October 2015
The AC Hub Newsletter
In this Issue...
Pg 2
Exciting
Upcoming Events
Pg 2
Stuff You Need to
Know
Pg 3
Mental Health
Awareness
Pg 4
Ask Jasmine
Pg 5
Benefits of
Volunteering
Pg 6
Pinterest
Pg 7
Staff Spotlight
Pg 8
Health Services
Pg 9
Strange Facts
In This Issue...
The AC Hub Newsletter is your personal access point to useful, interesting, and exciting information within
Student Support Services. This is an excellent way to discover the various services available to you, and where
to find them when you need them.
This month’s issue highlights Mental Health Awareness, Benefits of Volunteerism, Helpful Health Services, and
more. Don’t forget the popular monthly features: Staff Spotlight, Ask Jasmine, Stuff You Need to Know, and
Strange Facts!
Algonquin is a big place and we want you to feel a part of our community. Please connect with us on
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest to share your questions, photos, joys, dreams, and challenges.
Keep an eye out for our next newsletter to see what’s happening around your campus in November!
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October 2015
The AC Hub Newsletter
Exciting Upcoming Events
Student Services want you to experience the ultimate college adventure - complete with new friends, good grades, and great
experiences - which is why they offer a wide variety of FREE events throughout the year! The diverse range of events are excellent opportunities for students to get together, be engaged in their community, and connect socially while having fun with
peers and make lasting memories. Here’s a sample of some of the upcoming events to check out in October:
First Annual Perth Campus
Golf Tournament
(October 3 - Perth)
Grand Opening of the AC Hub
Volunteer Centre
(October 21 - Woodroffe)
The Perth Campus is hosting a golf tournament in support of
local student bursaries. The students of the Police Foundations
program at the Perth Campus will be running the event.
Students, staff, and faculty are invited to help celebrate the
opening of the Volunteer Centre on the second floor of the
Student Commons building!
Is It Just Me?
Pembroke Film Festival
(October 8 - Woodroffe)
(October 21 - 25 - Pembroke)
Inspiring conversations. Raising awareness. Transforming
mental health. This event is an educational and anti-stigma
presentation to portray how thoughts and feelings affect
mental health. Various guest speakers will be featured as well..
The Pembroke Film Festival is now in its third year and presents
highly acclaimed documentaries to the community each fall.
This year’s festival will feature many films relevant to students’
fields of study or students’ personal interests.
LinkedIn Profile PIctures
Paws 4 Stress
(October 15 - Woodroffe)
Put your best face forward! Students will receive three
professional LinkedIn profile pictures, taken by AC Photography
students, for only $10! All proceeds go towards the Algonquin
Photography department.
Fall Open House
(October 17 – Perth)
An opportunity for students and potential students to
explore the new state of the art campus and learn about all of
Algonquin’s many services.
Zip Lining
(October 17 - Woodroffe)
Back by popular demand! Leave your fears at home and pickup your ticket for a thrilling aerial obstacle course through
the trees. Some of the obstacles will include rope bridges,
suspended walkways, net gangways and, of course, plenty of
zip lines!
(October 22 - Perth)
Students are provided the opportunity to hang out with dogs
(and sometimes cats too!) on campus as a natural stress
reliever. No food or drinks are permitted at this event.
Community Project:
Leslie Park Elementary School
(October 27 - Woodroffe)
Adventure seekers! Leave your fears at home and pick-up your
ticket for a thrilling aerial obstacle course through the trees.
Some of the obstacles will include rope bridges, suspended
walkways, net gangways and, of course, plenty of zip lines!
Women’s Full Moon Ceremony
(October 28 - Woodroffe)
Get your hands dirty while learning about the artistry of
pottery. This workshop provides an invaluable experience for
sensory development and self-expression – plus, you can take
your masterpiece home afterwards!
Be the first to know when a new event is added by bookmarking the Student Support Services’ Events Calendar here or
subscribe to our Upcoming Events on Facebook!
Stuff You Need to Know!
OCT 8
• Academic withdrawal date for full-time Online
Learning programs – August intake
OCT 26
• Fees due for full-time Online Learning programs –
December intake
OCT 12
• Thanksgiving Day (College closed)
• 2015 Fall online bursary application closes at 11pm
OCT 30
• Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley Open
House (TBC)
OCT 15
• Last day to drop or add courses for full-time
Online Learning programs – October intake
• Last day to withdraw from full-time Online
Learning programs – October intake
NOV 3 - 4
• Fall Open House
NOV 10
• Fall Convocation Ceremonies (Ottawa Schools) at
the National Arts Centre, 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
OCT 16
• 2015 Fall – Students can view their Final
Assessments’ schedule on ACSIS and Mobile APP
for the Fall Term
2
October 2015
The AC Hub Newsletter
Mental Health Awareness
What does the term mental health mean to you?
A common misconception exists that mental health and
mental illness are the same explains Student Support Services’ Associate Director, Jeff Agate. Mental health refers to
how well you are able to function in your daily life, whereas
mental illness refers to a range of brain function disorders
that negatively impact your mood, thinking, and behaviour.
“Positive mental health”, Jeff shares, “typically involves socializing with friends and family, getting enough sleep, eating
a balanced diet, feeling generally safe and content, and being
able to cope with daily frustrations, as well as other variables
that make up your ideal well-functioning self.”
While stress is a natural part of life, learning how to function
when you’re under stress is one of the most valuable lessons
you can learn in college. As stress increases, it can become
more difficult to maintain positive mental health practices.
Side effects of stress can include withdrawing from social
interactions, eating poorly, and feeling overwhelmed by
pending tasks and assignments.
If you are experiencing stress that begins to feel overwhelming, your on-campus Counselling Services team is able to
offer support and student resources to help you manage and
cope. For issues commonly experienced by students, expert
support is available. Some of the typical stressors include:
•
Academic planning
•
Time management
•
Cultural transition
adjustment
•
Symptoms of depression
and/or anxiety
•
Addictive behaviours
•
Thoughts of suicide
•
Overwhelming stress
•
Trauma and/or grief
•
Sexuality and gender
concerns
•
Troubling relationships
The AC Purple Couch™ is an important initiative implemented
as the result of these powerful statistics. As an identifiable
symbol of mental health support, the AC Purple Couch™ is
a safe place for students to acquire information, and also
identify staff members who can direct students to trained
mental health professionals on the Perth, Pembroke, and
Woodroffe campuses. This vibrant piece of furniture is meant
to draw attention to Algonquin’s mental health awareness
program, and also provide available mental health resources
to students.
Accompanied by trained student leaders, the AC Purple
Couch™ initiative is delivered to students, by students, in
a way that resonates with them and makes mental health
issues safe to talk about. Other objectives include increasing students’ awareness of positive mental health, as well as
mental health resources and professionals on campus. If you
are interested in this project and would like to get involved,
please contact John Muldoon, Counsellor, Counselling Services – Woodroffe campus.
Remember, mental health is not related to illness – it’s about
making sure you feel like your true self! Services and supports offered by Counselling Services on your campus are
confidential and can be beneficial, but it’s up to you to reach
out.
Woodroffe Campus
613-727-4723 ext. 7200
Pembroke Campus
613-735-4700 ext. 2748
Perth Campus
613-267-2859 ext. 5610
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October 2015
The AC Hub Newsletter
Ask Jasmine
“I think I may have a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). I’m afraid to
tell my girlfriend because I love her
and don’t want to lose her.”
This is certainly a sensitive situation, however before you cause
yourself unwarranted stress, it’s
always best to seek medical advice and get the facts. If you suspect that you might have an STI,
I suggest making an appointment
with Health Services (listed below),
a medical clinic, or your physician
as soon as possible. Until you’ve
sought medical attention, it may be
a good idea to explain to your partner that you’re not feeling tip-top,
and refrain from sexual activities. If
there is a possibility you do have an
STI, you don’t want to risk infecting
your partner as well. Get a physical
exam as soon as possible so you
know what you’re dealing with.
Should your tests come back positive for an STI, you have a responsibility to inform your partner. It may
be an uncomfortable conversation
to have, however it’s imperative
that you let her know – your girlfriend’s sexual health may also be
impacted. Arrange a time to speak
with your girlfriend and inform her
of the diagnosis in person, as this
isn’t a conversation to be had via
text message. Your partner will
need to be tested for STIs to determine if she has contracted an
STI. It is very common for partners
to experience a wave of emotions,
including anger, fear, and anxiety.
Supporting each other by sharing
your feelings and talking openly
about your sexual health are very
important elements of the emotional healing process.
Receiving an STI diagnosis can
be especially stressful due to the
social stigmas associated with STIs.
Your emotional reaction will likely
depend on which type of STI you
have contracted. Infections such
as chlamydia and gonorrhoea are
curable with antibiotics, whereas
others like Human Papilloma Virus
(HPV) and herpes are not. Typically
STIs that are not curable are more
emotionally challenging. If you
are feeling overwhelmed, anxious,
frightened, or even angry, talk to
someone. Algonquin’s Counselling
Services provide non-judgmental,
confidential, professional help at
no cost. Your counsellor will be
able to listen, provide support, and
offer additional resources if necessary. Counsellors will also remind
you that having an STI is not the
end of the world – you will still be
able to have relationships and lead
a normal life. If you’d like to speak
with someone, please contact your
campus Counselling Services.
On the other hand, your test results
may come back negative for an STI!
Remember to always use protective and preventative measures
with your partner. Health Services
provide condoms; don’t take chances with your sexual health – always
wear protection!
Jasmine Cady, M.A.
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Pembroke Campus
Connect with @CounsellorCady
on Twitter
Ottawa Campus
Health Services:
(613) 727-4723 ext. 7222
Counselling Services:
(613) 727-4723 ext. 7200
Pembroke Campus
Health Services:
(613) 735-4700 ext. 2748
Counselling Services:
(613) 735-4700 ext. 2804
Perth Campus
Health Services:
(613) 267-6546
Counselling Services:
(613) 267-2859 ext. 5610
4
October 2015
The AC Hub Newsletter
The Benefits of Volunteering
Are you looking for a stimulating
and rewarding experience that
can also benefit your overall mental health? Consider volunteering!
Volunteering is an excellent way to
experience new adventures, network socially, and develop skills,
while simultaneously giving back to
your local community.
The foundation of volunteering is
built upon the desire and passion
to contribute to one’s community.
Donating your time, energy, and
dedication to a cause that matters to you will have an incredible
impact on those within the community. Some key examples of critical
services operated by volunteers include fire fighting, delivering meals
to homebound seniors or homeless
youth, or answering calls at domestic violence and sexual assault
centres.
explains that there are numerous
tiers of volunteer opportunities
available to accommodate every
student who would like to get involved.
Community Projects are an initiative between the AC Hub and
not-for-profit organizations, where
students donate their time and
give back in a variety of capacities. At Algonquin, we encourage
students to be active citizens who
are engaged not just with their
school, but also with the community around them. These are excellent for students who are inspired
to volunteer but have limited free
time.
For students seeking diverse volunteering opportunities to participate in, Rebecca suggests students
visit the AC Hub’s online Volunteer
Database, which hosts over 100
available volunteer positions!
From compassion to action!
To learn more about available volunteer opportunities contact visit
the online Volunteer Centre.
Volunteering also contributes to
positive mental health by providing:
1. A sense of belonging and acceptance; the easiest way to gain a
sense of belonging is to actively
participate in your community.
2. A healthy lifestyle; getting out of
the house and being physically
active has been proven to alleviate some mental health conditions, such as depression and
anxiety.
3. Hopefulness; no one volunteers
for a cause they assume is hopeless. The action of volunteering
implies that this is a problem
that can be solved.
Want to volunteer but are worried
about time management or the
level of commitment involved?
Co-Curricular Record and Volunteerism Coordinator, Rebecca Sun
5
October 2015
The AC Hub Newsletter
Pinterest - Your Mental Health Matters
15 Ways to Beat Procrastination
De-Stress in 30 Seconds
10 Pro Tips for Presentations
6 Yoga Poses to Relieve Tension
12 Creative Study Techniques
Feel Good Exercises
Free Study Flashcard App
Healthy Meals in 10-Minutes
10 Tips from Organized People
6
October 2015
The AC Hub Newsletter
Student Services Staff Spotlight
John Muldoon, Counsellor, Counselling Services
Share something that makes you
unique.
I have a passion for travel and have
stepped foot on all continents except Antarctica, which is one of my
life goals to complete. I lived and
worked in Thailand and Ethiopia as
part of my world travel.
What’s your favourite ‘90s jam?
No Rain by Blind Melon is my favourite ‘90s jam and my go to karaoke
song.
What is your position here at
Algonquin College, and how long
have you been in this position?
As a counsellor in Counselling Services for the past 3.5 years, I meet
with students for short-term therapeutic counselling for personal,
career, and academic concerns to
help students succeed at college.
I deliver a series of workshops in
classrooms and the AC Hub on topics related to student success.
I also sit on the Mental Health
Steering Committee here at Algonquin College where I help plan
and organize events on campus for
Mental Illness/Health Awareness
Weeks, and I have been instrumental in the development of the AC
Purple Couch™ project, which trains
students to become mental health
advocates and works to break
down the stigma around mental
illness.
Tell me what a typical day in your
job is like.
Throughout my day I meet with
students for an hour at a time and
assist them in overcoming obstacles and symptoms related to mental illness and mental health; career
concerns and indecision; as well as
academic struggles like test anxiety,
procrastination, and interpersonal
conflicts with classmates, to name
a few.
https://youtu.be/qmVn6b7DdpA
What are your interests/passions
outside of work?
Outside of work you will find me
outdoors in nature. I’m often hiking
in the Adirondacks in the summer
and cross-country skiing the Gatineau Hills in the winter. I’m also a
foodie and love to cook creative
meals.
7
October 2015
The AC Hub Newsletter
Here’s to Your Health!
There’s nothing more important than your health - and
your health matters to us! To ensure that Algonquin
students’ physical and mental needs are met, we sat
down with Joanne McDonald, Manager of Health Services (Woodroffe), to learn about how your campus
Health Services offers virtually all of the services one
would expect from a family doctor or medical clinic.
Some of the services available include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Birth control information
(including emergency contraception)
Blood tests (including confidential HIV testing)
First aid treatment for minor injury or illness
Health and nutrition counselling
(stress, exercise, quit smoking, drugs, alcohol)
Sexual health counselling
Tuberculosis (TB) testing
Vaccinations, including Hepatitis B, tetanus, and
MMR (mumps/measles/rubella)
And many more!
“It takes more than physical exercise to maintain good
health,” Joanne offers, “which is why Health Services
are committed to encouraging and endorsing student
wellness.” Wellness can be described as the overall
balanced state or condition of being in good physical and mental health. If you would like to speak with
someone in person about positive mental health, make
an appointment with your campus Health Services at
the links below.
Let’s face it – cold and flu season is just around the
corner. Did you know that Algonquin students are able
to receive a FREE flu shot on campus as early as November? It’s true! The flu clinics held on the Woodroffe
campus are run solely by students, and led by nursing
students. In order to receive a complimentary flu shot,
students are asked to carry their Health Card and AC
Card (student I.D.).
Scheduled upcoming flu clinics for Woodroffe campus
are as follows:
November 2 and 3
(9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
The ACCE Building and Marketplace Food Court
November 9 and 10
(9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Student Commons Lobby and the ACCE Building
To learn about flu shots on your campus, please contact Health Services.
Woodroffe Campus
613-727-4723 ext. 7222
Pembroke Campus
613-735-4700 ext. 2748
Perth Campus
613-267-6546
8
October 2015
The AC Hub Newsletter
Strange Facts • Halloween Edition!
Ireland is typically believed to be the
birthplace of Halloween.
(Source)
The first jack o’lanterns were made
from turnips!
(Source)
Dressing up as ghouls and other spooky
creatures originated from the ancient
Celtic tradition of townspeople disguising themselves as demons and spirits. The Celts believed that disguising
themselves this way would allow them
to escape the notice of the real spirits
wandering the streets during Samhain,
a Gaelic festival marking the end of the
harvest season.
(Source)
The largest gathering of zombies was
achieved in October 2010 with 4,093
participants in the New Jersey Zombie
Walk at the Asbury Park Boardwalk.
(Source)
The largest “Time Warp” dance involved
8,239 participants at the West Hollywood Annual Halloween Carnaval in an
event organized by 20th Century Fox
and the City of West Hollywood October 31, 2010. The dance was organized
in celebration of the 35th anniversary of
The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the
release of the film on Blu-ray disc.
(Source)
Halloween is the second highest grossing commercial holiday after Christmas.
(Source)
Samhainophobia is the fear of
Halloween. (Source)
The longest scream by a crowd without
stopping lasted 60 seconds and was
set by a crowd led by Black Sabbath
singer Ozzy Osbourne at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on June 11, 2010.
(Source)
The world’s heaviest pumpkin weighed
1,054 kg (2,323 lb), and was grown by
Beni Meier (Switzerland) - authenticated by the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth (GPC) in Ludwigsburg, Germany,
on October 12, 2014.
(Source)
Stephen Clarke set a new world record
in October 2008 by carving one tonne
of pumpkins in an incredible 3 hours 33
minutes 49 seconds during a special
event at Harrah’s Casino Resort in Atlantic City.
(Source)
Halloween is recognized as the third
biggest party day after New Year’s and
Super Bowl Sunday.
(Source)
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