Messages in the Algonquin Times
Spring brings time for rejuvenation and reflection
Published on April 20, 2023
Spring is now in full bloom, and this time of rejuvenation should also serve as a period of reflection on an exciting and memorable year.
Many students will be searching for or starting a summer job in their field. Others will continue their studies throughout the Spring 2023 semester. There are many students who are looking forward to Convocation and graduation, ready to take on the working world or further academic pursuits as they take the next step in their life journey. No matter how you intend to spend the coming months, know that Algonquin College is here to support you.
Click this link to read more on the Algonquin Times website.
Campus life returns stronger than ever
Published on Sept. 26, 2022
The start of this new semester has been busy, full of events, exciting and no doubt with a touch of nervousness for some. Learners are filling the halls of our campuses in numbers not seen since the pandemic began and face-to-face events are again a reality. Though the past two years have brought many ups and downs, I am beyond thrilled to see that the Algonquin College community has emerged stronger than ever.
We are just a few weeks into the Fall 2022 semester and already have much to be proud of. In late August, the Ottawa, Perth, Pembroke and AC Online campuses unveiled beautiful new murals, titled “Stronger Together,” designed with themes of diversity, inclusion and equity. On September 15, the Perth Campus celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its new main building with a concert and a donor recognition event, and the Pembroke Campus will celebrate its own 10-year event of their new waterfront campus on October 28. Fall Convocation, set for October 26, will see hundreds of graduates cross the stage to receive recognition of the culmination of all their hard work in the form of a certificate, diploma or degree.
Click this link to read more on the Algonquin Times website.
Customizing your learning experience to best suit you
Published on March 9, 2022
When the pandemic commenced two years ago, there was an enormous effort put forth by the entire College community to respond – to make certain that we continued to deliver the highest calibre learning experience, allowing every learner to achieve their lifelong dreams.
Starting in the winter of 2020, as programming was shifted to primarily remote delivery, we witnessed the enormous resiliency of our learners. While juggling multiple demands and challenges, learners’ desire to have program flexibility – already a trend – was made abundantly clear. It was a confirmation that our learner-driven strategies – commenced long before COVID-19 – were on the right path – and that building flexibility and choice into our program offerings was highly desirable.
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Mental Health Matters – We are Here for You
Published on Jan. 26, 2022
We recently marked Mental Health Awareness Week and Bell Let’s Talk Day with the College Community. The week allowed us to shine a light on the many ongoing resources and services available to our learners and employees.
In the Spring of 2021, Algonquin students were surveyed and remarkably, 72% of students reported some level of psychological distress. In another survey done in the Fall of 2021, 63% of students expressed concern for their mental/emotional health. While it is encouraging to see a decline in these numbers, they are still too high and show a continued need to prioritize mental health.
Click this link to read more on the Algonquin Times website.
Algonquin’s commitment to Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization
Published on Oct. 15, 2021
Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization is never far from my mind.
On September 30, we recognized the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation with a variety of in-person and online activities including videos, a podcast, a memorial fire and an on-campus exhibit.
It was a meaningful and important day, but for Reconciliation to be truly successful, this cannot be a singular annual event. In fact, here at Algonquin College, Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization is happening on our campuses in various forms almost every day. For starters, you can learn just by wandering the communal Indigenous spaces on our Ottawa campus, which include:
- Nawapon, our Indigenous Learning Commons on the first floor of the DARE District. It serves as a gathering place for the College community and a place to host events. It includes The Lodge, a circular space that can be used by smaller gatherings for meetings and events. Nawapon’s “green” roof includes Indigenous plants that grow naturally in local communities.
- Just outside, our Ishkodewan courtyard includes a Gathering Circle and fire-vessel – and can be used for special ceremonies and an outdoor classroom. In the green space surrounding the circle, Horticultural Industries students planted the largest Indigenous garden in Ottawa — with more than 100 plant species that have cultural and historical significance to Indigenous Peoples for their medicinal, nutritional or cultural properties.
- The Three Sisters Garden (located in the outdoor courtyard between E, H and D Buildings ) showcases beans, squash and corn – three symbolic crops that are central to the Haudenosaunee creation story.
- Three-storey Indigenous mural in the DARE District also reflects Indigenous creation stories
- Within the DARE District and around campus, we have incorporated Indigenous symbols reflective of Anishinābe culture and traditions.
Click this link to read more on the Algonquin Times website.
Students leading charge in building anti-racist society
Published on Feb. 8, 2021
When the College began to prepare almost a year ago for this week’s Taking a Stand – Disrupting Black and Indigenous Racism Week, it became clear a new and more progressive approach to planning was in order.
Top-down decision-making was replaced with turning over control of the week’s events to Black and Indigenous advisors in our College community, who helped form an expanded Inclusion and Diversity Circle. This novel planning approach marks another step in further forging partnerships between our Black and Indigenous colleagues and learners and those of us working to be better allies.
Click this link to read more on the Algonquin Times website.
Holiday season is a time to let our humanity shine
Published on Dec. 2, 2020
Each year as the holiday season approaches, we inevitably hear the calls for peace on earth and good will towards each other. They are universal messages that ring true, and they resonate particularly deeply this year across our College community.
It is a time when we take extra care to think past ourselves. We turn to our neighbours, classmates, colleagues and the strangers we meet on the street and send best wishes and offer kindness. In so many ways, we’ve already been called upon this year to show our humanity. We’ve been asked to put the safety of our College community front and centre in all that we do.
Click this link to read more on the Algonquin Times website.
Convocation Day at Algonquin College
Published on Nov. 4, 2020
The following is an excerpt from the President Claude Brulé’s October 28 address at the 2020 Convocation; learn more about Algonquin College first virtual convocation here.
As your President, I am both humbled and honoured to have this opportunity to celebrate your resilience and success.
Click this link to read more on the Algonquin Times website.
Taking care of one’s own mental health should be top priority
Published on Oct. 14, 2020
The Fall term has always been a time of excitement – but also of increased responsibility and stress within our College community. Amidst the pandemic, I know many of us are struggling with additional feelings of anxiety and isolation this year.
That’s why I call on each and every one of you to make mental health your top priority.
Six years ago, the Mental Health Commission of Canada released a report highlighting how post-secondary student populations across the country are at a higher risk of mental health issues.
Click this link to read more on the Algonquin Times website.
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