Free condoms were among the giveaways offered to new students taking part in winter orientation from Jan. 11-15.
The college has a policy to provide health and sexual resources to students and the Algonquin Students’ Association aimed to remind students of this during winter orientation.
The SA set up tables around campus handing out brochures, toothbrushes and condoms to students. Although condoms are freely available in many locations across campus, not every student is aware of these resources.
“I didn’t even know the college offered them,” said Hannah Barrie, a first-year pre-health sciences student.
Barrie explained that she does not personally use these resources and feels unaffected and indifferent to the college supplying the student body with condoms.
Kelsey Gaumond, a representative from the Students’ Association, stated that this was a common giveaway to encourage the student body to practice safe sex.
The college also offers tests for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases to students in Health Services.
“I definitely like having the option, it saves a lot of money and it can keep people safe,” said Robert Armstrong, a first-year community justice services student.
Armstrong stated that after hearing more about the health services available to him that he would be more likely to take advantage of the resources.
“My son had a child at 19 so I think it’s amazing that the school is offering them,” said Tracy Barbe, a first-year pre-health science student.
Although orientation week is over, the SA still aims to inform students of the resources available to them and to encourage safe sex.