Durham College has released its new strategic plan, building on its recent success and outlining the college’s course of action for the next three years. Released on May 16, the plan incorporates feedback from more than 300 people and is designed to ensure the college continues to be a premier destination for post-secondary students for years to come. In addition, it offers a summary on how the college will continue to grow responsibly while developing new and dynamic partnerships and furthering the advancement of the student-focused teaching and learning already in place.

Strategic Plan 2013-2016 is based on the pillars of our students, our people, our business and our community and offers several specific commitments for each. This includes establishing the first-in-Ontario college-university laddering partnership with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), providing students with the ability to move seamlessly from apprenticeship to PhD; ensuring Durham College is competitive within the post-secondary education system by launching four-year degree programs in strategic areas of the economy; and championing, with other Ontario colleges, the conversion of targeted three-year advanced diplomas to three-year degrees under the pillar of our students.

Under the pillar of our people the college will find new ways to engage alumni while committing time and expertise so college leaders can serve on boards, associations and for significant events that will strengthen these groups and ultimately the well-being of the community.

Under the pillar of our business it will renew existing campus space in ways that better meet the learning, study and service needs of students and plan for new buildings and facilities that will allow it to demonstrate leadership in specific areas of study that are critical to the local community..

Lastly, under the pillar of our community, the college will advance innovation and the economic well-being of the community through industry-led applied research targeted to small- and medium-sized enterprises and take on a leadership role in the development and realization of the Durham Learning and Business Innovation Park.

“This new plan was developed through hundreds of consultations with faculty, staff, students, the college’s board of governors and this community,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “We believe that we have the right roadmap for the future and over the next three years we will achieve this strategic vision and this mission.”

The college has also released a video in support of the plan that provides a glimpse into the direction Durham College is headed and features students, staff, industry and partner testimonials about what they will be doing ‘in the next three years’.