Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) and Precise ParkLink are thrilled to share the results of their long-term collaborative partnership through their online Artificial Intelligence Kiosk Case Study.

With a working relationship that began in 2015 when the college selected Precise ParkLink as its parking management services provider, this partnership has evolved beyond parking, as Precise ParkLink helps facilitate student learning as an industry partner for DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE).

DC’s applied research program, facilitated by ORSIE, solves industry and social challenges through innovation and collaboration. By engaging industry, faculty, students, and the community-at-large in research projects that address the needs of a technology-driven knowledge economy, ORSIE brings together multiple stakeholders and groups interested in mutually-beneficial solutions, leveraging the talent, facilities, and capabilities of the college and broader community to advance economic prosperity within Durham Region.

“One of the reasons organizations enjoy working with Precise ParkLink is because we offer the latest technology innovations available in the marketplace,” says Maria Lato, marketing manager for Precise ParkLink. “Being an ORSIE industry partner allows Precise ParkLink to tackle its large-scale research and development wish list faster.”

“Durham College and Precise ParkLink have engaged in five different applied research projects,” says Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean of ORSIE. “Each one of them involves DC students working closely with Precise ParkLink staff to address real-world challenges and create a solution that will then be introduced into the market.”

Working on Precise ParkLink projects, ORSIE students have the opportunity to gain valuable skills, such as “a chance to enhance their learning by working with industry professionals in the field,” says Lato.

“In addition, students gain hands-on experience while enhancing their communication, team-work, accountability and problem-solving abilities . These job-ready skills prepare students for future employment, making them valuable employees,” Lato adds. “The relationship is a win-win for Precise ParkLink, DC and its students.”

Discover how ORSIE and Precise ParkLink made AI in parking a reality and learn more about the partnerships in the Research at DC: Precise ParkLink video.

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 About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,400 full-time students access to more than 140 post-secondary programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by offering an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by experienced 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.

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to several of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Mixed Reality Capture Studio. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in education in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering.

At DC’s Whitby campus, construction has begun on the new Skills Training Centre. Designed to shine a spotlight on skilled trades training, innovation and education, this building will expand the college’s capacity to provide students with hands-on training, access to simulators and other forms of instruction in shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices, crane operation, automotive, millwright and plumbing, among others.

The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes the award-winning Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food grown and prepared by students in the college’s horticulture, culinary and cook apprenticeship programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

About Precise ParkLink

When Precise ParkLink was founded more than 30 years ago, the company was a two-person field operation with a simple aspiration: to make a difference in the world of parking automation.

Since then, Precise ParkLink has grown into a nation-wide managed services and technology firm with more than 700 employees across Canada, a head office in Toronto, and 11 supporting offices across the country.

But what sets us apart from other parking operators isn’t where we are, it’s what we are: a full-service urban mobility firm. One source for all your parking-related needs.

Precise ParkLink manages parking lots on behalf of property owners and supplies cutting-edge technology and services to thousands of clients in the healthcare, municipal, commercial, institutional, and private sectors.

Being a vertically integrated parking management solutions company puts us in a unique position. We can provide a level of management and technical integration that is best-in-class. Just ask the hundreds of clients to whom we’ve delivered cost-effective and customer-focused solutions over the years.

For more information, visit www.preciseparklink.com.

For more information, contact:

Shelly Totino
Communications and Marketing
Durham College
905.626.0675
shelly.totino@durhamcollege.ca

Maria Lato
Marketing Manager
Precise ParkLink
416.398.4052 ext. 512
mlato@precisebi.com

Oshawa, Ont. –Durham College (DC) and Sheridan College (Sheridan), with support of up to $100,000 from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), are pleased to announce that they will undertake university-industry projects by sharing their applied research centre services and by providing expert time to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Canadian media industry. The contribution from NRC IRAP will help support projects with up to 10 high-potential, growth-oriented companies who are aiming to develop media production workflows.

DC’s Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) Studio, in partnership with Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT) at Sheridan College Pinewood Toronto Studios, will lead applied research and development projects with industry clients to help fuel the growth of Canada’s media industry by assisting SMEs in conducting the feasibility to create media content workflows, offering technical expertise and proof of concept for the inclusion of advanced technologies in the creation of media.

The colleges’ joint offering includes an integrated suite of the following technologies, all powered by leading-edge infrastructure technologies such as 5G and SIRTNET:

• Live performance tools for content creation using the film development kits for integration of all aspects of content creation.
• Virtual production techniques allowing content creators to plan, imagine, or complete a filmic element with the aid of digital tools to simplify content generation workflows.
• Integration of digital techniques such as AI, special sound effects and immersive experience using AR/VR techniques across all platforms.
• High-fidelity virtual human creation and aggregation to maximize productivity for content generation across all platforms.
• Access to Multi-National Enterprise (MNE) technologies such as leading-edge processor and graphics platforms from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD).

The MRC Studio and SIRT Centre are recognized for their demonstrated track records of success assisting SMEs with the development of proof of concepts in a variety of content generation projects. DC and Sheridan will use the funding to enable SMEs from coast to coast to gain technical skills, adopt new technology, commercialize innovations, create jobs and increase revenues within a globally competitive market.

QUOTES

“The resources invested into the design and construction of the Mixed Realty Capture Studio is a tremendous asset to Durham College in the way that it enables our academic programs to train students by augmenting classroom learning and making them job-ready. This funding from NRC IRAP will allow us to expand our integration and impact on industry by supporting businesses as they implement mixed-reality capabilities into their content creation, all while giving our students more opportunities for experiential learning.”

Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, DC

 

“Research is an integral part of Sheridan’s identity. We’re committed to providing research that is relevant and innovative to our partners and the communities we serve. With the funding from NRC IRAP, Sheridan’s renowned SIRT Centre will carry on that tradition by continuing to provide the necessary infrastructure and research expertise in the development of new technology and processes that Canadian companies in the screen industries are looking for. We’re really thankful for this funding and partnership with Durham.”

Dr. Vicki Mowat, director, Research, Sheridan College

 

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About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 13,400 full-time students access to more than 140 post-secondary programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by offering an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by experienced 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.

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to several of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation and Mixed Reality Capture Studio. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in education in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering.

At DC’s Whitby campus, construction has begun on the new Skills Training Centre. Designed to shine a spotlight on skilled trades training, innovation and education, this building will expand the college’s capacity to provide students with hands-on training, access to simulators and other forms of instruction in shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices, crane operation, automotive, millwright and plumbing, among others.

The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes the award-winning Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food grown and prepared by students in the college’s horticulture, culinary and cook apprenticeship programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

About Sheridan College and the Screen Industries Research and Training (SIRT) Centre
One of Ontario’s leading post-secondary institutions, Sheridan educates approximately 23,000 full-time and 20,000 continuing and part-time studies students every year, on three campuses in Oakville, Brampton and Mississauga. We are proud to be leaders in innovation, creativity and applied learning, attracting students from across Canada and around the world. Sheridan’s 185,000 alumni play a critical role in shaping the future of our society in the fields of arts, business, community service, health, technology, and the skilled trades.

Sheridan’s research is focused on creating unique opportunities for our faculty, staff and students to work directly with our industry and community partners to address real-world challenges that strengthen our communities and develop the leaders of tomorrow. 

SIRT Centre is one of Sheridan’s six renowned Research and Incubation Centres and supports innovation in Ontario’s film, television and interactive media cluster through applied research, access to cutting-edge technology and a 10,000 sq. ft. innovation centre at Pinewood Toronto Studios. A government-funded Technology Access Centre (TAC), SIRT’s unique capacity through trusted partnerships with key industry organizations and technology leaders facilitates innovations within digital cinema, virtual and augmented reality, interactive media and artificial intelligence. Visit sirtcentre.com for more information.

To learn more about Sheridan and our Research and Incubation Centres, please visit research.sheridancollege.ca.

For more information, contact:
Melissa McLean
Communications and Marketing
Durham College
647.880.6363
melissa.mclean@durhamcollege.ca

Debbie Silva
Research Communications
Sheridan College
905-845-2321
debbie.silva@sheridancollege.ca

College working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham in providing virtual support

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College’s (DC) Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) is pleased to announce it is receiving $75,000 in applied research funding via a College and Community Program – Applied Research Rapid Response to COVID-19 grant, awarded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

The funding will be used to support a collaborative project between DC and Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham (BBBSND), an organization that provides vital mentorship programming to vulnerable youth who deal with anxiety in rural areas of Uxbridge, Scugog, and Brock Townships. The project will be led by two DC nursing faculty members, Crystal Garvey and Jacqueline Williamson, who have ample experience working with youth and addressing issues of mental health.

BBBSND has a long history serving the youth in these communities, and is very familiar with the daily hardships they experience. These include having limited opportunities to build healthy relationships and little or no access to supports, including transportation and technology. In addition, before the pandemic occurred, BBBSND estimated that 75 per cent of youth they work with deal with anxiety on a regular basis.

Knowing that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of these challenges, the project is designed to ensure that the vitally important mentor support provided to mentees is maintained and does not deteriorate despite physical distancing challenges. The mental health needs of the mentor and mentee will also be addressed.

“We are looking forward to working with Big Brothers, Big Sisters North Durham to ensure the needs of the youth they serve, as well as the mentors, are met during this unprecedented time,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, ORSIE. “Through collaboration with a number of the college’s programs, we will be able to draw on our expertise in online learning, providing custom resources to not only maintain but enhance BBBSND’s program delivery.”

Those resources include building a bank of activities, tools and mental health supports that are easily accessible to mentors and can serve as a roadmap for use by BBBS Canada and others in rural communities across the country. The resulting resource bank will be useful for BBBSND to enhance training of current and future mentors. The resources may also be disseminated by the national office to other BBBS agencies for their use.

Students from various DC programs, including, Child and Youth Care and Nursing, as well as those from the School of Media, Art & Design, will be involved at various stages of the project, providing them with experiential learning opportunities while also meeting project objectives.

For more information about ORSIE visit www.durhamcollege.ca/orsie.

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, Durham College (DC) offers approximately 13,400 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and nine apprenticeship programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management.

DC enables students to develop the career-ready skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market by connecting them with expert faculty and offering quality programs. With a focus on experiential learning through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads have the skills and knowledge employers need.

The Oshawa campus features DC’s newest building, the Centre for Collaborative Education, which represents the college’s commitment to working with local business and community partners while bringing together local, Indigenous and global communities and members of key business sectors.

DC’s Whitby campus is home to the Skills Training Centre, where students receive hands-on training and instruction in industrial-grade shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices and crane operation, among others. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Meghan Ney

Communications and Marketing

905.721.2000 ext. 2197
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

 

All classes offered have been transitioned to remote delivery 

Pickering, ON –Durham College (DC) and Centennial College (Centennial) today announced that the Pickering Learning Site (PLS), a shared location between the two institutions, will close effective Tuesday, September 1.

Like many areas of the economy, the post-secondary sector has been impacted by COVID-19. As a result, DC and Centennial have had to rethink their operational models and facilities’ structures, and have made the decision to cease all operations at the shared PLS.

The announcement comes after COVID-19 prompted the successful migration of classes to a remote delivery model. For the foreseeable future, DC programs offered at the PLS will continue to be provided virtually for students to complete their postgraduate certificate programs.

“This is not a decision that was made lightly,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “COVID-19 has required organizations everywhere to reevaluate operations and resource allocations. While the decision to close the Pickering Learning Site will reduce the financial burden the pandemic has created, DC’s commitment to delivering quality programs remains unchanged. It also means the college will have the capacity to provide support for our students as we continue to drive economic and social success in the communities we serve.”

“Unfortunately, difficult decisions are having to be made in these challenging times” said Dr. Craig Stephenson, president, Centennial College. “In the immediate future, we will serve the PLS students through providing a high-quality online learning experience. We are engaged with the Durham Region and look forward to working closely with the community.”

Opened in 2012, the PLS has played a role in supporting students looking to complete postgraduate studies in a smaller learning environment.  Offering a convenient, easily accessible location, the PLS focused on mature, professional learners and innovative curricula delivery.

DC and Centennial College are currently exploring opportunities to sublease the building for the two remaining years of the lease.

-30-

About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, Durham College (DC) offers approximately 13,400 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and nine apprenticeship programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management.

DC enables students to develop the career-ready skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market by connecting them with expert faculty and offering quality programs. With a focus on experiential learning through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads have the skills and knowledge employers need.

The Oshawa campus features DC’s newest building, the Centre for Collaborative Education, which represents the college’s commitment to working with local business and community partners while bringing together local, Indigenous and global communities and members of key business sectors.

DC’s Whitby campus is home to the Skills Training Centre, where students receive hands-on training and instruction in industrial-grade shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices and crane operation, among others. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

About Centennial College

Established in 1966, Centennial is Ontario’s first public college serving the Greater Toronto area through five campuses and two satellite locations. Its record is one of exemplary teaching, innovative programming and extensive partnership building.

Centennial College supports more than 25,000 full-time and 19,000 part-time learners annually. It offers more than 300 full-time and part-time programs, both in-person and online, that emphasize practical experience such as laboratory learning, work placement, individual and group projects and paid co-op education.

For more information, visit www.centennialcollege.ca or call 416-289-5000.

Media contacts:
Meghan Ney
Communications and Marketing, Durham College
416-648-5453 (cell)
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

Mark Toljagic
Senior Communications Officer, Centennial College
416-605-6012 (cell)
mtoljagic@centennialcollege.ca

College joins more than 200 organizations across Canada in committing to specific actions and targets

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) is proud to announce that President Don Lovisa has signed the BlackNorth Initiative’s CEO pledge, joining more than 200 leaders from across Canada in committing their organizations to realizing specific actions and targets designed to dismantle anti-Black systemic racism and create opportunities for all those in the underrepresented BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) community.

The pledge commits DC to implementing and reporting on measurable efforts, including new policies, procedures and practices, aimed to not only address systemic anti-Black racism within the college but to actively work to educate others and dismantle the barriers negatively affecting the lives of Black Canadians.

As a signatory to the BlackNorth Initiative CEO pledge, DC is committing to increasing its delivery of unconscious bias and anti-racism education and, by 2025, ensuring that 5 per cent of its student positions and 3 per cent of its donations create opportunities for the Black community. The college is also committing to working to attract, develop and advance talent to contribute to a target of 3.5 per cent of executive and Board roles based in Canada being held by Black people in the same timeframe. The college’s actions and progress will be accountable through reports to its Board of Governors.

Joining the BlackNorth Initiative reflects DC’s core values of diversity, inclusion and respect that are named in the 2020-2023 Strategic Plan published earlier this year. The college’s participation is also a significant extension of the work both completed and currently underway at the college to identify and eradicate anti-Black racism, discrimination and oppression of all kinds.

This summer, the college’s Social Justice Week committee, together with the Black Student Success Network, Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions and DC Students Inc., launched a series of online community dialogue sessions to create a safe space for students and employees to share with and learn from each other about experiences of anti-Black racism. Other recent initiatives include:

• Establishment of the college’s first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group.
• DC representation on the City of Oshawa’s first-ever Community Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.
• Development of a college Equity policy.
• Ongoing delivery of unconscious bias training for students and employees.
• Formation of a DC Black Student Success Network.

The Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism announced the formation of the Council and launch of the BlackNorth Initiative in June with a view to increase the representation of Blacks in boardrooms and executive suites across Canada. The Council held the inaugural BlackNorth Initiative Summit virtually on July 20, drawing a diverse group of supporting organizations that spans companies of all sizes, industries and mandates, including; financial services, education, extractive industries, professional services, healthcare, online services, consulting, manufacturing, small-to-medium-sized firms, business associations, private companies and more.

QUOTES

“Durham College condemns anti-Black racism and oppression of any kind, but to fully dismantle the systemic barriers faced by BIPOC students, employees and community members, we need more than words. Signing the BlackNorth Initiative CEO pledge is a powerful next step we are taking to effect significant, positive change on our campus and well beyond.”

– Don Lovisa, president, DC

“Actions like signing the BlackNorth Initiative CEO pledge and engaging the college community in courageous conversation are steps towards recognizing the injustices Black people have endured for a very long time. The barriers we know exist are the result of years of systemic policies and practices that promote exclusion rather than inclusion. We will not always get things right but we must remain intentional in our efforts and stay the course to realize meaningful change.”

– Michele James, chair, DC Board of Governors

“DC is on the right path to walking its talk. As signatory to the BlackNorth Initiative CEO pledge, we are transforming our new Strategic Plan into a living document by taking this step to make upholding our values of diversity, inclusion and respect an actionable commitment. It is not easy or quick work, and will require the commitment and involvement of the entire college community, but there is much optimism and motivation to be found in this partnering with the Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism.”

– Allison Hector-Alexander, director, Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions, DC

– 30 –

About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, Durham College (DC) offers approximately 13,400 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and nine apprenticeship programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management.

DC enables students to develop the career-ready skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market by connecting them with expert faculty and offering quality programs. With a focus on experiential learning through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads have the skills and knowledge employers need.

The Oshawa campus features DC’s newest building, the Centre for Collaborative Education, which represents the college’s commitment to working with local business and community partners while bringing together local, Indigenous and global communities and members of key business sectors.

DC’s Whitby campus is home to the Skills Training Centre, where students receive hands-on training and instruction in industrial-grade shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices and crane operation, among others. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Melissa McLean (she/her/hers)
Communications and Marketing
647.880.6363
melissa.mclean@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Yesterday, the Regional Municipality of Durham announced that non-medical masks or face coverings will be mandatory in public and enclosed indoor spaces effective Friday, July 10. Public health advice and research has found evidence that the use of non-medical masks or face coverings can have a positive impact on stopping the spread of COVID-19 where physical distancing, hand washing and respiratory etiquette are also put into practice. 

While post-secondary institutions were not explicitly referenced in the list of establishments that are required to enforce mandatory masks, Durham College (DC) will adopt this best practice in good faith to help keep our community – and each other – safe, and to support the excellent work our Region is doing to flatten the curve of COVID-19.

To support the health and safety of students and employees while on campus, effective July 10, DC will also require individuals to wear a non-medical mask or face coverings when inside any college building. Such spaces include hallways, elevators, classrooms, meeting rooms and other common areas. Exceptions apply to those who have health, respiratory and sensory issues; various disabilities; are unable to remove the mask without assistance, or other valid reasons.

For more about how DC is keeping its students and employees safe while on campus, please visit our COVID-19 webpage.

-30-

About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, we offer approximately 13,400 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and nine apprenticeship programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management.

We enable students to develop the career-ready skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market by connecting them with expert faculty and offering quality programs. With a focus on experiential learning through field-placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads have the skills and knowledge employers need.

The Oshawa campus features DC’s newest building, the Centre for Collaborative Education, which represents the college’s commitment to working with local business and community partners while bringing together local, Indigenous and global communities and members of key business sectors.

DC’s Whitby campus is home to the Skills Training Centre, where students receive hands-on training and instruction in industrial-grade shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices and crane operation, among others. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:
Shelly Totino
Communications and Marketing
905.626.0675
shelly.totino@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, July 7, 2020 – Ontario’s colleges are calling for a new provincial strategy for post-secondary education that will expand the range of degree programs at colleges, including the creation of career-focused three-year degree programs and master’s programs in specialized fields.

“This is the time for bold action to ensure we become a world leader in career-focused post-secondary education,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Working together with government, we can help drive Ontario’s economic recovery.”

The recommendation has been submitted to Colleges and Universities Minister Ross Romano’s recently announced consultations on modernizing post-secondary education.

The call for a new vision for post-secondary education follows the recent release of a white paper, “The Future of Ontario’s Workers,” by the StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy. The white paper proposes measures to drive economic growth as Ontario emerges from the COVID-19 lockdown.

The white paper calls for the province to give colleges the autonomy to decide independent of government what mix of credentials and programs will best respond to the evolving labour market and accelerating automation in the workplace.

The proposed post-secondary strategy would help fulfil Ontario’s transition to a performance-based post-secondary system by placing greater emphasis on graduates’ success. It would authorize colleges to:

• Create new career-focused three-year degree programs, replacing many of the current diploma programs.
• Expand the range of four-year degree programs at colleges to meet local demand without being restricted by arbitrary provincial maximums.
• Create master’s degree programs for university and college graduates for in-demand specialized fields such as robotics, cybersecurity and animation.

Colleges are also recommending the government provide more funding for short-term micro-credential programs to increase the retraining opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed.

“We must help more people acquire the expertise that is needed in our community,” Lovisa said. “With greater autonomy and flexibility, our college can help ensure Ontario capitalizes on the opportunities to stimulate economic growth and prosperity.”

-30-

For more information:

Meghan Ney

Communications and Marketing

416-648-5453 (cell)
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) is sharing the difficult news that temporary layoffs of 29 full-time support and administrative staff are underway as a result of the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the college.

“Since the onset of these unprecedented times, DC’s leadership team has been meeting regularly to continuously review effects on the college’s operations and finances,” said Jennifer Cosway, associate vice-president, Human Resources. “Numerous measures have been put in place to stem financial shortfalls, yet even with these swift actions taken by DC, a significant deficit persists. As a result, the college took the difficult step of notifying union leadership and staff of the need to proceed with temporary employee reductions.”

On June 17, the support staff local voted in favour of a centrally negotiated agreement providing for temporary staffing reductions that include continued provision of benefits coverage for affected individuals. The agreement for temporary layoffs provided a more positive option to the alternative, which would have been permanent bumping under article 15 of the collective agreement for full-time support staff.

Affected administrative employees will see the same provision of benefits coverage.

“Administrative and support employees who are being directly impacted by the announced temporary layoffs have been advised,” said Cosway. “DC’s leadership team recognizes what a difficult time this is for employees, and our college community as a whole. We remain committed to supporting our colleagues as we continue to navigate these challenging times.”

DC is continuing to provide support to all employees through access to the college’s employee and family assistance provider.

– 30 –

About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, Durham College (DC) offers approximately 13,400 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and nine apprenticeship programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management.

DC enables students to develop the career-ready skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market by connecting them with expert faculty and offering quality programs. With a focus on experiential learning through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads have the skills and knowledge employers need.

The Oshawa campus features DC’s newest building, the Centre for Collaborative Education, which represents the college’s commitment to working with local business and community partners while bringing together local, Indigenous and global communities and members of key business sectors.

DC’s Whitby campus is home to the Skills Training Centre, where students receive hands-on training and instruction in industrial-grade shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices and crane operation, among others. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:
Melissa McLean (she/her/hers)
Communications and Marketing
647.880.6363
melissa.mclean@durhamcollege.ca

Longstanding partnership exemplifies the best of what colleges contribute to their communities

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) is proud to announce its receipt of the Community Care Durham (CCD) 2020 Corporate Leadership Award. College president Don Lovisa received the honour during CCD’s annual general meeting, which was held virtually using Zoom, on June 16.

“This award honours and highlights the longstanding, mutually beneficial partnership between Durham College and Community Care Durham,” said President Lovisa. “This is a partnership that truly exemplifies the best of what public colleges can inspire in their students and employees, and contribute to their communities.”

Nominated and selected to receive the award by CCD senior leadership and its board of directors, DC is being recognized for its longstanding partnership with and contributions made to CCD, which include:

• Regularly providing placement students from programs in DC’s School of Health & Community Services (HCS) to support CCD’s Adult Day Programs and mental health support program, known as COPE, as well as providing students from the School of Business, IT & Management occasionally.
• CCD’s participation in orientation events at DC to promote volunteer opportunities to students and employees. More specifically, CCD has worked with DC’s Police Foundations program to match students with their Friendly Visiting program.
• DC Corporate Training Services creating a Personal Support Worker (PSW) Training partnership to provide CCD’s PSWs with important education specific to their clients needs, in addition to other customized training for CCD staff.
• Most recently, the team from the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food (CFF) contributing to the successful launch of CCD’s Community Food Box program. Not only did the CFF help launch the program with a generous donation of food in the midst of the college’s COVID-related campus closure, the CFF gardens continue to provide fresh herbs and produce for the weekly food boxes.

“Community Care Durham is an exemplary organization that provides vital services to vulnerable residents in our community,” said Dr. Judeline Innocent, executive dean of HCS at the college. “It is with great appreciation that Durham College receives this honour, which marks our latest milestone as we continue to lead the way in educating students to deliver community-based care, partnering on innovative ways to respond to community needs and building a brighter future for the residents of Durham Region.”

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, Durham College (DC) offers approximately 13,400 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and nine apprenticeship programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management.

DC enables students to develop the career-ready skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market by connecting them with expert faculty and offering quality programs. With a focus on experiential learning through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads have the skills and knowledge employers need.

The Oshawa campus features DC’s newest building, the Centre for Collaborative Education, which represents the college’s commitment to working with local business and community partners while bringing together local, Indigenous and global communities and members of key business sectors.

DC’s Whitby campus is home to the Skills Training Centre, where students receive hands-on training and instruction in industrial-grade shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices and crane operation, among others. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Melissa McLean (she/her/hers)
Communications and Marketing
647.880.6363
melissa.mclean@durhamcollege.ca