Page 184 – Algonquin Times

Fireworks welcomed students back to the fall 2020 term

While the start of the fall term of Sept. 8 definitely wasn’t the same as previous years, the Students’ Association still celebrated with a bang. At a time when students couldn’t physically be together, the SA hosted a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. over the Woodroffe campus so students and community members could still have […]

Baylee Clark

Photos: Baylee Clark

September 17, 2020
Revised: September 21, 2020 2:49pm

Photo: Baylee Clark

Fireworks over Algonquin College's parking lot could be seen from the surrounding neighbourhood on Sept. 8.

While the start of the fall term of Sept. 8 definitely wasn’t the same as previous years, the Students’ Association still celebrated with a bang.

At a time when students couldn’t physically be together, the SA hosted a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. over the Woodroffe campus so students and community members could still have a feeling of togetherness.

Patrick Newell, senior manager of student life for the SA and his team searched for an activity to celebrate the start of the fall term that could be seen from a distance and streamed while adding community value. One of their main goals is to help all students create lasting memories of their college years. “As we fill our obligation to student life we wanted to ensure that our students this year still felt like they came into the school year with a celebration,” said Newell.

The Students’ Association is funded from student fees which covers events like this one under the campus life section.

“Under normal circumstances this fee would be $18.35,” said Newell, about the amount a full-time Algonquin student pays per term. However, with the COVID restrictions in place, we dropped the fee to $9.96 for the fall 2020 semester.”

Fireworks were low cost in comparison to the musical performances done in past years.

Newell says they let people know about the fireworks in a few ways. “We sent out over 1,000 postcards to surrounding areas notifying them that we would be having fireworks displayed Tuesday evening and to watch from their balconies or backyard,” said Newell. There was also information about the fireworks on the Algonquin Students’ Association website, social media and other Algonquin College communication platforms.

A few people drove their cars to see the show and were properly distanced by security the college had provided. Due to COVID circumstances, this event was live-streamed for the whole AC community to safely enjoy from their homes.

Hosting more firework shows is something the SA would do again, considering the positive feedback received. For future shows, the team suggested having them earlier in the evening so more people to enjoy.

“At the end of the fireworks you could hear everyone cheering from their balconies, car horns honking, claps from all around the college campus,” said Newell. “This was an amazing feeling and we hope everyone felt a sense of togetherness.”

News

Baylee Clark

See more articles by
Baylee Clark

Students can access health services on campus and remotely this fall

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, Algonquin College’s Health Services will stay open to students for both in-person and remote services in the fall 2020 semester. “The on-site doctor is available for patients who need to be seen in person,” said Susan McGarry, a front desk clerk. “So if a female student needs a pap smear, […]

Alvin Tsang

Photos: Julien St-Jean

September 17, 2020
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Julien St-Jean

If students need health care, they can seek it on campus or remotely.

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, Algonquin College’s Health Services will stay open to students for both in-person and remote services in the fall 2020 semester.

“The on-site doctor is available for patients who need to be seen in person,” said Susan McGarry, a front desk clerk. “So if a female student needs a pap smear, they can still get that.”

A handful of other doctors are working from home this year and will be available for virtual appointments.

“Our doctors are using a Telus video conferencing software to connect with patients,” said McGarry.

The software allows for fast interaction to make doctor-patient communication secure and reliable.

Changes are also in place for prescriptions.

Instead of up a paper prescription as they might have done in the past, medicine renewals are now done through the phone to the pharmacy. A student should call a pharmacy directly, and the pharmacist will send a digital requisition to the doctor for approval.

“If a student with asthma needs a refill on his or her inhaler, they would do it this way,” McGarry explained.

If a patient is in need of new or changing medicine, the doctor will “call it in” and place an order directly to a pharmacy.

“We also try to have students do their blood work at a separate lab now,” said McGarry.

The doors to the clinic will remain closed to walk-in patients. Students are instructed to call 613.727.4723 ext. 7222 for appointments.

Featured Story | News

Covid-19 | Health services | Remote

Alvin Tsang

See more articles by
Alvin Tsang

First student case of COVID-19 confirmed at Woodroffe campus

Algonquin’s first confirmed on-campus case of COVID-19 was reported on Wednesday in Ottawa. In a letter from the president, the college announced that an Ottawa student who has recently been on the Woodroffe campus is now self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19. The college is investigating the case with the help of Ottawa Public Health, […]

Julien St-Jean

Photos: Julien St-Jean

September 16, 2020
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Julien St-Jean

Signs around campus encourage students to practice physical distancing and to stay home when feeling sick

Algonquin’s first confirmed on-campus case of COVID-19 was reported on Wednesday in Ottawa.

In a letter from the president, the college announced that an Ottawa student who has recently been on the Woodroffe campus is now self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19. The college is investigating the case with the help of Ottawa Public Health, and plans to contact members of the college community who may be affected.

“Just as COVID-19 cases have risen in Ottawa and across the province, Algonquin College has also been affected,” said Claude Brulé, Algonquin’s president, in a midday email on Sept. 16. “Algonquin has had its first case of COVID-19 affecting a student who has been on-campus. The student is self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 and we wish them a speedy and full recovery.”

The college has also launched a new website to track confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus at its Ottawa, Perth and Pembroke campuses.

“The health and safety of our community continue to be our top priority. I have full confidence in our campus health and safety plans and campus access procedures,” said Brulé. “With our continued focus on remote learning and limited face-to-face activity, and renewed vigilance by those members of our community required to be on campus, I am confident we can continue to minimize the risk of cases.”

Featured Story | News

Algonquin college | Coronavirus | Covid-19 | Woodroffe campus

Julien St-Jean

See more articles by
Julien St-Jean

Media and Design department gains access to professional music library

With students now returning to class and professors gearing up for the school year, Algonquin has introduced something completely brand new – the ALIBI Music Library. ALIBI will now act as the primary online music library for students enrolled in film and media production, television, radio, advertising, interactive media management and video game development at […]

Phaedra Hamer

Photos: Phaedra Hamer

September 15, 2020
Revised: January 30, 2024 3:37pm

Photo: Phaedra Hamer

Professional music catalogue, ALIBI Music Library, is now available for select programs at the college.

With students now returning to class and professors gearing up for the school year, Algonquin has introduced something completely brand new – the ALIBI Music Library.

ALIBI will now act as the primary online music library for students enrolled in film and media production, television, radio, advertising, interactive media management and video game development at the college.

Students will have access to over 200,000 audio files, more than 11,000 original songs and 6,000 sound effects to incorporate into their course projects such as films, documentaries, advertisements and video games.

Dan Pihlainen, chair of Media Studies, recognizes the benefits the new music library will have for both the students and the college.

“ALIBI will help students prepare for what’s to come in the industry and give them a sense of familiarity of what it’s like to work with a professional licensed company,” said Pihlainen. “Partnering with this company will avoid the cost of purchasing rights and save the college and students money.”

Second-year advertising students will have an opportunity to work alongside the second-year radio broadcasting students to collectively write and produce a 30 second ad using ALIBI.

“This will give them another item to put in their portfolio,” said Renaud Timson, a part-time professor for the advertising program. “A wide and deep portfolio shows that a graduate understands as well as has mastered writing well for a variety of media.”

Jeremy Atherton, the program coordinator of the film and media production program, is excited to make the shift to an online music library.

“It will be the program’s first time using an online music library. ALIBI has good quality sound, it’s fresh,” said Atherton with enthusiasm.

The ALIBI Music Program is free for students to access via the website. Simply sign up and, according to the site, gain access to a “robust, versatile, and expertly curated catalog” that will elevate the students’ projects.

“Music isn’t used just to fill up space in a commercial,” said Timson. “It’s used to help bring the message, the story to life. It adds to the commercial’s presence, to its ‘hearability’ and memorability.”

According to Timson, the breadth and depth of the website are some of its major highlights. The search engine of the site is very diverse, students can search by genre, mood and the desired length of bed each piece requires.

“When you have a professional licensed music library in your project, it enhances the viewer experience,” said Atherton.

Featured Story | News

Film | Media and design | Music | Television broadcasting

Phaedra Hamer

See more articles by
Phaedra Hamer

SA president: What’s to come for students this fall

Next month, the Students’ Association is celebrating our 50th anniversary! We’ve done some amazing things during our history – but this year will be one of our biggest. If you’ve been near the campus recently, you may have noticed our new building construction! The Athletics and Recreation Centre will be opening in the fall of […]

SA President

Photos:

August 24, 2020
Revised: February 25, 2022 1:28pm

Next month, the Students’ Association is celebrating our 50th anniversary! We’ve done some amazing things during our history – but this year will be one of our biggest.

If you’ve been near the campus recently, you may have noticed our new building construction! The Athletics and Recreation Centre will be opening in the fall of 2021, and it will be our greatest achievement in student life, fitness, and recreation.

It will be the new home to our varsity athletes, but it will be so much more than that. It will house our new fitness facilities, have multiple gymnasiums for special events, recreation, and home games, and indoor walking and running track in a league of its own.

When the SA set out to build the ARC, we listened to what students were telling us. Many students don’t consider themselves athletes, but most students wanted someplace on campus to de-stress and connect with friends. For this reason, the ARC will feature a golf simulator, a climbing wall, billiard tables, bowling lanes, multipurpose rooms for fitness classes, and much more.

Another great spot to relax and connect with friends will be in the new licensed restaurant with plenty of seating!

We have made sure that this building is LEED-certified, and our team is researching more innovative sustainable practices.

We’ve made sure that gender-inclusive locker rooms and private bathrooms will help the ARC be a safer place for everyone.

The best part about the recreation activities in the ARC – they are all included in the athletics and recreation fees. There will be no additional user fees for recreational activities or access to the fitness machines and classes. For the first time at Algonquin College, there will not be a financial barrier to any student who wants to take ownership of their health and wellness.

Be sure to check out our website, follow us on social media for more building updates, and a peek inside as we get closer to our open date.

I can’t wait to see students enjoying this new building!

All the best,

Emily Ferguson, President

Algonquin Students’ Association

Opinions

Algonquin college | Emily Ferguson | SA

SA President

See more articles by
SA President

Algonquin Times wins website award

The Algonquin Times has won the OCNA award for ‘Best College/University Newspaper Website’

Chance Hawthorn

Photos:

August 15, 2020
Revised: September 6, 2020 3:15pm

The Algonquin Times continued to publish during the last strike in 2006. Original print copies from the last strike are seen with a recent edition of the Times. (Devyn Barrie photo)

The Algonquin Times has won the OCNA award for ‘Best College/University Newspaper Website’ Continue reading “Algonquin Times wins website award”

Arts & Entertainment | Innovations | Life | People

Chance Hawthorn

See more articles by
Chance Hawthorn

COVID Fatigue affecting student population

Students are experiencing COVID fatigue as they continue to try to abide by safety protocols. A small poll of 10 students, who responded to a questionnaire, were asked if they have experienced COVID fatigue. Seven students replied yes, they have experienced it. Three replied no. All 10 students replied yes to the follow up question […]

Jocelyn Galloway

Photos: Jocelyn Galloway

August 11, 2020
Revised: August 11, 2020 9:14pm

Photo: Jocelyn Galloway

David Gardiner, 22, said refusing invites to hangout with friends has grow increasingly difficult.

Students are experiencing COVID fatigue as they continue to try to abide by safety protocols.

A small poll of 10 students, who responded to a questionnaire, were asked if they have experienced COVID fatigue. Seven students replied yes, they have experienced it. Three replied no. All 10 students replied yes to the follow up question which asked if they believe COVID fatigue exists.

“I believe it does exist, but not everyone is going to have issues with it,” said Nicholas Hancin, 22. “Some people like being isolated, others have ways to socialize through other means online. I believe that some people will be feeling down that they can’t get face to face interactions with people.”

COVID fatigue is a term that has been used by Dr. Theresa Tam, the chief public health officer of Canada. The term has been used to describe how the changes in socializing patterns have been challenging for some people and in some cases creating symptoms such as fatigue.

Dr. Tam’s tweet, on Aug. 4, uses the hashtags #COVIDFatigue and #COVIDCoping.

Since entering Stage 3 on July 17, Ottawa saw the largest jump in positive cases of COVID-19 since May, according to a special statement by Dr. Brent Moloughney on July 20.

In this statement, Dr. Moloughney points out an increase in positive cases amongst younger people falling into the 20-to-29-year-old age group.

The majority of Algonquin College’s student population lands in this age demographic. Students between the ages of 20 to 24 make up 41 per cent of the population. Students under 20 make up 36 per cent of the population and age 25 or older students make up 23 per cent of the population.

“Despite being allowed to go into public spaces and restaurants,” said Maksym Drobotiy, 21, “you still feel really isolated due to the way everyone looks at each other. You are afraid of getting a cold, as you will be segregated and looked at as being dirty.”

For some students, the stress and fatigue have not been triggered by a lack of normal social interactions but a lack of support.

Manvir Singh, a 21-year-old international mechanical engineer technology student, said he has experienced COVID fatigue. He had his lease expired in April, forcing him to move in the middle of a pandemic. Singh looked for a room through virtual online tours. His decision was solely based off of what he saw online, as being able to see the room in person was not allowed. After he settled on a room for rent, he could not find anyone to help him move during the pandemic. Singh was forced to move all his belongings by himself.

All of Singh’s family lives in India with the exception of his brother.

“I did not see my eldest brother for a long time,” said Singh. “He lives in Cornwall. That part of my life was hard as he’s the only family here to help me in every situation. The rest of my family is back home.”

For students like Joshua Hammersley, 28, the safety of his personal relations and the children he works with are his number one priority.

Hammersley is an early childhood educator specializing in primary care and special education needs. As part of his career he needs to stay vigilant and aware of new relevant medical information to incorporate safe practices into his professional and personal life.

“Being a full-time student as well only lends credence to my feelings,” said Hammersley. “As I am more likely to experience Zoom fatigue than any frustrations over something so dramatically out of my control. All I can do is make sure I’m acting in a manner that is safe for myself, my loved ones and my community.”

News

Algonquin | Covid-19 | Isolation | Students

Jocelyn Galloway

See more articles by
Jocelyn Galloway

Explosion kills hundreds in Beirut

International: Explosion in Beirut kills over 100 and injures thousands The Canadian Press – At least 135 were killed on Aug. 4 in a massive explosion in Beirut that destroyed a port and damaged many of the city’s buildings. The official death count has not been finalized as of yet. U.S. Secretary of State Mike […]

Roberto Iraheta

Photos:

August 6, 2020
Revised: August 6, 2020 7:26pm

International:

Explosion in Beirut kills over 100 and injures thousands

The Canadian Press – At least 135 were killed on Aug. 4 in a massive explosion in Beirut that destroyed a port and damaged many of the city’s buildings. The official death count has not been finalized as of yet.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States is closely monitoring the situation.

“Our team in Beirut has reported to me the extensive damage to a city and a people that I hold dear, an additional challenge in a time of already deep crisis,” Pompeo said in a written statement.

There is no evidence yet that this was a bombing, though it has been suggested by the Trump government.

According to Abbas Ibrahim, chief of Lebanese General Security, it might have been caused by highly explosive material that was confiscated from a ship some time ago and stored at the port.

Fuelling Trump’s rumours are statement from residents, who say they head planes overhead just before the blasts.

“Those responsible will pay,” said Prime Minister Hassan Diab in a message to his people.

Human Interest:

Canadians may live for years with COVID-19 restrictions

Global News – People may believe the restrictions will be lifted if a vaccine is found for the novel coronavirus, but top doctors in Canada have recently said that even if a vaccine is found, restrictions may need to stay in place for years to manage the virus.

“We’re going to have to manage this pandemic certainly over the next year, but certainly it may be planning for the longer term on the next two to three years during which the vaccine may play a role,” said Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief Public Health Officer.

“People might think that if we get a vaccine then everything goes back to normal the way it was before. That’s not the case,” said Howard Njoo, deputy chief public health officer.

There are several vaccines in Stage 2 and Stage 3 testing around the world, but the need for a cure during such a contagious and deadly pandemic has led to concerns that the vaccines are not being developed properly.

Despite this concern, only 14 per cent of polled citizens said they wouldn’t get a coronavirus vaccine. Forty-six per cent said they would get it as soon as possible and 32 per cent said they would wait. Eight per cent were unsure.

National:

Election may be called as support for Trudeau dwindles following WE scandal

The Canadian Press – An online poll shows that nearly half of Canadians would support an election being called if Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is found to have violated the Conflict of Interest Act over the WE charity scandal.

This is not the first time Trudeau has run afoul of the Conflict of Interest Act. He accepted a family vacation at a private island owned by the Aga Khan and was alleged to have applied pressure on the former attorney general, Jody Wilson-Raybould, to stop criminal prosecution of Montreal engineering giant SNC-Lavalin.

According to the poll, support among decided voters has slipped by six percentage points in the last two weeks.

“To me these are numbers that will certainly worry or concern the Liberals at the moment because even though it’s in the summer, this is raising a lot of eyebrows,” said Leger polling firm executive vice-president Christian Bourque.

According to Bourque, this change gives Conservatives a serious chance during an election. Once they have a new leader, it is not impossible or unlikely that they will call an election.

Local:

CTV – Ottawa police chief Peter Sloly appeared before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, calling for greater integration between police forces, social services, and defunding of police services across Canada, according to CTV.

“The on-going negative impact of systemic racism is eroding the public’s trust and confidence in policing, which is essential to keeping our communities safe. Not addressing systemic racism is not only failing our communities, it also puts our own police service members at risk.” said Sloly.

Ottawa city councillors will introduce a motion this month calling on the City of Ottawa to develop mental health teams that would respond to non-violent calls where a police response is not required, among other things.

News

Coronavirus | International | Mental health | Police | Vaccine

Roberto Iraheta

See more articles by
Roberto Iraheta

Lockers being emptied

Algonquin has begun emptying lockers which have gone unclaimed by students. A locker recovery program began in July to return any forgotten items to people who had lockers and weren’t able to recover items before they left. Algonquin closed in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. An advisory was sent to students. “Students with current […]

Chance Hawthorn

Photos:

August 6, 2020
Revised: August 7, 2020 1:47pm

Algonquin has begun emptying lockers which have gone unclaimed by students.

A locker recovery program began in July to return any forgotten items to people who had lockers and weren’t able to recover items before they left. Algonquin closed in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

An advisory was sent to students.

“Students with current locker rentals should have received an email from Locker Services with details on how to request this service,” said a newsletter by Algonquin College.

Some students had sentimental items, while others had important school resources in their lockers.

“I had some anatomy textbooks left in my locker before all this happened,” said Jamie Hikari, a health sciences student at Algonquin. “It took a bit of a toll on my grades, but luckily all this wasn’t the very beginning of the semester or else I would have been screwed.”

Others had left medication and college assignments. These have been returned where requested.

An email was sent in late July explaining the process.

Life | News | People

Lockers

Chance Hawthorn

See more articles by
Chance Hawthorn

Plug in as fall orientation goes virtual

For freshman starting college in the fall, orientation is going to look a little different this year. Due to the majority of students not being allowed on campus, Algonquin College will be hosting all its AC Day 1 events online. Virtual events include online prep webinars, and AC Day 1 which includes program orientation and […]

Jocelyn Galloway

Photos:

August 1, 2020
Revised: August 1, 2020 1:19pm

Screen image from AC Day 1 event on May 19 during the "College Essentials" webinar.

Virtual events include online prep webinars, and AC Day 1 which includes program orientation and social activities.

“The goal of AC Day 1 is to create a positive first experience, build community, create culture, which ultimately contributes to student success and retention rates,” said Michelle Hevey, events officer with the AC Hub.

Classes for programs scheduled to start on Sept. 8 have been pushed back at the Ottawa campus. This will open up the opportunity for new and returning students to be able to participate in the virtual AC Day 1 activities. Classes will return to normal on Sept. 9. Please contact program co-ordinators for exceptions.

However, this is not the college’s first online AC Day 1. On Tuesday, May 19, Algonquin College had its first-ever Virtual AC Day 1.

The college closed its campuses on March 16 due to COVID-19 safety protocols.

“One of the benefits of virtual events is that we could record each session for students to watch at a later date or reference throughout their semester,” said Hevey.

Hevey said they had 277 students tune in live for the webinar series which covered topics ranging from admissions and financial aid to AC’s health and wellness support.

She says 698 students tuned in live for the virtual workshops and activities, which included how to create a productive study-from-home space and a Virtual Dog Café featuring the AC Dog Squad.

“Overall, students were engaged and the post-event survey reflected overall satisfaction,” said Hevey.

All information sessions and webinars will be taking place before Sept. 8 Virtual AC Day 1. Day 1 will consist of program orientation, workshops, activities, support sessions and social programming.

Melissa Staddon, academic advising co-ordinator, said the program orientation is specific to each program. Students can expect to meet their professors, program co-ordinator, academic adviser and peers.

“Program orientation will provide students with the information they need to know about their program and is the perfect time to get answers to any questions that students might have,” said Staddon.

Although the new online platform may seem a little disconnected, Hevey said the use of technology will foster engagement opportunities amongst students with the use of Zoom chat, Zoom breakout rooms and connection cards.

“We are using various platforms to reach more students,” said Hevey. “And accommodate different students comfort levels. Fall Virtual AC Day 1 will consist of Zoom meetings, Instagram Live, Facebook Live, and more.”

Another new feature this year, specific instructions for students about their program orientation will be available to them on their program’s Brightspace homeroom in the weeks leading up to Virtual AC Day 1.

News