current students

Apply to be a JEDI Mentor

Want to add to your resume and enhance your post-secondary experience? We are looking for student mentors for our incoming 2021-2022 first-year students aka JEDI Mentors!

Job Description

A JEDI is a second-year student who takes a leadership role in supporting first-year student’s college success. JEDIs are select individuals with ability and desire to:

  • Share their leadership, knowledge, and academic ability to help others succeed;
  • Mentor a group of first-year students in a wide variety of informal channels – social, outdoor and educational;
  • Assume a leadership role in directing students to supporting resources for their success;
  • Be an ambassador for the program and the Pembroke Campus at special first-year student events as requested;
  • Receive training and development in mentorship and other specialized certifications like Mental Health First Aid, Positive Space, Leadership, Bystander and Sexual Harassment and also add to your Co-Curricular Record;

Required Qualifications

  • Desire to be a positive role model
  • Good listening and communication skills
  • Proven commitment to your program
  • Demonstrated academic success
  • Willing to dedicate 20 hours/semester over two semesters including:
    • Attendance at recruitment and other program social events
    • Orientation (April) and /Training Day

We are looking for JEDI Mentors in the following programs:

  • Applied Nuclear Science & Radiation Safety
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Business
  • Computer Systems Technician
  • Environmental Technician
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Outdoor Adventure Naturalist
  • Personal Support Worker
  • Practical Nursing
  • Social Service Worker

If you have any questions, please contact:
Shelly Sutherland, Student Success Specialist
suthers@algonquincollege.com

OR your Program Coordinator

CLOSING OPPORTUNITY: FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2021

 

Incredible Winter Adventures Await in Ottawa Valley

Now is the time to embrace winter! Our Winterfest celebration is an opportunity to make a conscious effort to explore the Ottawa Valley. The Ottawa Valley is Ontario’s adventure playground, a year-round adventure destination but winter turns it into a fairy-tale destination that no one wants to miss. As the snow blankets the region, adventurers and nature lovers in the Ottawa valley head outside to indulge in various adventure activities as the magic unfolds. Here are some of the experiences you can do to quench your thirst for adventure this winter season.

  1. Image result for snowmobiling ottawa valleySnowmobiling in the Depths of Winter: Winter in the Ottawa Valley means lots of snow and crisp temperatures – perfect snowmobiling weather for sledding enthusiasts. Over 2,550 km of groomed Trans Ontario Provincial (TOP) trails and local trails that wind through picturesque villages, along abandoned rail beds, past old mine sites and ghost towns provide ample memorable places to ride.

  2. Gliding on the Snow Carpet: The serene environment ranging from tree-lined slopes, challenging vertical drops to gentle runs make it an ideal alpine skiing and snowboarding destination. Many true snow bunnies dream all year long with huge anticipation to glide through untouched powder on the slopes.

    SnowboardingThe options include Mount Pakenham, Calabogie Peak Resort, Mount Martin, Mount Molson etc. Mount Pakenham, located in Mississippi Mills, is Eastern Ontario’s premier family ski, snowboard and tubing location which is ideal for every enthusiast. At a height of 730 ft with a 280 ft vertical drop, this mountain offers 10 trails, plus glade trails, and 7 lifts to get you moving.

    Calabogie Peaks, the tallest public ski resort in Ontario, is an all-seasons resort located at the base of Dickson Mountain on the shores of Calabogie Lake. Apart from skiing and snowboarding, one can also stay and enjoy the best of what winter offers with many snowy adventures.

    The Mount Martin Ski Club (MMSC) maintains 12 runs including a glade run and 2 terrain parks (with jumps, rails and boxes), and is served by a T-bar, right in the Town of Deep River. Most trails are groomed, and all runs are patrolled by volunteers from the Canadian Ski Patrol.

    Located in the heart of Petawawa, the Petawawa Ski Club operates on the world’s smallest ski hill, known by the locals as Mount Molson which offers lessons for skiing and snowboarding.

  3. Image result for Cross Country skiing forest leaSkiing Cross Country Trails: The Valley presents an outstanding array of Nordic trails for winter sport enthusiasts. Here there are a variety of excellent and scenic cross-country trails winding through meadows and forests for various skill levels such as Silver Spoon Trails, Madawaska Nordic Trails, Opeongo Hills Nordic and Forest Lea Trails – with 1.5 km of lighted ski trails for night skiing.

  4. Snowshoeing the Beautiful Backcountry: There isn’t any other better way to learn and be a part of our wonderful Canadian winters than simply getting out there and experiencing it first-hand. The Ottawa Valley is home to some terrific and pristine wilderness just waiting to be explored.Image result for snowshoeing renfrew county All you need is a pair of snowshoes and you can explore hundreds of kilometres of amazing trails and wilderness routes. Moreover, there are numerous naturalist and interpretive trails such as Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Center, Kiwanis Walk Way and Petawawa Millennium Trail where you could learn more about the rich history and heritage of the place.

  5. Image result for Ice Fishing renfrew countyIce Fishing – Winter Pastime for Everyone: Cradled between the Ottawa River and Algonquin Park, the Ottawa Valley is home to over 900 lakes and 4 major river systems. There are ample opportunities for anglers to get out on the frozen lake or river to net a trophy fish. The Valley boasts 158,000 acres of water filled with more than 20 species of fish such as bass, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge etc. Premier destinations include the heritage Ottawa River, Lake Dore, Golden Lake etc. Be sure to check out the Laurentian Valley Ice Fishing Derby on February 27 – learn more.

  6. Image result for Ma-Te-Way Park skating

    Source: Inside Ottawa Valley

    Sharpen your Skates and Feel the Rush: What better way to celebrate winter than hitting the ice with friends and family? Explore and enjoy the cool, crisp air by slapping on a pair of skates and gliding the day away on one of our well-maintained municipal rinks and skating trails. The skating season is generally open from December through to March. There are a variety of options for the skaters ranging from indoor rinks to outdoor rinks and skating trails such as Laurentian Valley Skating Trail, Ma-Te-Way Park Trail and Deep River Skate Trail.

  7. Image result for Westmeath Lookout stars

    Enchanting Star Gazing at Westmeath Lookout: One of the best ways to find solace from the hustles of life and being in the moment in the chill of the winter is stargazing. Generally, due to so much light pollution in the cities, the view of the stars and constellations is not clear. However, on a clear night and away from the blinding lights, just 20 minutes drive from the city of Pembroke, one can escape to the countryside in the Whitewater Region of Ottawa Valley and enjoy the spectacular view of the stars at Westmeath Lookout.

  8. Image result for Pembroke Murals winter

    Pembroke Heritage Murals Walk: Take a winter walk and stroll through Pembroke’s downtown to see Canada’s largest outdoor gallery featuring more than 30 large-scale murals depicting the history, settlement and heritage of the Ottawa Valley. These Murals are an illustrated record of Pembroke’s ever-changing history. Come and witness the story of the Pembroke area in Ottawa Valley.

Written by: Sachin Sethi, Recruitment Officer and Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Alumni

Spring Bursary Now Open

Algonquin College, Borat meme bursary announcement2020 SPRING BURSARY CYCLE: April 30, 2020 TO June 8, 2020

The Algonquin College 2020 Spring Bursaries will be open on ACSIS from April 30, 2020 to June 8, 2020. All spring semester students will be required to re-apply.

If you have any further bursary questions, send an email to bursaries@algonquincollege.com.

 

A button that says back to events calendar

Counselling Topic: COVID-19 Coping Resources

Well, here we are. Just over a month in. You’ve made it to the end of this semester. I know these past few weeks have been challenging for you all. You’ve been navigating online learning and balancing school/work/home life during this surreal time. I hope exams and final assignments went well. For those who are graduating, congratulations! I imagine it feels odd to finish in this way. I’m sure it’s hard not to say goodbye in person to friends and faculty. For those entering into the spring semester, I’m sure you’re anxious about how it will look. For those of you who were looking forward to/counting on summer jobs and are facing financial uncertainty, I feel for you. I also know there’s so much I don’t know and can’t see. You are welcome to read my open letter about being a mental health professional during this time.

This is just a reminder that I am still available for virtual counselling. I will be working over the summer, so any student (even those in limbo with graduation) can reach out to me. I am available Tuesdays-Thursdays and you can contact me by email (sevigns@algonquincollege.com)

To support you as much as I can right now, below are a few resources. More are available on the Pembroke Counselling Website.

Take care of yourselves!

1) RESOURCE LIST: A LARGE LIST OF RESOURCES FOR COPING WITH DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF COVID-19

2) BLOG POST: “IN A WORLD CALLED CATASTROPHE: COPING WITH COVID-19”

3) PSYCHOEDUCATION VIDEO: “IF YOU CAN HOLD ON, HOLD ON: STRESS MANAGEMENT”

Also available in written format.

 

Classroom Inspiration Photography Contest

Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus, Photo ContestCalling all students! Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus is hosting a photography contest! Rules are simple,

  • Submit a picture of what inspires you the most in the classroom, in placement, or in the field.
  • Provide a brief explanation about why you chose this image to be entered into the contest.
  • Only one entry per student – so make it unforgettable!
  • Submit by March 6, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

Submissions will be judged based on both the photo and the written explanation, so remember to include each in your entry! Both 1st and 2nd place winners will be featured in our upcoming Pembroke Campus newsletter. For those wishing to enter please email all submissions to raem@algonquincollege.com by March 6, 2020.

 

 

Class Representative & Wybourn Awards-Application Now Open

The Class Representative and Wybourn Awards application process are now open.

Once again, the Class Representative Award allows for three awards; one for each the Perth, Pembroke and Ottawa campuses. The Wybourn award is awarded to one student from any of the three campuses.

  1. The Wybourn Award is awarded on an annual basis to a Student Leader who has made an outstanding contribution to the promotion and/or upholding of student rights at Algonquin College during the academic year. It consists of a $500 award and an award certificate. The Wybourn Award was created by Algonquin College’s Board of Governors in honour of Dr. Ed Wybourn, the first Dean of Student Affairs.
  2. The Class Representative Award is awarded on an annual basis and is designed to acknowledge and reward a student who is deemed to be the most deserving Class Representative. An award is selected for each of the three Algonquin College campuses (Ottawa, Perth, and Pembroke). It consists of a $500 award and an award certificate.

The submission deadline for both of these awards is Tuesday, March 10th, 2020, at 5:00 p.m.

All nominations are submitted online and the link to the page to obtain information, criteria and the online application form can be found here.

All award winners and a guest are invited to the Volunteer Appreciation Gala at the Woodroffe Campus. This is a lovely event acknowledging and thanking student volunteers. This year the Gala will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2020.

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.”

Women’s Initiative Network Award: Deadline is November 12

ATTENTION PEMBROKE WATERFRONT CAMPUS STUDENTS!

Please find below information regarding the Women’s Initiative Network Award. Please complete this application and return to Sharon Moreau, moreaus@algonquincollege.com. The deadline for application submission is November 12, 2020.

**

WOMEN’S INITIATIVE NETWORK AWARD

For First-Year Post-Secondary Students Attending the Pembroke Waterfront Campus

Terms/Criteria:

  1. This $700.00 award is made available to ONE woman who is registered as a full-time college student in a post-secondary program. This award intends to assist a woman to gain qualifications that she needs in order to enter or to re-enter the workforce. Preference is given to those who have been absent from the school system or from the paid workforce for a period of time. Preference is also given to those who need financial support and who lack formal employment qualifications. The money will be paid directly to the Registrar in partial payment of second-semester tuition fees.

    2. Applicants must demonstrate financial need as well as good academic progress. Applicants must also give permission for the committee to check on both their OSAP status and their academic standing.

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.