Durham College (DC) is leading the way in applied research and has been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges by Research Infosource Inc. for the ninth time.

The college secured first place among medium-sized colleges in the percentage of social sciences funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) over a three-year period, and second place among medium-sized colleges for the number of paid student researchers. 

DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE), facilitates applied research initiatives at the college and helps solve industry and social challenges with innovation and collaboration. Notable research accomplishments for this year include:

• Winning bronze at the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) World Congress for DC’s Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, elevating the college’s ongoing commitment to applied research and cybersecurity on the international stage.
• Securing $4.2 million of shared research funding dedicated to COVID-19 recovery that helped boost the economy post-pandemic while working collaboratively with industry partners.
• Hosting an interactive gaming event at the Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) studio to celebrate applied research success and student talent.

“I have immense pride in the exceptional researchers and research administrators here at DC that have helped us achieve this honour once again,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, ORSIE. “This national recognition validates and propels our work as we continue to enhance our services, deepen our connections with the community, forge new partnerships with other colleges, and prioritize the student experience with real-world learning opportunities.”

All five of the college’s research centres – The MRC Studio, AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation, and Social Impact Hub – continue to grow and strengthen their relationships with industry partners and organizations. By engaging industry experts, faculty, students, and the community in research projects, DC continues to be a leading post-secondary institution that prioritizes collaboration, innovation and research.

More than 800 Grade 4 to 8 students from across the province gathered at Durham College’s (DC) Oshawa Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre to put their engineering skills and LEGO-based robots to the test during the 2023 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge Ontario East and West Provincial Championships, this past weekend.

In preparation for the challenge, 76 student teams – guided by adult coaches – designed, built and programmed their robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS and LEGO SPIKE Prime technology. At the event, each team’s robot competed for the championship title by navigating a themed playing field and completing assigned missions and tasks.

As one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and repeat gold level FLL sponsor, Durham College was the perfect location for this year’s SUPERPOWERED challenge theme, which encouraged participants to think creatively and critically to research and develop innovative solutions that improve the ways in which energy is captured, stored, distributed and used. These concepts connect directly to DC’s programs, initiatives and values.

“Durham College is leading the way in sustainability, which is why I’m so excited to see you use your imagination and innovative problem-solving skills to address real-world issues that directly impact our communities,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic, Durham College, during Saturday’s opening ceremony. “As you work together today, remember that the skills you’re developing, as well as your curiosity and drive to succeed, are the building blocks for future learning and exploration in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the trades.”

With its geothermal field and Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), the ongoing transformation of DC’s energy infrastructure is one of the many ways the college is prioritizing its green initiatives to ensure this young generation of renewable energy experts have access to state-of-the-art facilities to support their educational journey.

At the end of the fun-filled and challenging weekend, team Équipe Francobotique from the Association des francophones de la région de York placed first in the East division, qualifying them to compete in an international competition, and team GreenR Bots from the Halton STEM Club placed first in the West division, securing them a spot at the FIRST LEGO League Challenge World Festival, held in Houston, Texas, in April.

More information about FIRST LEGO League is available online.

Durham College (DC) welcomed more than 2,000 students to Winter Orientation in early January to mark the beginning of a new year and educational journey.

Students participated in program orientations as well as a variety of fun events to help them adjust to college life. New students had the opportunity to meet employees and faculty members, discover campus services and learn more about their new programs all while making connections and friendships with fellow attendees. Over 900 international students also received programming to assist with adapting to the Canadian classroom, part-time employment opportunities and more.

Following both campus program orientations, students enjoyed Winterfest where they received new DC swag, played interactive games and indulged in free food truck fare.

Winter orientation events continue throughout the month of January, including an open mic night and a free late-night skate at the Campus ICE Centre. And the fun doesn’t end there; read about more ways you can get involved on DC campuses this winter.

Durham College (DC) welcomed Premier Doug Ford to the Whitby campus on Friday to highlight a number of innovative facilities and programs in our Faculties of Hospitality and Horticultural Science and Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships.

The Premier was accompanied by Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance and member of provincial parliament (MPP) for Pickering-Uxbridge, and Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier.

DC president Don Lovisa guided them on their visit, which began in the greenhouse space where they learned about the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) growing system, a hydroponic growing technique adapted to aquaponics. Other highlights included the Zip Grow Farm Wall and the Freight Farm hydroponic system that grows up to 700 heads of lettuce a week.

Horticulture students Abigayle Hamilton and Paul Fritzsch shared some of their knowledge and experience with the guests, and the Premier rolled up his sleeves to plant some parsley.

Finally, they visited the Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology where they saw the elevator lift used to train students in the Mechanical Technician – Elevated Devices program and took a photo with a group of Level 1 plumbing apprentices and faculty member Peter Sutus.

The visit was a great opportunity to show the Premier how DC is contributing to Ontario’s skilled workforce, according to Lovisa.

“If you experience something, you remember it, and that’s why campus visits are so important,” he said. “Visits like these are important to building relationships, understanding, and helping people see what we do firsthand and showing them how we are leading the way.”

Durham College (DC) is leading the way by offering several new programs in September 2023 to prepare career-ready graduates with the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of the community and employers in key sectors experiencing labour shortages.

“The next generation of graduates are entering a unique workforce, one that has identified major skills gaps across a number of industries,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “Durham College is thrilled to offer students a variety of new programs that will cater to their interests, lead the way toward an exciting future as qualified graduates and positively respond to the growing needs within our labour markets.”

In addition to two new degree programs announced earlier this fall – the Honours Bachelor of Paralegal degree and Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health degree – DC has received consent from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer the following diploma and certificate programs, beginning in September 2023:

• Cloud Computing (graduate certificate)
  Faculty of Science, Engineering & Information Technology
  This is one of the fastest-growing fields in IT and graduates will be able to capitalize on the increasing demand from IT organizations for new professionals to help them secure and manage their cloud infrastructure. This program emphasizes leadership in designing, implementing and deploying services in the cloud by utilizing cloud computing privacy, legal principles and methodology to meet organizational requirements and business goals.

• Fire Prevention and Technology (advanced diploma)
  Faculty of Social & Community Services
  As the science and art of fire protection and prevention continue to evolve, so does the need for experts in all areas of the fire and life safety industry. Utilizing state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and current industry software, students will gain the practical and theoretical skills to enforce the fire code, along with planning, designing, installing and maintaining current and leading-edge fire protection equipment.

• Internet of Things (IoT) (graduate certificate)
  Faculty of Science, Engineering & Information Technology
  The quickly-advancing industry of smart cities, home automation, wearable tech and more requires skilled programmers, developers and technicians. In the relaunched Internet of Things program, students will explore security and surveillance cameras attached to devices, their technologies, architectures, resources, data management, strategies, and security and privacy issues. They will also gain the knowledge and skills needed for a variety of in-demand career options.

• Recreation Therapy (diploma)
  Faculty of Health Sciences
  Recreation therapy is a rewarding career providing meaningful and healthy leisure activities that improve the quality of life for people of all abilities and ages. Certified recreation therapists offer a range of services, including the assessment of client needs, development of programs, goal-setting, group facilitation and evaluation of interventions. Students will develop proficiency in various health disciplines to support the delivery of person-centred recreation programs.

DC’s diverse range of program offerings reinforces its commitment to transformative education and experiential learning, leading the way to a bright future for tomorrow’s professionals.

Learn more about these new programs online.

Durham College (DC) opened its doors to prospective students, families and friends at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses for the college’s annual Fall Open House on November 12.

More than 2,000 people explored DC’s state-of-the-art facilities and innovative learning spaces through guided tours, conversations with faculty experts from the college’s 145+ market-driven programs and meetings with support service representatives, such as financial aid, career services and co-op, to learn how DC is leading the way in post-secondary education.

At the Oshawa campus, visitors toured the creative spaces that make the DC student experience unique, including the Esports Gaming Arena, Mixed Reality Capture studio and the DC Spa, before attending information workshops, meeting President Don Lovisa and learning how to start their DC journey with Admissions representatives.

Whitby attendees participated in various workshops and toured the college’s innovative learning labs and shops, such as the Crane Simulation Lab and newly opened Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology. They also had the opportunity to drop into one of two cooking demonstrations hosted by faculty in the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food – always a popular stop for those interested in DC’s culinary and hospitality programs!

At both campuses, attendees were invited to attend DC Alumni Guest Speaker panels, where DC grads offered unique perspectives on what they can expect as a student and the exciting opportunities available beyond college.

Did you miss Fall Open House? You can still learn more about all that DC has to offer. Campus tours and information sessions can be scheduled online or via email. You can also attend one of our upcoming Program Information Nights on January 17 and 18 and Spring Open House on April 1, 2023.

As the scope of paralegals’ role has increased, so has the demand for their skills within the community. Durham College (DC) is proud to launch a new Honours Bachelor of Paralegal degree – one of only two four-year degree programs of its kind in Ontario – to improve access to affordable legal representation and expertise.

The program will prepare students with the legal context they need as well as the cultural competency lens to provide legal services to a wide range of diverse populations including immigrants, refugees, Indigenous peoples, women and people who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+. To best serve their future clients, students will gain an in-depth understanding of human rights claims, disability applications, Immigration and Refugee Board hearings, criminal code offences involving those who have experienced inter-generational trauma and applications involving mental health, housing and financial stability issues.

“We’re providing advanced programs like the Honours Bachelor of Paralegal because we understand the needs of our growing community,” says Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “By combining in-depth classroom learning with an experiential field placement, graduates of this degree program will have the tools they need to be future leaders in the legal sector.”

Graduates of the program will be prepared to provide legal services under the supervision of a lawyer or a licensed paralegal and are also eligible to apply to become Licensed Paralegals themselves through the Law Society of Ontario. Licensed Paralegals can independently represent their clients before various courts and tribunals within their regulated scope of legal practice. They also have the ability to continue their education by applying to law school or graduate studies.

“The paralegal profession has grown in complexity in recent years, which is why Durham College is excited to launch the Honours Bachelor of Paralegal program,” says Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “The student experience and the impact graduates’ expertise has on members of the community are at the forefront of program development. The Honours Bachelor of Paralegal program will develop confident graduates who are well equipped to advance in the legal field.”

For more information about the Honours Bachelor of Paralegal, including registration details for next fall, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/hbpl.

Results of Durham College’s (DC) first Diversity Self-Identification Survey are now available and will help support data-informed decision-making to continue the building of an inclusive and equitable campus culture. The survey was a collaborative effort by DC’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) and the Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE).

Of the staff and students polled, more than 500 full-time and part-time employees and 1,900 full-time and part-time students responded to the survey between January 25 to February 5, 2021, helping DC gather demographic data on five identity dimensions, including Indigenous identity, gender, sexual orientation, disability and ethnic origin.

Of note, eight in 10 employee respondents indicated that they believe people of all identities are valued at the college (85.5 per cent) and that they feel a sense of belonging as identities are valued at DC (80.3 per cent).

The results provide an opportunity to reflect on and improve DC’s current processes, policies and drive data-informed decision-making. One in five (20.2 per cent) employees perceive barriers to career progressions based on their personal identity, and over 68 per cent believe that transparency in decision-making about equity and inclusion decisions will help the college become a more diverse and inclusive institution.

This critical baseline information will support DC’s commitment to respect and inclusion. Together we will continue to lead the way to move the college beyond equity and inclusion to belonging.

Thank you to all who participated in the survey. For further information, please view the report online.

On October 25 and 26, girls from regional school boards participated in the Expand the Possibilities 4.0: Young Women in Science, Technology and Trades Conference (YWSTT) hosted by Durham College (DC). The on-campus event, in its fourth year, featured a series of interactive activities designed to foster a sense of curiosity in science, technology and skilled trades and connect Grade 7 and 8 girls to career opportunities in these fields.

To kick off each day of the conference, students heard from tech start-up founder and CEO Jessica Lui and HGTV home renovation expert Kate Campbell, before participating in several hands-on workshops at DC’s state-of-the-art facilities and learning spaces. 

“Women make up only 23 per cent of Canadians employed in science and technology, according to Statistics Canada,” says Bonnie St. George, associate vice president, Academic Administration. “As a post-secondary institution leading the way in science, technology and skilled trades, DC is uniquely positioned to help students surpass any gender barriers to entry in their chosen profession. We hope the conference helps these girls feel encouraged and inspired to pursue a career in a field they might not have considered.”

Students participated in a number of hands-on workshops including science and technology-themed activities, such as building a robot, investigating pond water under a microscope, and studying candy chromatography, the process of separating colours from candy using science. The event also featured a number of skilled trades learning opportunities, such as plumbing, welding and carpentry.

The event garnered praise from attendees, including Mikayla, a student at Monsignor J. Pereyma Catholic School in Oshawa.

 “Kate [Campbell] really inspired me today,” said Mikayla. “After hearing about how she grew up playing baseball around boys who would put her down and how her family supported her choices to do what she wanted to do, I think that would motivate other girls and break the stereotype that girls can’t do sports. Girls can do anything boys can do.”

This event was possible because of the generous support of community partners: Ontario Power Generation, Aecon, Black & McDonald, Elexicon Energy, Enercare, Gerdau, RESCON and Safran Landing Systems.

More information about YWSTT is available online.