2026-2027 Board of Directors Priorities
Three Priorities Focused on a Better Student Experience.
Published: September 21, 2026
“Students told us where the gaps are, and now we’re working toward closing them.” – Jacob Stewart, President, Algonquin Students’ Association.
Modern learning, meaningful work experiences, and a better, more reliable commute.
Those are the things that students say matter the most. That’s why they were chosen as priorities by the Board of Directors of the Algonquin Students’ Association.
These 2026-2027 priorities are shaped by conversations with students in Ottawa and Pembroke, historical student data, recent survey results, and the hard work of previous Boards. The message from the data and student voices was clear: progress has been made, but there’s still more to do.
“These priorities aren’t about chasing the newest buzzword,” Stewart says. “They’re about continuing important work and delivering meaningful change that future generations of students will feel.”
Academic Modernization
Students deserve current tools, relevant teaching practices, and the skills employers are seeking – not just a head start on catching up with the industry. The work for this priority will advocate for modernized curriculum, labs, tools, and other resources that are current, relevant, and responsiveto the industries students are preparing to enter.
Modern, forward-focused programs will help current Algonquin College graduates stand out while strengthening the College’s reputation and appeal for future students.
Work-Integrated Learning
The Board wants to improve students’ access to high-quality co-ops and placements by advocating to the College for stronger industry partnerships and better job-search support. Direct,hands-on experience during a students’ time at Algonquin College is an incredibly valuable tooland many programs have co-op and placements as a requirement for graduation, however, students have said that they often feel insufficiently supported and left on their own to find these placements. If work experience, placements, or co-ops are mandatory for program completion, fair supports for finding that work need to be part of the deal.
Transportation
The Board will continue to build on the SA’s ongoing work with OC Transpo, the City of Ottawa, and community partners in Pembroke.
Through continued meetings and a working group with OC Transpo leadership, the Board will advocate for safer transit, more reliable service and standards that better reflect students’ needs.
“Academic quality, career readiness, and reliable transportation shape student success – not just on campus, but after graduation,” Stewart says. “This work matters because students should leave Algonquin College ready to tackle what comes next, without avoidable barriers getting in their way.”
With these three areas of focus there is plenty of work ahead, and the Board is ready to get moving.