A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
Algoma University puts values at the heart of the curriculum
“We encourage our students to think critically and to go out in the world and be change makers,” says Brent Krmpotich, director of marketing, communication and student recruitment for the university.
Established in 1965, Algoma is a teaching-focused university with an emphasis on undergraduates in Northern Ontario. The school offers a range of degrees spanning the liberal arts, sciences and professional disciplines (you can see the full list at algomau.ca). As a partner with the Anishinaabe Institute of Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, it also has a special mission to cultivate crosscultural learning between Aboriginal populations and other communities.
“Algoma University is a good destination for students who don’t see themselves as just following the crowd,” says Krmpotich. “They want to stand out and make a difference.”
Whether the program is sociology or business, Algoma’s teaching and learning approach puts values first. “We try to teach [subjects] in a socially conscious way that helps our students be good citizens,” says acting president Dr. Celia Ross.
Algoma U has a student body of some 1,600 full- and part-time students. Between 12 to 15 per cent are from indigenous backgrounds, and 25 per cent are international students. Many are college graduates or mature students.
Among this diverse group, class size rarely tops 60 students in first-year classes. It’s around 20 or 30 in the third and fourth years. Many Canadian universities, by comparison, have lecture halls filled with 300 to 400 students, at least in the first year.
Such smaller class sizes make a real difference, says Krmpotich, who himself studied economics at Algoma. “I was never in a class where somebody didn’t put up their hand and ask a question,” he says. “From day one, participation in class discussion and group work is ingrained at Algoma.”
Students can’t help but get to know some of the faculty members, he says, and after about a week on campus, they’re likely to know almost everyone in residence and most of the people in their classes. The result is a less intimidating environment for getting involved with campus life and social issues. “When you talk to a lot of our student leaders, they’ll tell you they probably wouldn’t be doing what they’re doing at a bigger school,” says Krmpotich.
Since Algoma is an undergraduate-only university, its students get the kind of opportunities reserved for graduate students at most Canadian universities, including the chance to work on research papers or projects with faculty members.
“In the environmental science program, for example, many of our students will have their names on published papers before they even graduate,” says Ross. “That is a big boost when they’re applying to graduate school or professional school or a job.”
For the full range of course options, visit AlgomaU.ca.