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.”

On October 9 Durham College (DC) had the opportunity to host Prime Minister (PM) Stephen Harper for dinner at Bistro ’67, which is located at the Centre for Food at the Whitby campus.

The PM visited the college’s green-certified, teaching-inspired restaurant between stops during a day-long visit to Durham Region. The dinner provided students in the college’s culinary programs with an opportunity to show off their skills for the PM and several of his colleagues.

DC welcomes visits from politicians at all levels of government to its campuses. The visits offer an opportunity to showcase the college’s programs and facilities, while also discussing issues of importance to the college and post-secondary education in general. 

Durham College (DC) today announced that it has welcomed more than 11,100 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students to its Oshawa and Whitby campuses and Pickering Learning Site since classes for the 2014-2015 academic year officially began on September 2.  With the college one of only three in Ontario to experience growth this year, the number marks an overall enrolment increase of more than 2.5 per cent over fall 2013 including more than 5,600 new students, and a new college high of 459 international students from more than 32 countries around the globe.

“As we reach the end of the first month of the academic year it’s evident from our enrolment numbers that more students than ever before, including those from abroad, have discovered that at Durham College, the student experience truly does come first,” said Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic. “From being one of only three colleges in the province to see growth this year – a direct result of our commitment to fostering student success through high-quality academic programs designed to meet the needs of today’s employers –  to the introduction of new programs in areas including health, justice and engineering; our commitment to providing students with opportunities to gain real-world work experience;  academic pathways; and more, we continue to be dedicated to working with our community and business partners to ensure we are offering programs in high-demand areas that will enable to students to serve critical industry needs post-graduation.”

New programs at the college this year include Activation Coordination in Gerontology (graduate certificate), Law Clerk Advanced (fast track) and Mechanical Engineering Technician – Non-Destructive (compressed, fast track), all offered at the Oshawa campus, and Event Management (graduate certificate) and Hospitality Skills, which are offered at the Centre for Food (CFF) at the Whitby campus.

In addition to increasing the number of students on campus and rolling out new programs, September marked other important milestones for the college including the launch of Experience DC, the most progressive marketing campaign in the college’s history. The campaign illustrates the college experience via a unique group of students representing a wide cross-section of programs, personal interests and personalities, through a specially designed website, personal interaction and social media platforms. It was created and to uniquely support the college’s recruitment strategy, enhance reputation and build the DC brand including attracting the attention of the Durham Region, Peterborough/the Kawarthas and Markham/Vaughan markets with robust campaign marketing initiatives in all three areas.

DC also recently launched its first-ever crowdfunding campaign, Field to Fork: Sowing the Seeds of our Community. 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, the online campaign aims to garner support from the community for the completion of the landscaping and planting needed at the CFF. Supported by ambassador and celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy, the CFF can accommodate approximately 900 students studying in programs based on the field-to-fork concept.

In total, the college offers more than 140 full-time programs through its nine academic schools, along with more than 450 pathway opportunities with universities in Ontario, Canada and around the world.

Durham College (DC) acknowledges Dr. Leo Groarke on his installation as Trent University’s eighth president and vice-chancellor.

Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic, DC, attended the installation ceremony at Trent’s Symons campus in Peterborough, Ont. on Monday, September 22.

With campuses in Peterborough and Oshawa, Trent and DC have enjoyed a long and co-operative partnership that Dr. Groarke recognized in his installation speech as important to providing post-secondary growth in the area.

Providing students opportunities to earn additional credentials following graduation is one way DC’s dedication to the student experience extends beyond convocation. This includes many agreements with Trent, as well as campus partner the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, that exist for DC students to potentially obtain a degree without having to leave the City of Oshawa.

Durham College (DC) is a long-time supporter of local community events, helping in many different ways year after year. The college recently donated DC-branded umbrellas to 67 students at Port Perry High School to help prepare them for a music trip to London, England.

The students, made up of seven school bands and choirs, toured England and Wales, with each group performing at least twice, including in a coal mine and at Old Trafford Stadium. The brollies came in handy, keeping them dry from the British drizzle, and the students were proud to show some local love overseas. 

The strategic mandate agreement (SMA) between Durham College (DC) and the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (the Ministry), is a testament to DC’s response to the rapid growth taking place within Durham Region, as well as its dedication to meeting the needs of all learners; its broad-based academic strengths; and its commitment to applied research. 

“The student experience comes first at Durham College,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “All of our programs, campus supports and community partnerships are created and executed with this mission in mind. The Ministry’s recognition of our ongoing successes within this SMA further solidify Durham College as a premier post-secondary destination for students who succeed in a dynamic and supportive learning environment.”

Highlights include:

• A leader in designing programs with and for high-growth industries, DC is at the forefront of the business, accounting, financial and materials management; media arts, agriculture, culinary and hospitality; and health and technology sectors. The college works closely with industry and employers to meet the needs of the labour market while providing opportunities for graduate success through such initiatives as the job portal for employers and job fairs held jointly with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and showcasing employers offering jobs on the spot.

• DC students learn from the best of the best; the college employs expert faculty who lead students on the path to success. In addition, opportunities for experiential learning bring another dimension to students’ post-secondary education, with more than 75 per cent of programs incorporating practicums; field placements; internship placements; complex high-fidelity simulation scenarios; capstone projects; and applied research projects with a particular focus on health and biomedical sciences research. The development and use of a wide variety of e-learning courses and programs also provides a number of flexible delivery options for full-time and part-time students.

• With DC’s primary focus on student success, a full range of learning skills; supports; and services have been developed and implemented for all students, including students direct from high school; mature or indirect; first generation; Aboriginal; and international students; as well as students with learning challenges. Examples include online learning modules, an e-mentorship program, learning facilitators, modified curriculum, work-study programs, resources, referrals and more.

The current SMA is in effect until March 31, 2017.