Durham College Library supports self-directed learning to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day

On September 30, Durham College recognizes Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which is a time to reflect and learn about past and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples and communities.

Orange Shirt Day, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day, was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad whose brand new orange shirt was taken away from when she attended her first day at the Mission School at six years of age.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.

As an education institution, Durham College (DC) plays an important role in advancing Truth and Reconciliation by raising awareness, promoting respect and understanding and fostering learning and collaboration.

To support this, the Durham College Library has compiled a selection of self-directed learning resources leading up to September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

“By shining a light on the wealth of first-hand stories from Survivors of residential schools, we can all reflect on the historic and ongoing intergenerational trauma the residential school system has had on Indigenous communities, families and individuals, which is an essential part of the reconciliation process,” said Durham College Chief Librarian Catherine Davidson.

Access self-directed learning resources including Phyllis Webstad’s story and books and videos available through DC’s library collection.


Durham College is dedicated to advancing truth and reconciliation by weaving Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into the fabric of our campus. Explore this content collection to learn about the resources, supports and opportunities that are available on campus.


Prepare for exam success at Durham College

Fall has arrived, and it will soon be time for students to take their mid-term exams.

At Durham College (DC), we offer a wide range of services that can help you feel confident and prepared when you enter the exam room.

We’re here to help you succeed. Read on to ensure you’ll be ready when it’s time to put your knowledge to the test.

Access and Support Centre (ASC)

Accessibility is critical at DC. Students with an exceptionality, or who had an individualized education plan (IEP) in high school, can register with the ASC to learn about the resources available to them. At exam time, those resources include quiet spaces to study and assistive technology like screen readers and recording devices.

More information is available online and at the ASC office.

Campus Library

Whether you need to do some research or would just like a quiet place to study, the library is a natural choice.

For a great place to focus, try the Fireside Reading Room, or one of the silent study rooms. If you prefer privacy, group study rooms are available for booking.

You can also take advantage of The Learning Portal. Developed by College Libraries Ontario, it’s full of tools to help you maximize your studying efforts.

Student Academic Learning Services (SALS)

SALS offers a number of academic supports to students who are preparing for their exams.

Appointments with learning specialists are available, as are virtual workshops on test and exam prep. Students can also register for SALS ONLINE, where they’ll find a number of educational modules, including one all about preparing for exams.

Test Centre

If you need a quiet and comfortable place to write your exam, look no further than the Test Centre.  

Students registered with the ASC can make an appointment if they require accommodations that can’t be met in the classroom. Some examples of these accommodations include extra time to complete a test, a quieter location, ergonomic chairs, and readers and scribes who can read and/or write the test at the student’s direction.

Though primarily intended for students with ASC accommodations, exceptions can be made for non-accommodated students with the consent of a teacher.

Students at both the Oshawa and Whitby campuses have access to a test centre on-site, and must book their test time online, at least seven days in advance.

For more information, visit the website.  

Wellness Directory

To perform at your best in the classroom, you need to take care of yourself. Our Wellness Directory puts all of our wellness supports and resources at your fingertips. They’re organized by the eight dimensions of wellness: physical, occupational, social, mental, spiritual, intellectual, environmental and financial. As you prepare for your exams, the intellectual dimension will be particularly helpful, with its focus on goal setting, time management, study habits and more.

With all of these resources at your fingertips, you have everything you need to ace your next exam.