This message is being sent on behalf of Nikki Samuel, director, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Please direct inquiries to Tyler Creces, sexual violence educator and support co-ordinator, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

The Durham College (DC) community is invited to participate in this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, from Thursday, November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to Friday, December 10 (World Human Rights Day).

What is gender-based violence?

“Gender-based violence involves the use and abuse of power and control over another person and is perpetrated against someone based on their gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender. Violence against women and girls is one form of gender-based violence. It also has a disproportionate impact on LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and two-spirit) and gender non-conforming people.” (Status of Women Canada, 2018)

The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion will be hosting two virtual sessions to engage in pivotal discussions that focus on the practical steps and actions we can take to create an inclusive environment for all in our respective communities:

16 to 365: Awareness to Action
Emerging data and reports during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the significant increase in gender-based violence which continues to strain the health care system, essential services and frontline workers. While supporting marginalized communities impacted by gender-based violence, many of those providing frontline care and support services have felt the strain on their mental health and ability to work effectively. This session explores the signs of burnout, stress and compassion fatigue, addresses ways to strengthen resilience and offers self-compassion tools and strategies for those providing support to our communities.

When: Thursday, November 25 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Please register in advance to participate.

Anti-Blackness in Gender Justice Movements
This webinar will look at the colonial roots of gender-based violence within Black communities and takes an intersectional Black-feminist approach to discussing survivor believability and support services within post-secondary environments. This session will introduce and explore the concepts of misogynoir, texturism, colourism, disability justice and anti-2sLGBTQQIA violence and its impact on Black communities. Participants will explore their role and responsibilities in promoting environments that address the intersections of anti-Black racism and gender-based violence.

When: Monday, December 6 from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Please register in advance to participate.

The DC community is invited to join the conversation and participate in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign facilitated on social media. Follow along on Instagram with @yesmeansyesatdc.

To learn more about how gender-based violence continues to impact our communities and how we can be allies in the fight against it, please visit 16dayscampaign.org/.

The colder temperatures have arrived and with it comes the threat of challenging winter weather.

The purpose of this message is to inform students and employees on how Durham College (DC) approaches decisions about campus closures and how we will communicate with you, should we be impacted by inclement winter weather. During most days of the winter season, DC’s campuses remain open and activities unaffected.

Should a campus closure occur, DC will post relevant information on the college’s campus status webpage, our social media accounts, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as the DC Mobile App, as quickly as possible.

Depending on the situation, we will also:

• Email students and employees;
• Forward messages to regional radio and television stations; and
• Communicate via other means, as needed.

Please note: school board bus cancellations do not mean that DC will close.

At all times, regardless of weather conditions, DC reminds you to allow for plenty of time when coming to campus, as well as to travel with caution and care, especially if you are in an area heavily affected by the weather. If you are scheduled to be on campus and cannot get there, contact your supervisor or professor regarding your absence.

Important links:

• What does a campus closure mean to me?
• Inclement weather procedure
• Timing of closures
• Ontario Ministry of Transportation winter driving information
• Environment Canada weather forecasts for Ontario (select your town or city from the list)
• Durham Region Transit
• GO Transit

This message is being shared on behalf of Tara Koski, dean, Students. Questions can be directed to healthpromotions@durhamcollege.ca

At Durham College (DC), we understand that all members of the college community play an active and vital role in supporting the mental health and wellness of our students and employees.

Established in 2020, the College Wellness Committee (CWC) is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of all members of Durham College’s campus community and promoting best practices to foster resilience. The Mental Health and Well-being Framework, developed based on the National Standard of Canada, outlines the guiding principles under which DC operates in order to protect and promote wellness within the campus community.

This philosophy provides a strong foundation upon which to expand DC’s efforts and commitment to the goal of an inclusive, robust and flexible framework and set of services that meets the needs of all members of the DC community.

Learn more about the mental health and wellness services available to DC students.

This message is being shared on behalf of Jenna Peace, executive chairperson of 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.

While we cannot gather as a community as we have in the past on Remembrance Day, there are still a number of ways Durham College (DC) employees and students can honour our veterans and active service members.

In place of our traditional in-person ceremony, the DCSA and college have created a Remembrance Day video to help us commemorate the sacrifices made by so many to ensure the freedoms Canadians enjoy today. Please watch it as you think of our service members, past and present.

Additionally, members of the DC community representing veterans, students, employees, alumni, and leadership will be laying wreaths at the Whitby and Oshawa campuses and will participate in a moment of silence. The Oshawa wreath-laying will be livestreamed at 11 a.m. and can be watched online via Facebook or Zoom webinar.

We also encourage you to pay tribute today to our veterans and active service members by:

• Wearing a poppy.
• Sharing your thanks on social media using #RemembranceDay.
• Observing a moment of silence at 11 a.m. wherever you are.
• Watching the Royal Canadian Legion’s National Remembrance Day Ceremony livestream from Ottawa at 10:45 a.m.
• Participating in the City of Oshawa’s virtual ceremony, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

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

This message is being sent on behalf of Nikki Samuel, director, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Please direct inquiries to Tyler Creces, sexual violence educator and support co-ordinator, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

In light of recent media stories about incidences at some post-secondary campuses, Durham College (DC) remains committed to addressing sexual violence and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for the DC community.

Over the last year, the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion has been collaborating with its community partner, the Durham Rape Crisis Centre, to create a Sexual Violence First Aid Training course for students.

This course has been designed to educate students about the impacts of sexual violence, as well as how to support a survivor. Participants will learn about trauma-informed approaches and will be provided with helpful tools and resources. Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to:

• Identify sexual violence in its variety of forms (i.e. acts of sexual violence, impacts on survivors, substance use, consent, human trafficking, etc.).
• Increase their awareness of the myths and misconceptions regarding sexual violence and it’s impacts on survivors.

• Learn how to respond and communicate with a survivor.
• Gain relevant skills to address and respond to a disclosure of sexual violence.
• Improve knowledge of relevant supports, resources, reporting options and safety planning tools.

To register, log in to DC Connect and open the Sexual Violence First Aid Training module located under the self-registration tab.

Students are reminded that resources are available online to all members of the DC community who have been impacted by sexual violence, regardless of when or where the violence took place. If you need assistance, please contact the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at svsupport@durhamcollege.ca.

All Durham College (DC) students are advised that, as part of our commitment to maintaining optimal systems and operations, an outage of MyDC/MyCampus and related systems will occur from Friday, November 12 at 5 p.m. to Monday, November 15 at 6 a.m. for system upgrades.

In the event an extended outage is required, systems will be brought back online on Tuesday, November 16 at 6 a.m. Further communication will be distributed should this circumstance arise.

This outage will accommodate an upgrade to the core administrative information system shared by DC and Ontario Tech University.

During the outage, all MyDC/MyCampus self-service applications will not be available, including:

• Web Time Entry
• Adding/dropping classes
• Advisor services
• Applicant portal
• Application to graduate
• Course book lists
• Fee statements
• Financial Aid profile
• Grades
• Password changes
• Preview available courses
• Student account/fee info and credit card payments
• Student/faculty schedule
• Student exam schedule
• Web transcripts

Other services not available during the outage include:

• Online COVID-19 pre-screening questionnaire (Security will accept paper and digital copies of second vaccination receipts for entry in its place and verbally screen individuals for COVID-19 symptoms at the door)

The following services will be available with little or no impact during the outage:

• Non-self-serve applications of MyDC/MyCampus
• DC Connect
• MyDC/MyCampus link to DC Connect
• Wireless network (CAMPUS-AIR)
• OneCard (ID card database)
• Student email accounts
• Targeted messages and announcements

There will be limited availability to:

• Blackboard transact (meal plan)
• Class (Athletics)
• Clockwork (new students who have never used the system will not be able to use the system)
• Campus Library software

It’s launch day – MyCampus has officially become MyDC!

You can now visit www.durhamcollege.ca/MyDC to access the same important administrative and academic information that MyCampus offered, but with a new mobile-friendly redesign that makes it easier to find the information you need.

All your self-service options, like checking grades or viewing your timetable, applying for bursaries, paying your tuition is available through MyDC in the upper right-hand corner.

MyDC also provides access to:

• DC Mail
• DC Connect
• Important dates and deadlines
• Announcements
• Resources
• Helpful links

To learn more about using MyDC, watch this tutorial video. For questions regarding MyDC, please contact dccares@durhamcollege.ca.

Durham College’s (DC) fall graduation festivities have begun with the exciting launch of our Fall Convocation Recognition website!

While a physical ceremony isn’t possible at this time, DC is proud to acknowledge the hard work and perseverance of our graduates. The recognition website is filled with many of the components typically seen at convocation, including important graduation information, celebratory shout-outs and more!

Upon arriving to the website, graduating students can expect to find:

• A commemorative video featuring well wishes from college leadership.
• Graduate shout-outs and recognition submitted by family, friends and faculty.
• A list of frequently asked questions related to graduation.
• Links to order DC merchandise, from grad rings to flowers.
• Information about life after graduation and the benefits of becoming a DC Alumni.
• Digital DC swag to share #DCGrad2021 pride on social media.

All DC students and employees are encouraged to take part in the virtual convocation celebrations by visiting the Fall Convocation Recognition website and joining in the conversation on social media with the hashtag #DCGrad2021.

Congratulations to all our fall graduates! We are so DC Proud of you.

From November 1 to 7, Durham College (DC) will be acknowledging Treaties Recognition Week.

The Government of Ontario has declared the first week of November as Treaties Recognition Week to honour the treaty relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and communities. This important week highlights the framework and agreement between Nations sharing land traditionally occupied by Indigenous peoples.

Durham College is situated on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nations, which is part of the Williams Treaties signed in November 1923 by the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Seven First Nation, including the Mississaugas and Chippewas of this territory. Understanding the spirit, intent and history of treaty relationships is important for building new relationships of mutual respect and benefit between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

The First Peoples Indigenous Centre (FPIC) invites the campus community to learn more about treaty relationships in Canada by participating in the following events:

Trick or Treaty Booths
Stop by our Trick or Treaty booth for an opportunity to learn more about the treaty relationships in Canada while enjoying some tasty Halloween treats.

WHEN
Monday, November 1 – Main Entrance Hallway, Whitby campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesday, November 2 – The Pit, Oshawa campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Film screening: Trick or Treaty?
Join us in the First Peoples Indigenous Centre for a film screening of Trick or Treaty?

Synopsis: Trick or Treaty? is a 2014 Canadian documentary by Alanis Obomsawin about Treaty 9, a 1905 agreement in which First Nations peoples in northern Ontario surrendered their sovereign rights.

WHEN

November 3 – First Peoples Indigenous Centre from 2 to 4 p.m.

Please register in advance to participate.

Additional details on how you can get involved, as well as resources to help you learn more about the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, are available the FPIC site.

We hope you can join us to mark this important week, as we all work towards increasing awareness and understanding of our shared history by acknowledging our role and responsibility in reconciliation.

This message is being shared on behalf of Carol Beam, Associate Vice-President, Communications and Marketing.

 More than 400 students provided feedback on the current MyCampus design, and we listened!

 On Thursday, November 4, DC is launching a redesigned MyCampus and will include a new name for the portal – MyDC.

 Here’s what you can expect from MyDC:

• Newly added important dates and deadlines section.
• Updated icons for quick access to commonly used options.
• Mobile-first design, meaning important DC information is easier to access on the go using your mobile device.
• There is no need to sign in to view the MyDC page – you’ll only need to log in to access your secure information.
• Access to DC Mail and DC Connect.
• Self-Service options, like adding or dropping classes, applying for bursaries, checking grades and more, will still be available by logging in through MyDC. 

 The same important administrative and academic information that MyCampus offered, with a greater emphasis on the areas you use the most.   

 Over the next couple of weeks, more information about MyDC will be released, including a video tutorial showing you the site’s features.