College proud to play key role in Durham Region’s first social innovation competition for post-secondary students

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College in conjunction with the Community Innovation Lab (ilab), today announced that Sandra Young, Jennifer Russell, Elizabeth Willatt and Dana Murray, all first-year students in the college’s Paralegal program, are the winners of Durham Ideas Den 2013, a social innovation competition for post-secondary students. The competition was co-hosted by the college through the Global Class which is housed under the School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services and the ilab, and sponsored in part by the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment.

“Durham College is very proud to be part of this forward-thinking student challenge,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Durham Ideas Den 2013 has provided a unique platform for students to develop creative ideas and solutions for real-world issues being faced right here in Durham Region. We are extremely proud of the submissions from all of our students as they are a true testimonial to the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well on our campus. Congratulations to Sandra, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Dana on their outstanding success and to all of the finalists on their significant accomplishments.”

The competition, which began in December 2012, saw teams of students work together to generate ideas for solutions to complex community problems based on five key themes identified during an Ideas Jam with community stakeholders hosted by the ilab in 2012. In February 2013 students were presented with the five themes and invited to brainstorm ideas and/or solutions for each including re-imagining engagement of our youth; enhanced transportation systems and alternatives; poverty; image of our region; and climate change.

More than 100 submissions were received with 25 teams shortlisted as semi-finalists. From there, six teams were invited to pitch for the top three awards at the final competition. Hosted on March 28 at the Durham College Student Services building by Dena Chiarcossi, host of Rogers Daytime TV, the event saw each team present their social venture idea to a panel of judges.

“The Community Innovation Lab is pleased to launch the 2013 Durham Ideas Den, in partnership with Durham College, the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment and a growing list of community sponsors and partners,” said Pramilla Ramdahani, executive director, ilab. “There is nothing greater than engaging and challenging our students’ creativity and building their social innovation DNA by incentivizing their ‘stillborn’ ideas into opportunities. This is a real opportunity for our stakeholders to further explore the impact of youth social entrepreneurship and its return on investment for the region.”

Each team was responsible for articulating how their proposed social venture would impact local communities and contribute to sustainable solutions with the team of Young, Russell, Willatt and Murray named the first-place winner for their submission titled Durham Involves Youth (youth engagement theme). As the winners of the competition, they will receive $5,000 toward the incubation of their ventures at the ilab in the summer of 2013.

Stephanie Morris, Kristen Dormer and Travis Richter, first-year General Arts and Science students finished second for their submission titled Peer-to-Peer Mental Health (youth engagement theme), while Greg Park, Tyler MacDonald, Nate Lawrence and Mitchell Feyen, four first -year Paralegal students were named the third-place winners for their submission titled Big Belly Compactor (re-imagining the image of our region theme). The second and third place teams received $3,500 and $2,500 respectively toward the implementation of their ventures at the ilab.

The three remaining teams received $1,000 towards further iteration and development of their ideas in collaboration with a mentoring team of coaches, advisors and social innovators. These teams were comprised of Scott Harrison, a second-year Advertising and Marketing Communications Management student; Eduardo Valladares, Taylor Gates and Phil Garbe, three first-year students in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program; and Megan Hueser and Julie Burnett, first-year Social Service Worker students.

Additional sponsoring partners in Durham Ideas Den 2013 included Corel21, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise, Rogers TV, Durham Workforce Authority, the Region of Durham Economic Development, Powernoodle and the School for Social Entrepreneurs.

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2012, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 9,047 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

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

About Community Innovation Lab

The mission of the Community Innovation Lab is to harness and strengthen the talent and skill sets of post- secondary youth by facilitating experiential opportunities in social innovation to increase employability and entrepreneurship options. Our commitment is to play a leading role in fostering social innovation in the region by creating an enabling environment where youth can access the tools, resources and opportunities to design sustainable ventures that benefits communities, while test driving career options and participating in a portfolio of transformational skill building initiatives with employers. Our vision is to build a pipeline for ‘next generation leaders in social innovation’.

In addition to the Durham Ideas Den initiative, the Community Innovation Lab engages with other stakeholders via ideas jams (design labs), pop up labs and social innovation guest speaker series.  For more information visit: www.communityilab.ca or www.durhamideasden.com or contact Pramilla Ramdahani at 905.409.2823.

Media contact:
Michelle Roebuck/Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2197 ext. 2333
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca /allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont. – Second-year Durham College Digital Photography students, who will graduate this June as the college’s first graduating class for the Digital Photography program, will present an exhibition titled DC Vision at the Ajax Public Library this April.

Part of their final project for their Field Trips and Visiting Lecturers’ class, the exhibition is designed to showcase a variety of photographic styles and genres using studio or environmental portraiture, street, landscape and still-life photography.

Media are invited to attend the opening reception taking place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 4 with the exhibit itself on display until Thursday, April 18, during regular library hours.

One of the college’s newest course offerings, the Digital Photography program is designed to prepare students for commercial success, allowing them to gain technical, aesthetic and critical thinking skills.

Who:

• Second-year Digital Photography students;
• Alan Fournier, program co-ordinator, Digital Photography program; and
• Holly McClellan, exhibition co-ordinator/professor, Digital Photography program.

When:
April 4 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Where:
Ajax Public Library, Main Branch
55 Harwood Avenue South

For more information contact:
Allison Rosnak/Michelle Roebuck
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333 or ext. 2197
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca or michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

Oshawa, Ont.– Durham College, in conjunction with the Community Innovation Lab (ilab), will host the final live pitch for Durham Ideas Den, sponsored in part by the Ministry of Economic Development and Employment, on Thursday March 28 when six teams of students compete for the chance to win more than $14,000 in awards along with mentorship opportunities with the ilab.

The competition, which began in December 2012, has seen teams of students work together to generate ideas for solutions to complex community problems based on five key themes including:

• Re-imagining engagement of our youth.
• Re-imagining enhanced transportation systems and alternatives.
• Re-imagining poverty.
• Re-imagining the image of our region.
• Re-imagining climate change.

More than 100 submissions were received with 25 teams shortlisted as semi-finalists followed by the selection of the final six teams. Each team is responsible for articulating how their proposed social venture will impact local communities and contribute to sustainable solutions. The winning team will receive $5,000 toward the incubation of their ventures at the ilab in the summer of 2013. In addition, the second- and third- place teams will receive $3,500 and $2,500 respectively toward the incubation of their ventures and the three remaining teams will receive $1000 towards further iteration and development of their ideas in collaboration with a mentoring team of coaches, advisors and social innovators.

In addition to the emphasis on the application of entrepreneurial tools to solve community problems and bring student ideas to life, the competition is designed to open up new and exciting possibilities in skills development by providing students with opportunities to imagine innovative projects while boosting their creativity outside of the classroom.

Who:

• Durham Ideas Den 2013 finalists;
• Monte Kwinter, parliamentary assistant to the minister of Economic Development Trade and Employment;
• Don Lovisa,president, Durham College;
• Sanjay Surendran, student representative, Durham College Board of Governors;
• Durham College faculty, staff and students;
• Lon Appleby, professor, Durham College; and
• Pramilla Ramdahani, executive director, ilab.

When:
March 28 from 4 to 6:30 p.m.  

Where:
Durham College Oshawa campus
Student Services building, Room SSB 116
200 Simcoe Street North

Parking:
Enter off Simcoe Street North and park in the Founders 1 or 2 parking lot.

For more information contact:
Allison Rosnak/Michelle Roebuck
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333 or ext. 2197
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca/michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

Whitby, Ont. – Durham College today announced the donation of a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Sahara to its Whitby campus for use by students in its apprenticeship and post-secondary automotive programs.

The Jeep Wrangler Sahara, which was delivered by Chrysler Canada to the Whitby campus at the beginning of March, is providing students in the Motive Power Technician – Service and Management post-secondary and Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship programs access to hands-on training opportunities via the most current automotive technology and equipment available.

In particular students are using the vehicle for in-depth study of both four-wheel drive and air conditioning systems as they prepare for a wide variety of careers in the transportation and automotive fields and develop the skills sought by employers.

“On behalf of Durham College I extend my sincere thanks to Chrysler Canada for this very generous equipment donation,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “The Jeep Wrangler Sahara has already become a valuable training tool for students, offering them access to state-of-the-art automotive technology and allowing them to develop expertise that will ensure they are job-ready as soon as they graduate. Durham College is very grateful for this support of our students and their training.”

Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. Jeep Wrangler, easily recognizable for its iconic design and open air freedom, had its best sales year ever in 2012 in Canada.

“We are thrilled to be helping Durham College students gain an invaluable hands-on learning experience with the donation of a Jeep Wrangler Sahara,” said Dave Buckingham, chief operating officer, Chrysler Canada. “In the last five years, Chrysler Canada has donated nearly 40 vehicles that are obsolete for our purposes to educational institutions throughout the country for use as teaching aids in the classroom. Once they graduate, many students find employment within our dealership service areas, so the more we can prepare them before they join the workforce, the better it is for everyone.”

In addition to housing the college’s automotive programs, the Whitby campus is also in the middle of a massive three-phase expansion project that when complete will see more $44 million invested in an expanded post-secondary presence in Durham Region.

Phase 1, which officially opened in December 2009, is a comprehensive learning facility designed to train students in renewable energy. Phase 2, which opened in May 2011, is focused on green building trades and technology.

Phase 3, the college’s new 36,000-square-foot Centre for Food, is scheduled to open in September 2013. It will accommodate approximately 900 new students studying in culinary, hospitality, tourism, agricultural and horticultural programs, providing them access to a full-service, green-certified teaching restaurant and lounge; demonstration theatre; three public-viewing kitchens; and state-of-the-art labs, classrooms and meeting spaces.

About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2012, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 9,047 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

About Chrysler Canada

Founded as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925, Chrysler Canada Inc. is based in Windsor, Ontario, and celebrates its 88th anniversary in 2013. Chrysler Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler Group LLC, one of the world’s leading automotive companies. Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat, S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, Fiat and Mopar vehicles and products. Chrysler Canada’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Journey, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Fiat 500.

Media contacts:
Allison Rosnak
Communications officer
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

LouAnn Gosselin
Head of Communications
Chrysler Canada
519.973.2253
louann.gosselin@chrysler.com

OSHAWA, ON. – Durham College is welcoming yesterday’s federal budget and its emphasis on creating a strong, skilled economy through a focus on skills training, including the new Canada Job Grant, enhanced apprenticeship opportunities, and support for applied research and innovation at colleges.

In particular, the new Canada Job Grant will address Canada’s skills mismatch and ensure a greater number of people are prepared for success in the workplace. Directly connecting skills training with employers that have a plan to train Canadians for an existing or better job, the grant will provide access to a maximum $5,000 federal contribution per person towards training at eligible institutions such as Durham College.

In addition, new opportunities for apprenticeships were announced including ensuring that government contracts and funding for infrastructure and maintenance support the employment of apprentices, which will help increase the completion rate of apprenticeships. The reallocation of federal funding to increase opportunities for apprentices was also announced along with encouraging the use of apprentices in infrastructure projects receiving federal funding and examining the use of practical tests as a method of assessment.

“At Durham College and across the Ontario college system we have worked very hard to draw attention to the need for increased government attention on growing and strengthening Canada’s skilled economy,” said Lovisa. “I am very pleased to see the federal budget has introduced significant steps in that regard through a focus on new opportunities for skilled workers and training, in particular the Canada Job Grant and new apprenticeship measures.”

Given its significant applied research presence in Durham Region, Durham College is pleased to see the government take important steps to help colleges strengthen research partnerships with industry. This includes an investment of $12 million to enhance the College and Community Innovation Program, and renewing the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) with funding of $920 million over five years to help create job opportunities and encourage economic growth.

“I am very pleased with the government’s recognition of the important role colleges play in preparing skilled employees who will move Canadian communities forward both domestically and internationally,” added Lovisa. “This includes our contribution to the research, commercialization and development of innovative new products and services and commitment to ensuring graduates are well-equipped with the research knowledge and skills needed to stimulate today’s economy.”

Lovisa was part of a panel of senior college and industry leaders from across Canada that met with Diane Finley, minister of Human Resources and Skill Development, in December 2012 to discuss the urgency in advancing a national skills agenda. He is pleased to see much of what was discussed at that session reflected in the budget given their importance to the country’s continued economic success. 

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2012, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 9,047 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

Media contacts:
Allison Rosnak
Communications officer
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

OSHAWA, Ont. – Members of the media are invited to attend Durham College’s annual Spring Open House, taking place on Saturday, March 23.

The event will be held at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses as well as the college’s newest location, the Pickering Learning Site, and will showcase the college’s innovative programs and provides tours of its high-tech classrooms, labs and state-of-the-art facilities.

Expert staff and knowledgeable students will be available to answer questions and provide important information about a variety of college programs, processes and departments including financial aid and admissions.

Who:

• Durham College faculty and staff;
• Prospective students/applicants and their families;
• Alumni; and
• Friends of Durham College.

When:
Saturday, March 23
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where:
Oshawa campus
2000 Simcoe Street North

Whitby campus
1510 Champlain Avenue

Pickering Learning Site
1340 Pickering Parkway

For more information contact:
Michelle Roebuck/Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2197/ext. 2333
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca or allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

More than 100 opportunities available for students to earn secondary school and college credits simultaneously

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College today announced that its most recent Dual Credit Data Report, covering September 2012 to January 2013, indicates an impressive 85 per cent success rate for students enrolled in the college’s more than 100 dual credit courses.

Focused on subjects involving the skilled trades, apprenticeship, business, health, wellness, general education, math, science, the arts and more, dual credit courses allow secondary school students from the Durham District School; Durham Catholic District School; Kawartha Pine Ridge District School;  Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School; and Trillium Lakelands District School boards to get a head start on their futures by earning a secondary school and college credit at the same time, resulting in a seamless transition from secondary school to post-secondary education or an apprenticeship.

“Dual credits offer secondary school students wonderful exposure to a post-secondary or apprenticeship learning environment while they work toward both their OSSD and future career path,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “I am very proud of the results of this report, which are a great example of what happens when local schools, school boards, the provincial government and Durham College work together to create opportunities for students that are designed to meet their individual interests, strengths and needs.”

Delivered at select secondary schools and at the college’s Oshawa and Whitby campuses, depending on each course, individual school and school board, dual credits are aimed at students who are:

• Considered at risk of not graduating from high school;
• Enrolled in a specialist high skills major (e.g. students focused on a career path that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD);
• Enrolled in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (e.g. students in Grades 11 and 12 who are earning co-operative education credits through work placements in skilled trades); and
• Under age 21, out of school and close to completing their OSSD requirements.

In addition, at-risk students can take dual credit courses through Durham College’s Centre for Success program, which encourages students to stay in school and earn their high school diploma by engaging them in a college environment – demonstrating that they can also be successful in post-secondary education. Students work toward their diplomas while on campus with access to regular college support systems and amenities. In addition to meeting the graduation requirements most students also earn a college credit during their time in the program.

“After working as a secondary school teacher and guidance counsellor for 31 years, I can honestly say this is one of the most successful student success initiatives that I have been involved with,” said Gail MacKenzie, manager of Strategic Initiatives, Durham College School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services.  “The dual credit program allows students to reach their true potential and realize they can be successful, not only in their secondary school program but at post-secondary education.”

Funding for dual credit courses is provided through the School-College-Work Initiative (SCWI), a collaboration between the Council of Ontario Directors of Education and Committee of College Presidents that is jointly funded by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2012, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 9,047 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

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

Media contact:
Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

National award given to educators who exemplify the best in college teaching excellence and peer mentoring

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College proudly announced today that Virginia Harwood, a professor with the School of Justice & Emergency Services, has been awarded the College Sector Educator Award by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE). She is being recognized for her efforts to promote and support the development of her peers with regard to teaching excellence. This includes helping to support and ensure the success of her fellow professors and students and the teaching and learning leadership she provides both in and outside of Durham College.

“On behalf of faculty, staff and students at Durham College, I extend my warmest congratulations to Virginia on this wonderful achievement,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “This national award is reflective of her strong commitment to seeking innovative ways to inspire excellence in her peers including innovative mentoring and coaching techniques and her desire to promote new curriculum delivery and teaching methods among her colleagues in order to ensure students have the best post-secondary experience possible during their time on campus.”

In addition to her role as a professor, Harwood, a 1987 alumna of the college’s Legal Administration/Law Clerk program, also developed the college’s Mediation – Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) one-year graduate certificate program in 2010, which she continues to teach in and co-ordinate. Designed for individuals with existing educational or industry experience, the program includes a hybrid delivery model that enables students to participate in online chats and assignments and use digital technologies to interact with guest speakers.

“I am truly honoured to have been nominated and selected as a recipient for the College Sector Educator Award,” said Harwood. “I am extremely proud to represent Durham College.”

Harwood joined the college in 2002 after spending 17 years working as a law clerk for a major Toronto law firm and as a sole practitioner working in civil litigation; family law; estates; legal research; and real estate. An avid lifelong learner, she is a member of the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario; holds a qualified mediator designation from the ADR Institutes of Canada and Ontario; is an affiliate member of the Ontario Bar Association – ADR section; and is a volunteer member of the Board of Directors of the Durham Community Legal Clinic.

In addition to receiving the College Sector Educator Award, she was recognized with Durham College’s Vice-President, Academic Faculty Award for Academic Excellence in August 2011 and in 2012 was nominated for an Association of Canadian Community Colleges Teaching Excellence Award.

Harwood holds an advanced diploma in Legal Administration/Law Clerk; a certificate in Adult Education; a Bachelor of Education in Adult Education; a certificate and advanced certificate in ADR; and is a part-time student in the Master of Education program at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. In addition, she volunteers on several committees; mentors new faculty; is co-facilitator of the Teaching in Community program; and established the college’s Campus Conflict Resolution Services.

Nominations for the STLHE College Sector Educator Award were received from educators across Canada.

Nominees asked to provide evidence of their own teaching excellence and participation in activities that support the teaching excellence of peers including student, peer and supervisor feedback; leading workshops; presenting at conferences; mentoring others; participating on academic committees; being active in academic associations; researching

and publishing related to teaching; and leading projects and program teams. Harwood will receive her award at the 2013 STLHE Conference in Cape Breton in June.

A national association of academics interested in the improvement of teaching and learning in higher education, STLHE’s membership is comprised of faculty as well as teaching and learning resource professionals from post-secondary education institutions.

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2012, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 9,047 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

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

Media contact:
Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

Strong emphasis being placed on entrepreneurship via several key initiatives on campus

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College today announced that it is already successfully meeting the demands of a new Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) report titled Emerging Stronger 2013, which indicates one of the ways Ontario can overcome its challenges with respect to economic growth is to foster entrepreneurship in the classroom. The college has several entrepreneurial initiatives underway with students and faculty from its schools of Business, IT & Management (BITM), Media, Art & Design (MAD) and Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services (ISES) including academic-based projects focused on small business development; the introduction of an Enactus team on campus; the development of strong relationships with local initiatives and organizations focused on entrepreneurship; a unique focus on entrepreneurship for programs traditionally based in the arts; Durham Ideas Den 2013; and more.

“Creating an entrepreneurial culture for students has been a priority for Durham College for a number of years and the Emerging Stronger 2013 report is a clear indicator of the significant contribution we are making to Ontario’s economic growth,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “As a college, it is important for us to be connected to the local community – as an institution and through our students.”

The report, which identifies Ontario’s challenges and advantages with respect to economic growth including setting out recommendations, was released at the end of January. It includes a recommendation to foster entrepreneurship in the classroom stating “If we accept that culture accounts for at least part for the entrepreneurship gap with the U.S. then we must address it via the education system. This includes building entrepreneurship via high school and university curricula, not just our MBA programs.”

Durham College is meeting the recommendation through initiatives such as the integration of a culminating project into the final semester of BITM’s Entrepreneurship and Small Business program, which sees small groups of students develop a small business on campus or in the community. Students start and operate the business within the 14-week academic term and are evaluated based on their application of key start-up success criteria, financial results and their ability to meet their financial objectives. The project is designed to help students overcome the mental barriers that can exist when it comes to executing new business ideas, allowing them to gain the confidence needed to bridge that gap while still in school and encouraging them to execute their business plans post-graduation.

In addition, it will have a strong presence at CORE21, a modern, co-working office space opening in downtown Oshawa that will act as a convergence centre for players in the innovation space to work collaboratively. Entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals will rent work space ranging from the occasional use of a desk in a common area to a multi-person office and share amenities such as Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, a lounge area and a copy centre. Staff from the Office of Research Services and Innovation will work with clients and share space on a rotating basis with faculty, staff and students from BITM’s Entrepreneur and Small Business program.

On the artistic side, MAD is committed to creating an entrepreneurial culture for students by acknowledging the shift of the creative sector to project-based and freelance employment. The curriculum includes embedded business practices in the design of new programs and the development and inclusion of those elements in existing curricula for the Graphic Design, Game Development and Music Business Management programs. Professional practices are also learned through placements in industry; graduate certificate programs are under development in areas of niche specialization to encourage entrepreneurial development and active interaction with industry on real-world projects; and the Community Collaboration – Service Learning course, offered via the new Fine Arts – Advanced program, allows students to use their skills as artists in the community working with not-for profit partners.

Through ISES, the college is heavily involved in Durham Ideas Den 2013, Durham Region’s first social innovation challenge inviting youth to submit ideas for ventures that will benefit communities for a chance to win mentorship opportunities and more than $16,000 in awards. Hosted by the Community Innovation Lab and Durham College, Durham Ideas Den 2013 offers post-secondary students an opportunity to bring their ideas to life by designing projects that reflect of one of the following five themes: re-thinking poverty, re-thinking transportation systems, re-thinking youth engagement, re-imagining the image of the region and re-thinking climate change.

An Enactus team based on the global Enactus organization, which promotes entrepreneurship and social innovation among students at the post-secondary level, was also recently initiated and launched by BITM. The team is comprised of students focused on executing a number of social entrepreneurship projects, enabling them to overcome some of the emotional barriers that can occur when starting a new business venture. The school is also committed to building strong relationships with key local initiatives and organizations focused on entrepreneurship including being a key partner for the Ignite Durham initiative led by the Spark Centre, which allowed groups of marketing and entrepreneurship students to assist with the organization of the event, including the sale of sponsorships, as part of their sales curriculum.

“Since our inception we’ve placed importance on helping students secure internships and placement opportunities that enable them to gain real-world work experience and prepare for employment – including starting their own businesses, added Lovisa. “We also provide valuable networking opportunities with organizations, companies and individuals strongly focused on entrepreneurship, allowing students to build a strong base of industry contacts and further potential new business development long before they graduate. We are proud to be producing solution-based graduates that are resourceful, able to problem solve effectively and can take on the challenge of building a new business.”

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2012, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including 9,047 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

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

Media contact:
Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca