Access to the immigration solutions platform expands student services from admission to post-graduation outcomes

OSHAWA, Ontario, May 1, 2024 — Durham College (DC) and BorderPass announced a new strategic partnership today that will provide international students with added services and support to help guide their immigration journey.

From application to post-graduation, BorderPass’ trusted online platform will help provide a seamless immigration experience for DC applicants and enrolled international students. This partnership aligns with DC’s commitment to provide a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for international students at both its Oshawa and Whitby campuses and in the local community. It also complements the existing services and expertise of DC’s International Education Office and is backed by DC’s International Student Advisors and BorderPass’ in-house immigration lawyers and experts.

DC’s applicants will receive study permit application preparation, as well as review and filing services, including the submission of their Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) through BorderPass by Canadian immigration lawyers; services which are already included in their fees.

“We are proud to welcome students from around the world to Durham College and this partnership with BorderPass enhances our ongoing commitment to supporting their academic success and well-being,” said Thom MacDonald, Dean, International Education, at Durham College. “By encompassing every aspect of the student journey, from admission to employment, we’re setting a new standard of support for our international students.”

Once enrolled at DC, international students’ BorderPass membership includes:

• Notifications of key dates, plus continuous monitoring and management of their visas and immigration documentation in BorderPass’ Document Vault to help ensure compliance.
• Relationships with Canadian immigration lawyers and access to professional legal immigration experts, through group workshops and email/chat support with prompt response times.
• Ongoing Express Entry score tracking and management, providing students with visibility, guidance and tips on their permanent residency pathways and relevant employment outcomes.

Essential services such as Social Insurance Number (SIN) registration, and preferred rates on follow-on immigration services including study permit extensions, co-op permits, work permits, spousal permits and family support.

By integrating these wrap-around services, students have access to more resources they need to thrive. The partnership is designed to not only enhance the student experience but also to support Canada’s goals of attracting and retaining talented people from around the world to address critical labour market shortages. Access to the BorderPass platform will continue to assist DC’s international students should they choose to pursue post-graduation work opportunities and permanent residence.

Jonathan Sherman, Head of Sales and Partnerships at BorderPass, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership’s potential impact.

“This partnership demonstrates our joint commitment to providing international students with added transparency and control over their immigration journeys,” he states. “Student support helps position Durham College as a top choice for global talent, which in turn helps fill critical employment gaps and boost Canada’s economic growth. Together, we’re working to give students tools they need to succeed and contribute meaningfully to our community and economy.”

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contact
Carmen Doucette
Senior Communications Officer, Durham College
carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca

 

About BorderPass 

BorderPass is an award-winning digital platform designed to simplify the immigration journey for students, newcomers, educational institutions, and employers. The platform provides tools and lawyer-verified guidance to study, work, and live in a new country with a full spectrum of services including visa applications, document management, and practical settlement assistance such as housing and career support.

BorderPass was developed by experts in law and technology who believe that increasing access to legal support improves immigration outcomes. This approach facilitates a smooth transition for over tens of thousands of newcomers on the platform, enables regulatory compliance for leading colleges and universities, and promotes sustainable growth for local communities and national economies. For more information, visit borderpass.ca.

Media Contact
Michael Pietrocarlo
Head of Marketing, BorderPass
michael@borderpass.ca

Spots still available for program’s first intake in May

Early Childhood Educators looking to take on leadership roles can now gain the necessary skills through a series of new micro-credentials offered by Durham College (DC) in partnership with the Region of Durham.

The Supervision and Leadership in Early Childhood Education micro-credentials are fully online and are offered by DC’s Professional and Part-time Learning department. Registered Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) with good academic standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators are eligible and invited to apply.

These micro-credentials focus on developing financial management and the leadership skills that are critical for the role of a supervisor. Students will use simulation, case studies and mentorship to develop skills to effectively recruit and supervise staff, manage budgetary requirements and maintain accurate records and standards within an early childhood education centre.

“We are proud to offer these micro-credentials which allow ECEs to enhance their careers while supporting critical needs in early childhood education centres,” said Nora Simpson, Executive Dean, Faculty of Liberal Studies and Professional and Part-Time Learning at DC. “With this flexible delivery model, we are supporting students while also supporting families who rely on child care programs across the region and province.”

The opportunity is offered in partnership with the Region of Durham, the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada as part of the Canada-Ontario Early Childhood Workforce Agreement, which provided one-time federal funding to support retention and recruitment of a high-quality child care and early years workforce.

“This is an exciting time to work in early learning and child care, because the system is growing and it needs a skilled workforce,” said Julie Gaskin, Director of Children’s Services for The Regional Municipality of Durham. “The Supervision and Leadership in Early Childhood Education micro-credentials will support ECEs in developing their skills and building their career in this very rewarding sector, making a positive difference for families in our community.”

Financial support is available to eligible applicants in the form of an education grant, travel grant and training allowance. Learn more about these government grants at www.ecegrants.on.ca.

Students can apply now to start in May.

About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contact
Lindsay Holley
Communications, Durham College
lindsay.holley@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – More than 600 high school students from across the province gathered at Durham College’s (DC) Oshawa campus to put their engineering skills and student-designed robots to the test by participating in sport-like games at the 2024 FIRST® Robotics Durham College District Competition, this past weekend.

More than 20 challenge teams used sophisticated technology to build and program industrial-sized 120lb robots and compete in an action-packed, alliance-based game on a themed field. With the guidance of industry professionals, students used their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to operate their robots and used problem-solving skills that apply to real-world situations.

As one of Canada’s leading colleges, DC was the perfect backdrop for the district competition, which encouraged participants to consider a future education in the in-demand STEM fields.

“We’re proud to once again be sponsoring and hosting the annual FIRST® Robotics Durham College District Competition this weekend,” said Tony Doyle, Executive Dean, Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Information Technology, and interim Executive Dean, Faculty of Business, DC, at the competition on Saturday. “This event is always an exciting time for us since we get to see the bright, young, STEM enthusiasts using their imagination, engineering and teamwork skills in an exciting new way.”

This year’s arts-inspired game theme – CRESCENDO – provided a unique twist for challenge teams by encouraging students to raise funds, hone teamwork skills, and advance respect and appreciation for STEM education within the local community through the development of outreach events, marketing plans, and even fundraising initiatives.

“We know that the skills they learn during this competition are the building blocks for success in post-secondary learning and lead to rewarding careers in STEM and skilled trades,” added Doyle.

At the end of the exhilarating weekend, three teams were crowned as the FIRST Robotics Durham College District Competition Champions: Team 1241 “Theory6” and Team 1285 “The Biggest Birds” both from Rick Hansen Secondary School in Mississauga, and Team 9621 “Payload” a community team from Whitby. In addition to their champion title, Team 1241 “Theory6” also received FIRST‘s highest honour, the FIRST Impact Award.

A full list of FIRST Robotics award winners can be found online.

 

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

 

Media Contact
Carmen Doucette
Communications and Marketing
carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca

$750,000 donation supports electric vehicle education and innovation

Durham College’s (DC) new, state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) lab has been named the Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre, in recognition of the generous support of philanthropists Edmond and Sylvia Vanhaverbeke.

The family’s most recent donation of $750,000 – bringing their total giving to DC to $1 million – demonstrates their commitment to supporting higher education and innovation. The new name was unveiled at a ceremony at DC’s Whitby campus on February 8.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Vanhaverbeke family and The Edmond and Sylvia Vanhaverbeke Foundation for their unwavering support,” said DC president Don Lovisa. “Community support is essential to our success and this gift is a testament to the Vanhaverbeke family’s trust in Durham College and our commitment to hands-on learning and innovative skilled trades programs. This gift will help us create opportunities to lead the way in advancing EV and sustainable technology in the auto sector.”

The Vanhaverbeke Family EV Training Centre is part of a 9,060-square-foot expansion and revitalization of the main building at DC’s Whitby campus. The centre educates motive power technicians on EVs with programs centred on hands-on, experiential learning.

“Our family is grateful to be a part of such an important program at Durham College,” said Edmond Vanhaverbeke. “The growing EV market will play a vital role toward reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and it is exciting to be a part of that. Plus, we have Durham College alumni in our family and see the value of having a dynamic post-secondary institution within Durham Region educating in the cutting-edge trades that drive our economy locally and beyond.”

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contacts

Reka Szekely
Communications, Durham College
reka.szekely@durhamcollege.ca

Nominations for 2024 Alumni of Distinction award now open

Oshawa, ON – With thousands of alumni making a mark in their communities, Durham College (DC) is now accepting nominations to recognize the trailblazers among them through the Alumni of Distinction Awards.

DC’s remarkable alumni community exceeds 110,000 people who play impactful roles both locally and internationally. Since 1990, over 100 alumni have been honoured with the Alumni of Distinction Award. Recipients are chosen for their professional, community and personal accomplishments, contributions to the advancement of DC, and the scope of impact for their achievements. Winners have ranged from respected medical practitioners and educators to accomplished broadcasters and engineers.

“A Durham College education has been a launching pad for tremendous success for our alumni in both their personal and professional lives,” said Don Lovisa, DC President. “Celebrating their exceptional accomplishments through these awards offers a unique opportunity to recognize and applaud their achievements as they serve as the inspiration for the upcoming generation of DC alumni leaders.”

The 2023 Alumni of Distinction included Edmonton Oilers executive Stew MacDonald, Top Chef Canada winner Tre Sanderson and Christine Cunningham, founder and executive director of Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario.

Nomination forms are available online at durhamcollege.ca/alumniofdistinction and should be submitted to alumni@durhamcollege.ca before 5 p.m. on Friday, March 1. The awards will be presented at DC’s Spring Convocation in June.

 

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,700 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including six honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media contact:

Reka Szekely
Communications Officer
Durham College
reka.szekely@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Mental health and well-being looks different for everyone, but for athletes, there is a unique feeling of pressure, expectations and the desire to win.

To help address this pressure and encourage student-athletes to prioritize their mental health, Durham College’s (DC) women’s volleyball team is partnering with HONE Athletics through a unique digital mental health platform that helps increase team communication and well-being through weekly check-ins.

According to Scott Dennis, Director, Athletics and Recreation, the DC women’s volleyball team has benefited tremendously from using HONE over the past year and expects to continue to see positive results this season.

The app works by prompting players to conveniently and anonymously answer survey questions based on a rating scale from their cell phone. The results are instantly delivered to the coaches, better equipping them with a snapshot of how their players are feeling.

“After using HONE, I’m more mindful of my team and the needs they may require,” says Tony Clarke, Head Coach, DC women’s volleyball team. “HONE provides helpful tips and strategies that could help with the team and players. It makes me look beyond coaching and try to understand what the athletes are going through.”

For Aislinn Pedersen, a DC Photography student and member of the women’s volleyball team, prioritizing her mental health is important as it not only affects her performance on the court but also her grades.

“My favourite thing about the HONE app is that it helps my team and me think about our own feelings and how it may be affecting our everyday life. This initiative has improved my team’s communication, which has helped us do more for each other on and off the court,” said Pedersen. “I love my team and I don’t know where I would be without them, I have had mental health struggles for years, but this team has helped me become a stronger person and I can’t thank them enough.”

HONE Athletics was created by Jessica Renney and Paula McQuaid, two sport psychotherapists who realized they needed a way to get ahead of the issues that athletes commonly face.

“When we make athlete mental health a priority; when we have a proper understanding of how to best support athletes; and when we pay careful attention to the environments in which they exist, we will see athletes thrive,” said McQuaid. “The women’s volleyball teams’ willingness to participate in HONE every week, coupled with the care and courage from their head coach, Tony Clarke, makes our partnership with DC a very special one.”

Learn more about the mental health and well-being services and resources available on campus, online.

 

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media Contact:
Carmen Doucette
Communications and Marketing
carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, ON – The Oshawa campus of Durham College (DC) played host to the brightest young minds in Ontario this weekend as they competed in the 2024 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge Ontario Provincial Championship.

More than 500 Grade 4 to 8 students took part in the DC-sponsored event, guided by adult coaches and cheered on by friends and family. Their engineering skills and student-designed LEGO-based robots were put to the test in a variety of challenges.

The theme of the event, MASTERPIECE, immersed students in the possibilities of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, while learning all the ways it can intersect with the arts. DC was the ideal setting for such a theme; our Mixed Reality Capture Studio is a prime example of how STEM can contribute to the arts, boasting state-of-the-art motion capture technology, VR headsets and virtual production capabilities.

“As we look to the future, the students here today are the ones who will not only dream of what’s possible, but take the steps to make it a reality,” said DC President Don Lovisa during Saturday’s opening ceremony. “Your imagination will change the way we experience and interact with art and technology in the years to come.”

After two days of friendly competition, Les robots-franco-zarts from Aurora placed first in the East division, and Stampsations from Mississauga placed first in the West division.

You can learn more about FIRST LEGO League online.

 

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs. 

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

Media contact:
Jason Chamberlain
Communications Officer
Durham College
jason.chamberlain@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – The rapidly evolving virtual production industry contributes over $3 billion to Ontario’s economy each year, helping to make Durham Region an innovative hub for industry professionals. More than 60 of those experts came together last week for Industry Day, hosted by Durham College (DC), to discuss emerging trends and predictions for the future of film and television through an engaging and collaborative conversation.

“Events like this celebrate the expertise of industry experts, our services at Durham College, and the future of applied research,” says Debbie McKee Demczyk, Dean, Office of Research Services, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) at DC. “It’s important to support the growing virtual production industry and the professionals who require innovative solutions for increased productivity and growth.”

Guest panellists at the event included Tristan Cezair, Escent Labs; Mike DiLisi, Ontario Power Generation; Käroli Grenman, Virtual Production House; and Tim Hatch, APG Media Group. Attendees also heard from Justin Cutler, Ontario Film Commissioner from Ontario Creates who shared his support and deep connection with DC. Additionally, Corey Ross, CEO of Lighthouse Immersive and Starvox Entertainment shared a thrilling keynote presentation featuring stories from throughout his career in virtual production, having brought spectacular film and art experiences, such as Disney Immersive, to life for people around the world. He shared his insights on the industry and the benefit to Durham Region by having services like the ones available at DC in the community.

“Access to government funding, access to developing new things, working with students and getting new and fresh ideas – I think all of that comes together in a really interesting way,” said Ross. “This is a business that needs to keep developing and getting new ideas. The public doesn’t want it to stay still, they’re coming to see something new, and the industry doesn’t want to sit still, so to have a hub of innovation like this at Durham College is wonderful.”

In 2023, DC ranked as one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges for the 10^th time thanks to its commitment to innovative thinking and world class services and talent that support Durham Region in new and dynamic ways. In the last three years, ORSIE, home to the college’s Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) studio which features one of only three Captury Live systems in Canada and provides clients with technical and advisory services, as well as training and research and development, has worked with over 300 client projects and hired more than 600 students to work on real-world challenges, contributing to solutions that grow the local economy.

In addition, DC’s program offerings support workforce development by preparing the next generation of professionals with hands-on industry experience, and the research of the MRC studio provides critical support to the entertainment industry as technology and research and development become more embedded in filmmaking.

Foreign and domestic film productions have high demands for studio space in the Greater Toronto Area, and Durham Region’s offerings and wide range of capabilities combined with DC’s local research and development services make it an attractive location for industry professionals looking to elevate their projects and make an impact in this booming industry.

“Over the past 10 years, Durham’s film and television industry has grown significantly and now, thanks to DC’s MRC studio, offers virtual production services, too,” said Eileen Kennedy, Film and Television Industry Specialist at Invest Durham. “Durham College is a leader through its development in experiential application which integrate motion capture, virtual reality, augmented reality and virtual production – helping the Region become more involved in the creative ecosystem.”

The future is bright for those interested in joining the in-demand field of film and television production, and Corey Ross has personal advice on what it takes to succeed.

“Perseverance and staying in the picture is important – you have to hang in there,” he shared. “Even if things don’t seem to be going well, stay on track and as long as you’re in the game there’s something to be done and experienced.”

Learn more about DC’s ORSIE and its applied research services online, and visit DC’s Faculty of Media, Art & Design to find your perfect program to prepare for a career in this exciting industry.

 

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,600 full-time post-secondary and 2,100 apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

 

Media Contact:
Carmen Doucette
Communications and Marketing
carmen.doucette@durhamcollege.ca