The process of opting out of the student U-Pass for the winter semester just got easier. Students will automatically be opted out of the U-Pass for the winter semester if they have already opted out in the fall, according to an Algonquin email sent out to students Nov. 19. Previously, students were required to go […]
Jocelyn Galloway
Photos: Jocelyn Galloway
November 19, 2020 Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm
The process of opting out of the student U-Pass for the winter semester just got easier.
Students will automatically be opted out of the U-Pass for the winter semester if they have already opted out in the fall, according to an Algonquin email sent out to students Nov. 19. Previously, students were required to go through an application process every semester to opt out of U-Pass fees to remove them from their tuition costs.
“There’s more flexibility to opt out of the pass,” said Claude Brulé, president of Algonquin College. “So, a lot of effort has gone into understanding the student’s pain point and being able to address it through those means.”
For students keeping their U-passes, they do not need to renew their card, as long as the student’s status or program has remained the same and they received a U-Pass in September. It is valid until April 30, 2021.
A U-Pass costs $218.03 per semester with a one-time administrative fee of $5.51 per academic year. Damaged or lost U-Pass cards cost $25 to replace.
Students may consider opting-out of the U-Pass because they live outside of the OC Transpo service area or STO service area, are registered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, are a Para Transpo registrant who resides in a rural transit area, or are doing exclusive online studies.
According to Ketan Tyagi, 24, second-year culinary management student, the renewal of his U-Pass was as seamless this year compared to last.
‘“Everything has been a little different,” said Tyagi. “But classes are going good.”
Although he was not impacted by the U-Pass changes, he appreciates the other changes being made around campus such as the new self-screening app.
“We’re very mindful of the impact that this pandemic is having on our students, said Claude Brulé, president of Algonquin College. “We knew this from day one.”
In order for students to be eligible to receive a full U-Pass refund, they must opt out by the tenth day of the semester. However, students can opt out at any point during the term.
Flu shots are now available on campus but are offered only to dorm residents, campus staff, and students who are approved to attend classes on campus. “Ottawa Public Health is in control,” said Trina Budd, manager of Algonquin College’s Health Services. “We have no control over how much we get. We’ve asked for more, but […]
Alvin Tsang
Photos: Alvin Tsang
November 18, 2020 Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm
Photo: Alvin Tsang
Flu shots are given with a syringe with a 22 to 24 gauge needle.
Flu shots are now available on campus but are offered only to dorm residents, campus staff, and students who are approved to attend classes on campus.
“Ottawa Public Health is in control,” said Trina Budd, manager of Algonquin College’s Health Services. “We have no control over how much we get. We’ve asked for more, but we don’t know.”
Algonquin College’s flu vaccination clinic opened on Monday, Nov. 2. It is confirmed to open again the week of Nov. 16, 17 and 18. Beyond that point, however, they will need to count the supplies. Should the college still have enough vaccines by that time, the clinic will try to open on Nov. 23.
“We only received the first shipment,” Budd said. “Enough for November. But we do still have room currently. Not all spots are filled. There were lots of cancellations and no-shows on that first day.”
Tai Chan, a student in practical nursing, isn’t surprised that there is a shortage.
“The flu vaccine shortage was kind of expected as COVID likely affected the production facilities,” Chan said. “That’s not to say flu shots aren’t important. It was just expected.”
Health Services says it is “more important than ever to reduce the spread of the flu” by getting the vaccine.
“They’re more important than ever this year due to the fact that we need to keep hospitalisations down as much as possible,” Chan said. “Also because there’s a risk of people catching the flu and being uncertain as to whether they have the flu or COVID, and then having to put themselves further at risk by going out and getting tested.”
Algonquin College opens its flu vaccination clinic every year, which was previously run by students in University of Ottawa’s nursing program.
This year, registered nurses employed by the college are giving the flu shots, explained Budd.
Flu shots are usually given through what is called an intramuscular or IM injection, meaning the vaccine is injected straight into the muscle as opposed to the layer of fat above. A syringe with a 22 to 24 gauge needle is used to administer the shot. Two alcohol wipes are used on the injection site and the vaccine bottle itself.
This year, the same applies except everyone involved will wear masks, and high-touch surfaces are carefully sanitized between patients.
The flu shot clinic operates out of the Nawapon room on the first floor of C Building. To book an appointment, please call 613.727.4723 ext. 7222.
Featured Story | News
Covid-19 | Flu | Health and wellness | Vaccinations
Over the past few weeks, your TV watching experience may have included hours upon hours of the same guy tapping on different states on his magic wall and telling you about counties you have never heard of before, and will never hear about again. The current President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the […]
Alvin Tsang
Photos: Frankie Benvenuti & Alvin Tsang
November 18, 2020 Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm
Photo: Frankie Benvenuti & Alvin Tsang
Students and staff at Algonquin share their opinions about the U.S. election.
Over the past few weeks, your TV watching experience may have included hours upon hours of the same guy tapping on different states on his magic wall and telling you about counties you have never heard of before, and will never hear about again.
The current President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the former Vice President, Joe Biden have campaigned for months to see who would be sitting in the Oval Office on Jan. 20, 2021. Biden has been declared the President-elect and will be the 46th President of the United States. Trump meanwhile continues to search for any way possible to overturn the results of the election.
Some students and staff at Algonquin have opinions about this election — even though it isn’t Canadian. Two Algonquin Times reporters asked for their thoughts on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Here’s what they had to say.
Pinky Galhay (left) and Mukul Devang (right) are hopeful for what a Joe Biden presidency means for international students Photo credit: Alvin Tsang
Name: Mukul Devang
Program: hospitality – hotel and restaurant operations management
“I think Biden winning will be helpful for us in Canada because he is very good, and I think he will do something for both countries,” Devang said. “We as international students are hoping to get something new and beneficial to us. Everyone knows that Biden already won. Everyone liked Biden more than Trump. Trump made a difference between black people and white people. We don’t like those things. We don’t want any discrimination between different kinds of people.”
Name: Pinky Galhay
Program: hospitality – hotel and restaurant operations management
“Biden is good for both the U.S. and Canada because he doesn’t racially discriminate,” Galhay said. “What Trump has done is unfair to all people. Trump does not act in goodness for his country. Biden is better for the people.”
Photo credit: Alvin Tsang
Name: Sudhansu Patel
Program: heating refrigeration and air conditioning technician
“Of course Joe Biden won,” Patel said. “Donald Trump was always bragging about the development of the U.S. but we hardly saw any of it. They’re not doing well in the pandemic. The citizens are rebelling against their own country. There’s an economic crisis. The U.S. needs change. Joe Biden won because people hate Donald Trump. It’s not like Biden is a good leader, but people are hoping for better. If you look back at Donald Trump’s life, he always declared himself a winner. Every time someone knocks him down, he still calls himself a winner. Even when he’s a loser, he publicly declares himself a winner, and he’s not.”
Leslie Bader, a baking student, is a dual citizen who voted by mail-in ballot. Photo credit: Alvin Tsang
Name: Leslie Bader
Program: baking and pastry arts
“I’m a dual citizen,” Bader said. “I voted for Biden by mail-in ballot. I’m glad the Democrats won and that we have our first female vice president in Kamala Harris. If claiming that the election was rigged was the only weird thing that Trump did in four years, I would think that there’s a basis for it. But no, this wasn’t surprising. Trump’s been off the wall this whole time. I heard that Twitter was blocking Trump now.”
Kiranjot Kaur Sandhu, a baking student, received concerned calls from her family in India on election night. Photo credit: Frankie Benvenuti
Name: Kiranjot Kaur Sandhu
Program: baking and pastry arts
“I was getting calls from my family in India asking me who won the election that night,” Sandhu said. “Even though they’re in India, they were nervous about it. Everyone was. I wanted Biden to win because of the way Trump behaved. We all know about what he’s done, even in India. Biden won the votes. He didn’t cheat. When Trump loses, he reacts in a bad way. It’s hard for him to accept the loss. I definitely recognize Biden as the clear winner.”
Christina Charbonneau, a student in respiratory therapy, hopes for better international relationships going forward. Photo credit: Alvin Tsang
Name: Christina Charbonneau
Program: respiratory therapy
“I think this is a good opportunity for international relationships to start repairing themselves,” Charbonneau said. “I think that despite Trump going on and on about the economy booming, he has no facts to back that up. All they do is distract from what the actual issues are. He doesn’t really support Black Lives Matter. A big portion of his supporters are thinking that he is doing so much for endangered children by opening up an FBI division for finding them but it’s all distractions from stuff like police brutality and white supremacy. Trump said that he was going to dispute it in 2016 when Hillary Clinton pointed it out at one of their debates. He planted that seed months ago by saying that mail-in voting is asking for a fraudulent election.”
J.P. Beaumont, a student in broadcast television, doesn't believe that there is a clear winner. Photo credit: Frankie Benvenuti
Name: J.P. Beaumont
Program: broadcasting – television
“Going into it, I wanted Joe Biden to win the election,” Beaumont said. “Trump created a divide in the United States, and Biden is a way to fix that. I believe he can create calm in the country. I can’t say necessarily that there is a clear winner. There’s both evidence to support Trump’s case and evidence to support Biden’s case. I think there’s something to the Republican’s contesting it because some of the numbers don’t add up concerning registered voting and the number of votes that came in.”
Anthony Hawgood, a student in welding and fabrication techniques, believes that the world is behind Biden. Photo credit: Frankie Benvenuti
Name: Anthony Hawgood
Program: welding and fabrication techniques
“If Trump had won again, I’d be worried,” Hawgood said. “Trump for a second term with even more power to do what he wants? No. I’m glad Biden won. I’m not sure how it’ll affect us as Canadians. Hopefully, he’ll open up trading a bit more and make things better. The stock market went up after Biden won, so it’s clear that the world is behind him. Trump is a sore loser. Biden is the winner. The world has recognized that it is Biden. He won the popular vote and the electoral college. He’s the clear winner. My biggest worry is that Trump supporters are threatening to move to Canada. We don’t want them. They can stay at home in the south.”
Ryan Powell, a student in HVAC, trusts that Trump's repeals are necessary. Photo credit: Frankie Benvenuti
Name: Ryan Powell
Program: heating ventilation and air conditioning
“I wanted Trump to win,” Powell said. “Obviously, it’s an unpopular opinion, but here’s how I see it. It’s sort of one of those things where you see someone use all the resources that he can — for instance, Trump using the courts to try to find his way back in, to get the votes to win. I don’t see that as fraud. I don’t see that as a waste of public service. Those resources wouldn’t be available to Trump unless they were necessary and unless they had troubles in the past. They are there for a reason. This is important. Let Trump follow those procedures, let it happen. Let it end that way, whatever the cost to taxpayers. There’s always an end to the amount of repeals allowed. There are rules in the constitution. There’s no need to worry.”
Kaitia Sheldrick, a veterinary assistant student, hopes for a return to normalcy. Photo credit: Frankie Benvenuti
Name: Kaitia Sheldrick
Program: veterinary assistant
“I wanted Joe Biden to win,” Sheldrick said. “The way Trump handled the coronavirus wasn’t very respectful. Joe Biden, hopefully, is going to fix the democracy of the U.S. and everything else that Trump had messed up. Coronavirus has been a life-changer for all of us. It needs to be mandated and fixed. We need to get through it together. I think Joe Biden will be able to help a lot, for America and the partnership with Canadians. Maybe we can return to normalcy. How the whole election played out was ridiculous. The way Trump was talking about the ‘real votes’ and ‘illegal votes’ was really stupid. Now some states have to recount, and now it’s a big waiting game.
Also, Joe Biden’s dog is the first dog to return to the White House. As a vet student, I think that’s really nice.”
Graeme Kent, an ITS employee, trusts that Biden will try to unify the political divide. Photo credit: Alvin Tsang
Name: Graeme Kent
Department: information technology services
“I wanted Joe Biden to win,” Kent said. “I feel like Donald Trump has been forcing a huge divide in the country, whereas Biden is trying to unify it. Biden’s policies overall are better. I like trying to push for universal healthcare. I just don’t like Donald Trump as a human being. Now he’s trying to find a way to cheat the system. He’s trying to draw it out and find any way he can to stay in power.”
Laura Gardner, a student in applied museum studies, is not a fan of the electoral college system. Photo credit: Frankie Benvenuti
Name: Laura Gardner
Program: applied museum studies
“I definitely wanted Joe Biden to win,” Gardner said. “I cared that he is concerned about COVID-19 because Trump did not take that seriously. Biden is putting together a task force, and it’s much needed. Going forward, he is the person to make the economy recover a lot quicker once the vaccine comes through. The election was a democratic process. I’m not a fan of the electoral college system, but Trump is just throwing a tantrum. He clearly wanted to win, and he’s just not accepting the fact that mail-in ballots are just as valid. The instance of fraud is just minimal.”
In addition to Algonquin’s Mobile Safety App, the college introduced a new COVID-19 digital self-screening plugin on Nov. 9 to improve health and safety measures concerning campus access. The program was developed by Toronto-based company Apparmour, who created the original safety app during their eight-year partnership with the college. The add-on comes as a measure […]
Cody Byrne
Photos:
November 17, 2020 Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm
“We want people to be self-screening consistently,” said Colin Bonang, director of risk management for Algonquin College. “The app has been introduced as an easy way to facilitate that.”
In addition to Algonquin’s Mobile Safety App, the college introduced a new COVID-19 digital self-screening plugin on Nov. 9 to improve health and safety measures concerning campus access.
The program was developed by Toronto-based company Apparmour, who created the original safety app during their eight-year partnership with the college.
The add-on comes as a measure to improve COVID-19 screening practices for those staff and students permitted on the grounds. It is available as an upgrade from the base app screen and is recommended to all who enter the college.
Students like Laurence Falardeau, who is in his first year in the baking program. He hopes the new system will ease concerns with current standards.
“I think it’s a good idea. Right now I just put on my mask, sanitize and go in,” said Falardeau. “I never get stopped or have to sign in or anything. My health isn’t the best, so it scares me to actually go on campus and see people not following sanitation protocols or being hygienic.”
Colin Bonang, director of risk management for Algonquin College says the program was developed to streamline the screening process in accordance with public health standards.
“We want people to be self-screening consistently,” said Bonang. “The app has been introduced as an easy way to facilitate that.”
The program provides users with a list of questions pertaining to their health and possible symptoms to assess any risk of infection. Once completed, the app provides a QR code that can be used as a badge of admittance for a 24-hour period that will be scanned by security at designated public entrances.
“I think what’s important here is that, as a college, we’re recognizing the importance of public health advice,” said Bonang. “Self-screening is one of those measures that people should be doing on a daily basis to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.“
The app has so far been met with strong participation rates from students with over 4,200 downloads to date.
“I would say that we’ve had a really good uptake from the college community on this,” said Bonang. “It only takes a minute and after that a few seconds to indicate that you’ve self-screened.”
Students who do not have access to a cellphone or that do not wish to use the app will still be able to access the campus by filling out paper forms provided by security.
Algonquin College announced a new projected deficit of $21.2 million at the first public board of governors meeting of the school year. In his report to the board, Grant Perry, chief financial officer for the college, said Algonquin is now projecting a deficit increase of $2.2 million from June’s projection of $19 million, due in […]
Jorge Maria
Photos: Madalyn Howitt
November 17, 2020 Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm
Photo: Madalyn Howitt
A section of the cafeteria in building b cordoned off due to COVID-19 restrictions
Algonquin College announced a new projected deficit of $21.2 million at the first public board of governors meeting of the school year.
In his report to the board, Grant Perry, chief financial officer for the college, said Algonquin is now projecting a deficit increase of $2.2 million from June’s projection of $19 million,due in large part to decreased student use of on-campus services and amenities.
“With the college’s decision to continue the winter term predominantly through remote delivery, prolonged absence of the student population on-site at the college has impacted all campus services’ business,” Perry said. Residences are at 45 per cent capacity, parking services, food services, retail and printing have all been affected.
The major contributing factor to the deficit continues to be the plunge in domestic and international student enrolment. The former is down nine per cent and the latter is down 34 per cent from the previous year.
Perry also noted that the second quarter interim projection represented the best-case scenario and the school is anticipating an increased attrition rate. “Due to the challenges experienced by our learners from a transition to remote learning,” he said.
Earlier in the meeting, Colin Bonang, director of risk management, outlined the continued efforts of the college in mitigating the effects of COVID-19 on students, staff and faculty.
The majority of students are learning remotely. However, 7,200 students are participating in face-to-face classes, though in a modified environment, resulting in approximately 2,500 students being on campus on any given day.
“To date, we’ve had seven campus involved COVID-19 positive cases,” Bonang said. Five have been resolved and two are still being monitored. There are no known on campus transmissions.
When I am at work, whether it’s on cash or at the end in front of the espresso machines handing out customers’ drinks, I find myself saying “have a great day” 150 times a shift. I say it a lot because all I do is work with people and coffee. However, sometimes after I say […]
Brenden Laframboise
Photos: Angeleah Brazeau-Emmerson
November 17, 2020 Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm
Photo: Angeleah Brazeau-Emmerson
When I am at work, whether it’s on cash or at the end in front of the espresso machines handing out customers’ drinks, I find myself saying “have a great day” 150 times a shift. I say it a lot because all I do is work with people and coffee.
However, sometimes after I say my cheery sentence I find myself yelling at some poor woman who just wanted her latte.
I am a barista at a Starbucks in Ottawa’s west end. It is a small, mall kiosk. So as you can imagine there is not a lot of space. When the pandemic hit, Starbucks has put in measures to keep customers and employees safe. Masks are required and plexiglass has been installed at the cashes and where people receive their beverages.
We used large fans to keep the kiosk cool in the summer days and we continue to use them on busy weekends. All of the hustle and bustle of the mall with the fans makes the atmosphere incredibly loud.
For instance, when a kind gentlemen wants a coffee he really has to annunciate for me to hear him and understand he wants a “tall dark roast” not a “venti blonde roast.” I feel bad because its not his fault I can not hear him. I will never demerit the importance of wearing masks but, man, is it hard to hear people who don’t have booming voices.
I am worried sometimes when people come up to the cash with their masks not covering their noses. This virus is deadly and I don’t want to potentially take some germ from work home and give the virus to my mom or dad. I don’t let this worry come to mind too often because I really do feel safe. I am able to wash my hands after every cash interaction and added layer of plexiglass puts me at ease.
The protocols set out for us when we begin our shifts include a set of questions and a temperature check. By this point, I am already wearing my mask and I head to the backroom to grab my iconic green apron. I head back to the kiosk and before I even think about doing anything I am washing my hands. This process is normal even before COVID-19 just without the masks and the questions.
I think the work of baristas in this time of need is important. We can provide that escape for those stuck working or doing school from home. Starbucks wants to be that place that people can go to feel safe. I feel it is more important then ever to provide that place. I love the people I get to meet and I don’t want this pandemic to get in the way of that.
I also feel lucky. I am able to go to work while many others don’t. I don’t think their has been a day that passed since the pandemic started where my brother hasn’t told me he misses the office. My mother does her job from the living room table. I can’t really make a latte in the living room.
I know that some customers realize that this is new for everyone. I hope that the people realize I’m trying my best to make their drink the right way. My intent is never to yell at the kind lady who just wanted her latte. I just want her to know that she is entitled to a nice day.
So as this stressful time goes on I will continue to make lattes for kind women and grab coffees for kind men. I will continue to wear my mask even if that means I have to repeat myself with every sentence.
Aries March 21st- April 19th Compatibility: Libra and Leo Symbol: The Flying Ram Element: Fire Strengths: Passionate, Honest, Optimistic, Confident and Determined Weaknesses: Aggressive, Impulsive, Short-Tempered and Impatient Personality: Aries are stubborn and are known for their strong characters. They are impulsive and don’t typically think before they act. They thrive on competition and want to be first at work and […]
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November 16, 2020 Revised: November 18, 2020 12:28pm
Aries
March 21st- April 19th
Compatibility: Libra and Leo
Symbol: The Flying Ram
Element: Fire
Strengths: Passionate, Honest, Optimistic, Confident and Determined
Weaknesses: Aggressive, Impulsive, Short-Tempered and Impatient
Personality: Aries are stubborn and are known for their strong characters. They are impulsive and don’t typically think before they act. They thrive on competition and want to be first at work and in any social gatherings. Aries are multitaskers and fight for their goals while embracing teamwork. Their weaknesses show when they become easily impatient and aggressive. They often point fingers at others and aren’t afraid to take risks. Aries have youthful energy and strength that causes them to be passionate lovers and crave adventure. They are the most active symbol of the zodiac.
Taurus
April 20th- May 20th
Symbol: The Wandering Bull
Element: Earth
Compatibility: Scorpio and Cancer
Strengths: Devoted, Patient, Reliable and Practical
Weaknesses: Uncompromising, Stubborn and Possessive
Personality: Taurus’ make excellent gardeners, cooks, artists and lovers. They are well-grounded and able to see things from a realistic point of view. Taurus’ always try to surround themselves with love and beauty. They are loyal and don’t do well with unplanned change. They will always be there for the people that they love. Taurus’ are prone to guilt, and they are dependent on others for their emotional stability.
Gemini
May 21st – June 20th
Symbol: The Caring Twins
Element: Air
Compatibility: Sagittarius and Aquarius
Strengths: Adaptable, Curious, Gentle and Affectionate
Weaknesses: Indecisive, Nervous and Inconsistent
Personality: Geminis have two natures, and you never know which one they will be when you see them. One side is sociable, communicative and ready for any kind of fun; the other is serious, thoughtful and restless. They are curious in nature and seek adventure. They always feel as though they don’t have enough time to do everything that they want. They are versatile and want to experience everything that the world has to offer. They won’t settle down until they find someone that can match their energy level and intellect. A Gemini will often be seen as a “player” until they find “the one.”
Cancer
June 21st – July 22nd
Symbol: The Brave Crab
Element: Water
Compatibility: Capricorn and Taurus
Strengths: Sympathetic, Loyal, Imaginative, Persuasive and Emotional
Weaknesses: Insecure, Pessimistic, Manipulative and Suspicious
Personality: Cancers are the most challenging sign to get to know. They can lack love and or patience towards others as they age and demonstrate it through mood swings. Cancers are incredibly emotional and sensitive. They are extremely invested in their families and very protective. They will attack anyone who threatens the balance in their home. When at peace, Cancers are very happy and embody harmony.
Leo
July 23rd – August 22nd
Symbol: Fiery Lion
Element: Fire
Compatibility: Aries, Gemini, Libra and Sagittarius
Strengths: Generosity, Self-Confidence, Determination and Natural Leadership.
Weaknesses: Egotistical, Demanding, Dominating, Stubborn, Controlling and Vain
Personality: Leos are enthusiastic, passionate and generous. They are seen as being confident and sometimes arrogant. They often feel unsatisfied because they value what others think of them. Leos are snobbish and always want to be first. They are not likely to tolerate opinions that are against their own. Leos hold their head up high as if they don’t care about the world and are proud. They are mostly open-minded but also farsighted. They use their vibrancy to attract people’s attention. Leos fear being unliked, which will make them depressed and irritated.
Weaknesses: Timidity, Abnormal Criticism, and Work
Personality: Virgos are elegant, diligent and modest. They are great with logical and analytical abilities. They are always ready to serve others and want everything in their life to be perfect, which can cause them to become picky. Virgos sometimes have poor organizational skills and need encouragement from their friends and family as a lack of self-confidence. When Virgos are faced with problems, they don’t like to ask for help and overthink; this can make them stressed and miserable. They are polite and modist toward people they enjoy. They attach great importance to relationships and are more vulnerable to be injured.
Libra
September 23rd – October 22nd
Symbol: Balance Scales
Element: Air
Compatibility: Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius and Aquarius
Strengths: Clever, Intelligent, Creative, Logical
Weaknesses: Indecisive, Egotistical, Moody and Needy
Personality: Libras are calm and intelligent with good taste. They are trendy and aware of their public images and will always look great in public. They are not determined and can easily be affected by others’ opinions and will hesitate. They don’t want to offend others and will be irresponsible when under pressure. Libras enjoy an elegant and peaceful lifestyle, along with interpersonal relationships. They don’t like conflicts or disputes and can be a good consultant. They are known to be hesitant with themselves as they don’t know how to deal with things and tend to please others.
Scorpio
October 23rd – November 21st
Symbol: Scorpion
Element: Water
Compatibility: Cancer, Virgo, Capricorn and Pisces
Strengths: Flexible, Courageous, Ardent, and A Dedicated Companion
Weaknesses: Lack Of Trust, Jealous, Aggressive and Reticent
Personality: Scorpios are passionate, energetic, simple and single-minded. They want to make the most of every day and are curious about new things. They set goals and don’t stop till they achieve them. They can get very competitive, jealous and possessive sometimes. They are mysterious and impulsive to surrounding themselves with people to explore deeper. Scorpios never give up easily, and if they are not fond of you, they will ignore you even if you try to make them like you. They observe objectively and despise dishonest people. When they get rid of the feeling of worry, then they can act towards succeeding.
Sagittarius
November 22nd – December 21st
Symbol: Archer
Element: Fire
Compatibility: Gemini, Aries, Aquarius and Libra
Strengths: Generous, Idealistic, Philosophical and A Free-Thinker
Weaknesses: Over promises and under delivers, Impatient, No Filter, and doesn’t care about offending people
Personality: Often seen as overly blunt, Sagittarius is not afraid to aim high and dream big. They are straight shooters and do not sugarcoat anything, which can be refreshing. They can naturally make fun of any situation and are great observers. They are incredibly independent and hate being bossed around. A Sagittarius will become grumpy and frustrated if they feel like their life is becoming stagnant. They are great at reading people and seeing people’s true intentions. They crave freedom and cannot be confined nor tamed. They are not afraid to take risks and put everything on the line for something vital to them.
Capricorn
December 22nd – January 19th
Symbol: Sea-Goat
Element: Earth
Compatibility: Taurus and Cancer
Strengths: Responsible, Disciplined, Self-Controlled, Great Managers and Delegators
Weaknesses: Know-It-All, Stubborn, Unforgiving, Condescending and Pessimistic
Personality: Capricorn is extremely practical and a critical thinker, which allows them to come up with solutions to any problem. They are very methodical and patient, which enables them to stick things out in the long run. They can instinctively pick up on what people think since they are quite observant. Capricorn can be cold at times, but their stubbornness allows them to be as reliable and dependable. They are not capable of settling, and their standards are high, but it’s only because they know what they want and how to get it.
Aquarius
January 20th – February 18th
Symbol: Water-Bearer
Element: Air
Compatibility: Leo, Sagittarius, and Libra
Strengths: Forward-Thinker, Unique, Independent, Intuitive and Humanitarian
Weaknesses: Runs From Emotions, Moody, Stubborn and Aloof
Personality: An Aquarius can often come off as mysterious and dark, but in reality, they are very open-minded and forward-thinking. They have an angry side that can explode due to their inability to open up with their emotions. Aquarius lives and breathes for music; they are deeply connected to the world. They are terrible liars, and in dishonest situations, they prefer to stay quiet rather than lie. They stray away from narcissistic personalities because they cannot stand inflated egos. Only those closest to them understand their limitless thinking as well as their fantastic sense of humour. This causes many to be enamoured by the presence of an Aquarius.
Pisces
February 19th – March 20th
Symbol: Fish
Element: Water
Compatibility: Virgo, Taurus, and Saggitarius
Strengths: Empathetic, Understanding, Creative, Intuitive, Gentle and Wise
Weaknesses: Can trust too easily, Afraid, Runs from reality and Victimizes Themselves
Personality: Pisces is known to be extremely loving and kind-hearted. They are empathetic and learn how to bring the best out of those around them. They are incredibly positive and are not superficial. A Pisces is intuitive and notice even the slightest change in vibe. They are eternal dreamers and escapists who can sometimes lose themselves in their own imagination. Pisces can be old school romantics, and this is rooted in their intense emotions. Their empathetic nature means they benefit significantly from mindfulness and meditation.
Algonquin College has partnered with Ciena Corporation, a global networking systems, services and software company, to bring a state-of-the-art telecommunications lab to the Woodroffe campus, providing students training with the equipment that powers most internet traffic. The lab was completed in August 2020 and is open to all students in the optical systems and sensors […]
Douglas Boyle
Photos: Chris Carroll
November 16, 2020 Revised: November 17, 2020 1:11pm
Photo: Chris Carroll
The finished product of the Woodroffe campus telecommunications lab.
Algonquin College has partnered with Ciena Corporation, a global networking systems, services and software company, to bring a state-of-the-art telecommunications lab to the Woodroffe campus, providing students training with the equipment that powers most internet traffic.
The lab was completed in August 2020 and is open to all students in the optical systems and sensors portion of the information technology program.
The students enrolled in the optical systems and sensors arm of the bachelor of information technology program, in partnership with Carleton University, will have access to the same systems used by the Ottawa based data storage networking company.
Ciena currently employs 1,800 people in Ottawa. Among them are 120 Algonquin college graduates.
“We couldn’t be more grateful for Ciena’s contribution, they have been a wonderful partner for close to a decade,” said Claude Brulé, president of Algonquin College. “This will ensure our current and future learners have access to the latest and greatest technology – and position them to find employment and long-term career success in the tech sector.”
The partnership with Ciena began back in 2012, and it is the hope of the partners that the new lab will bring increased interest in the program. The upgrade to the lab includes twenty computer stations the students use to program, control and monitor the photonic systems they design as part of their lab assignments.
Along with offering graduates the skills they need to find work with telecommunications companies, Ciena also has its research and development lab based in Ottawa, deepening its ties to the capital city and the students who study here.
The importance of telecommunications infrastructure became widely apparent in recent months as the COVID-19 pandemic urged companies and schools to shift to remote learning.
“Ciena is proud to equip the Algonquin lab with technology deployed by many of the world’s largest service and cloud providers,” said Rod Wilson, Ciena’s chief technologist of External Research Networks. “We know firsthand that applied skills help tremendously with both learning and career opportunities.”
Connecting her love for science and design, Jennifer Power, third-year graphic design student, has won the 2020 Association of Registered Graphic Designers student award for information design. Power’s piece “A Viral Infographic” was one of two recipients to receive the Association of Registered Graphic Designers Pivot Award for information design. Her infographic educates the public […]
Jocelyn Galloway
Photos: Jocelyn Galloway
November 14, 2020 Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm
Photo: Jocelyn Galloway
Award-winning graphic design student Jennifer Power.
Connecting her love for science and design, Jennifer Power, third-year graphic design student, has won the 2020 Association of Registered Graphic Designers student award for information design.
Power’s piece “A Viral Infographic” was one of two recipients to receive the Association of Registered Graphic Designers Pivot Award for information design. Her infographic educates the public on COVID-19 by simplifying and breaking down the scientific information with design.
“It is super special and rewarding for me,” said Power. “It encapsulates both sides of my career, that I’m a graphic designer and also have a background in science.”
Before attending Algonquin College for graphic design, Power attended McMaster University for a bachelor’s degree in science in molecular biology and genetics. After, she attended Queen’s University to get her masters in pathology and molecular medicine which was based on looking at drug resistance in ovarian cancer.
For the past two years, Power has been working as a science graphic designer for Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Statistics Canada, and freelances for a science media company.
To find more of Power’s work, her online portfolio can be found here.
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Award | Covid-19 | Graphic design | Science | Student
