happens during this time as well.
  • AC Dog Squad, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusMental Health Walk-In Clinic – Tuesday and Thursday 1-3:30 Room 138 – Students can be seen without an appointment by the mental health counsellor. Sessions are on a first come first served basis.
  • Dare to Self-Care – Tuesday 2-3 Room 308 – Drop-in group where students work on reducing stress and solving challenges
  • Colour and Chatter– Wednesdays 2:30-3:30 in Room 124 – Drop-in groups for students
    to participate in artistic activities and stress management.
  • WIND Walk/Yoga/Activity – Wednesday 11-12 meet in Commons – Wellness In Nature Days activities involve various activities to improve our physical and mental well-being.
  • Paws for Stress – Wednesday 1-2 Room 200 (starting Feb 6th) – Drop in to say hi to Luna to help reduce stress and have a moment with a dog.
  • SMART Recovery – Wednesdays 4:30-6 Room 308 – Drop-in group for students struggling with addictive behaviours including: drugs/alcohol, gaming, eating, etc…
  • Trauma Informed Mindfulness – Thursdays 12-1 in Room TBA – Mindfulness practice to help with managing stress and past trauma.

Alumni Experience the World and Make Us Proud

It’s amazing how far Algonquin College alumni will travel to leave their mark around the world. Whether it’s their career or personal interests that spur them to do great worldly things, the College is proud of how they have taken the Algonquin brand and are sharing it with a global audience.

Naomi Fong, Algonquin College, Pembroke CampusIn recent weeks there have been several great examples of Pembroke Campus alumni showcasing their talent on the world stage. Social Service Worker graduate, Naomi Fong, captured national headlines when she won Canada’s first medal at the Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia. The military veteran competed in several sports and made it to the podium twice, earning bronze medals in the Women’s Road Cycling competitions.

Fong, who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, was an Honours student at the college and completed her studies last spring. She served nine years in the armed forces. Preparing for and competing in the Invictus Games has given Fong a means of dealing with her illness and has also provided her with a life experience like none other. While at the Games, Fong was honoured to be the flag bearer for Team Canada, and she also had the opportunity to meet Prince Harry, founder of the games and British soccer star, David Beckham.

Alma KeuhlWhile Fong was competing in the Invictus Games, Alma Keuhl was in Turkey at the 40th World Arm Wrestling Championship. The Personal Support Worker (PSW) graduate was introduced to the sport as a young girl by her father and has competed across Canada. Keuhl had a 6th and 10th place finish, results she considers to be “Fantastic, for my first worlds,” as she took on arm wrestlers from around the globe. Now back in Canada, she is continuing her work as a PSW, sharing her arm wrestling experience with her clients, who are among her biggest fans.

Susan and Richard Schmaltz, Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus

In 2003, Practical Nursing and Early Childhood Education graduate, Susan Schmaltz, became the only Pembroke Campus alumnus to win a prestigious Premier’s Award at the annual showcase of successful Ontario college graduates. Only a handful of these awards are handed out each year. Schmaltz was recognized for her incredible humanitarian work in Guatemala where she established a charitable organization to support young children and families living in poverty.

With her husband, Richard, at her side, Schmaltz created early learning centres and schools and operated them for more than 15 years in the third world country, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the most vulnerable people in Guatemala. They operated these schools within a large dump in the inner city, a place of extreme poverty. Now, she has written a book entitled, “Beyond Belief.” The book is very personal, describing the author’s spiritual journey that led her to pour her heart and soul into a life-changing experience.

The world really is a small place, but how our alumni are experiencing it, is a great story to share and it’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more worldly stories to be told! #BeAlgonquinProud #MakeAlgonquinProud

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community & Student Affairs

Mental Wellness Programs

Welcome to Algonquin College Pembroke Campus and the start of the school year.

As the counsellor on campus, I run a number of activities that I would like to invite you to. Activities and programs will be added regularly, so please watch in your Brightspace and email for new options. As we settle into our new schedules, many students are starting to see the need to maintain their mental wellness. We are offering a number of programs to help with that and we encourage you to take part.

  • Positive Space – Tuesdays at 12:00-1:00 pm in room 216 (Ongoing) – a drop in space for LGBTQ+ and allies to get together
    for lunch. Planning of social events occurs during this time as well.
  • Colour and Chatter – Wednesdays at 2 – 4 pm in room 124 – a drop in space (come for all or part of the time) to do some colouring, or bring your own and work at your own pace. This is a great opportunity to reduce some stress and meet people.
  • Chill Café – Tuesdays at 2:00-4:30 pm in room 308 – a 6-week stress and anxiety reduction program for anyone who has any level of stress.
  • WIND Walks – Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11:00-11:45 am (meet in the commons by the doors to the patio, ongoing) – Wellness In Nature Days (WIND) walks take you with a group to explore the local area along the waterfront and beyond. A great opportunity to distress.
  • WIND Yoga – Mondays at 12:00-1:00 pm and Wednesdays 9:30-10:30 am in the gym (Ongoing) – Free yoga, need we say more?
  • Dare to Self Care – Fridays at 12:00-1:00 pm in Room 308 (Starting September 28th, 2018) – an opportunity to learn and practice ways to help take care of yourself in your busy life.
  • SMART Recovery – Thursdays 4:30-6:00 pm in Room 216 (Starting September 20th, 2018) – a peer-led recovery program focused on positive behaviour changes versus the specific addiction. Very effective for eating disorders, internet addiction, drug and alcohol addictions, gambling or gaming addictions etc.
  • Mental Health Walk-In Clinic – Tuesday and Thursday 1:00-3:30 pm in Room 138 – planning life stressors is not always easy, know that you can always get support last minute during walk-in clinic times. Or make an appointment by emailing Nicole at lewisn@algonquincollege.com but you might have to wait a couple weeks.
  • Movement Meditation – Mondays from 5-6 pm in Room 328 – with exams and the stress increasing due to busy studies, we are offering another option for people to have free sessions to reduce our stress. Movement Meditation goes over a weekly meditation with movement which is known to help us focus our thoughts and decrease stress response. No need to sign up. Bring a friend.

Looking for volunteer hours/co-curricular credits consider volunteering for Wellness in Nature Days Facilitators (lead an activity weekly for your fellow students), Purple Couch (promoting mental wellness and connecting with students), please email Nicole Lewis lewisn@algonquincollege.com for further details.

Welcoming the World at the Waterfront Campus

Never in the more than 50-year history of Algonquin College has the Pembroke Campus had such an international flavour in its midst. In the fall of 2018, the campus has welcomed close to 30 international students from countries around the world. Almost three percent of the campus population of approximately 1,000 students now have international student status.

These students have arrived in Pembroke from India, China, Africa, Vietnam, Ukraine, Bangladesh, Morocco, Chile, the United States, and many other countries. One can imagine how difficult this transition can be for international students as they adjust to a new country, a small town Canadian city and a post-secondary academic setting in a foreign country. To help these students settle in, the College is providing opportunities for the students to get to know people and to experience all that Canada has to offer.Students on Ottawa River

Recently, the campus organized a social event for the students that included a pontoon boat ride on the Ottawa River. Some of the students had never been on a boat before but it didn’t take them long to appreciate the picturesque beauty of the area as they took pictures of the river, the islands and the pristine forests along the shoreline of the river. More importantly, they enjoyed each others company and bonded quickly.

Orientation is important for all new college students but essential for international students. Things that domestic students take for granted such as accessing health care or buying a proper pair of boots for winter weather are important pieces of information that need to be shared with international students. The boat ride provided an opportunity to help connect them not only with other students but also key faculty and staff who can provide support to them, whether it’s on campus or in the broader community.

Moving forward, the College will continue to teach the students about Canadian customs and culture, but the students will reciprocate International Student Orientation, Algonquin College, Pembrokethis learning experience by sharing their own culture with the college community. It’s already happening through the newly created African Students’ Alliance, a group of African students who have introduced Canadian students to African foods, music, and celebrations.

It’s been fun to watch the Waterfront Campus become a melting pot of diversity. As more international students choose to study at the campus it will enrich the learning experience of everyone who studies and works there. It’s a great example of how lifelong learning can occur both inside and outside the classroom and how education has no borders.

Posted by Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs