Algonquin College held its annual fall open house to showcase programs and campus facilities to potential future students. More than 5,000 prospective students and their families toured the campus on Saturday, learning about the 170 programs that are available for the upcoming school year. Students and faculty offered insight, demonstrations and hands-on experiences to visitors. Leilah Koffi-Wills, a prospective social work student, said she’s excited for the labs she will get to experience when she’s enrolled next year. “I’ve gotten to learn the campus through the amazing tour today and I actually got accustomed to the program a bit,” said Koffi-Wills. “The demonstration was super informative.” Alexianne Zito is interested was learning about the paramedic program and enjoyed the demonstrations. “I’m a really go, go, go kind of person, and I think the paramedic program is really going to suit me,” said Zito. “I’m getting a lot of details on how to use certain equipment and how I’d work in an ambulance and how I’d work with certain tools.” The fall open house comes after the college’s board of governors voted to suspend 30 programs in March for this fall due to funding shortfalls and a decline in international enrollment, leaving many course options off the table. “We’ve had some challenging years in the college system, and we did have to make difficult decisions,” said Julie Beauchamp, senior vice-president, academic, at Algonquin College. “However, moving forward, we’re turning a corner and what we’re doing is revitalization of the portfolio.” Future students got a chance to meet faculty, ask questions, visit student services, residence, food services and get a glimpse of what college life is like. “I was looking at doing construction management,” said Danial Chibol. “Algonquin is my choice. It’s my first choice. I’ll settle for this. I’m not looking for any other choice.” The school offers various programs, including certificate programs, diploma programs, advanced diplomas, degree programs and graduate certificate programs. “Our doors are always open and we look forward to the new entry students joining us,” said Beauchamp.
