Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College announced today that Meri Kim Oliver will join the Durham College family as the new vice-president, Student Affairs, effective Monday, June 17.

Oliver comes to the college from Dalhousie University in Halifax, N.S. where she served as the assistant vice-president, Student Academic Success Services, responsible for many student-support service departments including the Advising and Access Services Centre; Black Student Advising Centre; Career and Leadership Services; International Centre; and Studying for Success Services, among others.

“Meri Kim is guided by a student-development approach in which improving the student experience is at the forefront of any action,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Her experience working at several Canadian post-secondary institutions and ability to create a cohesive and seamless approach to the delivery of student support services will be assets to Durham College.”

Oliver has both an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Master of Theological Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University. She has participated in many professional training and development opportunities and conducted or led high-profile presentations and workshops on recruitment; accessibility; and accommodations, among others.

Oliver is a published author and co-author of several works including Wellness as Raising Consciousness for Student Development and The Ethics of Access.

“I am confident Meri Kim will be a great addition to the Durham College family and advocate of our mission the student experience comes first,” added Lovisa.

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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.

 

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

More than 440 diploma-to-degree opportunities now available for students

OSHAWA, Ont. – As part of its commitment to providing students with opportunities to further their education here in Ontario and around the world, Durham College recently launched a new web page to highlight the more than 440 diploma-to-degree opportunities it has in place with universities across Ontario, Canada and around the world.  This includes 25 agreements in place with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), with whom the college shares its Oshawa campus, that allow qualified graduates of one-, two- and three-year Durham College programs to enter numerous UOIT undergraduate degree programs with advanced standing,

The web page – located at www.durhamcollege.ca/transferguide – provides details about each agreement including how to apply credits earned at Durham College toward numerous university or college degrees as well as methods for gaining additional credentials through Durham College.

Listing all transfer agreements alphabetically by Durham College program, the page also includes a link to each transfer institution, the transfer degree(s) available and the minimum academic requirement necessary to enrol.

“This is truly a trendsetting tool for understanding the transfer system and one that will be of great benefit to not only college students, but also those who’ve completed university studies as well,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College and co-chair, Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer. “Durham College is pleased to be a leader in Ontario as transfer agreements are increasingly developed to the benefit of students.”

Currently the page features 446 degree completion opportunities for post-secondary institutions in Canada and throughout the world including McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario; University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, British Columbia; Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan; the Irish Institutes of Technology in Ireland; Griffith University in South East Queensland, Australia and UOIT.

The college also offers a number of graduate certificate or fast-track programs for students who have completed a diploma or degree and are interested in enhancing their employability. These programs offer them the opportunity to develop additional skills and gain specialized knowledge while earning a credential in just one year, either online or via on-campus studies. Academic upgrading courses are also available.

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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.

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

February 20, 2013

Oshawa, Ont. – With the winter semester now in full swing, Durham College announced today a 10.7 per cent increase in winter enrolment over the same time period last year with 8,818 students currently enrolled in full-time, post-secondary studies.

In addition, January application numbers are up 5.36 per cent compared to last year along with a 10.76 per cent increase in confirmations.

“Durham College is committed to providing students with high-quality post-secondary education and flexible learning opportunities. This includes offering a January-start option for several of our high-demand programs to accommodate students who make the decision to further their education after the start of the traditional academic year,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “This enrolment increase is reflective of that commitment as well as our dedication to offering a diverse program mix, expert faculty and impressive learning facilities.”

Several of the college’s academic schools also experienced increased enrolment over the same time period last year including the School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology with an increase of 19.3 per cent and the School of Justice & Emergency Services with an increase of 18.5 per cent. Combined enrolment for both schools is 2,341 students.

“This significant increase builds on our impressive fall enrolment numbers and I am very proud to see us continue our already strong track record of success,” added Lovisa.

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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

College partnering with OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network to register stem cell donors for patients in need

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College is partnering with the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network on Tuesday, February 12 to host Get Swabbed, an event designed to add registrants to Canada’s stem cell registry by swabbing the inside of students’ cheeks and sending a tissue sample to Canadian Blood Services to identify potential stem cell donors.

The Get Swabbed program is focused on increasing the number of optimal donors in the OneMatch Network. While there are more than 330,000 Canadians currently registered with the network, nearly 1,000 patients continue to search for a matching stem cell donor. In addition, 75 per cent of registrants are Caucasian and 25 per cent are from Canada’s many diverse ethnic groups with stem cells from donors who are young (ages 17-35), male and ethnically diverse in the highest demand.

Research shows that younger stem cells from male donors affect patients better post-transplant and patients are most likely to find a suitable match with a donor of the same ethnic background. As a result, Get Swabbed is aimed at increasing the number of young, diverse and male donors to better support patients in need.

“Young donors have the biggest potential to save the life of a patient anywhere in the world,” said Hailu Mulatu, co-ordinator, Donor Management, OneMatch. “We are inspired by all the students who have embraced our mission to help more patients in need. Registering is so easy and the impact is life-changing.”

To register as a potential stem cell donor and to find out more about the OneMatch Stem Cell and Marrow Network, interested individuals can visit www.onematch.ca and www.facebook.com/onematch.

Who:

• Durham College students;
• Durham College Campus Health Centre staff;
• Hailu Mulatu  co-ordinator, Donor Management, OneMatch; and
• Representatives from OneMatch.

When:
February 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where:
Durham College Oshawa campus
SW-Wing, Gordon Willey building
2000 Simcoe Street North

Parking:
Enter off Simcoe Street North or Conlin Road and proceed to the Commencement parking lot.

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

College working with 14 local businesses via extension of Applied Research and Commercialization initiative

February 1, 2013

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College announced today that it has been approved for up to $810,000 in additional research funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) under an extension of the Applied Research and Commercialization initiative. The funding will allow the college to further its relationship collaborations with local small- and medium-sized businesses and is a continuation of the up to $750,000 in initial funding it received in October 2011.

“On behalf of the Durham College Office of Research Services and Innovation (ORSI), I extend our sincere thanks to the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State, and FedDev Ontario for the ongoing confidence in and support of Durham College’s applied research agenda,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, director, ORSI, Durham College. “Through this additional funding, we will be able to further our current strategic research collaborations and continue the significant research Durham College is doing in the areas of health care, information technology (IT), business and the environment.”

A total of up to $15.75 million will be invested through the extension of the Applied Research and Commercialization initiative, which is designed to help bring new and innovative products to the marketplace faster.

“Our Government’s strong track record with this innovative program demonstrates how businesses can benefit from the research expertise available at post-secondary institutions and move innovative ideas to the marketplace faster,” said Minister Goodyear. “I’m pleased that many more businesses are getting the tools and resources they need to grow, to create jobs and to stay competitive in today’s economy.”

Durham College is proud to have research relationships in place with the following companies under the initiative:

1. Stouffville-based The Big Orange Co. Inc., a marine products company, is working with the School of Science & Engineering Technology (SET) to design, build and pilot a new product for the control of odours from waste holding tanks of recreational boats.
2. Pickering-based Bykart Software Ltd., a technology solutions provider for the health-care industry and creator of the Chemotherapy Appointment Reservation Manager (CHARM) currently deployed at Sunnybrook Hospital to simplify the booking of chemotherapy appointments, is working with the schools of Business, IT & Management (BITM) and Media, Art & Design (MAD) to design and develop a new enterprise-class health-care application framework.
3. Oshawa-based Crossroads Shopping Network Inc., which develops services to support the rapid and sustained growth of e-commerce in Canada, is working with BITM and MAD to develop and test a new IT infrastructure designed to improve the efficiency of package delivery services.
4. Oshawa-based EHC Global, a leading innovator in the design and sale of escalator handrails, safety brushes, urethane rollers and engineered polymer products, is working with SET to create a catalogue of 3-D computer-aided-design models of its offerings.
5. Ajax-based EPIC Performance Services (EPIC), which designs and develops innovative software applications that offer strategic corporate program and initiative management, is working with MAD to create and test smartphone and mobile device versions of its e-Strategic Program Management Suite.
6. Barrie-based HydroFlow Canada, the sole Canadian distributor of Hydropath electronic water conditioners, is working with SET to product test and pilot its commercial grade offerings at two community swimming pools.
7. Oshawa-based IfItsGotaMotor.com, an automotive-focused company, is working with BITM and MAD to develop a user-friendly, active-content automotive aftermarket portal that will allow consumers to connect with any business that caters to the automotive aftermarket across North America.
8. Toronto-based Innovolve Group Inc., which helps private and public sector organizations uncover fresh approaches for maximizing the value of investments in sustainability, is working with BITM and MAD to create a secure information management platform and communication channel between homebuilders and homeowners to make maintenance information easily accessible.
9. Pickering-based Miratec Inc., a manufacturer of customized moulded assemblies, cables and inverter solutions, is working with SET to further improve its designs.
10. Toronto-based PlayDream Ventures Inc., a social media start-up company, is working with BITM and MAD to create an online application supported by community tools, media and brand partners to help people turn ideas into action trough the energy of their social networks.
11. Castleton-based SunDial Industries, the developer of patented, automated window covering control systems for the residential and commercial markets, is working with SET on product testing, piloting and demonstrations.
12. Newcastle-based Sunspace Modular Enclosures Inc., a designer and manufacturer of sunrooms, patio roof covers, WeatherMaster windows, structural railings and aluminum, is working with BITM and MAD to integrate the various software systems.
13. Ajax-based The Environmental Factor Inc., an organic lawn and garden products manufacturer, is working with SET to improve the efficiency of application of lawn treatments.
14. Mississauga-based Tenova Goodfellow Inc., leaders of the off-gas based technology EFSOP used for the dynamic real-time optimization of the Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking process, is working with SET to develop 3-D AutoCAD designs for new advanced and cost-competitive sensors.

Since its launch in 2010, the Applied Research and Commercialization initiative has supported the collaboration of 24 colleges and universities across southern Ontario with more than 570 companies, helping to provide businesses with opportunities to increase productivity and efficiency and narrow the gap between research and commercialization via applied research, engineering design, technology development, product testing and certification.

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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

Oshawa, Ont. –Durham College today announced that it received high marks on the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology survey of continuing education (CE) students at all 24 colleges across the province, conducted in 2012.

Of the close to 2,000 Durham College students surveyed, 93 per cent indicated they were satisfied with the overall quality of the instructors at the college and 92 per cent were satisfied with the overall quality of the courses offered.

“Durham College’s School of Continuing Education is committed to providing students with the best educational experience possible – whether they want to upgrade their existing skills, expand their knowledge or make a career change,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “These survey results indicate that we are successfully meeting that commitment including offering both day and night time programming as well as online and weekend courses and classes, enabling learners to choose the educational path that works best for them while ensuring they receive current and relevant curriculum delivered by the best possible instructors.”

In addition to receiving high marks for the quality of both its courses and instructors, 83 per cent of students also said they would recommend their course to others with the same interests based on their experience at the college.

The Winter 2012 Continuing Education Provincial Survey is designed to provide insight into students’ satisfaction with their courses, instructors, college services and more in addition to the demographics of students who are taking college-level CE courses in Ontario in terms of educational background and goals, employment status, gender, age, and first language.

More than 17,500 CE students enrol at Durham College annually in hundreds of different courses including new offerings such as Sustainable Local Food; Children’s Mental Health; and Leadership Development Series.

For more information, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/coned.

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 the 36,000-square-foot Centre for Food (CFF) focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, the CFF 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

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College faculty and staff, in conjunction with teachers and representatives from the Durham District; Durham Catholic; Kawartha Pine Ridge District; and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District school boards will celebrate the success of 130 Durham Region secondary school students on Thursday, January 17 when they officially complete the college’s Centre for Success program. 

Hosted at the college’s Oshawa campus through the School College Work Initiative, which is funded by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities – the program encourages students to stay in school and earn their high school diploma by engaging them in a college environment and demonstrating that they can also be successful in post-secondary education. While completing their diploma on campus they are provided with access to regular college support systems and amenities.

In addition to meeting the requirements to graduate and gain their secondary school diploma, most students also earn a college credit during their time in the program, which has grown significantly over the years. It began as a pilot project in 2006 with 14 students and now, in its seventh year, will see almost 300 students enrolled between September and June at both the Oshawa and Whitby campuses.

 Who:

• 130 Durham Region secondary school students and their families;
• Don Lovisa, president, Durham College;
• Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic, Durham College;
• Gail MacKenzie, manager of Strategic Initiatives (School College Work Initiative), Durham College; and
• Teachers and representatives from the Durham District; Durham Catholic; Kawartha Pine Ridge District; and Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District school boards.

When:
January 17, 2013 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Where:
Durham College Oshawa campus
Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre, Gyms 1 and 2
2000 Simcoe Street North

Parking:
Enter off Simcoe Street North or Conlin Road and proceed to Founders 3 parking lot.

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

More than 35 donors will gather together to recognize academic excellence on campus

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College President Don Lovisa will be joined by faculty, staff and corporate donors on Thursday, November 22 as the college honours more than 180 students for their outstanding academic achievements during its annual scholarship ceremony.

The event, which will present in-course scholarships, valued at $135,000, to deserving students from the Oshawa and Whitby campuses, will also give students an opportunity to express their appreciation to numerous individual, organizational and corporate award donors for their financial contributions.

Who:

• Durham College President Don Lovisa;
• 184 scholarship recipients and their family and friends;
• Corporate donors; and
• Faculty and staff from Durham College.

When:
November 22
3:45 p.m. – donor and recipient meet and greet
5 p.m. – ceremony begins

Where:
Durham College Oshawa campus
Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre gymnasium
2000 Simcoe Street North

Parking:
Enter off Simcoe Street North or Conlin Road and proceed to Founders 3 parking lot.

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