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 the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. 

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

The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is proud to share the following in-person and virtual events with all members of the campus community to help raise awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts, and share knowledge and strategies to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence. Registration is only required if it’s indicated. 

We are also collecting new and unopened items such as female personal hygiene products, clothing, kids’ toys, and toiletries between November 25 and December 10 for local Violence Against Women Shelters. Donation boxes will be setup at the entrance of the Student Services and Gordon Willey Building, however, please drop off gift cards directly to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Room C106.     

Event details: 

Women’s Abuse Awareness Event hosted by The Women’s Committee of Durham Region 

November 27 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. 

Ontario Tech, 61 Charles St., Downtown Oshawa  

We also encourage you to wear purple on November 27 to demonstrate your support and commitment to ending gender-based violence.

Campus and Community Gender-based Violence Resource Sharing 

November 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Vendors Alley, Oshawa Campus 

Student Workshop – “Understanding Healthy Relationships and Sexual Violence” 

November 29 at 2:00 p.m. 

Oshawa campus, Room G213 

A virtual option is available at 10 a.m., to attend this session please register online. 

Campus and Community Gender-based Violence Resource Sharing 

December 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Whitby Campus, front entrance atrium 

National Day of Remembrance Memorial Ceremony 

December 6 

• Oshawa campus, Centre for Innovation and Research (CIR), Room 102, at 10 a.m. 
• Whitby Campus, front entrance atrium at 2 p.m. 

Student Workshop – Understanding Healthy Relationships and Sexual Violence 

December 8 at 2 p.m. 

Whitby campus, Main building, Room 1-12 

Please register online. 

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 gender-based violence and 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 us online for more resources and support.   

If you are experiencing any form of gender-based violence or questioning your safety, please seek help immediately. 

On-campus supports include: 

• The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion’s Sexual Violence Education and Prevention Coordinator available via email atSVsupport@durhamcollege.ca. Campus Security and Safety can be contacted at extension 2400 from a campus landline or 905.721.3211 from a mobile phone. 

For off-campus support, please call 911. 

This message is sent on behalf of Durham College Communications. 

Durham College is aware of a disturbing video of an alleged DC student making antisemitic comments in support of terrorism. Per our Student Conduct Policy, the Office of Campus Safety has contacted the individual and is taking all necessary actions, including working with the Durham Regional Police Service on this matter. 

Durham College unequivocally condemns the inflammatory statements made in this video and does not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any form of hate, discrimination or promotion of acts of violence. DC is a welcoming, inclusive and diverse community, and we remain committed to non-violence and the safety and well-being of the DC community.  

Should you need support, please reach out to one of the options listed below. 

1. Campus Health and Wellness Centre: 905-721-3037, CHWC@durhamcollege.ca or Livechat 
2. I.M. Well Student Assistance Program: 1-877-554-6935 
3. Good2Talk Helpline (24/7): 1-866-925-5454 
4. First Peoples Indigenous Centre: indigenous@durhamcollege.ca 
5. Access and Support Centre: ASC@durhamcollege.ca   

Every third week of November, Durham College joins organizations around the world to recognize International Education Week (IEW), an opportunity to highlight the benefits of international education including enhanced teaching and learning through internationalized curriculum, global applied research and student mobility. 

DC’s celebration of #IEW2023 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 13 to 17, DC is hosting events at both the Whitby and Oshawa campuses and virtually, to showcase our intercultural community and provide employees opportunities to explore 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. 

A Community Cultural Mosaic
Tuesday, November 14, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Pit, Oshawa Campus  

​Celebrate IEW and Canada’s cultural mosaic!

At 10:30, the Pit starts to buzz as Executive Vice-President, Academic, Dr. Elaine Popp kicks off our community cultural mosaic for #DCIEW2023. Stick around for performances and to visit booths showcasing Durham Region culture.

No registration required. Refreshments will be available.  

  

International Street Food Festival
Friday, November 17, 11 a.m. to noon
CFF Atrium, Whitby Campus  

Join us for the tastiest event of the year – the International Street Food Festival! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering array of flavors from around the world.   

Join us in the Centre for Food Atrium, Whitby Campus to cheer on your favourite Culinary student team for a tasting competition, with an international flair. The student team with the most votes will win a prize.  

All are welcome; registration is required as spots are very limited.   

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-street-food-festival-tickets-740890923697?aff=oddtdtcreator 

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:

• Campus Safety winter safety tips
  
• 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 sent on behalf of Traci Ellis, director, Marketing and Student Recruitment. Please direct any inquiries toRachel Beerman, student recruitment marketing specialist, Communications and Marketing. 

Are you interested in furthering your studies? You’re invited to our College Information Program (CIP) events hosted at Durham College (DC) on Thursday, October 26. 

Connect with representatives from over 20 Ontario colleges to learn about programs, admission requirements and campus life. Campus tours will also be offered.  

At our Oshawa campus, the event will be held in the Global Classroom of the Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE) from 10 a.m. to noon.   

At our Whitby campus, you’ll find it in the front atrium of the main building from 6 to 8 p.m.   

Share your #DCpride and invite others who may be interested in experiencing all that DC has to offer. 

Dear Durham College graduating class of 2023,

As you approach the final stretch of your academic journey, we’re excited to inform you that graduation photo spots will be available for booking starting October 30.

Here’s what you need to know:

Booking Date: Starting October 30
Locations: Student Centre Building, room 217
How to Book: Visit our dedicated grad photo booking website and select your preferred date and time. Spaces are limited, but more dates to come as spots fill up!

If you have questions or need further assistance, our dedicated photography team at Lassman Studios is ready to help. You can reach out to them at questions@lassmanstudios.com for any inquiries.

We encourage you to book your photo session early, as spots tend to fill quickly. This will allow you to pick a date and time that best suits your schedule. Whether you’re celebrating with friends and family or going solo, these photos will be a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Dear students and colleagues,

It has been a tragic and unsettling weekend as we learn of the outbreak of war in Israel and devastating earthquakes in Afghanistan. Our thoughts are with our students and employees, their families and our broader community, who are directly or indirectly impacted by these events.

Our Durham College community extends far beyond our campuses, and many of our students and employees have family and friends in both of these affected places. When devastating events like this happen, their impact is felt deeply here, too. It is reassuring in times of crises how our community comes together to support each other. We will continue to encourage the respectful, welcoming and supportive environment we are known for at DC.

​As we closely watch these events unfold with care and concern, please know that we are here for you. Confidential counselling services are always available for employees and students. Links to resources are below.

For students:

• Campus Health and Wellness Centre: 905-721-3037, CHWC@durhamcollege.ca or Li​vechat
• Durham College Student Association – SupportHub: email DCSA.SupportHub@durhamcollege.ca or online https://mydcsa.ca/support-hub/
• I.M. Well Student Assistance Program: 1-877-554-6935
• Good2Talk Helpline (24/7): 1-866-925-5454
• First Peoples Indigenous Centre: indigenous@durhamcollege.ca
• Access and Support Centre: ASC@durhamcollege.ca

For employees:
TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks) services can be accessed anytime by phone at 1-844-880-9142 or TTY Service at 1-877-338-0275 or at www.workhealthlife.com.

Tomorrow, Durham College (DC) recognizes the 10^th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day and the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which calls for remembrance, reflection and action around the history and impact of residential schools on First Nations, Inuit and Métis families and communities.

As an organization, DC is committed to reconciliation, with the goal of building respectful, reciprocal relationships that contribute to better educational outcomes for all students. And, as an education institution, we are committed to providing space for meaningful conversations and reflection on the impacts of residential schools and their legacy as well as resources to learn more about the history of Indigenous Peoples, and ways to take meaningful steps towards reconciliation.

Today, we are hosting an event together with Ontario Tech University in The Rotary Global Classroom for informative sessions on Indigenous history and culture from speakers Kevin Lamoureux, award-winning scholar from the University of Winnipeg; Elder Dorothy Taylor, a Mississauga Ojibwe Elder from Curve Lake First Nation known for her work and traditional teachings about the sacredness of water; and Elder Dr. Shirley Williams, who is Midewiwin and a member of the Bird Clan from the Wikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island. If you’re able, please join us.

You are also encouraged to review the many resources and learning opportunities​ shared last week 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.

In recognition of this important day, today, the Every Child Matters flag has been raised to honour children who attended residential schools. Tomorrow, the flags at the Whitby and Oshawa campuses will be lowered to half-mast and, at sundown, the DC sign and Connect sculpture at the bus loop at the Oshawa campus, and the atrium at the Whitby campus main building, will be illuminated orange.

As a Durham College community, I encourage everyone to take time to remember, reflect and, most importantly, take action toward reconciliation.​

This message is being sent on behalf of Tom Lynch, director, Office of Campus Safety. Please direct inquiries to tom.lynch@dc-uoit.ca.  

As a follow up to our earlier message regarding the stabbing incident at the Whitby campus today, police have concluded that this is an isolated incident and there is no risk to our campus community. Classes at the Whitby campus will resume as usual tomorrow, September 26.  

The safety and well-being of our campus community is of the utmost importance to Durham College, and the college’s Office of Campus Safety is working with Durham Regional Police Service on this investigation. Our thoughts are with the injured student and those impacted by this troubling incident.  

If you need support, please access the resources below. 

For students: 

• Campus Health and Wellness Centre: 905-721-3037, CHWC@durhamcollege.ca or Livechat
  
• I.M. Well Student Assistance Program: 1-877-554-6935 
• Good2Talk Helpline (24/7): 1-866-925-5454 
• First Peoples Indigenous Centre: indigenous@durhamcollege.ca 
• Access and Support Centre: ASC@durhamcollege.ca 

For employees:
TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks) services can be accessed anytime by phone at 1-844-880-9142 or TTY Service at 1-877-338-0275 or at www.workhealthlife.com. 

As we welcome the fall season – a time of year that typically brings a rise in cold, flu and other respiratory illnesses – students are reminded that we all play a part in creating a safe and healthy campus environment at Durham College (DC).  

Please protect yourself and those around you by staying home if you’re sick, cleaning your hands regularly and practicing respiratory etiquette. If an illness is related to COVID-19 or other respiratory sicknesses, please refer to Durham Region Public Health. 

Illnesses that impact remote or in-person attendance should be reported to your Faculty office. If you have any questions, please contact your Faculty office.

Masks are no longer required on campus; however, DC remains a mask-friendly college, and those who choose to wear one will be respected for their decisions.  

DC continues to consult with public health authorities, monitor provincial guidelines and make health and safety decisions based on current public health conditions and directions. 

Thank you for helping to ensure the health and safety of our campus community.