This message is being shared on behalf of Ralph Hofmann, executive dean, Faculty of Social & Community Services. Please direct any questions to scs@durhamcollege.ca.

Starting September 2023, Durham College (DC) will offer a new Honours Bachelor of Paralegal degree. This program is in direct response to the needs of our growing community and an increased demand for accessible and affordable legal representation in Canada. The program will prepare students with the legal context they need as well as the cultural competency lens to provide legal services to a wide range of diverse populations including immigrants, refugees, Indigenous peoples, women and people who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+.

By combining in-depth classroom learning with an experiential field placement, graduates of this degree program will have the tools they need to be future leaders in the legal sector. Graduates of the program will be prepared to provide legal services under the supervision of a lawyer or a licensed paralegal and are also eligible to apply to become Licensed Paralegals themselves through the Law Society of Ontario. Licensed Paralegals can independently represent their clients before various courts and tribunals within their regulated scope of legal practice. They also have the ability to continue their education by applying to law school or graduate studies.

This exciting new 4-year program is one of five degrees offered at DC. You can learn more about what the program includes online.

This message is being sent on behalf of the Emergency Management Response Team (EMRT).

As winter approaches, it is important to be familiar with Durham College’s (DC) winter weather procedures. Most winter days, the campus remains open and activities unaffected. However, sometimes, winter weather results in situations that impact the teaching or working environment, such as power outages.

During inclement weather, DC follows our own protocols and best practices when determining if a closure is required. Please note that school board bus cancellations do not mean that DC will close. 

If teaching or working is impacted, DC will communicate as quickly as possible through the college’s campus status website, social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram), and the DC Mobile App. And, depending on the situation, we may also email students and employees directly and connect with regional radio and television stations to further update the community.

If you are required to come to campus, please allow plenty of time and travel with caution and care, especially if you are in an area heavily affected by the weather. If you are expected on campus but cannot get there due to weather, please contact your supervisor or professor regarding your absence. 

If you are on campus and observe a snow or ice hazard, please contact Security at extension 2400 or 905-721-3211 from your cell phone and provide your exact location and situation so that a Snow Removal Archibus request can be submitted. 

Important links: 

• What does a campus closure mean to me?
• Inclement weather procedure
• Timing of closures
• Winter driving information (Ministry of Transportation)
• Ontario weather forecasts (Environment Canada)
• Durham Region Transit
• GO Transit

This message is being shared on behalf of Megan Bent, executive chairperson, Durham College Student Association (DCSA), and Don Lovisa, president, Durham College.

Today we pay tribute to members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have fought to defend our values and freedoms, and those who continue to serve our country. 

Durham College employees and students are invited to attend one of two commemorative Remembrance Day ceremonies taking place in person at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses on Friday, November 11: 

• Oshawa campus: 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre, Gyms 1 and 2 
• Whitby campus: 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. in the Main building atrium. 

The ceremonies organized by Durham College Student Association will offer the campus community the opportunity to honour those who have served our country and those still protecting the freedoms we enjoy every day. 

For those who are unable to attend, we encourage you to pay tribute today to our veterans and active service members by: 

• Wearing a poppy. 
• Sharing your gratitude on social media using #RemembranceDay. 
• Observing a moment of silence at 11 a.m. wherever you are. 

Now, more than ever, we must not forget the sacrifices made by countless brave service people, and we hope you take the time to mark this important day. 

This message is being sent on behalf of Thom MacDonald, dean, International Education. Please direct inquiries to Janine Knight-Grofe, director, International Education.

Every third week of November since 2000, organizations around the world recognize International Education Week (IEW). This week provides an opportunity to highlight the benefits of internationalization worldwide, from enhancing teaching and learning through internationalization of the curriculum, to global applied research, to student mobility.

Durham College’s (DC) celebration of #IEW2022 coincides with those held in more than 100 countries who are also taking this opportunity to champion internationalization and build an intercultural community.  

This year, from November 14 to 18, DC’s International Education office is organizing events at the Whitby and Oshawa campuses, as well as virtually, to showcase the impact international education has in preparing students to work in a global environment, attract future leaders locally and from abroad, and provide faculty and staff with opportunities for internationalization and interculturalization.

The goal for the week is to expand perspectives, foster dialogue and reflect the spirit of co-operation and collaboration required in all international education efforts. Events happening during IEW include:

Tuesday, November 15
11 a.m. to noon
Why study abroad? For students!
Presented by: Hafsa Shaikh, internationalization co-ordinator
Location: Zoom

Wednesday, November 16
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
International Street Food Festival
Presented by: DC Culinary students and DC Event Management studentsLocation: Whitby campus, W. Galen Weston Centre for Food

Thursday, November 17
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Culture Shock? An Interactive Cultural Experience
Presented by: Laura Benninger, Faculty of Science, Engineering & Information Technology and Rogier ten Kate, Faculty of Business
Location: Oshawa campus, CFCE 145 and SSB 113C

Friday, November 18
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A Community Cultural Mosaic, with booths and performances
Location: Oshawa campus, CFCE Atrium

There will also be recipes from around the world posted to @durhamcollegeinternational everyday throughout International Education Week, and a Global Cookbook posted on Friday, November 18.  

For more information and to register, visit: www.durhamcollege.ca/iew

This message is being sent on behalf of Pamela Dunn, manager, Events and Strategic Initiatives. Please direct any inquiries to Alexandre Rehayem, student recruitment marketing specialist.

You’re invited to join Durham College’s (DC) Fall Open House participant team!

Prospective students and their families will have the chance to explore all the college has to offer at our Oshawa and Whitby campuses on Saturday, November 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Open House is a terrific opportunity to showcase DC’s 145+ career-driven programs and support services by those who know them best – our employees and students.

We’re looking for participants to help support the event, welcome guests and show off how DC is leading the way!

Participant positions include:

• Tour guides (training provided)
• Greeters
• Registration attendants
• Directional guides

This is a great opportunity to get involved, interact with prospective students and share your DC pride.

All participants assisting in Open House will have a chance to enter a draw to win an iPad. A ballot box will be available at the event staff check-in table at both locations for you to enter to win!

Interested in participating in Fall Open House? Registration is required by this Friday, November 4! Sign up today at www.durhamcollege.ca/open-house-volunteer-form.

This message is being sent on behalf of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Please direct any questions to diversity@durhamcollege.ca.

November marks Women’s Abuse Awareness Month and Durham College (DC) is preparing for its annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign (16 Days), held in collaboration with Ontario Tech University.

The international campaign kicks off on Friday, November 25 with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs until Human Rights Day on Saturday, December 10.

All members of the campus community are invited to participate in our in-person and virtual programs which aim to raise awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts, and share knowledge and strategies to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence.

Follow us on Instagram at @yesmeansyesatDC or @OTstudentlife to join the conversation on social media, or visit the 16 Days website to learn more.

Content warning: We recognize that members of our campus community are people with lives, histories, and struggles that we may not be privy to. As such, our upcoming programming will mention different forms of sexual violence, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, and murder. Please prioritize your mental health and well-being. We encourage participants to take the space you need for each event. Visit our page for more resources and support.

Program schedule

Community Session – Restorative Justice
In recognition of Trans Day of Remembrance and International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, DC is hosting this impactful restorative justice workshop with Marlee Liss, an award-winning speaker, author and advocate who made history when her sexual assault case became the first in North America to conclude with restorative justice through the courts.

• When: Tuesday, November 8 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
• Where: Virtual (Accessibility information for Zoom)
• Please register online to attend.

Gender-based Violence at the Intersections
Intersectionality is a framework through which we can examine how forms of privilege and disadvantage shape our experiences of trauma and impact our access to resources. In this panel, we discuss the impact of gender-based violence on intersectional identities and the need for an intersectional lens on gender-based violence policies, interventions and supports within a post-secondary institute to foster culturally relevant spaces for healing.

• When: Friday, November 25 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
• Where: Virtual (Zoom)
• Please register online to attend.

National Day of Remembrance Memorial Ceremony
On December 6, DC commemorates the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women to pay tribute to the victims of the tragic killing of 14 women at École Polytechnique in 1989. Join us as we honour those we have lost to gender-based violence and reflect on renewing our commitment to centre the voices of survivors in our communities, take action and speak up against harmful behaviours This event will feature performances by R.A.W. and Cassandra Myers.

• When: Tuesday, December 6 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
• Where: Gordon Willey building at the PIT (2000 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa, Ont.)
• Please register online to attend.

You’re invited to join Durham College’s (DC) Fall Open House participant team!

Prospective students and their families will have the chance to explore all the college has to offer at our Oshawa and Whitby campuses on Saturday, November 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Open House is a terrific opportunity to showcase DC’s 145+ career-driven programs and support services by those who know them best – our employees and students.

We’re looking for participants to help support the event, welcome guests and show off how DC is leading the way!

Participant positions include:

• Tour guides (training provided)
• Greeters
• Registration attendants
• Directional guides

This is a great opportunity to get involved, interact with prospective students and share your DC pride.

Interested in participating in Fall Open House? Registration is required. Please sign up at www.durhamcollege.ca/open-house-volunteer-form.

Volunteers are needed for the upcoming conference, Expand the Possibilities: Young Women in Science, Technology and Trades (YWSTT), that will be held at Durham College (DC) on Tuesday, October 25 and Wednesday, October 26, 2022.

The event will see DC host Grades 7and 8 girls from several regional school boards over two days of exploration and inspiration that will connect them with careers in science, technology and skilled trades.

Volunteers can select the date(s), time(s) and location(s) most convenient for them as well as a preferred role (registration, workshop support, group guide, etc.) to support. Every effort will be made to accommodate preferred role requests.

All volunteers will receive a t-shirt and lunch on the day(s) they volunteer.

Register now to volunteer.

Please direct questions about YWSTT volunteer opportunities by email to Debby Allbon or Holly Tyson.

This message is being shared on behalf of Don Lovisa, president, Durham College.

Durham College (DC) is pleased to announce what was formerly known as the Oshawa GO station will now be referred to by its brand-new name – Durham College Oshawa GO.

Beginning today, October 4, we have launched a 10-year station naming partnership with Metrolinx; a strategic and collaborative decision that will strengthen DC’s position in our local community and beyond as a leader in education, collaboration, inclusivity and innovation.

Members of Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area who rely on GO Transit services daily can expect many changes to reflect this new announcement, including the new signage that was unveiled on the station building today. A rollout of further communications will take place over the coming weeks and months, including; ‘next stop’ passenger announcements, transit signage, digital and web updates, as well as system maps and schedules, to name a few.

This exciting announcement serves as proof that DC is leading the way, and strengthening its relationship with future students, employees and partners in the community – a priority for the college as we continue to fulfill our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan.

This partnership with Metrolinx will help ensure DC continues to be a leader in post-secondary education, and an essential part of Durham Region.

This message is being shared on behalf of The First Peoples Indigenous Centre. Please direct any questions toIndigenous@durhamcollege.ca.

Today, Friday, September 30, the Durham College (DC) community is invited to take time to acknowledge Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is an opportunity to honour Residential School survivors, their families, and communities and reflect on the history and legacy of residential schools as a vital component of the reconciliation process.

In recognition of this important day, the flags at the Whitby and Oshawa campuses have been lowered to half-mast, and a special ceremony will be held this afternoon in the Naanaagide’endamowin Courtyard from 1 to 3 p.m. Another form of recognition today will take place at sundown, when the Centre for Collaborative Education here at the Oshawa campus, as well as our main building at the Whitby campus, will be illuminated orange.

We hope you will take advantage of the many resources and learning opportunities available to assist in increasing an understanding of the past while recognizing our role and responsibility in reconciliation and working towards a future as friends and allies.

Miigwetch.