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Durham College and Ontario Tech University celebrate successful Campus Food Drive

Thanks to the generosity of the Durham College and Ontario Tech University communities, the 2020 Campus Food Drive raised more than $22,000 to help 384 students in need.

“In a year like no other, we are grateful for the continued support from our employees and their dedication to our students during the holiday season,” says Kevin Griffin, professor in the School of Justice and Emergency Services at DC and co-chair of the Campus Food Drive. “During a particularly challenging year for our students, our employees once again came through – and although we couldn’t accept food donations and pack hampers this year, we were still able to support our students through fundraising efforts for the new Campus Food Drive bursary.”

The food drive bursary supported qualifying full-time students (married/sole support) with families, and students who are living away from home and experiencing food insecurity.

“Food insecurity is an unfortunate reality for some,” says Kevin. “Although the Campus Food Drive efforts may look different moving forward, the goal and the spirit of the initiative remains the same. We hope that this bursary will continue to be an important part of assisting students in need in the future.”

The Campus Food Drive is an annual campaign organized by Durham College and Ontario Tech with support from employees, alumni, students and community members.

DC researcher leads co-design of youth-led housing hub model for youth living on their own

Old enough to live on their own but too young to receive social assistance directly, Ontario’s Trusteed Youth (TY) face challenges no child should.

Through a two-year research project funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) through the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF), Durham College (DC) researcher Lorraine Closs found that TY often face precarious housing situations and homelessness, food insecurity, mental and physical health concerns and more. These issues are largely due to the challenge of navigating a complex and overburdened social services system and lack of safe and affordable housing options.

TY represent a unique and particularly vulnerable population, relying on a community agency to act as their “trustee” so they can collect Ontario Works assistance. They live alone without the opportunity to approach independence in a gradual and supported manner, and lack suitable role models and guidance that would generally be provided in a family setting.

Established in partnership with the Regional Municipality of Durham, Durham District School Board, Durham Mental Health Services, Boys and Girls Club of Durham, and the John Howard Society of Canada, the DC applied research project, which concluded in December, has resulted in the development of a ground-breaking alternative housing hub model co-designed for youth, by youth. It has also provided valuable insight into how the system can best meet the needs of TY while informing future policy recommendations for supporting youth living on their own.

“By directly involving trusteed youth in the development of this housing hub, we were able to support their needs, while also helping them improve their knowledge of the service system and increase their sense of personal competency and possibilities for the future,” said Closs, who also teaches at the college in the Social Service Worker program. “It’s our hope that the insights and recommendations developed as a result of this valuable research will help inform service design and delivery here at home and across the country, and that this project will become a catalyst in ensuring brighter futures for our trusteed youth.”

During the project, Closs gathered survey feedback from 43 current TY, as well as 30 service providers from 22 agencies across the region to better understand the obstacles facing both groups. With this data, she hosted three in-person co-design sessions and a virtual consensus building session with community service providers and TY. At these sessions, they co-designed the youth housing hub model and strategized policies that would improve the coordination and collaboration of services for youth living on their own.

“The Region of Durham is committed to ending chronic homelessness in our community,” said commissioner of social services, Stella Danos-Papaconstantinou. “We know that the needs of youth who experience precarious housing and homelessness are different than those of adults. This research amplifies the voices of vulnerable Durham youth and the service providers working with them to co-design a transitional, supportive housing model.  We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Durham College on this applied research and bring data, rigor and the voice of youth to proposed housing solutions inspired by their experiences.”

Other recommendations that came out of the research include:

  • Bundling services for youth by creating school hubs.
  • Creating drop-in style supports to by-pass complex referral and waitlist processes.
  • Intervention services for landlord disputes and funding incentives for landlords who rent to youth.
  • A designated case worker assigned to TY to help navigate the service system.
  • Flexibility around communication options for youth to access service supports.
  • Access to free transportation for youth.
  • Affordable, safe transitional housing options to prevent the onset of chronic homelessness.
  • Improved process for changing schools without parental consent.
  • Life skills guidance for the seamless transition from adolescence to adulthood.
  • Inclusion of youth in the development of youth services.

The full research report, including key findings, implications and recommendations are available to view online, in addition to a short film that was produced to disseminate the findings of the research.

This project was proudly supported by DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE). ORSIE provides support to social innovation projects through access to funding opportunities, faculty expertise, state-of-the-art research facilities, and student learning experiences. In partnership with industry and community agencies, applied research projects are carried out by DC faculty experts and students and administered by ORSIE. To connect with ORSIE, please reach out online.

DC launches two new degree programs and graduate certificate for in-demand jobs

Durham College (DC) has received consent from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer two new degree programs which will address labour shortages being experienced in two of Canada’s hottest job sectors – construction management and artificial intelligence.

Following the success of DC’s first degree programs launched in 2017 and 2019, the new Honours Bachelor of Construction Management (HBCM) and Honours Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence (HBAI) are currently accepting applications for September 2021.

“Now more than ever, our construction and technology sectors need skilled workers who can take on specialist roles right out of the gate as the infrastructure of both our digital and physical world evolves and advances,” says Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “Graduates of these degree programs will be in-demand, armed with the necessary skills to create meaningful change in their industries and solve complex, real-world problems while contributing to Ontario’s economic future.”

The HBCM program is the first DC program to be offered collaboratively across three of the college’s academic schools, including the Schools of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology (START); Science & Engineering Technology (SET); and Business, IT & Management (BITM). Through this multi-disciplinary approach, students will gain a firm grounding in the theory, principles, and practices of construction science as well as the business acumen and leadership skills to effectively facilitate the management of construction projects to successful completion, with the opportunity to synthesize their learning through two 14-week field placements.

Offered through BITM, students in the HBAI program will focus on learning technical theory with an emphasis on Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning, as well as the legal, social and corporate responsibility that comes with designing and developing AI-driven solutions. A field placement and capstone project will guide students in project management and assist in the development of critical and analytical thinking skills.

“The next generation of graduates are entering a workforce that requires a unique skillset – one that favours innovation, leadership and problem-solving,” says Don Lovisa, president.  “The work done by our researchers and experts in our AI Hub over the past several years, including launching an AI graduate certificate in 2019, has well-positioned Durham College as the natural choice for training the next cohort of leaders in machine learning and AI implementation. In addition, our excellence in trades education puts the futures of tomorrow’s construction professionals in great hands.”

In addition to the degree programs, DC has also launched a new graduate certificate in Pharmaceutical Science for students with previous post-secondary experience. In this three-semester program, students will prepare for a career in Canada’s strong pharmaceutical sector, a rewarding field that is seeing continuous job growth and demand. Featuring a 240-hour field placement, this program will set graduates on the path for a life-changing career that allows them to make a positive impact in the lives of millions of Canadians who rely on pharmaceutical products to improve and maintain their health, while helping to ensure access to better, safer drugs and consumer products. This new program will compliment DC’s current pharmaceutical and food science advanced diploma program offered through the School of Science & Engineering Technology.

Learn more about these exciting new programs at DC’s Program Information Sessions on February 9 and 11 or Virtual Open House on Saturday, March 27.

Durham College once again named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges

Durham College (DC) is pleased to announce it has once again been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges for 2020 by Research Infosource Inc., a Canadian research and development intelligence company. This is the seventh time the college has been included on the list, which is informed by data on research income, research intensity, research partnerships and projects at colleges across the country.

DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE), which is responsible for facilitating all applied research at the college, has been supporting small to medium-sized businesses and student experiential learning through innovation and collaboration since its inception in 2009.

“We are very proud to once again be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 research colleges,” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean, ORSIE. “Despite the unique circumstances of 2020, the college and ORSIE team have been able to continue driving our applied research agenda forward with great success.”

Highlights from 2020 include the launch of two new applied research centres – the Mixed Reality Capture Studio (MRC Studio) and Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation – which join the already well-established AI Hub and Centre for Craft Brewing Innovation, allowing the college to broaden its expertise and diversify its research portfolio.

Over the last decade, ORSIE has worked with 159 industry partners on 326 projects involving more than 590 students in its projects, allowing DC to make its mark as a leading research institution through cutting-edge innovation, growth and impactful work.

In recent years, ORSIE has supported five multi-year social innovation projects. From designing financial empowerment tools and resources to help the specific needs of low-income residents, to partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham to ensure mentor support for youth in rural areas is maintained despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, ORSIE researchers are using their skills to improve the lives of people in the community, as well as the organizations that serve them.

Durham College named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for the tenth year

Durham College (DC) is proud to announce it has been named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2021. Awarded to organizations for their progressive, forward-thinking employee programs, this is the tenth time the college has received the honour.

DC’s recognition comes during a particularly challenging year for many organizations, as the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent response measures have impacted business operations and traditional work models across Canada.

Among the reasons for selection as a Top Employer, DC was recognized for its quick response to the pandemic, including the launch of a new internal Work@home site, which provided employees with the necessary resources and support to successfully transition to a remote work environment.

Other employee supports offered by DC were also acknowledged, including excellent maternity and parental leave policies, which include a full year of paid leave for mothers, 35 weeks of paid leave for fathers and adoptive parents, and 93 per cent salary top up benefits.

It was also noted support does not stop once a DC employee retires. From retirement planning assistance prior to their departure to maintaining the connection between retired employees and the college through the Retiree Association, DC encourages and helps its employees at every stage of their career, from those just starting out, to those ready to transition into the next chapter of their lives.

“We are thrilled to once again be named one of Greater Toronto’s top employers, now for the tenth year,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Just as our employees are unwavering in their dedication to our students, each other and the community, we are consistently committed to enhancing the environment in which our people work and providing exceptional benefits that ensure their personal and professional well-being.” 

Greater Toronto’s Top Employers is an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. This special designation recognizes Greater Toronto Area employers who lead their industries by offering exceptional places to work. Organizations are judged on several criteria including physical workplace; work and social atmosphere; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement. Employers are compared to other organizations in their sector to determine which offer the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. 

More information can be found on DC’s Greater Toronto Top Employers profile.

Durham College gets into the holiday spirit with the 12 Days of DC!

This December, Durham College (DC) employees and students are invited to take part in 12 exciting virtual challenges during the #12DaysOfDC!

Running until Wednesday, December 16, each weekday students and employees will have the opportunity to participate in one of DC’s festive online challenges on Twitter and Instagram, helping them get into the holiday spirit while connecting with classmates and colleagues.

Each person who participates will be entered into a daily draw to win an amazing DC prize, just in time for the holidays.

Check out the schedule below, and be sure to follow DC on Twitter and Instagram to join in on the fun.

Tuesday, December 1 – Giving Tuesday
For our first digital challenge of the 12 Days of DC we want you to share how you’re supporting your community this holiday season through volunteering, donating or a random act of kindness.

Wednesday, December 2 – Spread the love
Sign up for our holiday e-greeting exchange! You’ll match with a participating student or employee and have the opportunity to share your holiday cheer by sending a themed e-card.

Thursday, December 3 – Favourite holiday movie
Do you have a movie that you watch every December? One that makes you feel nostalgic about the holiday season? We want to know about it! Share with us your favourite holiday movie.

Friday, December 4 – Shop Local
Shopping local this holiday season to support our economic recovery? That’s the spirit! Share where you’re shopping and you might be rewarded with some local goodies.

Monday, December 7 – Holiday ornament challenge
Get ready to put those creative skills to good use! Today’s challenge has you making your own holiday ornament.

Tuesday, December 8 – Greetings of DC holidays past
What’s your favourite DC holiday greeting? Share with us and the rest of your network to add some festive fun to your week.

Wednesday, December 9 – Holiday sweater
Show us your ugliest or best holiday sweater! Bonus points if you’re wearing it on a video call.

Thursday, December 10 – Holiday pet photo
Who doesn’t love a good pet photo? Spice it up with a little paw-liday cheer and share your photo.

Friday, December 11 – Holiday decorations
Are you like Buddy the Elf and love to spread cheer through your decorations? Show us how you decorate for the holiday season.

Monday, December 14 – Favourite holiday tradition
Is there something you do every year to make it feel like the holidays are finally here? Share your tradition or a special holiday memory to kick off the week.

Tuesday, December 15 – Holiday outdoor activity
Family walks through the forest or tobogganing down a hill, whatever your fun holiday activity might be, share a photo as we slide into the final days before the holidays.

Wednesday, December 16 – Holiday beverage or cocktail
Celebrate the final day of our 12 Days of DC by sharing your favourite holiday beverage or food recipe.

DC names Global Classroom in honour of local Rotary Clubs

Durham College (DC) is pleased to announce the re-naming of its Global Classroom. Inspired by Rotary’s international efforts to promote peace, fight disease, support education and combat poverty, and in honour of local Clubs’ financial support, the space will now be known as Rotary Global Classroom.

The newly named Rotary Global Classroom is used by faculty to expose students to international perspectives. The only one of its kind at an Ontario college, the facility connects students and thought leaders from around the world in real-time to discuss issues of importance and to collaborate on solutions by sharing knowledge and skills. In addition to hosting The Global Class, a course founded by DC professor Lon Appleby dedicated to expanding students’ understanding of world issues, the space is also used for student presentations and competitions, conferences, and collaborations with the community, such as the recent Rotary World Polio Day event.

The Rotary Global Classroom is a landmark feature of DC’s new Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE). Located at the Oshawa campus, construction of the CFCE was funded in part through the Building Something Amazing Campaign and was supported by a collective fundraising campaign involving all 10 Rotary Clubs in Durham Region and the Rotary Club of Port Hope.

“Internationalization is a key focus at Durham College,” says DC President Don Lovisa, “and the Rotary Global Classroom plays an important role in bringing a variety of world views to our campus. Given Rotary’s strong focus on making lasting, positive change across the globe, the name is a perfect fit. The Rotary Global Classroom supports the college’s strategic goals and enhances the learning experience for our students through innovative and transformative education. We are very grateful for all the Clubs’ donations, and pleased to also recognize their financial support through this naming.”

DC is delighted that all Durham Region Rotary Clubs and the Rotary Club of Port Hope chose to participate and gratefully acknowledges the efforts of past Rotary Club presidents Dave Andrews (Oshawa-Parkwood), Ron Dick (Oshawa) and Ken Hurst (Ajax) who spearheaded the donation initiative to support the Building Something Amazing campaign.

“Durham College’s Global Classroom aligns so well with Rotary’s mission,” says Ron Dick, who is also Rotary District 7070’s Governor-elect. “The Classroom is a great asset to the community and we’re delighted to have been able to use it to host World Polio Day celebrations in Durham Region. It made perfect sense for us to support the Building Something Amazing campaign. I think I can speak on behalf of all the participating Clubs in this instance, to say we are honoured to have Rotary’s international work and our contributions recognized through the naming of the Rotary Global Classroom.”

Durham College to support Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Kenya through Young Africa Works initiative in partnership with Mastercard Foundation

 Durham College (DC) is pleased to announce its participation in two initiatives in Kenya with Young Africa Works: Youth Employability through TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) program.

Facilitated by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, the first initiative will be undertaken over 12 months, focusing on preparing a new industry-driven training program for a September 2021 launch, and the second, which will be undertaken over the next five years, will focus on developing and scaling up training of pre- and in-service trainers to deliver competency-based education and training (CBET) instruction and capacity development for leadership and management.

Increasing industry-driven training programs

Working as the lead institution on the first initiative, DC, in collaboration with Algonquin College and Kenyan partners, seeks to increase the participation of young Kenyans, particularly women, in market-relevant skills training programs. Using a partner-driven, participatory approach, the goal is to ultimately grow the number of young people in dignified and fulfilling work in the Big Four (food security, affordable housing, manufacturing and affordable healthcare) and digital sectors.

DC’s involvement comes as a continuation of the Kenya Education for Employment Program (KEFEP), which saw the college work with The Kitale National Polytechnic and The Eldoret National Polytechnic providing support for institutional leadership and assisting with the implementation of Kenya’s technical and vocational education and training reforms.

This unique collaborative project will leverage the strengths of each partner to quickly implement and accelerate its overall impact.

Over the course of 12 months, all involved in the project will work to develop student-centred learning materials, gender equity and inclusion strategies, and industry linkages.

Exchanges will also occur between Kenya and Canada, allowing Kenyan trainers to conduct benchmarking visits to Canada in order to be exposed to CBET methodology, industry workshops and courses that are currently in use. Canadian trainers and subject-matter experts visiting Kenya will continue to build relationships with their Kenyan partners and develop a better understanding of the local context.

Developing and scaling up pre- and in-service training

DC is also supporting a second initiative, alongside project lead Algonquin College, and Camosun College, which will give current trainers and leaders the skills they need to successfully deliver CBET education.

This will be done by embedding its CBET principles within the theory and practice of their preparatory courses, while better aligning them with newly developed national standards, where modules focus on the different learning needs of young women and young men.

The development and scaling-up of pre- and in-service instruction will ensure that up to 9,000 new TVET trainers with CBET methodologies will be deployed.

The Canadian colleges will also work with the Kenyan partners to explore opportunities for TVET trainers to upgrade or maintain their technical skills through short-term industry placements as an element of in-service training.

“We are very excited about both of these initiatives,” said Marianne Marando, Associate Vice-President, Academic (Enrolment and International Education), Durham College. “DC has a longstanding history of working with institutions across Kenya and thanks to the Mastercard Foundation’s generous funding, and facilitation by CICan, we are able to work alongside other Canadian colleges to lend our expertise, helping to further refine skills training to meet the country’s growing needs.”

DC Lords Esports Rocket League team win NECC championship

The Durham College (DC) Lords Varsity Esports team earned their first championship win after the Rocket League squad captured the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) championship on November 22.

After winning their regular season finale, the Lords completed a perfect 6-0 regular season run in NECC competition, entering the post-season as the number two seed overall. From there, DC dominated their first-round match before knocking off another team in an exciting championship final.

“I believe this is the standard we have set for ourselves moving forward with the overall tone of our program,” said Lords esports general manager Bill Ai. “An amazing start to the inaugural season for the NECC and we will look to continue to produce results of this caliber into next year when we defend our championship in the spring.”

The Lords Rocket League squad is made up of Conner McGlennan, Dallas Smith, Drew Fairbrother and Jared Greenwood.

“I’m really proud of the work Jared, Conner, Dallas, and Drew put in this season to win the NECC championship,” noted Rocket League team coach and manager Ben Bramly. “Through countless hours of practice, scrimmages, and games they showed consistent improvement throughout the season. I can’t wait to see what more they can achieve as they continue to play together and build themselves as a team.”

The NECC match was only one of two championship matches the team competed in on November 22. The Rocket League team also made it to the Unified Collegiate Esports Association (UCEA) final. However, the Lords fell in the gold medal round.

PlayVS action also continued for the Rocket League team, adding wins over three teams to their record, before dropping their most recent match ahead of the post-season.

Finally, the team earned two more wins in CSL Esports competition heading into the winter break, resuming regular season matches in the new year.

DC Virtual Open House engages more than 1,300 visitors in online experience

On November 14, more than 1,300 prospective students and their families logged onto their computers, laptops, phones and tablets to digitally experience Durham College (DC) during its Fall Virtual Open House.

During live information sessions about the college’s more than 140 career-focused programs, attendees had the opportunity to ask faculty and students questions in real time. There were also virtual sessions focused on student support, financial aid, admissions, and more.

Guests were also able to watch videos and take virtual tours of campus spaces, including learning environments, residences and wellness facilities, as well as having the chance to enter to win a $1,000 tuition credit.

In total more than 6,200 webpage views on the event website were recorded on Saturday, from 34 countries around the globe, including India, Brazil and Nigeria.

For anyone who missed the live event or who wants more information about DC and its programs visit www.durhamcollege.ca/hello or connect with the student recruitment team at www.durhamcollege.ca/recruitment.