Page 136 – Algonquin Times

Students express mixed feelings about Zoom learning after winter storm sent some classes online

Last week’s predicted two-day storm saw some classes migrate to Zoom on Friday, with mixed feelings from staff and students. Connor Finniss, a radio broadcasting student, enjoys in-person learning. “There’s […]

Kerry Slack

Photos:

January 18, 2023
Revised: January 18, 2023 5:20pm

Students walk between Algonquin College buildings on Wednesday. Students last Thursday were checking for updates from the college as a storm approached Ottawa.

Last week’s predicted two-day storm saw some classes migrate to Zoom on Friday, with mixed feelings from staff and students.

Connor Finniss, a radio broadcasting student, enjoys in-person learning.

“There’s something nice about being on campus. Being online the engagement is at an all-time low,” Finniss said. “When you’re there, you’re forced to pay attention.”

Thursday morning came with periods of snow and sleet. The day was spent wondering if Friday’s classes would proceed as students, staff, and administrators monitored the constantly changing conditions.

After the challenges and benefits of online learning during the pandemic, schools could have the option to switch classes online through Zoom and Brightspace. Some classes did switch to that platform last Friday.

“We’ve done it once or twice so far, and I think it’s a good option. Since so much happens in a class, losing one to bad weather puts everyone behind,” said Kira Maranta, a health services administration student.

Marina Westbrook, a professor and coordinator in the Aboriginal studies program, is glad the option is available.

“It’s helpful when severe weather is predicted. Especially when police are actually saying, ‘Stay off the roads’,” Westbrook said. “I don’t like the possibility of a student getting into an accident trying to get to the college during a storm.”

Zoom classes lack a personal connection and participation from many students.

Christopher Ralph is a professor in the School of Media and Design.

“My favourite thing is when I’ve sent everyone off to breakout rooms and there are always a couple of students who don’t leave the main room. I always know they’ve wandered off somewhere,” Ralph said.

Vanessa Mameanskum is in a distinct category of students who started their post-secondary journeys online. She comes from a small, fly-in community and has completed a year of Aboriginal studies via Zoom. She then started this year in the early childhood education program on campus. She decided to withdraw from her course for a myriad of reasons, with in-person classes being high on the list.

“I just couldn’t concentrate because my class was too loud. Too many distractions,” Mameanskum said.

The Algonquin Times reached out to the college administration to find out what constitutes poor enough weather to switch all classes online. The Times didn’t receive a response by deadline.

The college said on Instagram last Thursday evening that it would be open for “business as usual” on Friday and advised students to watch their email and Brightspace accounts for updates.

News

Online courses | Zoom

Kerry Slack

See more articles by
Kerry Slack

Broken wheelchair buttons are leaving students stuck out in the cold

The wheelchair-accessible buttons for the main doors into the N-building have been broken on and off since early 2022. As the weather continues to get colder, this goes from being […]

Rebekah Houter

Photos:

January 18, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Logan Stewart, a first-year public relations student at Algonquin College, says the broken buttons in the N-building have left him outside in the cold this term.

The wheelchair-accessible buttons for the main doors into the N-building have been broken on and off since early 2022.

As the weather continues to get colder, this goes from being a nuisance to being a danger.

Logan Stewart is a first-year student in the public relations program at Algonquin College. He uses a wheelchair, and has been left out in the cold more than once since he started school last fall.

“Ever since I started attending Algonquin in September, most of my classes are in the N-building, so with that the majority of the time, like nine out of ten, the button doesn’t work to get into the building,” Stewart said.

“That either leaves me outside in the freezing cold in the winter or it leaves me awkwardly sitting there until I message my class group chat to see if somebody is available to come to open it.”

Last week, Stewart was left outside of the building at 7:30 a.m. and was forced to wait 10 minutes for someone to come by and open the door. It was a recorded -6 C outside.

The coordinator of the public relations program, Lara Mills, had reported the problem six different times since Sept. 16, as reported to her by Stewart.

The broken buttons would be fixed and work for a time, then break again.

“We’ve had real problems with it this year,” Mills said. “I reported this again last week.”

One item she noted about the accessible buttons on campus is they don’t always extend to the classroom doors. “I want all my students to get to class on time and not have to run into these obstacles,” she said.

Murray Bourck, coordinator of operation services at Algonquin maintenance department, says when the maintenance department is notified about a broken accessibility button, it gets addressed immediately.

“It’s a high-priority call, we do not take it lightly,” he said. “We understand that students with access issues need to be able to open doors.”

The ongoing problem in N-building is likely due to a system malfunction of incompatible parts, Bourck says.

In early January 2022, the front door and main floor lobby of N-building were redone. However, a design issue with construction meant the accessibility buttons were replaced with newer ones, but the old technology system was left in place.

Since this problem in the N-building has begun, new measures have been taken by the maintenance department including scheduling monthly check-ups on the accessibility buttons on a rotating basis.

For the 20 staff members who work in maintenance on campus, there is one person who does the locksmithing and maintains all the doors and accessibility buttons.

Bourck says they are working on further repairs in the N-building.

“Going forward what they are going to do is either A, buy the existing buttons that are compatible with the existing technology, or B, replace the whole system,” he said.

Two buildings at Algonquin College recently received the top accessibility rating from the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification TM Program in April 2022: the Jack Doyle Athletics and Recreation Centre and the Robert C Gillett Student Commons Building. This means that the buildings scored over 80 per cent on the foundation’s survey of accessibility features including doors and the buttons required to open them.

“Personally, I think Algonquin is one of the most accessible campuses in Ontario,” Stewart said. “I choose Algonquin because of the accessibility. I think it’s a really good campus, they’re just lacking in one specific area with the buttons.”

Featured Story | News

Door access

Rebekah Houter

See more articles by
Rebekah Houter

College community prepares for winter storm

Students and staff at Algonquin College on Thursday were bracing themselves in anticipation of an incoming winter storm. Environment Canada was predicting a storm with a risk of freezing drizzle […]

Linda Verreault

Photos: Brahim Ait Ouzineb

January 12, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Brahim Ait Ouzineb

Nathan Monpremier, a supply chain undergrad, said on Jan. 12 that he was clearing his car to get home before the snowfall.

Students and staff at Algonquin College on Thursday were bracing themselves in anticipation of an incoming winter storm.

Environment Canada was predicting a storm with a risk of freezing drizzle and between two and four centimetres of precipitation falling in Ottawa. Students were preparing themselves for the storm, including students who are experiencing their first winter in Canada.

“I’m new to Canada,” said Yann Nziravatinyi, 22, an international student from Africa. “My brother advised me to make a meal plan for the cold weather.”

Environment Canada predicted 15-25 centimetres of snow between Thursday and Friday afternoon.

Algonquin College was monitoring the forecast to determine if classes would proceed on Friday or not.

Bruce Hickey, the communications manager for the college, said the campus is prepared to manage snow removal.

There was no one available for comment from the Perth and Pembroke campuses. However, Environment Canada issued weather warnings for those areas.

Students faced challenges commuting to and from school on Thursday. OC Transpo experienced delays and cancellations, affecting both students and staff.

“OC Transpo sucks, and it sucks worse when the weather’s bad,” said Bri Bell, 22, a student in the developmental services worker program.

Due to OC Transpo cancellations and delays, some students were forced to find alternate ways home.

“It sucks, because I might actually have to pay for a cab to get home, and that’s just not (the) extra expenses I need to spend right now,” said Mia Russel, 19, a student in the bartending program.

Students try not to freeze on their way toward the N-building on Jan. 12. Photo credit: Alex Lambert

Regardless of the weather, some staff must remain on campus to work, specifically those who work in residence.

“Residence has to be open, because the (students) live here,” said Antonyne Percy, an employee at the residence market. “So, they might close other things, but not us. It’s our job. We come to work, because we have to come to work. How we feel about it is irrelevant.”

Students and staff were encouraged to closely monitor their emails Thursday evening for updates from the college.

With files from Kate Playfair, TJ Sider, Kerry Slack, Morgan Farrell, Artem Sarkisian, Ming Wang, Justin Hancock-Lefebour, Jayme Mutchmor, Itunu Olayiwola, Rebekah Houter, Guillaume Laflamme, Annika Schlarb, Naomie Twagirumukiza

Featured Story | News

Winter storm

Linda Verreault

See more articles by
Linda Verreault

Beavertails and fireside chats kick off the winter term

Algonquin College’s halls were bustling on Monday, Jan. 9 as AC Day 1 marked the beginning of the 2023 winter term. Activities took place from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. […]

Jantina Huizenga

Photos: Jantina Huizenga

January 11, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Jantina Huizenga

Colin Zoubak, left, Les Leeman, Logan Sudo, and Kendra Babcock, right, enjoyed the event's Muskoka chairs and keeping warm around the outdoor heater.

Algonquin College’s halls were bustling on Monday, Jan. 9 as AC Day 1 marked the beginning of the 2023 winter term.

Activities took place from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and included a Beavertails truck, live music, snacks and an outdoor chill zone outside the Student Commons with a heated seating area to keep attendees warm and cozy.

The Mamidosewin Centre hosted a fireside chat and stories in the afternoon. Students could drop by the Ishkodewan Courtyard for winter treats such as bannock, donuts, and s’mores as they sat by the fire to hear from storytellers who shared their own Indigenous traditions.

For some students, this term will be their first time studying on campus in person. But for others, they have had a taste of it and are excited to continue hands-on learning.

“You need to be in person, you can’t fix an engine over zoom,” said Colin Zoubak, a level-two motive power technician student at Algonquin College.

Over 3,000 students signed up for AC Day 1 according to Lauren Larocque. “We also had over 150 amazing volunteers supporting this event,” she said. Larocque believes that the Red Cross dogs were one of the most popular events.

So were the Beavertails: throughout the day over 500 of the deep-fried-dough pastries were given out to students.

The Help Hotspot was a new space available to students this semester. It was a space students had the ability to connect with an AC expert who could help them with finding their program orientation and answer any questions they may have.

Student Commons was packed with smiling faces and the sounds of students’ chatter. “It’s fun to see people and see faces again, it gives you a warm feeling seeing everyone having fun,” said Rhea Desouza, a level-two project management student.

Featured Story | News

AC Day 1

Jantina Huizenga

See more articles by
Jantina Huizenga

Kimana Mar ready to compete for World Games gold in Berlin

When Kimana Mar, a student in the office administration program, stepped onto the mat at the 2015 World Games in Los Angeles, she felt the support of her country and […]

Rory Friend

Photos: Special Olympics

January 10, 2023
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Special Olympics

Kimana Mar competing with the hoop at the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi.

When Kimana Mar, a student in the office administration program, stepped onto the mat at the 2015 World Games in Los Angeles, she felt the support of her country and a rowdy audience cheering her on.

“I felt motivated, I felt like I can really achieve things,” said Mar.

But getting to a World Games hosted by the Special Olympics is no small task. It requires dedication and determination to master any sport.

Mar is looking forward to competing in her third World Games, which will be held this year in Berlin. However, the qualification process was a bit different this time around.

In the years before COVID-19, the qualification process involved competitions at the local, provincial, and national levels to qualify for the national team.

“Provincials were cancelled for 2020 and nationals were cancelled in 2022 so there was no actual way for us to qualify in the usual way, so we just got selected randomly by lottery,” said Mar

Mar began her athletic journey with ballet at the age of five, but three years later she made the switch to gymnastics and the rest is history.

“I love performing, I love dancing and being with the music, so it was a perfect fit with me,” said Mar about the switch to gymnastics that put her on the path to competing on the world stage.

Mar has been highly successful on the world stage in her preferred rhythmic gymnastics discipline, the ribbon. She won six total medals including five gold in her first World Games in Los Angeles and followed that up with seven medals in Abu Dhabi four years later.

Kimana Mar with her seven gold medals, form the Abu Dhabi, World Games — Kimana Mar with her seven gold medals, form the Abu Dhabi World Games in 2019.

There are five different options for apparatus in the rhythmic gymnastics discipline, but Mar favours the ribbon.

“Ribbon is my favourite because even though it can be difficult and challenging because it’s the one that requires a lot of wrist movement, I love how it flows and the different patterns,” said Mar.

Being a high-level athlete and completing post-secondary education at the same time would be daunting for anyone, but Mar always knew she wanted to go to college and her ties to Algonquin began when she was quite young.

Mar said she “had this dream of going to college” and has always wanted to attend Algonquin.

“I came to Algonquin College years ago, at the Early Learning Centre. It was an amazing experience. I went to a couple of other schools for my education, and then I just had this dream of going to college and I’ve always wanted to come back to Algonquin College,” said Mar. “We actually visited the Early Learning Centre not long ago, like in 2019. They immediately recognized us and when I told them I was thinking of coming here as a student they were very excited for me.”

Mar credits her academic success to her counsellors at the Centre for Accessible Learning, as well as her professors. “My professors have been so encouraging, so inspiring, and motivating, they really support me,” said Mar.

Mar’s mother, Sandra Wong, agreed. “The professors have been really supportive and understanding,” Wong said.

Mar will be heading to Berlin with her teammates and family in June. The multiple-time champion is modest with her goals for the championship.

“My goal is to just do my best and represent Canada and just be excited to be going to these games and showing the world that this is what I can do no matter what it is,” said Mar.

Featured Story | Sports & Recreation

Athlete

Rory Friend

See more articles by
Rory Friend

Despite hat-trick performance by Tim Stützle, Kraken’s offensive sinks Sens’ ship

The Seattle Kraken came into a packed house of 19,437 on Saturday, Jan. 7 at the Canadian Tire Centre and silenced the crowd with an 8-4 victory over the Ottawa […]

Liam Fox

Photos: Liam Fox

January 9, 2023
Revised: January 9, 2023 8:52am

Photo: Liam Fox

The Ottawa Senators had their goals doubled in high scoring affair on Saturday, Jan. 7 as they lost 8-4 to the Seattle Kraken.

The Seattle Kraken came into a packed house of 19,437 on Saturday, Jan. 7 at the Canadian Tire Centre and silenced the crowd with an 8-4 victory over the Ottawa Senators.

After beating the Senators, the Kraken picked up their fourth straight win bringing them to 22-12-4 on the season. This halted the Senators’ two-game winning streak making them 18-18-3.

The Kraken’s eight goals were all scored by different players, while Jordan Eberle and Andre Burakovsky each had three points with one goal and two assists respectively.

The one shining star and positive takeaway from the loss was another big performance from Tim Stützle where he had three goals and one assist. Since returning from a shoulder injury Stützle has advertised 12 points in seven games and eight points in his last three games.

Still, Stützle would sacrifice his individual performance for a team win if given the chance. “I would trade any one of those goals for just getting the win tonight,” said Stützle in a clip shared by the Ottawa Senators on Twitter.

The Senators will look to regroup as they wrap up their homestand with a matchup against the Nashville Predators on Monday, Jan 9.

Sports & Recreation

Algonquin times senators coverage | Ottawa | Ottawa Senators | Sens

Liam Fox

See more articles by
Liam Fox

Hot chocolate and Christmas songs: AC Hub hosts festive Wind Down Friday

The AC Hub hosted a Wind Down Friday on Dec. 9 for students to have one last good time before the semester ended. It included hot chocolate, marshmallows, whip cream […]

Wawina Nzibu

Photos:

December 19, 2022
Revised: December 19, 2022 10:36am

The AC Hub hosted a Wind Down Friday on Dec. 9 for students to have one last good time before the semester ended.

It included hot chocolate, marshmallows, whip cream and sprinkles. One Christmas by Whitney Houston, All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey and the most famous, Jingle Bell Rock, were played while students reviewed their notes for exams and completed assignments and projects for the fall term.

As the semester came to an end, it was also a time we reflect on the lessons we learned about ourselves, resolving personal and external conflicts we encountered and how we overcame them.

“I learned to make time for people while going to school and I think I did a good job during my fall semester this year.” said Emily Carters, a student in the applied arts and technology program.

For other students, planning their weeks ahead to complete their assignments, and remembering what it is that they like to do, has helped them to have a good semester.

“I like to learn and I did my work ahead of the due date so I think that made me have a more smooth semester,” said Anoore Zainab, an applied arts and technology student.

Life

AC Hub | Chocolate | Christmas | Friday | Songs

Wawina Nzibu

See more articles by
Wawina Nzibu

Wolves end first half of men’s basketball season with consecutive wins

The first half of the basketball season came to a close with the Algonquin Wolves men’s team winning back-to-back games for the first time in nine games. After snapping their […]

Kolbe Devaux

Photos: Liam Fox

December 19, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Liam Fox

Imad Ruhamyandekwe takes a jump shot in front of the home crowd against the La Cite Coyotes.

The first half of the basketball season came to a close with the Algonquin Wolves men’s team winning back-to-back games for the first time in nine games.

After snapping their six-game losing streak on the road with a three-point victory over the Fleming Knights, the Wolves carried their momentum against the La Cite Coyotes for an 11-point win on Dec. 2.

The home team opened the scoring and after the Coyotes tied the game at 7-7, the Wolves would lead all the way to the final buzzer.

Head coach Trevor Costello was very pleased with his team’s performances as they entered the mid-season break.

“It feels great,” he said. “It was a must-win because it’s a winless team and we’re in the playoffs right now if the season was to end. We’ve got to keep plugging away and we’ve got to be hanging around because anything can happen in the playoffs.”

Costello showered praise on the defensive effort his team showed as they limited the Coyotes to fewer points for every quarter they played — 21 in first, 19 in the second, 18 in the third and 16 in the fourth.

“The last two weeks have been nothing but defence. I’m usually just offence offence but we’ve been working on defence the last couple weeks and it showed a little bit. We’ve had some glimpses of greatness on our defensive stuff and I know we just have to keep going,” he said.

Even with their focus on defence the Wolves offence performed well. Helped by double-digit performances from four of their starters, the hosts kept the Coyotes at arm’s length throughout the game.

“It’s a good way to end the first half of the season,” said shooting guard Topaz Kana. “I think we did some things well but there’s always a couple things to improve on. I think we haven’t reached our full potential as a team but we are getting there.”

Kana was the Wolves’ best player on the night as he lead the scoring with 26 points, and made seven of his 16 three-point shots.

“I think I played okay tonight. Honestly speaking I don’t feel like I played great. I could’ve played better defensively but I’m just happy that we got through with the win. It’s a good way to end the first half of the season,” said Kana.

The Wolves’ record moved to three games below .500 at 3-6 on the season, moving them up to seventh place in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association’s East Division.

Following the return of the season, the Wolves will face the Coyotes again on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. at the La Cite college campus in Ottawa.

Featured Story | Sports & Recreation

Men's basketball | Wolves

Kolbe Devaux

See more articles by
Kolbe Devaux

Indigenous culture nights held at Mamidosewin Centre

A new program aims to help Indigenous students connect with their roots and express their opinions and feelings without judgment. The culture night was created by the Mamidosewin Centre to […]

Wawina Nzibu

Photos: Wawina Nzibu

December 18, 2022
Revised: January 9, 2023 2:00pm

Photo: Wawina Nzibu

Sitting in a circle, students discuss current Indigenous issues.

A new program aims to help Indigenous students connect with their roots and express their opinions and feelings without judgment.

The culture night was created by the Mamidosewin Centre to help students adjust to being back on campus since the COVID-19 pause. Students can interact with each other and learn about First Nation history.

“From everywhere, from every walk of life,” Randy Kakegamick, a student navigator at Algonquin College, said.

“Students regardless of creed, race, colour, anything. Mamidosewin Centre is the same way. It’s the same as going to the gym, it’s the same as going to the cafeteria. We try to let people know to come on in.”

Kakegamick wants students of every ethnicity to join the culture night whenever they have time. The program is not strictly for Indigenous people — everything is open to everyone.

Many students who join culture night weekly say it is an opportunity to interact with other Indigenous students and learn about their hardships.

Quill Wawatay Ttaway, a student studying pathways to Indigenous empowerment, is one of the many people who join the culture night every Wednesday.

“I do feel safer when I come to the centre,” Ttaway says. “Personally, I experienced a lot of racism when I was a kid so I came here and it is understanding and it is nice to have people who understand you that way.”

Mamidosewin Culture check-in is also a place where Indigenous students at Algonquin and other ethnicities educate themselves on the types of issues Indigenous people are facing. Difficult conversations touch on substance abuse, violence against women and men and women being natural leaders.

Vincent Nogueira is a professor of general arts and science who is one of the program’s mentors.

“You don’t need to be in communication class to have that thought,” Nogueira said. “Just being here would hopefully help people think more critically, forming questions, forming thoughts.”

Culture night is a safe place for people who identify as Indigenous, where mentors and other students express their opinions and feelings about Indigenous issues, history, culture and current events, such as the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

Ttaway said, “I think I’m going to gain lots of friends, equal family and just general support. All of these people kind of experience the same thing you do in a way which is nice because you are able to feel comfortable and safe.”

News

Indigenous | Mamidosewin Centre

Wawina Nzibu

See more articles by
Wawina Nzibu

As the holiday season gets into gear, an early celebration of Hanukkah begins

As the fall semester ends, the holidays get into gear and with the celebration of Hanukkah. On Dec. 15, the Students’ Association hosted and celebrated its first early Hanukkah kickoff […]

Online Editor

Photos: Stephane Gunner

December 16, 2022
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:36pm

Photo: Stephane Gunner

Esther Teitlebaum speaks with Rabbi Chaim Boyarsky.

As the fall semester ends, the holidays get into gear and with the celebration of Hanukkah.

On Dec. 15, the Students’ Association hosted and celebrated its first early Hanukkah kickoff in the Student Commons at the Ottawa campus, where guest speaker Rabbi Chaim Boyarsky shared the meaning of the menorah and the Hanukkah celebration.

Rabbi Boyarsky said this Sunday is the first night of Hanukkah, and this message is to bring light to others and light the menorah when it’s dark and cold outside.

“Since most people will leave during December since schools are closed, we celebrate Hanukkah early,” said Rabbi Boyarsky. “It’s a beautiful honour — there is a sense of community (at the college), it has an inclusion.”

With Hanukkah starts on Dec. 18 and ends on Dec. 26, the eight-day celebration revolves around the kindling of a nine-branch menorah. Each night, a candle is added to the menorah after sundown, where Jews recite blessings during the ritual. Finally, the menorah is placed in the window to remind others of the miracle that happened when the candles lit up for eight days.

“I want to encourage you all to celebrate Hanukkah, not only on Hanukkah but all year round, to kindle others when it’s lonely and dark and when they’re alone and outside. And to build others and make sure they are happy,” said Rabbi Boyarsky to the attendees of the event. “It’s always about doing good to others, but not in a way where it’s about us.”

“This year, we purchased a six-foot menorah in celebration of Hanukkah,” said diversity and inclusivity events coordinator for the Students’ Association, Nakeya Francis.

Francis said it was the first time having an event of this style in celebration of Hanukkah and the Students’ Association was excited to bring in the Jewish community and celebrate the holiday.

Francis explained that the Algonquin College community gives recognition and opportunities for other students to learn something and have fun with their fellow college community members.

First-year practical nursing student Esther Teitlebaum said the experience of inclusion felt good in the college community where the Jewish community is small.

“Having a pre-Hanukkah celebration at the school is special. We can share this with other people — the meaning of it applies to everyone about making the world a better place and shining your light and not letting others dim it,” said Teitlebaum.

Her favourite childhood memory of Hanukkah was when she was with her family and friends at the Hillel Lodge, a nursing home in the community.

“We dressed up like little menorah crowns and we would sing to the people. My family and my friends would all go together. So we would just be able to share the holiday with people who don’t necessarily have so much family or people nearby to be able to celebrate with them, so that was always really special to do every year,” said Teitlebaum.

Featured Story | News

Online Editor

The Algonquin Times is a newspaper produced by journalism and advertising students for the Algonquin College community. Follow us on social media! Algonquin Times Twitter Twitter (Events & Promos) Facebook Facebook (Events & Promos) Instagram Snapchat

See more articles by
Online Editor