As we enter the second decade of the new millennium, the challenges and opportunities in higher education have never been greater. Although 2010 has brought some stabilization in the domestic and world economy, we continue to live in a time of incredible change.  Perhaps at no time in the history of Algonquin College has the need for progressive and effective college education and training been more necessary.  I am confident that we have the staff, faculty and experience to confront the changes necessary to meet the evolving needs of our students and the communities we serve. 

Algonquin College enjoys a position of strength in Ontario’s postsecondary environment; a position from which it can contend with current and emerging challenges and capitalize on opportunities through shrewd, strategic decision-making and action.  With a focus on learning outcomes and our ability to prepare graduates who have the knowledge, skills and attitudes expected by industry, employers know they can count on the Algonquin graduates to rise to workplace challenges and make an impact in our community.

While aspects of today’s learning experience can be traced back through Algonquin’s 42-year history, today’s environment demands that we provide our students with an experience that responds to the new demands of learners and an evolving workplace.  With insight from our faculty and staff, we have enhanced the postsecondary experience at Algonquin and our students can now choose The Algonquin Experience; a unique environment in which learning is:

Integrated

Experiential

Technologically Advanced

Connected

Global

Sustainable

Flexible

2010 will bring many changes and opportunities.   The college community has come together to complete the Strategic Programs and Services Planning Project; a framework to position Algonquin College for the next 20 years.  We will use this project think about how we deliver programs and services and to improve what we do while identifying new opportunities and developing new initiatives.

Kent MacDonald
Vice President, Academic