This is the eighth time the college has received this honour

Oshawa, ON – Durham College (DC) has been named one of the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2019. This is the eighth time the college has received this honour, which recognizes organizations for their progressive and forward-thinking employee programs.

DC is proud to be acknowledged for its commitment to ongoing employee development through initiatives such as Leave for Change, which offers faculty and staff the opportunity to transform their vacations into short-term leaves so they can volunteer in a developing country.

The fact employees can provide direct feedback to college leadership through programs such as the annual Retreat with the President was also noted, as was DC’s encouragement of healthy, active living through subsidized access to the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre and the suite of services including massage and dietary counseling available in the Campus Health Centre.

“We are so pleased to once again be recognized for the college’s efforts to support our employees,” said Dr. Scott Blakey, chief administrative officer. “One of our greatest strengths is our people. It is through their talent and dedication that we can deliver on our mission that the student experience comes first.”

Greater Toronto’s Top Employers is an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. This special designation recognizes the Greater Toronto Area employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. Organizations are judged on several categories including physical workplace; work and social atmosphere; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement. Employers are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offer the most progressive and forward-thinking programs.

For more information, please visit www.canadastop100.com/toronto/.

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About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 13,600 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and eight apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. The college has also launched its first four-year degree program, the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, in September 2018.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The newly-opened facility brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the award-winning 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

meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – On November 15, Durham College’s (DC) International Office, in collaboration with CICan (Colleges and Institutes Canada), rolled out the red carpet for the premiere of the Kenya Education for Employment Program (KEFEP) Documentary.

More than 120 guests from the college and local community, including the principal secretary from Kenya’s State Department of Vocational and Technical Education and the deputy high commissioner of Kenya to Canada, gathered in the Centre for Collaborative Education’s Global Classroom for the screening of the film. 

Captured, scripted, edited and produced by four DC students and two faculty, the crew spent three weeks in Kenya documenting KEFEP, a five-year initiative focused on strengthening and supporting technical and vocational education and training in Kenya, funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.

“We are so pleased we can finally share this documentary,” said Lisa Shepard, dean, International Education, DC. “The opportunity to work and learn internationally is a great gift and we are deeply appreciative to our Canadian and global partners for all they have shared with us and for this journey of global partnership through KEFEP.”

Over the course of visits to nine cities, the #DCinKenya crew, which consisted of Danielle Harder, professor, Journalism – Mass Media and Jennifer Bedford, professor, Video Production, as well as four students from the School of Media, Art and Design, conducted 52 interviews with KEFEP partners, stakeholders and beneficiaries, in addition to collecting 40 hours of incredible footage. After months of effort and countless time spent in the editing suite, the KEFEP Documentary was born.

“It is a story of international collaboration, of our Canadian colleges’ commitment and support and of inspirational leaders and institutions in Kenya devoted to the development of education for employment,” said Danielle Harder, the documentary’s producer. “Behind the scenes, it’s a story of the power of experiential learning and expanding a student’s horizons, allowing their talents to flourish outside of the classroom.”

In addition to the screening, the premiere featured a photo exhibit, interactive KEFEP stations produced by all first and second-year students in the Journalism – Mass Media program and a #DCinKenya crew question and answer panel session.

KEFEP is a $29 million initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada and delivered by CICan through partnerships with 17 Canadian institutions.

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About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 13,600 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and eight apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. The college has also launched its first four-year degree program, the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, in September 2018.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The newly-opened facility brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the award-winning 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

meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

 

Oshawa, Ont. – On October 25, more than 550 Durham College (DC) students received their credentials during this year’s Fall Convocation ceremony, with friends, family and the college community cheering them on.

“Convocation is an opportunity for our students, along with their families and the college community, to come together to recognize the hard work and dedication that has led to the completion of their credential,” said Paul Bishop, executive director, Strategic Enrolment Services and registrar, Durham College. “It’s a celebration not only of their academic success but also what’s to come. Each student graduates with the skills they need to succeed and we have every confidence their futures will be bright.”

Held at the Tribute Communities Centre in downtown Oshawa, graduates from the Centre for Food and schools of Business, IT & Management; Continuing Education, Health & Community Services; Interdisciplinary Studies; Justice & Emergency Services; Media, Art & Design; Science & Engineering Technology and Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology received their diplomas and certificates.

Manjula Selvarajah, a freelance journalist, technology columnist for CBC Radio and producer for local CBC Radio shows, as well as a 2014 graduate of DC’s Journalism – Print and Broadcast program (now known as Journalism – Mass Media), Alumni of Distinction Award recipient and Premier’s Award nominee, addressed the graduates during the ceremony.

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About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 13,600 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and eight apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. The college has also launched its first four-year degree program, the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, in September 2018.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The newly-opened facility brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the award-winning 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.

 

Over 600 girls in Grades 7 to 9 from regional school boards will attend

Oshawa, Ont. – On Monday, October 22 and Tuesday, October 23, Durham College (DC) will host 600 girls in Grades 7, 8 and 9 from several regional school boards for a program of exploration and inspiration that will connect these young women with careers in science, technology and skilled trades.

Students will attend a keynote presentation from serial inventor and speaker Ann Makosinski, and entrepreneur and HGTV designer Jo Alcorn. They will then participate in hands-on workshops in DC’s industry-grade facilities and innovative learning spaces to help each girl better see themselves in the fields of science, technology and trades. 

The conference has been developed by DC in partnership with Ontario Power Generation.

Day 1
When:
Monday, October 22, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Welcome remarks and keynote speaker:
Ann Makosinkski
9:15 to 10:30 a.m.

Interactive sessions
10:40 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Where:
2000 Simcoe St. N.
Oshawa, ON, Canada L1G 0C5

Day 2
When:
Tuesday, October 23, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Welcome remarks and keynote speaker:
Jo Alcorn
9:45 to 11 a.m. (Group A)
12:30 to 1:15 p.m. (Group B)

Interactive sessions
10 a.m. (Group B) and 12:30 p.m. (Group A)

Where:
1610 Champlain Avenue
Whitby, ON, Canada L1N 6A7

For more information contact:
Shelly Kowalski
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 6219
shelly.kowalski@durhamcollege.ca

Campuses become smoke-free effective Monday, October 15

OSHAWA, ONTARIO – The health and safety of Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s campus communities are of the utmost importance. With this in mind, both institutions are introducing an interim smoke-free campus policy.

As of Monday, October 15, smoking and/or vaping of any type, including tobacco, cannabis and shisha, is prohibited anywhere on the shared north Oshawa campus, DC’s Whitby campus and the university’s downtown campus location. This includes all student residences. The policy applies to all members of the campus community, including students, faculty, staff, visitors and contractors.

The university and college have discussed becoming smoke-free for more than a year, sharing a concern about the well-known risks and negative impacts of second-hand smoke. Given Canada’s legalization of recreational cannabis use on Wednesday, October 17, and the Government of Ontario’s introduction of Bill 36, the Cannabis Statute Law Amendment Act, 2018 (allowing cannabis smoking wherever tobacco is permitted), it was determined a smoke-free policy was needed.

With a goal of having the permanent policy in place in early 2019, consultations with the campus community will begin shortly to understand its potential impact.

It is understood many people will have questions during this adjustment period. The traditional burning of substances that form a part of Indigenous culture and heritage such as tobacco, sweet grass, sage, and cedar, among others are exempt from the university’s and college’s smoke-free policy. The institutions will also work with those requiring accommodations for medical cannabis prescriptions to develop an individualized plan to accommodate their needs.

More information about the interim policy, next steps, support resources and FAQs are available on each institution’s website:

• Durham College: durhamcollege.ca/smokefree
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology: uoit.ca/smokefree

 

Quotes

“As an institution of higher learning it is imperative that we live our values. We desire a community where we can study, work and play in a healthy environment for mind and body. Over the next few months we will consult with all campus stakeholders to ensure all resources for students, faculty and staff are in place as we build a permanent smoke-free policy.”

–Steven Murphy, president and vice-chancellor, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

“With the announcement of our smoke-free campus, Durham College and the university are joining over 65 other institutions across Canada in placing an imperative on wellness. I am proud of the leadership role we have taken in providing a healthier environment for our students, employees and the broader community. As we begin the process of changing behaviours on campus, we are also working to provide additional support through educational programs and resources, as this new policy guides the college towards a cleaner future.”

–Don Lovisa, president, Durham College

 

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Media contacts
Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
905.721.8668 ext. 6709
289.928.3653 (mobile)
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca

 

Meghan Ney
Communications and Marketing
Durham College
289.688.2776 (mobile)
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

 

About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 13,600 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and eight apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. The college has also launched its first four-year degree program, the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, in September 2018.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The newly-opened facility brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the award-winning 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 the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
The University of Ontario Institute of Technology advances the discovery and application of knowledge through a technology-enriched learning environment and the delivery of innovative market-driven programs responsive to the needs of students and industry.

With more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in more than 90 programs, the university promotes social engagement, fosters critical thinking and integrates outcomes-based learning experiences inside and outside the classroom.

The university’s commitment to accelerating economic growth and social innovation is realized through faculty research collaborations with leading organizations such as Ontario Power Generation, IBM, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the Durham Regional Police Service. To find out more, visit uoit.ca.

Centre for Collaborative Education is an admin-free zone by design

Oshawa, Ont. – On October 2, Durham College (DC) hosted more than 200 guests for the grand opening of the Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE). Located at the college’s Oshawa campus, the multi-level, 75,000-square-foot facility is home to signature learning spaces, including the 360insights Entrepreneurship Centre, Global Classroom, First Peoples Indigenous Centre and Durham College Spa, which is open to the public.

“The Centre for Collaborative Education prioritizes the student experience in all aspects of its design and function,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “When students told us they wanted more collaborative learning and social spaces, we listened. There are very few offices in the CFCE. Instead, it holds industry-grade, cutting-edge labs, entrepreneurial and maker spaces, touchdown spaces and inclusive learning environments all focused on ensuring the student experience comes first.”

The milestone grand opening event featured demonstrations and tours of the new building; a traditional Indigenous ceremony performed by Troy White of the Mi’kmaq First Nation; official ribbon cutting; unveiling of the donor wall and installation of a time capsule that is intended to be opened in 2067, DC’s 100th year.

“This incredible building is the result of tremendous support from many areas – provincial, federal and local governments – as well as many donors who came together to support our Building Something Amazing campaign,” said Linda Flynn, associate vice-president, Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, DC, and president, Durham College Foundation. “The grand opening event is an opportunity for DC to celebrate our success while thanking everyone who helped us achieve it.”

DC launched the Building Something Amazing capital campaign in September 2017 to raise $5 million towards the CFCE’s total build cost of $40 million. The additional $35 million in funding is comprised of $22 million from the Ontario government and $13 million from the federal government, which when combined mark the largest single-project investment by government in the college’s history.

The CFCE is legacy project tied to the college’s 50th anniversary in 2017 and replaces the aging Simcoe building, which was originally built as a temporary structure and opened in 1969. In addition to addressing student needs, the CFCE is designed to reflect DC’s commitment to working with local business and community partners by creating a new facility where students, employees and the broader community can work together in ways that transcend the traditional concepts of education.

“It is no coincidence that DC includes collaboration among our core values,” added Lovisa. “It is only by working together, listening to each other and seeking to better understand one another that we will achieve the breakthroughs – professional, technological, social or otherwise – that will propel us forward locally and globally. This is what we seek to inspire and support with the CFCE.”

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About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 13,600 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and eight apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. The college also launched its first four-year degree program, the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, in September 2018.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The newly-opened facility brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the award-winning 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
Communications and Marketing
Durham College
T: 905.721.2000 ext. 2952
M: 905.259.8483
melissa.mclean@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) today announced an upcoming rotation of three academic executives at the college. The following moves will take effect Monday, November 5:

• Kevin Baker, dean, School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship and Renewable Technology (START) and Centre for Food (CFF), and principal, Whitby campus, will become executive dean, School of Business, IT & Management (BITM).
• Rebecca Milburn, associate vice president (AVP), Academic, will become executive dean, START and CFF, and principal, Whitby campus.
• Marianne Marando, executive dean, BITM, will become AVP, Academic.

Mr. Baker will bring his extensive business and leadership expertise to BITM, recent achievements of which include growing START and CFF enrolment by 15 per cent, apprenticeship by 10 per cent, Bistro ’67 revenues by more than 100 per cent and improved START financial contributions by 9 per cent. In his time as principal, he has overseen an incredible evolution of the Whitby campus, including major capital projects like the new front entrance and steam plant, expansion of the trade shops and outdoor additions to the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, among others. He also led development of three new post-secondary programs: Mechanical Techniques – Elevating Devices, Welding Engineering Techniques, and the TSSA-accredited Power Engineering Techniques – Fourth Class.

With her current portfolio including oversight of DC’s involvement with Skills Ontario and Skills Canada, as well as Corporate Training Services, Ms. Milburn’s move to START, CFF and the Whitby campus will mark a greater return to her trades and technology roots. Ms. Milburn began her career in the college system with the School of Applied Technology at Humber College as a faculty member in the chemistry program. Since joining DC in 2016, she has led the review, consultations and training for the updated Program Advisory Committee resources, Board of Governors’ policy and processes as well as the development and revision of more than 20 academic policies and procedures. She has overseen operations of and improvements to the Pickering Learning Site and led, chaired or co-chaired a number of academic task forces.

In her new role as AVP, Academic, Ms. Marando will continue to build and expand on the success she’s achieved in her time with BITM. All three of the new programs launched this month that Ms. Marando led in developing – Cosmetic Techniques and Management, Esthetics and Spa Management and Data Analytics for Business Decision Making (graduate certificate) – succeeded in achieving both budget and recruitment targets. She recently spearheaded Ministry approval to develop the Artificial Intelligence Analysis, Design and Implementation graduate certificate, the first program of its kind in Ontario, and managed the significant capital projects of establishing the Durham College Spa and two new computer labs. Since joining DC in 2016, Ms. Marando has also driven significant growth in enrolment and improved reputation for BITM programs, increasing first-choice applications by 14 per cent (fall 2016 vs fall 2018) and more than doubling international student enrolment in the same time period.

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About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 13,600 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and eight apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. The college also launched its first four-year degree program, the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, in September 2018.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The newly-opened facility brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the award-winning 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
Communications and Marketing
Durham College
T: 905.721.2000 ext. 2952
M: 905.259.8483
melissa.mclean@durhamcollege.ca

Guests enjoyed the seasonal meal

Oshawa, Ont. – On September 20, the grounds of Durham College’s (DC) W. Galen Weston Centre for Food (CFF) were once again filled with guests dining under the stars during the fourth-annual Harvest Dinner, as 130 community members celebrated fall’s abundance.

In keeping with the CFF’s field-to-fork philosophy, the family-style meal featured food planted on and picked from the CFF’s grounds and prepared by its students. Beginning with assorted appetizers including DC-made charcuterie and cheeses, the meal consisted of seven courses ranging from a trio of garden fresh salads, baked black beans with triple-smoked pork belly to Ontario lamb and apple goulash and roasted Ontario-beef striploin. Desserts included pavlova with raspberry pink-peppercorn marmalade and beet-velvet cake.

The event was the culmination of countless hours spent preparing in CFF’s fields, labs and classrooms. It was a true team effort that saw Horticulture – Food and Farming and Horticulture Technician students cultivate and harvest the produce used in the meal, Culinary Management and Culinary Skills students prepare the dinner and students from the Special Events Management, Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operationsand Hospitality Skills programs serve guests.

“The Harvest Dinner is always an incredibly special evening,” said Kevin Baker, dean and principal, Whitby campus. “Not only does the community have a chance to come together in fellowship to enjoy the best of seasonal, local food and Ontario wines and beers, it also gives our students an opportunity to apply the skills they are learning in class in a real-world setting. Being able to see the fruits of their labour enjoyed is always one of the highlights of their year.”

For those who missed the Harvest Dinner, CFF fruits and vegetables, as well as other local ingredients will continue to be served at Bistro ’67, the college’s full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant. Fresh produce and student-prepared goods are also available at Pantry, the retail store within the CFF. For anyone looking to expand their own culinary skills, cooking classes and demonstrations are available through DC’s School of Continuing Education.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/cff.

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About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 13,600 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and eight apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. The college has also launched its first four-year degree program, the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, in September 2018.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The newly-opened facility brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the award-winning 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

meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

 

College is home to diverse student population and programs

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) is pleased to welcome approximately 13,600 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students, including over 1,800 international students representing 64 different countries from around the world. This includes over 7,300 first year students and, as a testament to the value of a college education and the importance of both theoretical and experiential learning, over 530 students will join DC having already attended university.

“This is going to be another exciting year for DC,” said Paul Bishop, executive director, Strategic Enrolment Services, registrar, Durham College. “The diversity of our student population – from first-time students to those with previous university experience – is a testament not only to the market-driven programs offered at the college but also its commitment to ensuring students are learning the skills they need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing economy.”

Over the last several years, DC has developed a number of programs that are not only the first of their kind in Canada, they have also been created in direct response to industry needs. These include the college’s new degree, the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, which addresses an identified gap in the health care sector for professionals with a hybrid skill set consisting of medical technology expertise and business management acumen, and Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices.

Other programs new to DC this fall include Civil Engineering Technician, Civil Engineering Technology,Cosmetic Techniques and Management, Data Analytics for Business Decision Making, Esthetician – Spa Management and Power Engineering Techniques – Fourth Class, all of which have been created with a successful career after graduation in mind.

Also new is the Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE), which just opened its doors at the college’s Oshawa campus. Home to the Durham College Spa providing massage therapy, cosmetic and esthetic programs and services, as well as many other innovative spaces, such as the Global Classroom, the CFCE was designed to support experiential, modern approaches to learning, helping usher DC and its approximately 13,600 students into the future.

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About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers approximately 13,600 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and eight apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. The college has also launched its first four-year degree program, the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, in September 2018.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The newly-opened facility brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the award-winning 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

meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

Artificial Intelligence Analysis, Design and Implementation is first program of its kind in Canada

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) is tackling the acute shortage of skilled artificial intelligence (AI) professionals in Canada, the most significant barrier to AI implementation today, with a new graduate certificate program.

Artificial Intelligence Analysis, Design and Implementation – the first program of its kind in Canada – will launch in September 2019 and aims to make students employable even before they graduate. By putting emphasis on hands-on learning and training, students will gain real work experience while solving actual business problems through capstone projects, an optional work term and applied research opportunities with the Durham College Hub for Applied Research in Artificial Intelligence for Business Solutions, better known as the AI Hub.

“The Greater Toronto Area is home to one of the highest per-capita concentrations of AI companies in the world, yet our AI ecosystem is suffering because the skilled workforce it demands does not exist,” said Marianne Marando, executive dean of the college’s School of Business, IT & Management. “DC’s new graduate certificate program will help fast-track more AI analysts, designers and system programmers who can hit the ground running.”

The program will focus on AI implementations across multiple sectors through a blend of open and custom solutions. Students will learn how to leverage AI to extract data and guide decision-making as well as service delivery, solving complex day to day problems with state-of-the-art solutions, all while creating efficiency and quality gains for small and medium-sized enterprises up to the largest of corporations.

“There has never been a more critical time for Canadian educational institutions to step up and play a vital a role in solving the crisis of skill shortage in the field of Artificial Intelligence that Canada faces today,” said Danish Arshad, executive director, International Council of E-Commerce Consultants. “Jobs in Canada requiring AI skills have grown by 1,069 per cent since 2013[i]; automation will impact at least 50 per cent of Canadian jobs in the next decade[ii]. In these disruptive times, DC’s AI graduate certificate proactively paves the way to not only build future generations of AI professionals but also prepare markets for the impending automation disruption.”

Whether their goal is a career as an AI specialist or to better understand how AI techniques can enhance their work in sales, marketing or product management, students will learn how to:

• Identify and understand opportunities where AI can create value in an organization or community.
• Identify risk and project management concerns unique to AI projects.
• Structure a project team when resources are scarce.
• Apply techniques for developing and implementing AI solutions.

Additional emphasis will be put on managing data in a manner that preserves its security and users’ privacy.

“The opportunity to train and test students in a focused AI program is going to attract AI enthusiasts at all stages of their expertise” adds Tushar Singh, CEO and founder, Minute School. “Combined with DC’s strong connections between its academic schools and industrial partners, as well as the faculty’s unique focus on Narrow AI, this program will go a long way in addressing the AI skills gap facing our country.”

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About Durham College

At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, the college offers more than 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and eight apprenticeship programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. The college is also set to launch its first four-year degree program, the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, in September 2018.

The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and will soon feature the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The new facility will bring together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.

The Whitby campus features the award-winning 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.

For further information contact:
Melissa McLean
Communications and Marketing
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2952
melissa.mclean@durhamcollege.ca