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Sport Management student wins $5,000 Durham College tuition credit

Hunter Bennett was excited to learn he’d won a $5,000 tuition credit from Durham College (DC), but the first-year Sport Management student was already feeling good about his decision to attend the college.

Bennett entered the annual contest when he attended DC’s Fall Open House in 2025. After exploring several post-secondary options, he narrowed his choices to two programs at DC before deciding that Sport Management was the right fit.

“I looked at a few different schools, but ultimately, DC had two programs that interested me. I decided on Sport Management because I’m hoping to pursue a career in sports marketing after I graduate,” says Bennett.

Now in his first year, Bennett is enjoying college life and working toward a future in the sports industry. A Blue Jays fan, he hopes to turn his passion for sports into a career in sports marketing. The $5,000 tuition credit is an added bonus as he begins working toward that goal.

The annual contest is open to DC applicants who attend eligible events, including Open House and Program Info Nights, or sign up to receive email communications about DC’s programs and events.

“Open House gives prospective students a chance to start picturing their future at DC. Hunter explored his options and chose a program that supports his goal of building a career in sports marketing. We’re proud to have him at DC and look forward to seeing where his studies take him,” says Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College.

Interested in exploring your options at DC? Attend an upcoming event to learn more about programs, campus life and the supports available to help you succeed.

Record number of domestic students choose Durham College this fall

This fall, Durham College (DC) welcomed a record number of domestic students to our Oshawa and Whitby campuses to pursue full-time, career-driven programs.

Of the 10,321 domestic students, 5,696 were first year students, ready to transform their lives.

“Every one of these students had options for where to build their future, and they chose Durham College,” says Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College. “They want programs that lead to rewarding careers, faculty who bring industry knowledge into the classroom, and a campus community where they belong. Our employees deliver that every day, and our graduates carry it into workplaces across Durham Region and beyond.”

DC’s career-focused programs connect learners with employers and prepare graduates for in-demand jobs close to home.

“If you’re thinking about college, there’s a place for you here,” says Popp. “Visit our campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, talk with our faculty and students, and find out where a DC credential could take you. We’re proud to welcome so many new and returning learners this fall.”

Ready to take the next step? Explore all of DC’s programs, discover where a college credential could take you and make the – Best. Decision. Ever.

New credit transfer process helps students know their options sooner

Thinking about applying to Durham College and already completed courses at another college or university? Starting with the Winter 2027 intake, Durham College (DC) will give eligible applicants an earlier look at how their previous post-secondary education could apply to their DC program.

The new credit transfer pre-assessment process will identify potential transfer credits before students accept their offer of admission and pay their tuition deposit. This means students will have more information about their potential transfer credits when making decisions about their next steps.

“This change gives students more information at an important point in the decision-making process,” says Thom MacDonald, Associate Vice President, Enrolment and Registrar. “By understanding which of their previous courses may transfer before accepting their offer, students can make a more informed choice about their next step and have a clearer plan for starting their program.”

Transfer Services will review eligible post-secondary transcripts received through the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS) and look for courses with an established DC transfer credit equivalency.

When an equivalency exists, eligible applicants may receive an unofficial pre-assessment outlining courses that could qualify for transfer credit. The pre-assessment may also identify courses students have already completed, helping them avoid taking equivalent courses again.

DC is also eliminating the Credit Transfer application fee for students beginning their programs in Winter 2027 and beyond. There will no longer be a fee, whether potential transfer credits are identified through the new pre-assessment or submitted for individual review through the standard process.

Courses without an established DC transfer credit equivalency will continue to require an individual review by Transfer Services and will also be exempt from the application fee.

The pre-assessment is based on existing DC transfer credit equivalencies and does not guarantee that transfer credit will be awarded. A final review takes place after a student accepts their offer of admission and pays their non-refundable tuition deposit. Approved transfer credits are then added to the student’s academic record.

For more information about credit transfers, including eligibility and the assessment process, visit the DC Transfer Services webpage.

Strong showing for host Durham Lords at Softball National Championship

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, Durham College (DC) proudly played host to the 2026 Canadian Collegiate Softball Association (CCSA) National Championship.

The best collegiate women’s softball players in Canada travelled to our Oshawa campus, where they spent three days battling for national supremacy. Competition was fierce, with 14 of 19 games being decided by three runs or less.

Our Lords opened the tournament with a 2-0 shutout victory over Laurier and a 3-1 win over Calgary before dropping their final round-robin matchup 6-2 to Humber.

They bested Western 5-2 in the quarterfinal round, punching their ticket to the semifinals. There, they lost a tight 3-0 game to the eventual gold medalists, St. Clair, sending them to the bronze medal game where they fell 3-1 to Laurier, finishing in fourth place.

“Making it to the final day and competing for a medal was a good showing for our team,” said Scott Dennis, Athletic Director.

Chelsea Oke was named to the championship all-star team thanks to her standout efforts both on the mound and at the plate.

“She had a phenomenal pitching performance in the first game, and she had a big home run in the quarterfinals against Western. It was a great weekend for her,” said Dennis of the two-sport athlete who also competes on DC’s women’s volleyball team.

Now in her fourth season with the Lords, the veteran Oke was thrilled to take on the best teams in Canada right here at home.

“It was an incredible opportunity to compete at the highest level in front of my family and friends! Being able to celebrate both the wins and the losses with them made the experience that much more special,” she said. “The event exceeded all my expectations, and as a player, it was so much fun to be a part of.”

DC always excels as a host, and this event was no different, from the opening banquet at the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food to the game action at both Babcock Field and Vaso’s Field, which was temporarily reconfigured for softball.

“We got a ton of feedback that it was a phenomenal event,” said Dennis. “We try to go above and beyond, and we wanted to make sure it felt like a national championship. From the fan support to the community getting involved, it was a big success.”

The Lords also finished fourth at nationals in Calgary last year, after winning their first CCSA championship in 2024. They remain the most decorated team in Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) history with 22 provincial championships. They’ll have a chance to add to that tally later this month at this year’s tournament in Windsor.

Open doors to new career opportunities with a diploma-to-degree pathway

For students looking to earn both a college diploma and a bachelor’s degree, Durham College (DC) offers a number of pathways that can make it possible to earn two credentials in as little as four years.

These degree-completion pathways allow eligible diploma graduates to draw on the knowledge and experience they have already gained, while completing a degree in less time. Along the way, students can earn a second credential, develop specialized knowledge, save money, and expand their career options.

Graduates of an Ontario college Social Service Worker program can take their education further by pursuing the Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health degree at DC. The two-year pathway builds on their Social Service Worker diploma, preparing graduates to take on broader roles supporting people experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. Career opportunities span community-based services, crisis support, housing, addictions, youth services and mental health promotion, allowing graduates to work directly with individuals and communities or support programs designed to improve their well-being.

Students with a background in human resources can take a similar step forward through the Bachelor of Business Administration – Human Resources Management transfer pathway. Designed for graduates of a two-year Human Resources – Business diploma, the pathway provides transfer credit for 16 courses, allowing eligible students to begin in Semester 3 and complete the degree in three semesters plus a 14-week, 420-hour field placement. With the added business and strategic perspective of a degree, graduates can move into roles that influence how organizations attract, develop and retain their people, including roles in human resources, recruitment, employee relations, talent acquisition and people analytics.

Graduates of an Ontario college advanced diploma in Architectural Technology or Civil Engineering Technology can receive credit for the first four semesters of the Honours Bachelor of Construction Management and enter at Semester 5. For graduates who want to move from a technical role into the business and leadership side of construction, the degree provides a pathway toward managing people, budgets, schedules and projects. Career opportunities can include project management, construction management, estimating, contract administration, scheduling and site supervision, with graduates positioned to play a larger role in bringing complex projects from planning to completion.

While each pathway is different, they all recognize the value of the education students have already completed. A diploma can serve as a foundation for further study, helping students build on their existing skills and move toward new career possibilities without starting over.

If you’re considering what comes next after a college diploma, explore your degree pathway options at DC and speak with one of our faculty members at DC’s Fall Open House on November 7.

Women making an impact in DC’s Lacrosse Sixes debut

The Durham College (DC) Lords are making an impact in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association’s (OCAA) inaugural season of lacrosse sixes, and two women are playing a key role.

Unlike traditional varsity sports divided into men’s and women’s competition, lacrosse sixes is open to all athletes, and Jia Leblanc and Natalia Quesnel are taking full advantage of the mixed format.

“It feels really good to be part of something new and help establish a sport that is mixed, especially on a team that is predominantly men,” said Quesnel. “Jia and I have integrated really well with the group, and it has been a great experience being part of the program from the beginning.”

The Massage Therapy students are already varsity athletes with the Lords. Leblanc competes with DC’s women’s soccer team, while Quesnel is a member of the women’s rugby sevens program. They both have experience in field lacrosse through Lacrosse Canada and the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women’s program, with which Leblanc won an Ontario University Athletics silver medal.

Lacrosse sixes is played on a 70 by 36 metre surface (smaller than field lacrosse) with six players on each side.

Leblanc had never previously played on a team alongside men, adding another new element to an already unfamiliar format.

“I hope being out there shows that women belong in this environment too,” said Leblanc. “The coaches and the guys have been incredibly welcoming from day one. They’ve helped us improve while treating us like any other teammate, and that has made it really easy to feel included and comfortable competing.”

Their skills and experience on the lacrosse turf has translated well to the new format, according to head coach Kyle Curtis.

“Jia and Natalia have both been great additions to our group. They’re extremely athletic, competitive, coachable, and have brought a great energy to the team,” he said. “Having athletes like them involved is a great example of how skills from other sports can transfer to lacrosse and how Sixes can create opportunities for talented female athletes to compete at the collegiate level.”

The OCAA’s first lacrosse sixes showcase was held last month at Rob Ford Stadium in Etobicoke, and Leblanc and Quesnel appeared in both of DC’s games, each recording a shot on goal while the latter also picked up an assist.

The exhibition schedule will continue at Vaso’s Field on Sunday, October 18. The Lords will be in action at 11 a.m. against Mohawk College and again at 3 p.m. against Fleming College.

Support to help students succeed at Durham College

Starting college is a big step, and students can expect to take on new academic challenges along the way. At Durham College (DC), students have access to resources that can help them build their skills, manage their studies, and feel confident in their academic journey.

From learning strategies and tutoring to accessibility services and accommodated testing, the Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) and Access and Support Centre (ASC) offer resources to help students throughout their time at DC.

Build effective study habits
College brings new expectations for managing time, staying organized and preparing for tests and assignments.

SALS offers learning strategies support to help students with areas such as time management, organization, study strategies, test preparation and overcoming procrastination. Students can also access workshops, online resources and tools to help them plan their studies.

SALS ONLINE is also available through DC Connect, which includes resources on topics such as test preparation, time management, staying organized, overcoming test anxiety and effective studying.

“SALS is a welcoming space where students can access supports for their courses, strengthen their academic skills, or simply find a quiet place to study,” says Catherine Hayes, Manager, SALS. “We encourage students to connect with us early and often, taking advantage of the resources available before they feel overwhelmed.”

“Meeting with the Learning Specialist one-on-one was very helpful during my academic studies. I would prepare all my questions and topics of interest before my appointment and go through everything at a pace that worked for me,” says Nicole Gaul, Chemical Engineering Technology graduate. “It’s a fantastic resource whether you learn better one-on-one or in a small group setting where you can bounce ideas around.”

Get help with course material
Students don’t have to navigate challenging course material on their own. SALS offers support in areas including math, physics, biology, science, accounting, business, academic writing and language. Students can also access peer tutoring and other academic support to help them better understand course content and prepare for tests.

Access supports that meet individual needs
For students registered with the ASC, the centre works with them to recommend and coordinate supports and accommodations based on their individual learning needs and supporting documentation. Supports can include accommodated testing, peer notetaking, peer coaching and assistive technology.

Students who require accommodated testing can write tests in class or at one of DC’s Oshawa or Whitby Test Centres. The Test Centre provides a secure testing environment for students whose needs cannot be fully met in the classroom.

Support throughout the student experience
College is about more than attending classes. It is also about developing the skills, confidence and independence needed to succeed in a program and prepare for a career.

Whether students need help building effective study habits, understanding course material, preparing for a test or accessing accommodations, SALS and ASC are among the services available to support them at DC.

Knowing that these resources are available can be an important part of choosing a college. At DC, students have access to people and services that can help them navigate academic challenges and make the most of their college experience.

A garden rooted in relationships, learning, and the land

A new Indigenous garden is taking shape at Durham College’s (DC) Whitby Campus. More than a space to grow plants, it offers an opportunity to learn from the land, build relationships, and explore Indigenous approaches to sustainability.

The garden is part of the campus’ food forest — a growing approach rooted in Indigenous agricultural practices that bring together a variety of edible plants in layers that reflect the structure of a natural forest — and contributes to DC’s commitment to expand Indigenous-led initiatives, creating space for Indigenous knowledge, teachings, and perspectives.

Developed in partnership with The Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture (Barrett Centre), which supports hands-on learning and exploration in sustainable food production and agriculture, the project began with an Indigenous ground blessing in May.

“The Barrett Centre is a place where we can explore new approaches to growing food and caring for the land, and the Indigenous garden adds an important dimension to that work,” said Carey Yeoman, Strategic Initiatives Manager, Barrett Centre. “The ground blessing marked the beginning of our Indigenous Agroecology installation, which will encourage a broader way of thinking about food production and what a farm can offer as a learning environment. It demonstrates that there are many ways to work with the land and produce food while caring for the health of the soil.”

Growing knowledge through connection

At the heart of the garden are teachings about relationships and reciprocity.

Sweetgrass, known as the hair of Mother Earth, is among the medicines growing. Also used in braiding practices, sweetgrass represents the strength that comes from bringing individual strands together. On their own, the strands are not as strong; woven together, they become stronger. The teaching reflects the importance of relationships and community and connects with DC’s Braiding Learning Framework.

In keeping with Indigenous teachings, tobacco, known as the first medicine, is another important component in the garden. Tobacco is offered back to the Earth when plants or medicines are harvested as a gesture of gratitude, reinforcing the idea of living with the land rather than simply using it.

Learning across disciplines

Developed as a cross-collaborative project, the garden draws on the Anishinaabe’s Seven Grandfather Teachings, which encourage us to honour the knowledge shared by those who came before, learn from experience, and remain open to the experiences and teachings of others.

It is also creating opportunities for students across DC to bring their skills and perspectives together through hands-on learning.

Horticulture Technician and Horticulture – Food and Farming students put their knowledge into practice through planting and harvesting. Carpentry and Renovation students built the raised planters and benches, while Graphic Design students are contributing signage, illustrations, and interactive QR code elements that will help visitors learn more about the space. In the kitchen, Culinary Management students are exploring innovative ways to work with and harvest the crops.

“The garden is a space where community and learning come together, and where students can see how different areas of knowledge connect,” said Jennifer Fournier, Teaching and Learning Consultant – Indigenous Pedagogies, DC. “Bringing Indigenous teachings, agriculture, design, skilled trades, and culinary learning into one shared space creates meaningful opportunities to learn from one another and understand the value of working together.”

A naming ceremony will take place in the future to formally announce the garden’s Anishinaabe name, marking another step in its story and the relationships that continue to grow from it.

Durham College helping business prepare for Canada’s defence spending boom

With Canada making a generational investment in defence spending, there are substantial new opportunities for businesses and Durham College (DC) is well-positioned to support their success. 

Members of DC recently attended an Invest Durham event — Building Durham Region’s Defence Industrial Base — which brought together the private sector, government and post-secondary institutions.  

The event’s keynote speaker was Bernie Derible, Ontario’s first Military and Defence Representative — a role created by the government to promote the province’s defence industry in global markets, attract new defence investment to the province and help Ontario companies take advantage of growing export opportunities.  

“Focusing on defence requires collaboration across sectors, and Durham College has an important role to play in supporting the skilled workforce, learning, and innovation needed to help our region respond to these emerging needs,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President. “Through our academic programs, research and development, compliance expertise, corporate training and innovation initiatives, we are helping develop the talent, skills and business capacity needed to leverage this opportunity while advancing Durham Region’s role as a strong contributor to provincial and federal priorities.” 

Debbie McKee Demczyk, Associate Vice President, Innovation and Research at DC, explains that the college is part of an innovation ecosystem ready to support small and medium businesses looking to expand into the defence sector.  

“Durham College has great strengths in research and development, and we’ve been offering R&D services to small and medium enterprises (SME) for the last 15 years,” she said. “We currently have three mature research centers across the AI Hub, the Mixed Reality Capture Studio, and the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, who all possess expertise in their particular fields to support companies to innovate and to address problems.” 

As well, DC’s Corporate Training Services is ready to work with businesses to upskill and reskill their workforce, helping to keep companies competitive and ahead of industry demands. 

A panel discussion at the Invest Durham event on building defence-ready capacity featured Sushant Katare, Senior Cybersecurity Manager at DC’s Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, and Doug Hart, Business Manager and Strategist for DC Corporate Training Services. It was moderated by DC’s Robin Young, Executive Director, Business and Workforce Development. 

“Working collaboratively to advance the defence sector in Durham Region is how we will rapidly increase capacity,” said Sandra Austin, Commissioner, Community Growth and Economic Development – Invest Durham. “Post-secondary institutions like Durham College are critical to this, as research and innovation, workforce development, and specific expertise such as cybersecurity each play a role in advancing our regional economy. Durham College will play a key role in how we secure Durham Region’s meaningful participation in this provincial and national priority.”  

In his keynote address, Derible emphasized the importance of what has been called a generational moment. 

“What we’re going through right now is a gigantic nation-building, growth-mindset exercise,” he said, adding that he believes Prime Minister Mark Carney has under-estimated the 125,000 new jobs that will be created and Ontario stands to gain 50,000 jobs alone. 

He also described the development of the defence sector as a sovereignty issue in Canada, a point that McKee Demczyk describes as vitally important given global shifts. 

“Protecting what we have, protecting our infrastructure and our intellectual property from foreign interference, those needs have never been stronger than they are right now,” she said. “Those are conversations that Durham College is actively involved in, and we want to make sure that we not only protect ourselves, but we help our small and medium enterprises and companies in this space so they know how to protect themselves as well.” 

She adds that DC is ready to provide top-notch professional services for businesses entering the defence sector. 

“We work with the pace of the industry,” she said. “Our delivery times are very much aligned with industry requirements, and we have certified professionals to work with you to identify your business needs and deliver solutions.” 

Learn more about Research, Innovation and Training Services (RITS) at Durham College.

Durham College, City of Oshawa partnership puts student ideas into action

What could a future transit corridor look like in downtown Oshawa? How could mixed reality help firefighters prepare for leadership roles? And what stories can public art tell along one of the city’s bike trails?

These are some of the questions Durham College (DC) students have explored through the college’s partnership with the City of Oshawa’s TeachingCity initiative. Across a range of programs, DC students and faculty are working with City staff to bring new ideas, skills and perspectives to projects that benefit the community.

For students in DC’s Architectural Technology program, the challenge was to reimagine several properties along Oshawa’s designated future transit corridor. Working with the City’s Planning Services branch, students researched development policies and regulations, considered market demand and costs, and developed proposals focused on affordable housing, sustainability, pedestrian experience, and transit. They presented their work to City staff at an open house at City Hall, gaining insight into the many considerations involved in planning and developing land.

“The TeachingCity partnership exemplifies DC’s commitment to high-impact experiential learning,” says Anna De Grauwe, Director, Experiential Learning, Research, Innovation and Training Services (RITS). “By working alongside City of Oshawa staff on projects that have a direct impact on the community, our students gain professional experience while contributing creativity, innovation, and fresh perspectives to challenges facing Oshawa. These projects show how collaboration between education and community partners can create meaningful benefits for everyone involved.”

The partnership is also bringing emerging technology to a challenge faced by Oshawa Fire Services. Through DC’s Mixed Reality Capture Studio, three Game – Art graduates will be hired to help develop a mixed reality training and assessment application. The application will simulate the assessment of a building during a fire call. Candidates preparing for firefighter leadership roles will practise identifying hazards and determining appropriate response strategies in a controlled environment.

In Oshawa’s public spaces, Fine Arts – Advanced students have contributed artwork to wayfinding signage along the Joseph Kolodzie Bike Trail. Six student works were selected and installed, with themes exploring active transportation, environmental sustainability, wildlife, and the relationship between urban and natural spaces.

DC students have also helped visitors experience the new Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park. Their curriculum-based project contributed to the park’s digital wayfinding experience, which includes information about the park’s history, ecology, amenities, and gardens, along with 360-degree viewing and an auditory tour guide.

For some 9-1-1 Emergency and Call Centre Communications students, the partnership provides a pathway into the field. DC students participating in Oshawa Fire Services’ Fire 911 Communications placements gain exposure to emergency telecommunications and the work of communications professionals. Nikki Bradshaw was among the first DC students to participate and later successfully applied for a position with the department. She is now training as part of Oshawa’s Fire Communications team.

Together, these projects show how the TeachingCity partnership connects DC with the community to address local challenges, advance experiential learning and help shape Oshawa’s future.