Tag: OpenHouse

For those who attend, Durham College (DC) Open House can be a life-changing experience.

The event, which invites guests to explore the DC campus and connect with faculty and staff, is often the first opportunity prospective students have to see their visions of a post-secondary future come to life.

What’s more, the connections made at Open House can have a defining impact on a student’s time at DC.

That was certainly the case for Tracey Van Ooyen, a 2026 graduate of DC’s Office Administration – Health Services program. Her visit to Spring Open House in April of 2023 did more than convince her that the program was right for her. It also introduced her to a classmate who became one of her closest friends. And her encounter with student life coordinator Janis Li was equally impactful.

“Janis is the reason I got so involved at Durham College. Just by going to Open House and speaking to her, I learned so much,” said Van Ooyen, who came to the event as a mature student who was unsure how she would fit in with her younger peers.

Li pointed her to a number of helpful services, from the Access and Support Centre to Student Academic Learning Services, and stressed the importance of connecting with them early on. But it was the opportunity to help others as part of the DC Crew Leadership Program that would come to define her time at DC.

“The student leadership program teaches you a lot of things. You get to learn a lot about yourself and the way you lead others, and you learn how to work with people. That’s all really beneficial when you’re heading out into the workforce,” she said.

It’s the chance to learn about all of the services that DC offers to students that makes a visit to Open House so worthwhile, according to the DC alumna.

Are you attending DC’s Fall Open House on Saturday, November 7? Van Ooyen has some advice that will help you get the most out of your trip:

Visit as many displays and booths as possible.
Talk to staff, student representatives, and volunteers.
Ask questions and find out what each service or group offers.
Explore opportunities beyond your program.
Learn about student support services early.
Be open to unexpected discoveries and new connections.

“I highly recommend Open House,” she said. “It shows you that Durham College has a lot to offer.”

Durham College (DC) is a leader in post-secondary education, and on Saturday, November 7, we’re inviting you to attend our Fall Open House and find out why.

We know that choosing the right college is a big decision, and we want you to be confident that DC is the best choice for you. That’s why our Open House events are designed to be fun and informative, so you can imagine yourself as a DC student – and one day, an alumnus!

Our Start at DC team has the answers about programs, facilities and comprehensive student services. With Open House just around the corner, they have some tips that will help you make the right decision for your academic future. Register now to attend the event, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet them and many more DC representatives who can tell you everything you need to know to apply with confidence.

Rachel Beerman, Student Recruitment Marketing Specialist
Why should I come to Open House?

Open House is a chance for you to see all that DC has to offer! It’s your one stop shop to ask all the questions you have and determine whether DC is the right fit for you. We will have all our academic faculties and service areas available to answer your questions, as well as campus tours. Plus, if you apply at the event, we’ll cover the $150 application fee!

What’s the first thing I should do at Open House?

When you arrive, you should look through the event guide to plan out your day. If you’re planning to apply to a program, be sure to connect with representatives of your faculty who can answer all your questions before you head to the Apply Now room.

Daniela Ruscica, Student Recruitment Marketing Specialist
I need to know more about my program before I apply. What should I do?

If you want to learn more about your program, you’re in the right place! At Open House, you can meet faculty members and tour the shops and labs you’ll be learning in. Each academic faculty will have a booth or be available in their labs and classrooms, ready to assist you in making the right program choice or simply answering any of your questions.

What services does DC provide to students?

We have many helpful student services available to support you academically and personally.

Whether you’re trying to stay active and healthy or looking for a comfortable place to live, we’re here to help. We can provide academic accommodations, assist with your transition to college, and even help with your job search during your studies and after graduation.

At DC, we’re always ready to assist you with your needs and help you achieve success!

Maico Padillo, Student Recruitment Officer
What sets DC apart from other colleges?

What makes DC different is how focused we are on career-ready, hands-on learning. Students are not just sitting in a classroom learning; they’re getting opportunities to use their knowledge through labs, placements, co-op, practicums, and capstone projects.

DC has over 145 programs, giving students flexible learning options including certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, graduate certificates and degrees. That means students can select the programs that align with their career goals while gaining practical experience.

And the best part? All of our two- and three-year diploma programs can lead to a degree, with over 700 pathways available!

I want to apply to my program! Now what?

DC’s Student Recruitment team is here to help you through the application process. At Open House, we’ll even waive the $150 Ontario Colleges application fee!

We’re also available to provide one-on-one support. Whether you’re trying to choose the right program, create an OCAS account, or navigate the application process, our team can walk you through it.

Nicole Davidson, Senior Recruitment Specialist
What if I need help paying for school?

We understand that financing your education is one of the biggest concerns students have when attending post-secondary, and at DC we believe finances shouldn't be a barrier to achieving educational goals. Our Financial Aid team has access to more than $5 million each year in the form of scholarships, bursaries and awards. They also coordinate our on-campus employment program and administer the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

I always suggest learning about the different funding options available to students and connecting with our Financial Aid Coaches if you have any questions or concerns about paying for college. The Financial Aid team will be available at Open House to meet with you and answer any questions you may have.

Students who register and attend Open House are also entered into our annual $5,000 Tuition Credit contest!

I’m a mature student. Will I fit in at DC?

Coming back to school is a big decision, and it's completely normal to have questions about what the experience will be like. At DC, mature students are an important part of our community. In fact, 60% of full-time learners at DC are mature students, so you will be joining a large community of people who are balancing school with work, family, career changes, and other life commitments.

How Open House can shape your Durham College experience

Got questions about Durham College Open House? Our Start at DC team has the answers