By: Brooke Timpson
With 28 per cent of Algonquin’s students coming directly from high school, a forum held by the college Oct. 3 had the attention of 140 guidance counselors from area schools.
“Making sure that students make the right program choices is critical,” said Jo-Ann Aubut, the Dean of Academic Development for the college and one of the speakers at the forum.
“(The college) has the responsibility to facilitate success, graduation and employability,” she said.
“With the job markets and finding employment being so uncertain these days, we can all help highlight the endless options that students have in education, especially here at Algonquin.”
With Aubut’s presentation noting that 28 per cent of Algonquin’s student population consisting of direct student entries from high schools, the forum focused on recruiting soon-to-be graduates.
However, as Renée Lalonde, a guidance councilor from École secondaire publique Louis-Riel noted, the college experience can also attract and retain students of any age and educational background.
“College is still usually a harder sell, especially with some parents,” said Lalonde. “There is still sometimes a traditional thinking about where and what to do after high school.”
While this thinking might still be common, a lot of attitudes and beliefs about post-secondary education have greatly changed.
“When reality sets in, most students realize that they want to explore both college and university options,” said Lalonde. “College and university have changed. It’s not at all like how it was in the past. “
Changing opinions of post-secondary options also come with some homework for the guidance councilors, too.
“These options seem to be changing every year, so I use these forums as a way to reeducate myself on the latest changes for my students.”
Similarly, for South Grenville District High School guidance councilor of six years, Walter McWilliams, the Algonquin-hosted annual forums keep him up-to-date with the latest in post-secondary pathways.
“(Colleges) have been talking about things like accessible transfer programs for years,” said McWilliams.
“I’d say Algonquin is the best at promoting itself, but it’s nice to see that all of Ontario’s colleges are making the jump towards offering more for its students.”
“Now more than ever, students who might only have applied-level high school credits can do their two years at college, walk away with a certificate and still have the option to peruse university or other options for studies,” said McWilliams.
“Each year, we see such a great turn out for this forum,” said Chris Brennan, the college’s events manager for advancement, who has also been organizing the college’s annual forum for the last 15 years.
“Whenever we have the chance to inform our students about their education and career choices, it’s a great success for everyone.”