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

Dear students and colleagues,

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is devastating. Our hearts go out to all those whose lives have been impacted, and we want to help families access the necessities they need, while easing their burdens during this difficult time.

It’s for that reason that DC is collaborating with 18 colleges across Ontario, along with Colleges Ontario (the sector’s advocacy organization) and the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) to provide a joint donation of $200,000 to UNICEF’s Ukraine emergency fund. This will support UNICEF’s ongoing programs and response to the escalating need in Ukraine by providing communities with safe water, urgent medical aid and health-care services, child protection and education.

DC has a long history of providing integrated support services for students in need, including those impacted by world events and humanitarian efforts, to address food insecurity, physical and mental well-being, emergency housing and more. In response to the situation in Ukraine, DC will also offer the following assistance to international students impacted by the humanitarian constraints:

• International tuition relief bursaries valued at a maximum of C$15,000 each and available to full-time international students.
• Emergency bursaries providing financial assistance for non-tuition expenses, including lodging, food, transportation and more.
• Access to ten fully-subsidized on-campus residence accommodations for those impacted by the unrest in the Ukraine, including students and families transitioning to Canada.

This support will help our international student community have access to the resources they need to succeed, despite the crisis occurring in their home country.

Students and employees are also reminded that confidential counselling services are always available to those who require support.

Stay safe and healthy,
Don

For students:

• Campus Health and Wellness Centre:
  • Phone: 905.721.3037
  • Email: CHWC@durhamcollege.ca
  • Live chat: https://durhamcollege.ca/student-life/health-and-wellness/campus-health-centre
• Good2Talk Helpline (24/7): 1.866.925.5454
• M. Well Student Assistance Program: 1.877.554.6935

For employees:

• Lifeworks(formerly Morneau Shepell) available 24/7:
  • Phone: 1.844.880.9142
  • TTY: 1.877.338.0275
  • Web: workhealthlife.com

This message is being shared on behalf of Melissa Pringle, chief returning officer, Durham College Board of Governors.

Now is your chance to vote for who you think will provide a strong voice on behalf of students as the 2022-2023 student governor on the Durham College Board of Governors.

Vote at www.durhamcollege.ca/studentgovernor until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 1.  The successful candidate will be announced by Thursday, April 7.

On March 31, the Durham College (DC) community is invited to celebrate International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). First celebrated in 2009, TDOV was established to bring attention to the lived and living experiences of trans people. Beyond that, TDOV is about renewing our commitment to educate ourselves on trans issues and to raise our collective voices to take actionable steps to address transphobia in all its forms.

In honour of this day, the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is hosting two educational sessions for DC staff and students to support the college community in fostering a more inclusive environment for all.

Exploring Gender Identity
In this interactive virtual workshop, participants will explore the topic of trans and gender diverse communities, and confront stereotypes/expectations about transness at the intersections. This session allows participants to explore their own internalized expectations of gender and how to challenge societal expectations placed on individuals.

When: Wednesday, March 30 from Noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Online
Please register in advance.

Trans Day of Visibility
Presented by Pflag Durham Region, participants will look back at history, identify the erasure of trans identities, and celebrate the importance of visibility. This session will include a discussion around allyship and starting difficult conversations.

When: Wednesday, March 30 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Online
Please register in advance.

This message is being shared on behalf of Melissa Pringle, chief returning officer, Durham College (DC) Board of Governors. Please direct inquires to Melissa.

Check out the candidate’s promotional videos and statements online.

Kristopher Bendell	Hello DC Community! My name is Kristopher Bendell, I’m a 2nd-year Business Administration-Marketing student. I must say that I’m extremely excited to be running for the student governor position, and I feel honored to be in this election with the other wonderful candidates. My goal is to give this student governor position my best efforts in hopes to provide the complete student perspective for our board of Governors. I truly hope everyone reading this is doing great, if you happen to see me around campus, please say hello, and feel free to call me Kris! Kind Regards, Kristopher Bendell
N’ia Cormier	Hello DC! I am N’ia Cormier, your next Student Governor, at least I hope to be. I feel I am the best candidate for the position, for I am not only a student, but I am also a parent, an activist, and much more.  As a member of the Queer community, I have constantly had to advocate for myself and for others, please visit my LinkedIn account to understand who I am and what makes me the best person to ADVOCATE for the Diverse student population here at DC. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/n-ia-cormier-rainbowterra/ See you around campus! N’ia Cormier
Melissa Holm-Laursen	I’m enrolled in the Finance-Business program and a member of the Institute of Student Leadership. In 2007, I graduated from Legal Administration, followed by seven years experience in the legal field, where I demonstrated a high level of integrity and attention to detail. In 2014 my focus shifted towards my family and supporting my special needs children full-time which has helped me develop strong empathy and advocacy skills. I would love the opportunity to apply these skills to being a leader and student voice on DC’s Board of Governors! Vote for me at www.durhamcollege.ca/studentgovernor from March 28 to April 1.
Natalia Kondratieva	While the nature of the Student Governor role wouldn’t allow any candidate to directly represent constituents, the successful individual would be able to draw on their own personal student perspective during Board meetings. When casting your vote in in the upcoming election, remember that it goes towards a real human and not any promise of the future. I have a lot of experience being a student and serving functions similar to the Student Governor role in professional and academic environments. I also know how to have a laugh or two. Learn more online. Sincerely, Natalia Kondratieva
Atif Usmani	WHY VOTE FOR ME? Find out more online. Watch promo video online.IF YOU KNOW ME: Ask yourself this? Do I trust him to be my voice? Can he deliver my message? Does he speak his mind? Is he helpful? Does he fear interaction? DON’T KNOW ME? I am driven, motivated, committed, helpful, caring, outspoken, fair, fearless, Leader, problem solver, RESPONSIBLE! The list goes on, but I’m out of allowable space. I believe you have your answer, go vote ATIF USMANI March 28, 8:30 am- April 1, 4:30 pm

 

Voting will open at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 28.  For more information visit our election webpage at www.durhamcollege.ca/studentgovernor.

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

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD), observed every March 21, was established by the United Nations in 1966 to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960. In Canada, this day provides an opportunity to recommit our efforts to combat all forms of racial discrimination, injustice and systemic racism to ensure a world where everyone is respected, safe and has equal access to contribute meaningfully to all aspects of society.

The elimination of racial discrimination and racism is an essential part of Durham College’s efforts to cultivate an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment.

In honour of this day, the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will be hosting the following events:

Celebrate Black Mental Health Month with Restore
Join the Restore Team to celebrate Black Mental Health Month. Relax during our hour-long clinic and experience a series of mindful questions to encourage open dialogue, as well as movement-based activities, such as yoga, breathing techniques and meditation. Create tools to access wellness and joy, and take away calming mediation and energizing breathing techniques to tap into when you need them most!

When: Monday, March 21 from Noon to 1 p.m.

Please register in advance.

Creative Writing Re-Imagined
In this interactive student workshop, learn and expand upon your understanding of decolonization and its many facets, including neo-colonization and how this “trickle-down” has affected BIPOC Canadians’ relationship to rest, happiness, ourselves and more. Discuss maintaining self-safety, biases and how to identify microaggressions. Join in to learn, unlearn and ground yourself with a journal exercise. Please note this session is open to students who identify as Indigenous, Black, Persons of Color, 2SLGBTQIA+ and allies.

When: Monday, March 21 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Please register in advance.

Today is International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This powerful day marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity as groups worldwide come together to celebrate women’s achievements and rally for women’s equality.

This year’s theme, #BreakTheBias, imagines a gender-equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination, and one that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

This week, Durham College (DC) is hosting three exciting virtual events to celebrate International Women’s Day from multiple departments across the college, including the Career Development office, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC), Durham College Alumni Association (DCAA) and the Durham College Student Association (DCSA).

Help #BreakTheBias this year by attending one of these events and learning more about issues facing women today.

Traditional Medicines in the Modern World: Women’s Medicines
Tuesday, March 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The FPIC invites you to join Joseph Pitawanakwat, founder and director of Creators Garden, as he shares his knowledge of plant medicines in part one of Traditional Medicines in the Modern World. During this virtual event, Joseph will be exploring traditional plant medicines which support a healthy mind, body and spirit for women.

Register online.

DC Talks: Alumni Series “Forging Your Own Path” in celebration of International Women’s Day
Wednesday, March 9 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Global Classroom

Join co-hosts Don Lovisa, Durham College President, and Lon Appleby, professor, for a special alumni event as we celebrate International Women’s Day. DC graduates Lauren Bull (’06 Human Resources), Thao Nghiem (’18 Music Business Administration) and Jennifer Gaskell (’04 Public Relations) will discuss achieving an equal future and the opportunities and barriers they faced on their journey to establishing their brands and businesses. They will also be joined by Farha Khan (’20 Early Childhood Education) and her two daughters Madihah (’20 Fitness and Health Promotion) and Mehreen (’20 Fitness and Health Promotion). This event is brought to you by the DCAA and DCSA.

Register online.

Ontario Power Generation Women’s Day Panel
Watch the recording from March 3 online now.

DC and Ontario Tech University hosted this dynamic career-focused conversation with four inspiring women who have found rewarding careers at Ontario Power Generation, including:

• Cynthia Domjancic, senior vice president, Human Resources
• Samantha Cormier, field construction coordinator, Darlington Refurbishment
• Tana-Leigh Harty, corporate relations officer, Renewable Generation
• Felicia Seegobin, senior procurement specialist, Darlington Refurbishment

They shared their stories about the challenges they’ve faced, victories they’ve enjoyed and resilience they’ve found within themselves to inspire the next generation of women entering the workforce.

This message is being shared on behalf of Melissa Pringle, chief returning officer, Durham College Board of Governors. 

Nominations are now open for the 2022-2023 student governor position on the Durham College (DC) Board of Governors.

Here’s what you need to know:

Constituency group	One (1) student governor position for the DC Board of Governors.
Term of office	One year, starting September 21, 2022 and ending Wednesday, August 31, 2023.
Candidate eligibility	Any DC student who: Is enrolled in a program of instruction, carrying a minimum course load of 50 per cent. Is in good academic standing. Has no academic integrity alerts or student conduct violations on their record.
Time commitment	Approximately 10 to 15 hours per month.
Compensation	This is a volunteer position.
What’s involved?	The DC student governor will: Represent the college as student governor for the 2022-2023 academic year. Help shape the future and strategic direction of the college, providing the student perspective. Attend board and standing committee meetings. Have the opportunity to participate in professional development opportunities and special events.
Nomination period	Monday, March 7 to Friday, March 11
Campaign period	Wednesday, March 16 to Friday, March 25
Voting period	Monday, March 28 to Friday, April 1

 

For more information visit: www.durhamcollege.ca/studentgovernor

Durham College’s campus partner, Ontario Tech University, has been negotiating with their Faculty Association (FA), which represents the university’s tenured, tenure-track, teaching faculty and limited-term faculty members, to reach a new collective agreement.

We are pleased to advise that an agreement has been reached and the strike and picketing at Ontario Tech has ended, with normal operations and classes at the university to resume on Monday, February 28.

Students in the Nursing – Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program and School of Business, IT & Management bridge programs whose classes were paused due to the strike should reach out to their Ontario Tech professors for more information regarding classes restarting if they have not already heard from the university.

If you are interested in learning more, please visit the Ontario Tech labour relations website.

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

Dear colleagues and students,

This morning news emerged regarding conflict in the Ukraine. As more details become available, I recognize that this may be a difficult period for members of our campus community who may have family, friends and colleagues impacted by this international situation.

I would like to remind everyone that confidential counselling services are always available for employees and students who require support during this difficult time.

For students:

• Campus Health and Wellness Centre:
  • Phone: 905.721.3037
  • Email: CHWC@durhamcollege.ca
  • Live chat: https://durhamcollege.ca/student-life/health-and-wellness/campus-health-centre
• Good2Talk Helpline (24/7): 1.866.925.5454
• M. Well Student Assistance Program: 1.877.554.6935

 

For employees:

• Lifeworks (formerly Morneau Shepell) available 24/7:
  • Phone: 1.844.880.9142
  • TTY: 1.877.338.0275
  • Web: workhealthlife.com

This message is being sent on behalf of the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

This is a reminder about the virtual events being held in honour of Black History Month.

Hosted by the Black Student Success Network (BSSN), in partnership with the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (OEDI), the Durham College community is invited to join in learning, reflection and celebration as we continue to build an environment with respect and understanding.

Glass Walls: Higher Education and the Black ExperienceKeynote Speaker: Eternity Martis
When: Wednesday, February 23 from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Reclaiming Black Joy
When: Thursday, February 24 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
This event is open to all students who identify as members of the Black community.

Registration is required for both events. For full details, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/events.

Upcoming event

Black Mental Health Day
Tuesday, March 1 is Black Mental Health Day and Durham College (DC) is joining in to help drive meaningful progress in the health and well-being of Black communities.

Restore: Honouring Black Mental Health Day
Established in 2020, and recognized by communities across Ontario, this day aims to raise awareness of the impacts of anti-Black racism on mental health and to encourage systemic change. We are honoured to have Hill Studio’s Black Wellness practitioners facilitate this interactive session to provide continued learning on the impacts of racial trauma, share practical tools to restore joy and open up dialogue for healing and reflection.

When: Tuesday, March 1 from 12 to 1 p.m.
Where: Online
Please register in advance to participate.