With no pandemic restrictions (finally!), we offered a full selection of in-person courses on campus, maintained a small number of on-line courses for increased access, and scheduled an increase in student and staff events on and off campus. The construction of the new Dunsmuir campus downtown was in full swing.
We increased our social media presence, breaking previous records. A record number of students enrolled in classes and we continued our commitment to community engagement.
New student orientation sessions were held in the week before the beginning of each major semester. ACtivate is the New Student Orientation format at the beginning of each semester.
The format was changed and shortened to accommodate more sessions for increased numbers of students. The sessions consist of a fun fair, education fair, information booths and workshops.
February 22nd, Pink Shirt Day (Anti-Bullying Day) was observed, with the aim of raising awareness and standing up against bullying. In support of the cause, Student Life organized a pink tie-dye workshop and distributed pink ribbons to students, staff, and faculty, offering everyone the chance to raise awareness and show their support for the issue.
Convocation ceremonies this year were held at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster. On July 14th record-breaking numbers of Academic Award winners from Fall and Winter terms attended the ceremony (i.e., Dean’s List, Honour Roll, and Scholarship recipients).
The fall convocation was held on November 8th. Nearly 500 guests and students attended (representing 60% of the graduates). As is traditional, recognition was given to student academic award winners and faculty award winners nominated by students.
A “Cyber Security and Online Financial Crime” workshop was hosted by an officer from the Burnaby RCMP. The event drew an audience that included students, staff, and faculty. While the workshop primarily targeted international students, the content presented was universally beneficial for all staff and faculty members.
The workshop focused on strategies to safeguard one’s online presence, personal information and stay up to date with the latest trends and threats in the world of cybercrime.
Career Advisors met with the Burnaby Board of Trade representatives to support and fill any labour gaps that some companies may have at this time. Career Advisors promoted 15 online Information Sessions held throughout the week of May 15-19 in preparation for the June Career Fair. From these information sessions many 1-1 follow-up appointments were made by the students.
A successful Career Fair was held on the afternoon of June 8th with 14 employers present and students being interviewed and hired on the day.
De-Stress Fests with engaging activities and snacks occur during final exam periods
The Canadian Job Readiness program began in the Fall semester of 2023. Canadian Job Readiness (CJR) is a mandatory graduation requirement for all degree programs offered by Alexander College. Whether a graduate plans to continue further study or transition into employment, Canadian Job Readiness aims to ensure that graduates are equipped with the basic knowledge and tools needed to effectively navigate the Canadian employment sector in the future. Our online Canadian Job Readiness program on Canvas assists students with job searches in Canada.
During the fall semester we enrolled five students for the Access 2.0 Mentorship program with the Burnaby Board of Trade. These students all have a business and or IT background. Once the Mentorship is completed the students will be eligible for a one-year membership with the Burnaby Board of Trade allowing them to network with professionals in their field.
The Green Committee is actively developing a comprehensive sustainability plan for the entire college. As a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Alexander College was eligible for participation in AASHE’s Mentorship & Peer Collaboration Program. A member of AC’s Green Committee submitted an application and started a 1-year mentorship for the college in October.
Alexander College was proud to receive the Silver Creator Award for surpassing 100k subscribers on YouTube, making Alexander College one of the biggest post-secondary channels in Canada.
Check out popular social media series such as the “How Do You Say” greeting primer in the cultural awareness series on YouTube.
Go to our Social Media page for many entertaining and informative social media programs.
The new campus at 570 Dunsmuir Street is nearing completion. The campus, set to open in the fall of 2024, will feature a Science Centre supporting lab science and computer programming and concentrations and degrees in health science. This campus will also serve as a centre for business programming in downtown Vancouver.
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.