News and Events

Word Workout: Level Up Your Learning with Gamification

Posted on Tuesday, April 28th, 2026

Two employees look at a computer tablet while surrounded by children's games.

Change is exciting, but it can also feel challenging. With the introduction of our new Student Information System (SIS), Thesis SM, and the accompanying Thesis Student Portal replacing ACSIS, we’re stepping into a new way of working at Algonquin College. This shift brings fresh processes and a new set of terminology. Think of it like learning a new language: it feels unfamiliar and daunting at first, but the more you practice, the more fluent you become.

And that’s where gamification comes in! By turning learning into a game with challenges and points, we make the process less overwhelming and more engaging.

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Word Workout: Like Training Your Brain at the Gym

Posted on Tuesday, April 21st, 2026

Three smiling students walk out from the Athletic Recreation Centre at Algonquin College.

Warm-Up: Picture This…

Imagine going to the gym for your brain instead of your body. You’ve got stations for cardio (quick thinking), strength (deep understanding), and flexibility (adaptability). Now imagine each station is a challenge built around learning new terms for the future Student Information System (SIS), Thesis SM. That’s where the R3 Project’s Word Workouts come in!
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Admissions 101: Summary of Changes (Part 2)

Posted on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026


The implementation of the new Student Information System (SIS), Thesis SM, will bring significant changes to the way processes work. For now, our focus is on Admissions, which will have an impact on both learners and employees. We have compiled a summary of the biggest Admissions changes to set you up for success!

Admissions covers a wide range of processes, so make sure to check out the first part to learn about the other changes that are coming. This second and final part focuses on some key components to the Admissions process, as well as common features that some learners might use during their applicant journey.

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Admissions 101: Summary of Changes (Part 1)

Posted on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026

Want to know how different Admissions processes will work once the new Student Information System (SIS), Thesis SM, is implemented? Well, look no further! We have compiled a summary of the biggest changes surrounding Admissions, from the new Applicant Checklist feature to how international learners will be admitted.

Some of these processes are completely new, while others are changes from existing processes. Regardless, the new SIS will bring many benefits, and in the meantime, we will prepare you for these changes with a handy crash course.

Since there are a number of changes coming, we decided to split the list into two parts. The first part focuses on the different kinds of Admissions processes, as well as a new feature in the Thesis Student Portal.

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How will the new SIS benefit learners? Watch the February 2026 R3 Showcase!

Posted on Monday, March 2nd, 2026

Our first R3 Project Showcase event of 2026 was hosted by Krista Pearson, Vice President of Student Services and R3 Project’s Executive Sponsor, who welcomed more than 280 participants.

This event shone a spotlight on various key learner benefits, many of which were presented at past Showcase events.

Lisa Wellman, Coordinator, Admissions, walked through the OCAS Domestic on Demand (also known as DoD) integration.

James Pede, Associate Director of Financial Operations, presented the new Flywire payments and refunds process.

Kyle Jorgensen-Lane, Manager of Financial Aid and Student Awards, reviewed the streamlined bursaries, scholarships, and awards (BSA) process.

Elizabeth Holmes, Change Management Officer, R3 Project, discussed two new tools on the Thesis Student Portal, the Applicant Checklist and the Credential Audit tool.

Wade Stewart, Business Systems Analyst, R3 Project, provided a walkthrough of the Applicant Checklist and the document submission process.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, where attendees were invited to ask questions related to any of the topics discussed, as well as any related R3 topics.

We want to thank our attendees for taking the time to attend the first Showcase event of 2026. As always, we value every question and appreciate the chance to engage in such valuable discussions. We look forward to sharing more information as the year progresses!

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