It has been a great month of events for Algonquin College and we would like to thank all of those involved. We started off January with Winter Orientation and our Keynote speaker Bob Harris who spoke to our new Winter term students about exploring passions and making connections. Student leaders provided helpful guided tours of the school and we thank them for all their participation.

Another great event to follow was our free Yoga Sessions and Dirty Bingo that took place on January 11. Yoga sessions had a successful run of teachings above the gym where students could privately and intimately be instructed on proper Yoga techniques from our qualified instructor. In addition, later that night the Observatory hosted our bi-annual Dirty Bingo where students played classic bingo against one another in hopes of winning a prize. However, there was a twist, the night was hosted by Drag Queens Crystal and Zelda and the prizes were anything but clean. Students packed the observatory for this free event and upwards of 50 people were turned away due to capacity limits at the observatory. The ones who did make it inside for the event had a blast, and you can check out video from the event on our Facebook or Youtube channel. Both events were free and we encourage more to come for the next one, so check it out.

Finally, Tuesday January 17th, Algonquin's SAO hosted a Beer Tasting Workshop for students and others to learn and discover the complexities of beer on campus. This intellectual workshop had students tasting the differences between 5 types of beer, including local brewed Kichesippi beer that was sent freshly brewed and bottled specifically for the event. You can check out the event video and photos on our Facebook and Youtube channel, and remember to buy your tickets for the next Workshop coming to you.

Those are the events may have or may have not missed this month, but if you did miss out, don't worry, we have more coming your way. This Saturday January 21st we will be hosting WinterTubing at Edleweiss Ski Park for only 5$ a student. It's an incredible event for an incredible price, so it's your last chance to get tickets. As well, Monday January 23rd, Residence will be hosting a New Music, New Places live acoustic session in the lobby. These relaxing unplugged sessions are perfect for people trying to unwind. The band The Balconies featuring The Love Machine will be serenading students all night. Free for all students, you do not need to be in residence to attend. Check out the band online on our Youtube Channel.

Stay posted to the SAO calendar for more events coming, up next...more workshops.

Here 2 Help in the New Year of 2012

A Happy Holidays and New Year to all returning students and a warm welcome to all new students in the year 2012. We are Here 2 Help in the new year and would like to remind our students of important dates coming up in the new year.

Important Dates for Students

• January 9, 2012 - Winter Term Start Date (for most programs)
• January 20, 2012 - Deadline to withdraw from program and be eligible for tuition refund.
• January 2nd-6th, 2012 - Early OSAP release dates, get your OSAP early and avoid the lines.
• February 7, 2012, Deadline for Winter Term OSAP applications

For more details on deadlines and applications visit http://www.algonquincollege.com/RegistrarsOffice/ for further information.

It will be an incredible year for learning and the city is going to help with some great artists from all over the globe coming to Ottawa this year to entertain and enlighten the youthful masses. Here are a list of incredible performers/performances to look out for in the new year.

Entertainment Dates for 2012

Ottawa International Motorcycle Show - Jan 13 - 15th - Feel the Power! 2012 Ottawa International Motorcycle Show proudly presents Eastern Ontario Western Quebec's 3rd annual motorcycle extravaganza to be held at the new Capital Exhibition Centre.

Juno Awards - March 26 - April1st - Last year we hosted the Genie's at the NAC, can we top it this year? Filled with tons of stars and featuring performances from Blue Rodeo, Feist and Deadmau5.

Roger Waters and The Wall - June 25th - Pink Floyd returns to Scotiabank Place since 2010 for another performance of one of the best albums of all time, The Wall.

Van Gogh Exhibit - May 25 - Sep 3rd - Approximately 50 paintings by the Dutch master will be on display at the National Art Gallery.

Ottawa Food & Wine Show - November - One of Ottawa's biggest festivals got even bigger this year, expanding its show to a full five days to accommodate it's increasingly large crowd every year.

Ottawa Bluesfest (RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest) - July 4-15th - Bluefest acquired a new head sponsor this year, which could vastly change the line-up for this years festival. With the increasing popularity of the events and bigger sponsor, this year hopes to shape into one of the greatest yet.

For information on any of these events and many more events in Ottawa, please visit http://www.ottawakiosk.com/events.html

Algonquin acts as Philidelphia in new movie

Algonquin and the new ACE building became movie celebrities 2 weeks ago as they became sets for the film Fugitive@17 where the T-Building and new ACE building acted as a Philidephia high school, university and police station. The film, which is a production of local Ottawa company Zed Filmworks, tells the story of a 17 year old on the run from authorities in attempt to find a killer. Algonquin College's new ACE building became a visual focal point of the film as filming commenced on all floors, overlooking the wall of water and pod. The film is due to air in the US on the lifetime network in possibly a year. I caught up on set with actor Casper Van Dien, star of such films as Sleepy Hollow and Starship Troopers, where we snapped a quick photo, and he quoted one of his favorite movie lines. "C'mon you apes, you wanna live forever!"

Spring Orientation Laptop Winner!

Congratulations to Aime Boulanger, Winner of our Spring Orientation Laptop Draw!

Enjoy your new laptop Aime!

Ottawa Summer Events

Hey Algonquin Students!

Looking for some fun events for over the summer months? Ottawa has some great things happening that can get you out of the house and into the great summer weather!


Check out these great events!

Tulip Festival
May 6, 2011 to May 23, 2011

Victoria Day Festival
May 13, 2011 to May 23, 2011

Ottawa International Children’s Festival
June 1, 2011 to June 5, 2011

Carnival of Cultures
June 10, 2011 to June 12, 2011

WESTFEST
June 10, 2011 to June 12, 2011

Canada Dance Festival
June 15, 2011 to June 18, 2011

Ottawa Fringe Festival
June 16, 2011 to June 26, 2011

Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
June 17, 2011 to June 19, 2011

Ribfest - Chicken & Rib Cook-off
June 22, 2011 to June 26, 2011

Ottawa Jazz Festival
June 23, 2011 to July 3, 2011

Canada Day
July 1, 2011

Bluesfest
July 5, 2011 to July 17, 2011

Mosaika: Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill
July 6, 2011 to September 5, 2011

Summer Fling
July 18, 2011 to August 28, 2011

Rideau Canal Festival
July 28, 2011 to August 1, 2011

Busker Festival
July 28, 2011 to August 1, 2011

Ottawa Lumière Festival
August 1, 2011 to August 20, 2011

Ottawa Greekfest
August 10, 2011 to August 21, 2011

Capital Pride
August 19, 2011 to August 28, 2011

Ottawa Folk Festival
August 25, 2011 to August 28, 2011

We will also be letting everyone know the date of our Summer Carnival at Algonquin soon so keep an eye on our blog, twitter and new facebook page!

Enjoy your summer and relax while you still can!

Last day for Student Leader Applications!

Hey Potential Leaders!

Today is your last day to get your application in to the SAO for your chance to get involved in our Fall Orientation!

If you have left it to the last minute, fill out the form below ASAP and send it back to us today at saomail@algonquincollege.com . We don't want you to miss out on this great opportunity to get involved in YOUR College!

Click here for Application

Calling all Student Leaders!

Volunteer & get Involved.
Expand your Network.

Meet new Friends.

Become a STUDENT LEADER!

Student Affairs and Orientation is very proud to run the Student Leader program which creates amazing leadership and volunteer opportunities for students. This position allows you to help plan events from concept to completion, network, get involved, stay connected and meet new people!

Why should you volunteer with the SAO?

• Gain valuable volunteer experience
• Get involved and stay connected to your College
• Help plan College events
• Network within the College and Community
• Meet new people and have fun!

The SAO is now accepting Leader applications for 2011 Fall Orientation!

Pick-up your application in C223, or online at: http://www.algonquincollege.com/sao .
You can also get it here:
http://www.algonquincollege.com/studentsupportservices/sao/documents/STUDENTLEADERAPPLICATION.pdf

Applications Deadline is Friday, April 1, 2011