Durham College (DC) is pleased to join Ontario’s 23 other colleges in signing the first-ever province-wide agreement that grants recognition for entire previous years’ credits when a student in a business diploma program transfers to the same program at another college.

“Durham College is proud to be a part of this agreement,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Our goal is to ensure a smooth learning process for our students. Any post-secondary student who transfers from another institution shouldn’t have to repeat already completed courses. This new agreement helps eliminate any duplication, cut costs for students and makes sense from an overall learning perspective.”

The agreement, announced by Colleges Ontario and the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT), applies to students in accounting, business administration, human resources and marketing programs.

This unique universal college agreement allows students to easily transfer among all college business programs across Ontario.

The agreement means that business students who transfer at the end of their first or second year will receive full credit for their completed courses. Given the high enrolment of business programs, these pathways provide additional flexibility for a significant number of students.

“Ontario’s colleges and universities continue to strengthen their systems for transferring credits among post-secondary institutions,” said Glenn Craney, the executive director of ONCAT. “We are pleased that all of the province’s 24 colleges have signed this agreement which demonstrates their high level of commitment to institutional collaboration on student mobility.”

Expanding credit-transfer options and helping students make informed decisions about their post-secondary education is a priority for the Wynne government. Ontario is investing $73.7 million toward credit-transfer improvements between 2011 and 2016.

“Our government knows a strong credit transfer system will lead to a more effective and cost-effective post-secondary education for students across the province. That’s why we continue to work with our sector partners to make Ontario’s post-secondary education system more seamless, flexible and affordable,” said Reza Moridi, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Colleges Ontario is the advocacy organization for the province’s 24 public colleges.

ONCAT was created to enhance academic pathways and reduce barriers for students looking to transfer among Ontario’s publicly funded institutions. More than 21,500 students transfer within Ontario each year. ONCAT’s support for those students includes producing the Course-to-Course Transfer Guide, which can be found at ONTransfer.ca.

Ontario’s colleges are working to develop similar province-wide agreements for other program areas.

On November 18, Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) hosted Gord Miller, Environmental Commissioner of Ontario (ECO), for a keynote address focusing on the recently released annual report Managing New Challenges (2013/14).

Miller, brought to campus by the joint DC/UOIT Sustainability Committee, spoke to an audience of staff, faculty and students about the annual report, which looks at emerging environmental challenges. Subjects such as bees and neonicotinoids, sustainable farming and logging in Algonquin Park were all discussed. Following his address Miller answered questions from those in attendance.

“Durham College and UOIT held an informative session that featured the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario,” said Brennan Amofah, Environmental Technology student with DC Green Team. “The ECO provided students of both campuses with information about what he does and who he answers to at Queens Park. The session wrapped with a Q & A and was a great event.”

Engaging questions were asked by those in attendance covering issues such as the commissioner’s predictions about fracking in Ontario, the recent emissions reduction announcement from the United States and China and his thoughts on development in the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Gord Miller was first sworn in as the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario on January 31, 2000, to oversee the continued implementation of the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR). He has now been re-appointed for his third term. As an independent officer appointed by the Legislative Assembly, Commissioner Miller oversees 13 ministries and monitors and reports annually on government compliance with a number of environmental issues include the provisions of the Environmental Bill of Rights and government progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Food enthusiasts with an appreciation for the field-to-fork movement are invited to enjoy a dining experience with celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy on Monday, December 1 at Durham College’s (DC) Bistro ’67 at the Centre for Food (CFF). The renowned chef, who serves as an ambassador for the CFF, will be working with DC culinary students to prepare an intimate lunch for guests, inspired by recipes from his new cookbook, J.K. The Jamie Kennedy Cookbook.

Tickets are $150 per person and include:

• A meet-and-greet with Kennedy.
• A signed copy of J.K. The Jamie Kennedy Cookbook.
• Lunch prepared by DC culinary students under the guidance of Kennedy and Benjamin Lewis, manager and chef de cuisine of Bistro ’67.

Date: December 1
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Bistro ’67, CFF, 2nd Floor, 1604 Champlain Ave., Whitby

Seating is limited to the first 50 guests who make a reservation with a credit card by calling Christine McSorley, the CFF’s operations manager, at 905.721.2000 ext. 4255 by Friday, November 28.  

The CFF is Durham Region’s first-ever post-secondary presence focused on the field-to-fork vision, a concept at the heart of Kennedy’s culinary philosophy. After lunch, Kennedy will visit with students studying in the college’s field-to-fork programs to share information about the field-to-fork movement and answer their questions.

The CFF can accommodate 900 students studying in culinary, hospitality, event management, food science, and agriculture and horticulture programs, completing the full cycle of farming to the preparation, serving and celebration of food. For more information on programs offered through the CFF visit www.durhamcollege.ca/cff.  

Durham College’s (DC) first-ever crowdfunding initiative, Field to Fork: Sowing the Seeds of our Community, is beginning to see financial support for the Centre for Food’s (CFF) landscaping needs come to fruition via funding from generous donors within the community.

Most notably, to date, 100 per cent of the funding required for the culinary herb garden has been achieved, thanks to generous donor Tina Bax, founder and president of CultureWorks, a private English-as-a-second-language (ESL) school located at post-secondary institutions such as Durham College, who pledged the full amount needed.

“Canadian colleges have the ability to be nimble. You see so many different programs cropping up, which is encouraging when you think about what it means for today’s young people,” said Bax. “All of these experiences help open their minds – at school! It’s great to have a chance to fund a creative, fresh facility like the CFF that combines both of my passions:  education and food. I hope to have a chance to participate in more of the CFF’s projects, and perhaps involve some of our international students or partners.”

In addition to the culinary herb garden reaching its fundraising goal, the fruit-bearing shrubs category is quickly gaining momentum, reaching 38 per cent of its goal, and the kitchen garden is up to 28 per cent.

Inspired by the college’s commitment to bring field to fork, the vision of bringing locally sourced, quality produce from field to table to Durham Region, Field to Fork: Sowing the Seeds of our Community aims to garner support from the community for the completion of the landscaping and planting needed at the CFF. With 14 remaining projects to choose from, the campaign rolled out to alumni, donors, faculty, staff, students, community members and the general public in August.

The CFF was created in direct response to the demand of the local culinary, hospitality, tourism, agriculture and horticulture sectors. Supported by ambassador and celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy it opened to students in September 2013. Accommodating approximately 900 students studying in the college’s culinary, hospitality, event management, tourism, food science, agricultural and horticultural programs, it houses Bistro ’67, a teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a unique retail store that sells student-created fresh-baked items, meals-to-go, preserved foods and ready-to-cook meals prepared in house.

To make a donation or for more information on how the college is changing the way our local communities eat and grow food, please visit the Field to Fork: Sowing the Seeds of our Community website.

Following its fall convocation ceremony on October 30 at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa, Durham College (DC) is proud to announce that more than 950 students from more than 110 programs graduated this fall. In addition, the college recognized the success of 420 students who earned a place on the highly regarded President’s Honour Roll as a result of their hard work and dedication.

“Whether you came to Durham College straight from high school; following the completion of a post-secondary credential in another field; or because you decided to make a career change – either by choice or by circumstance; tonight you are graduating from one of Canada’s top colleges,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC, as he addressed graduates during the ceremony. “That means that you have proven yourself in the classroom and workplace and have the tools to be successful in the workforce or in further post-secondary studies.”

The annual event honoured students from the schools of Business, IT & Management; Centre for Food; Continuing Education; Health & Community Services; Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services; Justice & Emergency Services; Media, Art & Design; Science & Engineering Technology; and Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology.

“Whatever your journey has been, each of you chose Durham College to further your education and for that we couldn’t be more proud,” said Lovisa.

DC’s Student Leadership Award winners include graduates Michelle Brand, Mikki Decker and Amy Galloway O’Neil , who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to campus life, and the commitment and exemplary leadership they demonstrated during their time at the college. In order to receive this award, students must accumulate a pre-determined amount of leadership points through the college’s Co-Curricular Recognition program by participating in activities that enhance student life; engage students; and encourage involvement.

The college’s fall convocation ceremony brings the total number of alumni to more than 67,000 strong. Video from the ceremony will be available in approximately two weeks at www.durhamcollege.ca/convocation.

A new pathways program agreement between Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) will provide international students with greater access to opportunities to obtain their diploma and an undergraduate degree in less than the traditional amount of time.

The Pathways Program Agreement on International Student Recruitment, signed by both institutions on September 25, will see eligible international students who apply to DC receive a Letter of Admission (LOA) indicating that when they complete their college studies, they will be eligible to directly enrol into a relevant UOIT undergraduate program with advanced standing.

“This new agreement reflects the shared commitment of DC and UOIT to provide all students with access to the most comprehensive post-secondary education possible”, said Nevzat Gurmen, vice-president, Corporate Services and chief financial officer, DC. “DC’s international student population, more than 450 students strong as of fall 2014, continues to grow and we look forward to working with UOIT to provide new international applicants with access to academic pathways that will enable them to earn both a diploma and a degree in several different areas right here in Durham Region.”

The new agreement will take effect as of the 2014-2015 undergraduate recruitment cycle with the university and college working closely to facilitate international student recruitment across both institutions. Applicants must successfully complete an applicable program at Durham College and meet all academic requirements during the applicable admissions cycle with specific enrolment restrictions and program capacities discussed between the university and the college on an annual basis.

“This Pathways agreement further strengthens our partnership with Durham College and our collective commitment to providing seamless access to high-quality, industry-driven and career-oriented programs,” said Dr. Michael Owen, vice-president, Research, Innovation and International, UOIT. “The University of Ontario Institute of Technology is proud to partner with Durham College to offer this unique post-secondary education opportunity to students from around the world.”

There are currently more than 60 academic pathway opportunities in place between DC and UOIT including credit transfer, bridging, direct-entry and post-graduate programs in areas including arts, business, health, justice and more.

The Centre for Integrated Justice Studies (CIJS), a training function of Durham College’s (DC) School of Justice & Emergency Services, is pleased to announce it has new, dedicated branding and an updated, user-friendly website format.

Visit www.durhamcollege.ca/cijs to check out unique seminars and workshops developed to give DC students a competitive edge in preparing them for job searching and interviews, as well as training and workshops to enhance the skills of professionals working in the justice, law enforcement and emergency services-related sectors.

Courses currently available include:

• Court Transcription.
• Crisis Negotiation Techniques for First Responders.
• Mental Health First Aid Certificate.
• One-on-One Coaching for Police Interview.
• Paralegal Practice Enrichment Nights.
• PEACE Model — Interviewing/Interrogating.

Courses, workshops and seminars are developed and taught by trainers and faculty who are experts in the legal profession, law enforcement field and community service area.

Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) are working on a Campus Master Plan (CMP) designed to address the future expansion and needs of both institutions.

As part of the planning process, DC and UOIT invite students, faculty, staff and the public to attend an Open House on Monday, October 20, to learn more about the Campus Master Plan at the Oshawa campus; interact with the planning team; and offer feedback in the areas of:

• Public areas and open spaces.
• Building locations and landscaping.
• Transportation: driving, transit, cycling and pedestrian.

You can also submit comments via the CMP website; complete a questionnaire in person at the open house or online (beginning October 20); or speak with a member of the project team. Please submit comments by Friday, October 31.                                                                                             

CMP Open House
Date: October 20
Time: 3 to 6 p.m.
Location:  Gordon Willey building, Dining Room (Room G213)

For more information on the CMP and the Open House, please visit www.campusmasterplan.ca. 

Durham College (DC) was recognized for its commitment to diversity on October 8 when it was presented with a Diversity & Immigration Champion Award by the Local Diversity and Immigration Partnership Council (LDIPC).

DC President Don Lovisa and Ron Chatteron, chair of the DC Board of Governors (BOG), accepted the award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that show leadership in diversity and immigration matters; embrace the principles of inclusion; and have a commitment to sharing in the responsibility of making Durham Region a more welcoming community.

“As we internationalize our college community, this award is an excellent testament to the hard work of our Diversity office and our commitment to being an accessible college that serves students of every social and economic background, culture and ability,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “We are thrilled to be recognized for our dedication to ensuring a Durham College education is accessible to everyone.”

Allison Hector-Alexander, DC diversity officer, and Scott Blakey, DC vice-president, Administration, are both LDIPC members, with the council comprised of individuals representing agencies, school boards, faith groups, local business groups and the region. Its main objectives are to create a culture of inclusion; improve labour market outcomes for newcomers; attract and retain newcomers; and enhance Durham’s settlement capacity.

“As a campus community, we should all be very proud of this recognition,” said Hector-Alexander. “Our goals of respect and inclusion for all our members continue to lead our efforts in this area. As our many areas of diversity continue to grow so does our commitment to creating a campus culture that celebrates and embraces the uniqueness at this college.”