The Big R3 Benefits: What will have the biggest impact on the College?

Posted on Friday, September 26th, 2025

The R3 Project is much more than the implementation of a new Student Information System (SIS). With a new system comes new business processes, and with new processes come benefits. Some of these changes have already been implemented, and others will be introduced once the SIS goes live.

A list of R3 Benefits

These benefits are in line with improving student success and satisfaction, as well as employee satisfaction and productivity, and they directly support the goals outlined in Algonquin College’s Academic and Strategic Plans. Below are only some of our biggest benefits that will have a positive impact on the College. More will be uncovered and shared as the project continues!

Advanced User Experience

A computer with a finger tapping the screenInstead of relying on old, function-key-driven navigation, Thesis SM offers intuitive menu-driven and mouse-based navigation. This shift will make the SIS more accessible for new users and improve efficiency for employees who use it daily. With increased functionality embedded directly into the SIS, tasks can now be faster, easier, and more consistent across departments-ultimately leading to smoother operations and a better overall experience for both employees and learners.

Multi-Factor Authentication

A computer screen with a password entered, and a phone showing multi-factor authenticationMulti-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security feature that requires you to verify your identity in more than one way, by combining your password with a code. The biggest perk of MFA is better and more reliable security. In fact, this change has already been implemented since 2022. This feature has allowed the college to streamline the way information is kept safe. Essentially, MFA reduces the risk of someone else accessing your account.

Domestic on Demand (OCAS)

A computer displaying Thesis SMProspective domestic learners will still apply to programs via OCAS. The only difference is how long the process will take and how quickly applicants will receive communications. The turnaround time will be significantly faster, which will make the overall process much quicker for both employees and learners—no more waiting for hours or days! This is a big win for us because it means applicants are more likely to enrol in our programs.

Flywire (Payments and Refunds)

Paying someone with dollar billsOver a year ago, Domestic learners joined international learners by being able to make student fee payments to the College using a service called “Flywire”. Starting in Winter 2026, learners who sign up will also be able to receive refunds through the same service. This means fewer cheques and more payment options for our learners! And getting rid of fees incurred is also great news for the College.

Financial Aid (Bursaries, Awards, and Scholarships)

A hand holding a Dollar Sign wearing a Graduation CapWithin the new SIS, “Awards” refers to everything related to Financial Aid. Today, learners use an application outside of the SIS to apply for Awards. Once we go live with Thesis SM, learners apply for Awards directly into the SIS. Further, learners will know the awards they can apply for, thereby reducing confusion on eligibility. Another big plus is that administrators can package Awards within the SIS; multiple transactions can be submitted at once and applied directly to learner financial accounts.

The Applicant Checklist

A clipboad with a checklist on itThe Applicant Checklist is a totally new feature that will be introduced with Thesis SM. The Student Portal, set to replace ACSIS, will allow applicants to see specific program admissions requirements and their progress through the admissions process. This added clarity will make the admissions process easier and more user-friendly for learners.

The Credential Audit Tool

A graduate cap with a progress bar below itAnother new feature introduced with Thesis SM, the Credential Audit tool allows learners to track completed and outstanding Program Curriculum Requirements, all in one place! This one-stop shop will make things much easier for learners to break down what has already been done and what they still need to do.

 

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Most of these benefits have been highlighted at our past Showcase events! If you want to learn more, check out the Showcase page on our website.

Still have questions or want to provide feedback? Feel free to send us a message, and check out our Glossary and FAQ to learn even more about the R3 Project.


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