March 25, 2008

Province, college both recognize economic importance of skilled workforce

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College is applauding today’s provincial budget and its significant commitment to new skills and education opportunities for Ontarians, particularly the strong focus on skilled trades and training, a key area of focus and expertise at the college.

Durham College President Leah Myers welcomed the many new investments announced by Finance Minister Dwight Duncan in the budget, including $355 million for a new Second Career Strategy that will help unemployed workers secure long-term training for new careers and $75 million over three years to expand apprenticeship opportunities. Both initiatives strongly align with Durham College’s focus on the skilled trades and career-focused training.

“Having a skilled workforce that meets the requirements of today’s rapidly changing economy is critical to the future of Durham Region and Ontario,” said Myers. “The Second Career Strategy will make a real difference in Durham Region for individuals, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves out of work, yet are eager to begin new and meaningful long-term careers. I believe that with this new funding Durham College will play a key role in providing those learning opportunities in our community.”

Myers also welcomed the announcement of $200 million for Strategic Skills Training Capital Investments to expand training centres and capacity across the province; a $60-million commitment over three years for equipment renewal; and $45 million over three years for state-of-the-art equipment for apprenticeship. She noted having up-to-date equipment and outstanding facilities ensures excellence in programming and a positive learning environment for Durham College students.

This funding also appears to be ideally suited to growth plans for the Durham College Skills Training Centre (DCSTC) at its Whitby Campus.

“We have an exciting new vision for the expansion of the Durham College Skills Training Centre,” said Myers. “Our vision calls for significant growth in apprenticeship and post-secondary programming, and innovations in delivery approaches to better serve our industry partners. Plans to expand the centre by 40,000 square feet will add capacity to launch a new focus on energy, including industry-relevant programs and a retrofit of the centre that supports Durham Region’s energy leadership. I look forward to engaging the government in conversation about how to access these new funds and why the DCSTC is an ideal candidate for meeting the priorities announced today by Minister Duncan.”

Today’s budget is even more crucial and timely given the Conference Board of Canada’s estimates that Ontario could face a shortfall of 364,000 skilled workers by 2025. Specific sectors that have identified looming shortages in skilled workers include the automotive, construction and environmental industries, all of which are focuses of training at Durham College. 

“By working with the provincial government, business leaders and other community partners, Durham College expects to play a leading role in providing the training solutions needed to meet the challenges ahead,” added Myers. “We are thrilled that the provincial government continues to partner with colleges and signal that it has put a priority on helping Ontarians reach their full potential.”

Background:

Since 1993, the Durham College Skills Training Centre has provided apprentices and post-secondary students in priority sectors with the critical skills and knowledge that drive personal success and economic growth in Durham Region and beyond. The centre is located on 29 acres and offers in excess of 200,000 square feet of classroom and shop floor space. 

The college offers 17 apprenticeship programs and over the last 15 years more than 20,000 registered apprentices have completed various levels of in-school apprenticeship training in the construction, manufacturing and transportation sectors, including 12,000 within the last seven years. Currently there are 1,600 apprentices enrolled at the centre, 120 Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) apprenticeship students, and 670 students in post-secondary programs.

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Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

March 20, 2008

Kevin McAlpine one of only five members named across the country

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College congratulates Kevin McAlpine on being named to a new federal task force announced today by Stockwell Day, the federal minister of Public Safety.

McAlpine, a professor in the Durham College School of Justice and the former Chief of the Durham Regional Police Service, is one of only five members named to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Reform Implementation Council. The council was formed in response to a key recommendation from the Task Force on Governance and Cultural Change in the RCMP.

Durham College professors bring years of knowledge and real-world experience to our classrooms every day, providing students with unique perspectives and information that ensures students have the market-ready skills needed to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world.

About Durham College
Durham College is the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who will succeed in a challenging, supporting and inclusive learning environment. Offering approximately 80 full-time market-driven programs and hundreds of part-time and continuing education courses, the college has provided students with access to exceptional teachers with real-world experience for 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of close to 95 per cent, Durham College gives students everything they need to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. The college has more than 6,100 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and almost 1,600 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

To arrange an interview, please contact:
Michelle Good
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
michelle.good@durhamcollege.ca

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

March 10, 2008

Security operation program included in two justice programs

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College’s School of Justice is quickly gaining province-wide attention for providing students with a rare opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience as part of their program curriculum, while also helping to further campus security and safety. The Special Events Auxiliary Team (SEAT), a security operation designed to teach the fundamental principles of security services to students, is unique amongst Ontario colleges and proving to be a great benefit to Durham College.

Originally created as a voluntary security service, SEAT has now been added to the course curriculum of two separate programs at Durham College. Students in the Law and Security Administration (LASA) program attend Security Practices class, while students in the Advanced Law Enforcement and Investigations (ALEI) program have the Security Leadership & Operations course within their curriculum.

“The SEAT program embodies the core values of Durham College,” said Stephanie Ball, dean of the School of Justice. “It provides opportunities for outstanding real-world learning experiences that greatly assist graduates by transferring their classroom learning experiences into tangible work skills that serve as pathways to promising careers in the security field.”

The service was developed in 2005 by Professor Geoff McCombe, when Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter, a former professional boxer who was wrongfully imprisoned for more than 20 years, was attending a speaking engagement on campus. The need for additional security was determined and after completing a predetermined screening process, 26 students were chosen to provide supplementary voluntary security coverage.

Following their successful handling of Carter’s visit, the team was called upon to develop and implement a security presence at all varsity athletic events hosted by the college. Students in the ALEI program are responsible for the operational planning, strategizing and event co-ordination, while their peers in the LASA program provide supplementary security services. The result is a permanent organization to handle future events, otherwise known as SEAT.

By incorporating SEAT into the two School of Justice programs, students are provided with the opportunity to augment their in-class learning with a significant amount of hands-on, self-directed learning. The group will continue to evolve and respond to the changing needs of the labour market.

“The SEAT program learning model will continue to grow and develop here at Durham College and it will also serve as a model for other colleges to follow,” said Neil Gonsalves, a professor in the School of Justice and interim SEAT steward. “There is no greater reward than witnessing a student realizing he or she has succeeded because they have transitioned from the acquiring of classroom knowledge to successful application.”

For 40 years Durham College has provided students with quality learning experiences and support in finding pathways to jobs and productive citizenship. By offering high-quality, relevant programs that focus on workplace readiness and are taught by exceptional teachers, Durham College graduates have the market-ready skills to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world.

About Durham College
Durham College is the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who will succeed in a challenging, supporting and inclusive learning environment. Offering approximately 80 full-time market-driven programs and hundreds of part-time and continuing education courses, the college has provided students with access to exceptional teachers with real-world experience for 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of close to 95 per cent, Durham College gives students everything they need to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. The college has more than 6,100 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and almost 1,600 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Michelle Good
Communications and Marketing
T: 905.721.2000 ext. 2197
michelle.good@durhamcollege.ca

 

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

March 3, 2008

Awards honour extraordinary career success and societal contributions

OSHAWA, Ont. – For 40 years Durham College has provided students with the market-ready skills required to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. Using those skills, countless graduates have built outstanding careers while also giving back to the college and their communities. Those individuals are currently being sought as candidates for the 2008 Alumnus of Distinction Award.

Six awards will be presented at the college’s convocation ceremonies on June 19, one each in the categories of business, community services, creative arts and design, health sciences, technology and recent graduate.

“We are extremely proud of our 42,000-strong alumni and it is our pleasure to recognize individuals who have utilized the skills they obtained at Durham College to achieve remarkable career success and contribute to the making of better communities across the country,” said Lori Connor, Durham College alumni officer. “The successes of our outstanding alumni are shining examples of why Durham College has developed a reputation for excellence in post-secondary education.”

Recipients will also be nominated for the prestigious Ontario Premier’s Awards for College Graduates, which are awarded annually to recognize six graduates from Ontario’s 24 colleges for making important social and economic contributions.

To submit a nomination, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/alumni and select Alumni Awards and then Alumni of Distinction. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, April 18. For more information, please contact Lori Connor at 905.721.3035 or lori.connor@durhamcollege.ca.

About Durham College

Durham College is the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who will succeed in a challenging, supporting and inclusive learning environment. Offering approximately 80 full-time market-driven programs and hundreds of part-time and continuing education courses, the college has provided students with access to exceptional teachers with real-world experience for 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of close to 95 per cent, Durham College gives students everything they need to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. The college has more than 6,100 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and almost 1,600 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2513
melissa.levy@durhamcollege.ca

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

February 25, 2008

Provocative campaign addresses parental influence, encourages families to consider all post-secondary choices

OSHAWA, Ont. – Students in Durham Region and across Ontario are breathing a sigh of relief today with the news that a new product, ‘Obay’, purported to stop them from thinking for themselves or about their future, isn’t for real and won’t be appearing in their parents’ medicine cabinets anytime soon. A teaser campaign, featuring fictional ads and humorous, provocative messages about parental mind control has been running across the province for the past few weeks. It was part of the lead up to today’s official launch of a new marketing campaign by Ontario’s colleges, including Durham College, that is targeted primarily to parents, the group identified as having great influence when it comes to post-secondary education.

“We have been pleased by the reaction and excitement that has been generated over the past two weeks by the Obay campaign,” said Durham College President Leah Myers. “The goal with Obay is to encourage parents and young people to think about all of the post-secondary options available, including the many benefits that come with pursuing a college education.”

Based on recent research, Ontario parents favour university over college as the number one choice for their children by a margin of 3 to 1. The Obay campaign, brought to you by the makers of ‘WhyBecauseISaidSo’ and ‘NotUnderMyRoof’, is designed to remind parents that they should explore all the options – in many cases, their children may be more likely to find rewarding and fulfilling careers through college education and training.

Research has also revealed that:

• 98 per cent of parents talk to their children about post-secondary education;
• More than 90 per cent of parents talk to other parents about how their children are doing in school;
• Almost 30 per cent of the parents polled said they would be disappointed or embarrassed if their child went to college;
• 20 per cent believe a university education is the only real route to a successful career; and
• Parents are more familiar with specific universities than they are with specific colleges.

Further research conducted on behalf of Colleges Ontario, the advocacy organization representing the province’s 24 colleges, shows an overwhelming public perception that college is a lesser alternative to university. Only 33 per cent of high school students actually go on to university after high school yet an overwhelming majority enter high school believing they will go to university – primarily to meet their parents’ expectations.

Beginning today, the Obay campaign ads will deliver a clear message to parents, such as: “Your kids should be allowed to make their own decisions, especially when it comes to their post-secondary education.” Another key message: “Sure you want what’s best for your kids, but when it comes to post-secondary education, pushing them to do what you want isn’t right” and encourages parents and students to “explore all the options” by visiting ontariocolleges.ca, which showcases the exceptional range of programs offered by Ontario’s colleges when it comes to post-secondary education.

For 40 years, Durham College has been providing students with the hands-on skills and training required to obtain rewarding and satisfying careers. The college’s high-quality programs are continually shaped by market needs and delivered by exceptional professors with real-world experience at vibrant and diverse campuses that enrich the student-life experience. Co-op and internship opportunities enable students to gain valuable work experience while attending classes, ensuring they are ready to hit the ground running upon graduation.

Durham College’s alumni are 42,000 strong; these men and women have gone on to career success as industry leaders in business, communication arts, the energy sector, health care, IT, law enforcement, skilled trades and many other areas that directly impact Ontario’s economic prosperity and quality of life.

“We are looking forward to an exciting and renewed dialogue in the coming weeks as parents and children consider all of their post-secondary options for this September and in the years ahead,” said Myers. “From our diploma and graduate certificate programs, to our reputation as a national leader in skill trades training, Durham College offers significant opportunities that meet the needs of employers and the labour market. Helping to ensure all levels of higher education are producing more graduates, means a stronger economy and country for us all.”

About Durham College
Durham College is the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who will succeed in a challenging, supporting and inclusive learning environment. Offering approximately 80 full-time market-driven programs and hundreds of part-time and continuing education courses, the college has provided students with access to exceptional teachers with real-world experience for 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of close to 95 per cent, Durham College gives students everything they need to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. The college has more than 6,100 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and almost 1,600 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2209
tony.doyle@durhamcollege.ca

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

February 7, 2008

More than 1,000 students will explore job opportunities with leading employers

OSHAWA, Ont. – More than 1,000 Durham College and University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) students are expected to attend the schools’ 11th annual Job Fair on campus next week, where they will have the opportunity to visit with leading businesses to discuss employment opportunities.

The event will feature 60 exhibitors representing local, provincial and national businesses encompassing a variety of sectors. Students will have an invaluable opportunity to network face-to-face with potential employers, while recruiters will have the chance to share the advantages and benefits that their companies offer to employees. The event is co-ordinated by Hired Career Services at Durham College and UOIT and will assist students in securing full-time, part-time, internship, co-op, contract and summer employment in their fields of study.

Members of the media are invited to talk with students to gain their perspectives on pursuing employment in their chosen careers and to meet with employers to learn more about the hiring criteria for today’s job market.

When:
Wednesday, February 13
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where:
Durham College and UOIT
Gymnasiums 1 and 2 (original gymnasium)
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa

Parking:
Enter off Conlin Road and proceed to the Founders 3 lot.

For more information:
Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2513
905.213.2735 (mobile during the event)
melissa.levy@dc-uoit.ca

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

February 6, 2008

Investment to assist 2008 Spring Games held at Durham College, UOIT and other venues in Durham Region

OSHAWA, Ont. – Ontario Trillium Foundation officials visited Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) today to announce a $75,000 grant to the Special Olympics Ontario 2008 Durham Region Spring Games, with a particular focus on the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program, which is designed to help Special Olympians improve their overall health and fitness, leading to an enhanced sports experience and improved well-being.

Chuck Mercier, who is chair of the Spring Games and the Durham Regional Police Service’s deputy chief of police, Durham College President Leah Myers, and UOIT President Dr. Ronald Bordessa joined other guests as John Ecker, director of communications and public affairs for the Ontario Trillium Foundation, made the announcement at the schools’ Oshawa, Ontario campus. The generous gift will provide support in the areas of volunteer development and education and for the first time ever, Special Olympics Ontario will host a Healthy Athletes Expo outside of the traditional Games’ competition dates. The expo is May 8 to 10 at the Durham College and UOIT campus.

“The 2008 Spring Games in Durham Region will not only showcase outstanding Special Olympics athletes, but also encourage health and fitness among people with intellectual disabilities,” said Durham MPP John O’Toole, speaking on behalf of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. “When combined with the energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers, sponsors and athletes, these funds from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will help ensure the success of the Games.”

During the Healthy Athletes event, Special Olympians will receive a variety of health screenings and services in a series of clinics conducted in a welcoming, fun environment. Volunteer health-care professionals including physicians, dentists, audiologists and podiatrists from across Canada, and students will be trained to provide the screenings in the schools’ state-of-the-art facilities and labs.

Athletes will have access to six different health tests throughout the expo:

• Opening Eyes will test athletes’ vision and provide eyeglasses and protective goggles as necessary;
• Special Smiles will teach the importance of oral health and provide mouthguards as necessary;
• FUNfitness will assess the athletes’ general flexibility and provide simple exercise tools;
• Healthy Hearing will screen hearing acuity, create custom earplugs and make minor repairs to hearing aids;
• Fit Feet will examine the athletes’ feet; and
• Health Promotion will promote and reinforce good nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices.

In addition, the Healthy Athletes Expo will educate the professional community about the health needs and abilities of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Taking place three weeks prior to the Games, it will act as a natural conduit to the Spring Games for prospective athletes from Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area.

“We have witnessed the benefits that athletes and parents have reported through a number of Healthy Athletes events hosted during our major Games,” said Glenn MacDonnell, president and CEO, Special Olympics Ontario. “However, as significant as the results were, we always believed that the Healthy Athletes program could have a much bigger impact if it could serve a broader constituency. This inaugural event has the potential to screen over 1,000 people, many of whom will be new to the Special Olympics program. When you combine the direct benefits with the ability to educate parents, clinicians, politicians and the general public about what Special Olympics is and does, the impact can be monumental.”

The Special Olympics Ontario 2008 Durham Region Spring Games will take place May 29 to 31, with the Durham Regional Police Service, a longtime supporter of Special Olympics, leading the planning and serving as host. Durham College and UOIT are the host sites for the athletes and a number of events including the opening and closing ceremonies.

About Durham College
Durham College is the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who will succeed in a challenging, supporting and inclusive learning environment. Offering approximately 80 full-time market-driven programs and hundreds of part-time and continuing education courses, the college has provided students with access to exceptional teachers with real-world experience for 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of close to 95 per cent, Durham College gives students everything they need to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. The college has more than 6,100 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and almost 1,600 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT’s 5,000 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario’s first laptop-based university, the university offers a diverse array of challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its faculties of Business and Information Technology; Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies; Education; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; and Science, and its School of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science. UOIT’s commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

For more information, contact:

Michelle Good Communications and Marketing UOIT and Durham College 905.721.8668 ext. 2197 michelle.good@dc-uoit.ca

Pauline Carey Internal Communications Special Olympics Ontario 416.447.8326 ext. 221

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

January 29, 2008

Durham to receive $2.38 million for campus renewal projects

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College will receive an additional $2.38 million for campus renewal projects, following an announcement today that the McGuinty government is investing an additional $65 million in college education and training across the province.

The funding is to be used to ensure students have the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities necessary to effectively prepare for today’s high-tech workplace. Durham College leaders are applauding the announcement and working to determine how best to utilize and maximize the funds to enhance the student experience.

“We are tremendously pleased and would like to thank the provincial government for this critical investment in campuses across Ontario,” said Leah Myers, president of Durham College. “This is another clear signal of the provincial government’s commitment to Ontario colleges and that it is listening to our concerns about the need for campus renewal in the college system. We are so happy to partner with them as these funds will significantly help us meet the needs that come with a growing and aging campus.”

The renewal funding is to be used for energy efficiency; campus safety and security initiatives that will ensure students can complete their studies in safe and secure environments; and to help colleges maintain and repair existing infrastructure.

At Durham College, the student experience comes first and this funding for priority areas helps meet that mission. Energy efficiencies are important not only to manage rising energy costs, but allow the college to better serve Durham Region, Ontario’s energy capital, by example and through leadership. The college also places tremendous importance on ensuring our graduates are responsive to the changing demographics of Durham Region. As the local, provincial and national economies continue to evolve rapidly, businesses and industries require highly skilled employees who can step in and help employers remain competitive not only here in Durham Region, but on a global scale.

“For 40 years Durham College has been training highly-skilled graduates, due in large part to our commitment to high-quality programs led by exceptional professors,” said Myers. “However, another key part of our success is having the very latest in equipment and facilities available to train students in the skills employers demand. Today’s announcement is another important step in meeting those needs. These funds are another reminder that there has never been a greater need for college graduates and the skills they bring to building a strong and vibrant economy.”

About Durham College
Durham College is the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who will succeed in a challenging, supporting and inclusive learning environment. Offering approximately 80 full-time market-driven programs and hundreds of part-time and continuing education courses, the college has provided students with access to exceptional teachers with real-world experience for 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of close to 95 per cent, Durham College gives students everything they need to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. The college has more than 6,100 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and almost 1,600 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2209
tony.doyle@durhamcollege.ca

  

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

January 15, 2008

Proposed bylaw left as is would have negative impact on students, fails to meet their needs

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) applaud any initiatives that ensure safe and affordable housing for our students, while also meeting the needs of our neighbours in the communities surrounding campus.

That’s why both schools support students in their position that the City of Oshawa housing bylaw as proposed fails to address the significant concerns of students about the impact it will have on their access to off-campus housing. We believe the bylaw requires further work toward finding a solution that is satisfactory for all parties involved.

Students are concerned that the proposed bylaw will have significant financial impacts on the cost of rental housing. We are concerned that any increase in costs to students will have an impact on their ability to pursue a post-secondary education. We are also concerned about the negative impact this bylaw will have on potential students as they begin the process in the coming weeks of choosing their post-secondary home for this fall. We do not wish for the City of Oshawa to be viewed as unfriendly towards students. Finally, we are disappointed that the bylaw targets only the housing in the vicinity of our campus.

Durham College and UOIT have been working with the City, students, residents and other community partners since 2004 in regard to off-campus housing. Continued dialogue and meetings that are committed to addressing the joint needs of residents, the City’s safety requirements and students are the only way to ensure real solutions are found for all concerned. This type of co-operation made possible the recent announcement by the Oshawa Town and Gown committee of the creation of on-campus, apartment-style housing to open in fall 2008 with the capability of adding more spaces for fall 2009.

About Durham College
Durham College is the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who will succeed in a challenging, supporting and inclusive learning environment. Offering approximately 80 full-time market-driven programs and hundreds of part-time and continuing education courses, the college has provided students with access to exceptional teachers with real-world experience for 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of close to 95 per cent, Durham College gives students everything they need to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. The college has more than 6,100 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and almost 1,600 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

About UOIT
As an innovative university, UOIT delivers a leading-edge learning environment that uniquely combines academic knowledge, research opportunities, hands-on skills and a vibrant student life. UOIT’s 5,000 students are taught by professors who are experts in their fields from around the world. As Ontario’s first laptop-based university, the university offers a diverse array of challenging undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its faculties of Business and Information Technology; Criminology, Justice and Policy Studies; Education; Engineering and Applied Science; Health Sciences; and Science, and its School of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science. UOIT’s commitment to research excellence has resulted in millions of dollars in grants and awards, including five Canada Research Chairs. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 905.721.8668.

Media contact:
Tony Doyle
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2209
tony.doyle@dc-uoit.ca

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.

January 11, 2008

Education initiative has stemmed secondary school dropout rates in Durham Region

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College will celebrate 70 high school students next week who have completed their studies at the Centre for Success, a program at the college’s Oshawa campus designed to decrease dropout rates by building pathways to post-secondary education.

This event marks yet another significant milestone for the program that has grown exponentially since it began as a pilot project in 2006. Since that first class from J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate in Ajax, the program has yielded remarkable results, more than tripled its enrolment and garnered support from several school boards, as well as other colleges and universities.

“For many reasons, high school students can become disengaged from the classroom experience and become at risk of not achieving their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD),” said Kathy Rhodes, a Durham College professor and facilitator of the Centre for Success. “This program wouldn’t be possible without the positive relationships that exist among our partners, from parents and teachers to administrators and school boards.”

Supported by the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities’ School College Work Initiative, the Centre for Success engages students, offering an opportunity to study outside of the high school environment and consider their post-secondary options. Students gain a front-line view of why the student experience comes first at Durham College, including having access to student support systems and amenities, small classes and hands-on teaching, all while completing their high school diploma.

“At Durham College we are committed to providing students with an excellent academic experience that includes offering the best educational pathways to suit their individual needs,” says Rhodes. “The Centre for Success reflects that mission, enabling students to get a very real sense about what life at college is all about while encouraging them to obtain their OSSD and graduate with their peers.”

When:
Wednesday, January 16
2:30 p.m.

Who:
Leah Myers, president, Durham College;
Kathy Rhodes, professor and facilitator of the Centre for Success, Durham College;
Representatives from Durham and Durham Catholic district school boards, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board; and
High school students, teachers and principals.

Where:
Simcoe building cafeteria

Parking:
Enter off Simcoe and proceed to Founders 1 parking lot.

For more information:
Sarah Daniel
Communications and Marketing
T: 905.721.2000 ext. 2333
C: 905.213.2735 (contact number during the event)
sarah.daniel@durhamcollege.ca

 

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.