Local government and community partners join faculty and students to recognize first-ever public post- secondary presence in Pickering 

PICKERING, Ont. – Durham College President Don Lovisa and Ann Buller, president and CEO, Centennial College, were joined by Tracy MacCharles, MPP (Pickering-Scarborough East); Dave Ryan, mayor, City of Pickering; and government and community partners on November 13 as they celebrated the grand opening of the joint Pickering Learning Site (PLS). 

The PLS, which officially opened its doors in September 2012 and is the first public post-secondary presence in Pickering’s 200-year history, is designed to meet the needs of students looking to further their credentials in an environment focused on mature, professional learners.

“I am extremely pleased to continue this partnership with the City of Pickering and Centennial College in the operation of this joint learning centre,” said Lovisa. “This wonderful facility reflects our commitment to providing high-demand programs and is already providing exciting, unique and convenient educational opportunities to current students and will continue to do so for future students in Pickering and across the Greater Toronto Area.”

The grand opening event, which featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, provided attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the unique learning environment offered by the Centre including tours of the facility.

“We’re delighted to be working together with Durham College to bring accessible post-secondary education to our neighbours in the community of Pickering,” said Buller. “This is a ready-made facility for commuters who want to further their education while remaining close to home. It’s a facility conducive to learning and one that will open doors to new career opportunities for local residents.”

Pickering was chosen to be the home of Durham Region’s newest post-secondary learning environment because of the economic potential for both Toronto and the Durham Region. It also provides direct access to major highways, strong infrastructure and supportive governments.

“This is a legacy achievement that will bring jobs, innovation and skills training to the City of Pickering,” said MacCharles. “This facility showcases why Pickering is the fastest growing city in the GTA and I’m proud to be part of this important event today.”

The 9,000-square-foot, two-storey building, which can accommodate approximately 300 students, offers graduate certificate and continuing education programs from each college including Durham College’s one-year Addictions and Mental Health; Human Resources Management; Victimology; and Youth Corrections and Interventions graduate certificate programs and Centennial College’s Corporate Communications and Public Relations graduate certificate  program.

In addition it offers a flexible learning environment that includes continuing education courses in the evenings and on weekends and several workshops to better serve students.

“With its location at the north end of our landmark pedestrian bridge, the Pickering Learning Site represents a unique fusion of education and infrastructure,” said Ryan.  “I thank both Durham College and Centennial College for providing our residents, as well as students from across the GTA, with the opportunity to enhance their education and gain valuable job skills for today’s marketplace.”

Featuring four classrooms, a computer lab, student space and faculty offices, the PLS is conveniently located just north of Highway 401 off Liverpool Road, with direct access to GO Train services and other public transit.

For more information, please visit the Pickering Learning Site website.

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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 Centennial College

Centennial College is Ontario’s first public college, established in 1966, primarily serving the eastern portion of the Greater Toronto Area through four campuses and seven satellite locations. It has a record of exemplary teaching, innovative programming and extensive partnership building. Centennial is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse post-secondary institutions in Canada. Almost 100 ethno-cultural groups are represented and 80 languages are spoken on campus.

For more information contact:

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

College recognized for commitment to living green; sustainable journey well underway

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College announced today that it has received a bronze rating from the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS), offered through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), for its on-campus sustainability initiatives.

The system, a comprehensive tool that compares the sustainability initiatives of participating colleges and universities, focuses on several key areas including education and research; operations; planning; and administration and engagement with each category holding a percentage-based score.

The college officially began benchmarking its sustainability initiatives through the STARS program in February 2012 and after several months of data collection received its bronze rating in October.

“Durham College is dedicated to ensuring that sustainability guides our decisions and practices in fostering the continued success and well‐being of our students, people and planet,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “2012 marked the start of our commitment to living green and we are very proud to be given a bronze rating for our first STARS submission. In addition, the STARS process has given us the opportunity to recognize both our weakness and strengths as an institution, knowledge we will use to further our success to date and make improvements going forward. I am confident this is just the beginning of our sustainable journey.”

In addition to the ongoing implementation of new measures designed to make it a better environmental steward and champion, Durham College recently introduced a Living Green campaign as well as a Sustainability Committee that is designed to promote awareness, understanding and the practice of environmental, social and economic sustainability with all college stakeholders.

AASHE has broad participation from numerous universities and colleges throughout North America including vast networking opportunities and the option to participate in the STARS program. The association is designed to advance sustainability in higher education by creating a diverse community engaged in sharing ideas and promising practices. It provides administrators, faculty, staff and students, as well as the business that serve them, with thought leadership and essential knowledge resources; professional development opportunities; and a framework for demonstrating the value and competitive edge of sustainability initiatives.

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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

Ribbon-cutting ceremony will officially open joint learning centre

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College President Don Lovisa and Ann Buller, president, Centennial College, will be joined by local dignitaries and staff and students from their respective post-secondary institutions on Tuesday, November 13 when they commemorate the official grand opening of the joint Pickering Learning Site (PLS).  

The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and provide attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the unique learning environment offered by the centre. 

Opening its doors in September 2012, the PLS is designed to meet the needs of students looking to further their credentials in an environment focused on mature, professional learners.  The 9,000-square-foot, two-storey building offers graduate certificate and continuing education programs from each college and features four classrooms, a computer lab, student space and offices and accommodates approximately 300 students. It is conveniently located just north of Highway 401 off Liverpool Road, with direct access to GO Train services and other public transit.

Who:

• Tracy MacCharles, MPP(Pickering – Scarborough East);
• Don Lovisa, president, Durham College;
• Ann Buller, president, Centennial College;
• Government and community partners; and
• Students, faculty and staff from Durham and Centennial colleges.

When:

Tuesday, November 13
1 to 2 p.m. 

Where:

Pickering Learning Site, Room PK108
1340 Pickering Parkway, Pickering, Ontario 

Parking:

Enter off Pickering Parkway and proceed to lots identified by event signage.

For more information contact:

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

Brainstorming event to focus on delivery of local social services; feature keynote presentation by Dr. Gabor Maté

 November 7, 2012

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College – in partnership with The Regional Municipality of Durham, Social Services Department – will bring together participants from the academic and non-academic sectors, to focus on the measurement of outcomes associated with the delivery of social services in Durham Region, when it hosts “The Impact of Social Services: A Lifespan Perspective” on Wednesday, November 14.

The forum will see attendees brainstorm together to set new research agendas, develop research questions and identify shared areas of focus related to social services. It will also feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Gabor Maté, a Canadian physician, public speaker and best-selling author.

Media are invited to observe the forum, which will include several breakout sessions and a panel discussion facilitated by Dr. Maté in addition to his keynote presentation “The Need For Our Services: A Bio-Psycho-Social Context”.

Who:

• Dr. Gabor Maté, Canadian physician, public speaker and best-selling author;
• Don Lovisa, president, Durham College;
• Dr. Hugh Drouin, commissioner, Social Services Department, The Regional Municipality of Durham; and
• Randy Uyenaka, professor, School of Health & Community Services, Durham College.

Visuals:
Photo opportunities and formal interviews will be available with Dr. Maté, and representatives from Durham College and The Regional Municipality of Durham, following the initial keynote presentation scheduled from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

When:
November 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where:
Lakeridge Health Education and Research Network Centre
Lakeridge Health Oshawa, 1 Hospital Court, Oshawa, ON, L1G 2B9

Parking:
Enter off Simcoe Street North and proceed to the main parking lot.

For more information, including a detailed agenda please contact:

Allison Rosnak Durham College 905.721.2000 ext. 2333 allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

Jennifer Finlayson The Regional Municipality of Durham 905.668.7711 ext. 2240 jennifer.finlayson@durham.ca

 

OSHAWA, Ont. – Members of the media are invited to attend Durham College’s annual Fall Open House, taking place on Saturday, November 10.

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

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:

• Prospective students/applicants;
• Alumni; and
• Friends of Durham College.

When:

Saturday, November 10
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where:

Oshawa campus
2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario

Whitby campus
1510 Champlain Avenue, Whitby, Ontario

Pickering Learning Site
1340 Pickering Parkway, Pickering, Ontario

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

 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College announced today that it has the highest enrolment growth  in the province according to new enrolment figures released by the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) on October 19. Adding 1,128 students in fall 2012, the college’s total all-fee categories (domestic and international) growth rate is 14.2 per cent against the 3.3 per cent Ontario college system average, the highest in the province in absolute numbers and by percentage. 

The OCAS 2012 September Day-10 Report, which provides information on enrolment numbers at Ontario’s colleges as of the tenth day of the academic year, shows that Durham College welcomed 5,587 first-year students in September, an increase of 15.3 per cent over the previous academic year. In addition, enrolment for all years reached 9,047 students, an increase of 14.2 per cent over fall 2012.

“As more and more people from all parts of society look to Durham College for a post-secondary education, our new programs, additional seats and physical capacity ensure we are helping more full- and part-time learners than ever before fulfil their dreams,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Our reputation for offering high-quality programs taught by expert faculty members continues to grow rapidly and I am incredibly proud of our success.”

In total, more than 30,000 students study at Durham College each year in a variety of full- and part-time, diploma-to-degree, fast-track, apprenticeship, continuing education and career development programs in several different areas of importance to the current economy. Dedicated to ensuring that the student experience comes first, the college introduces new programs annually while working to develop diploma-to-degree opportunities designed to enable students to complete their degree requirements in less than the traditional amount of time.

For example, Durham College and its campus partner, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) recently announced the signing of a new articulation agreement that reflects the two organization’s close to decade-long commitment to providing consistent, flexible and seamless pathway opportunities for students enrolled in approved programs at both institutions. The agreement allows qualified graduates of one-, two-, and three-year Durham College programs to enter numerous UOIT undergraduate degree programs with advanced standing. There are a total of 25 diploma-to-degree opportunities approved between the two institutions in addition to the 16 graduate certificate and six fast-track programs Durham College offers to graduates of UOIT.

In addition to its impressive enrolment growth, 2012 also marked several other milestones for the college including the opening of the Pickering Learning Site and the continuation of the massive three-phase construction project at the Whitby campus underway since 2008. Phase 1 opened in December 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3, the 36,000-square-foot Centre for Food (CFF) located at the northwest corner of campus, began construction in December 2011 and is scheduled to open to students in September 2013.

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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

Alumna of Distinction Award winner and advertising graduate will address class of 2012

October 19, 2012

OSHAWA, Ont. – Elaine Garnett, a 2009 Durham College Alumna of Distinction Award winner and 1990 graduate of the college’s Advertising and Marketing Communications Management (formerly Advertising Administration) program, will offer the keynote address at the college’s annual fall convocation ceremony taking place on Thursday, October 25.

More than 600 graduates will be joined by their family and friends, college faculty and staff and the Durham College Board of Governors as students from the schools of Business, IT & Management; Continuing Education; Health & Community Services; Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services; Justice & Emergency Services; Media, Art & Design; Science & Engineering Technology; and Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology receive their credentials. 

Since graduating from the college, Garnett has built a successful multimedia career in television, radio and newspaper while encouraging the pursuit of education through the development of academic course materials at the post-secondary level and her involvement with the college’s Advertising and Marketing Communications Management program.

The college’s fall convocation ceremony will bring its total number of alumni to close to 60,000 strong.

When:
Thursday, October 25
5:30 p.m.

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

College and university formalize commitment to provide diploma-to-degree opportunities to students

October 19, 2012

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) today announced the signing of a new articulation agreement that will allow qualified graduates of one-, two-, and three-year Durham College programs to enter numerous UOIT undergraduate degree programs with advanced standing, enabling them to complete their degree requirements in less than the traditional amount of time.

“Durham College has a long and proud history with UOIT, which includes our shared desire to offer students as many high-quality, post-secondary opportunities as possible,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “More and more students are finding pathways in both directions and this new agreement, which includes the introduction of several new diploma-to-degree opportunities in addition to several existing ones, will allow Durham College graduates to pursue further education in several areas of study right here in Durham Region. We are extremely pleased to see this culmination of our relationship with UOIT and look forward to strengthening our partnership even further in the coming months and years.”

The agreement was signed by Durham College President Don Lovisa and President McTiernan at the institutions’ joint Oshawa campus on October 18. For close to a decade, the university and the college have been committed to providing consistent, flexible and seamless pathway opportunities for students enrolled in approved programs at both institutions.

“This agreement is another example of how UOIT and Durham College are working together to provide a full post-secondary campus environment in a variety of professional streams that supports continuous learning from apprenticeship to PhD, exemplifying the type of college-university barrier-free campus that can succeed in Ontario,” said UOIT President Tim McTiernan.  “We look forward to expanding opportunities to partner with Durham College and will continue to examine ways we can continue to work together to leverage resources in Durham Region and beyond  while providing our graduates with everything they need to be successful in the evolving 21^st-century workplace.”

The articulation agreement is aligned with the goal of the provincial Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and the Ontario Council of Articulation and Transfer to improve overall access to post-secondary education by increasing the number, type and range of collaborative arrangements in Ontario, primarily in affinity-high priority areas. With that goal in mind, the programs incorporated into the new agreement focus on high-demand areas of the local, provincial and national economies including health, business, science, arts, justice, technology and education for a total of 25 diploma-to-degree opportunities approved between the two institutions.  In addition, the college offers 16 graduate certificate and six fast-track programs to graduates of UOIT.

A full list of the diploma-to-degree opportunities available between the two institutions for the 2013-2014 academic year can be found on the Durham College website.

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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 approximately 9,000 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 UOIT

UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. More than 9,200 undergraduate and graduate students are taught by exceptional professors who are experts in their field. Ontario’s first laptop-based university, UOIT offers a diverse array of challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs through the faculties of Business and Information Technology; Education; Energy Systems and Nuclear Science; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; Science; and Social Science and Humanities. UOIT’s commitment to research excellence and innovation has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including four prestigious Canada Research Chairs, with another six in development, and six industrial research chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668. 

Media contact for Durham College:                                       

Allison Rosnak
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

Media contact for UOIT:

Melissa Levy
905.721.8668 ext. 2513
melissa.levy@uoit.ca

New academic environment at Whitby campus demonstrating changes in construction and building trades sectors

Monday, October 15, 2012

Whitby, Ont. – Durham College officially launched a key component of the development project happening at its Whitby campus on October 12 when it opened two new on-site learning labs.

The labs, part of the $44 million, three-phase expansion that has been underway at the Whitby campus since 2009, are designed to demonstrate the many changes that have occurred in the building trades over the years. This includes the various methods used to retrofit older homes as well as the energy-efficient technologies currently being used in the construction of newer homes.

The event saw close to 60 community leaders; business partners; faculty; staff; students; alumni; board members; and donors join Durham College President Don Lovisa, Town of Whitby Mayor Pat Perkins, Town of Whitby Councillor Ken Montague and Durham Custom Homes President Jeff Goldman for tours of the new learning labs.  

In addition, the college recognized the outstanding commitment of the donors who contributed to the learning labs through gifts-in-kind, services and monetary donations with the unveiling of a recognition plaque, which will be displayed in the west wing of the Whitby campus.

Founded by Harry Goldman, Durham Custom Homes has been building quality homes in southern Ontario for more than 60 years. “My grandfather didn’t speak English very well but he had a simple philosophy when it came to home building,” said Goldman. “When constructing houses, he would say ‘build them good for the people’. These learning labs will teach students and future trades and construction workers this same concept so they too can learn ‘to build them good for the people’.”

Learning Lab 1, a new, high-efficiency green home built by Durham Custom Homes, features the latest in environmentally friendly technologies. It is being used by students studying in programs such as Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques; Plumbing Apprenticeship; Electrical Technician – Instrumentation and Control; and Electrical Techniques.

“As part of the overall plan to transform the Whitby campus to better serve students and secure meaningful jobs in the 21^st century an idea was born,” said David Chambers, associate vice-president, Office of Development, Durham College. “This idea was made possible through the generosity of community donors, businesses and trades people who stepped up to the challenge to bring the learning labs to life.”

Learning Lab 2, a 1940s era house with dated technology and wiring that was purchased by Durham Custom Homes then moved to the Whitby campus in January 2011, is enabling students to gain real-world experience in retrofitting older homes including an understanding of how to increase energy efficiency.

“I am honoured to have played a part in such an exciting project for the future of our community,” added Goldman.

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 approximately 9,000 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:

Allison Rosnak/Rhonda Daley
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2333 or ext. 2197
alllison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca or rhonda.daley@durhamcollege.ca