Safety comes first at Durham College

Category: Student Experience

At Durham College (DC), the safety of our students and employees is a priority and we are committed to providing a welcoming, respectful and inclusive campus for all members of our community.

Whether you’re in the middle of your DC journey or just getting started, we want you to know about the programs and supports that are in place to keep you safe while you’re learning and working on campus.

Campus Security

Whether you’re in Oshawa or Whitby, you can be secure in the knowledge that our Campus Security is on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Security guards patrol buildings and grounds throughout the day and evening on a regular and random basis. You’ll also see surveillance cameras in buildings, on the grounds and along footpaths, which assist us in preventing crimes and keeping you safe.

Code Blue stations

Have you ever wondered what all of those big red poles around campus are for? Standing nine feet tall with blue lights on top, they’re our Code Blue stations. You’ll find them in parking lots, footpaths and even in the Campus Library. If you need assistance, press the button to instantly alert the Security Desk. A guard will be dispatched to your location, as well as emergency services if necessary.

Campus Walk

The Campus Walk service is provided by trained student teams who will, on request, accompany students, staff or visitors to their car, the residence or other campus locations. Members work in pairs and can be identified by their jacket and/or ID.

The service is available September to April in Oshawa (Monday to Friday, 7 to 11 p.m.) and Whitby (Monday to Thursday, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.). Campus Security is available to escort you when Campus Walk is unavailable.

Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT)

If you’re hurt, call CERT! The team is comprised of student volunteers who are trained in First Responder or Emergency Medical Responder with the Canadian Red Cross. The are available year-round to respond to medical emergencies and provide advanced first aid on campus. In an emergency, access CERT by contacting Campus Security at ext. 2400 or calling 905.721.3211 (Oshawa and Whitby campus).

Alertus

DC uses the free Alertus app to send notifications in the event of an emergency on campus. The app notifies DC students and employees of high-priority, active threats on campus that have the potential to affect their immediate safety (i.e. a violent aggressor, secure and hold or urgent evacuations). Employees and students are encouraged to download Alertus.

Campus Health and Wellness Centre

At the Campus Health and Wellness Centre, physicians, nurses, mental health professionals, wellness coaches, and administrative staff are available to help students maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Support is available to students and employees who have been impacted by sexual violence, regardless of when or where the violence took place. If you need help you can email the support co-ordinator or call 905.721.8668 ext. 3100.

We want you to feel safe at DC. For more information on the resources we offer, how to access them and how to protect yourself, visit our Campus Safety website.