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School of MAD students chosen for once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

It’s lights, camera and a lot of action for three students from the School of Media, Art & Design, who will spend a few weeks this summer assisting the CBC in their coverage of 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. 

Brittany Sprung, Khalila DeGrasse and Koree Wait, second-year students in Durham College’s (DC) Broadcasting for Contemporary Media program, were nominated by their professor and accepted as interns following an intensive interview process with the CBC. Only 30 paid mentorships are available to post-secondary broadcasting students across Canada.

“This opportunity is a testament to the hard work, dedication and talent shown by these students,” said Greg Murphy, dean, School of MAD. “We’re so proud they will represent the program and the college at the 2015 Pan Am Games and look forward to seeing their great work. Congratulations to Brittany, Khalila and Koree on this outstanding achievement.”
Their work at the international sporting event will consist of assisting camera crews at the competitions or working in the CBC’s broadcast control centre.

“At first I was shocked and couldn’t believe it, but it didn’t take me long to tell all my family and friends,” said Brittany Sprung, who will work in the CBC’s control centre. “I am so proud and excited to start my career at one of the largest multi-sport events happening in Canada, and of course, with the CBC who has a long-standing history of excellent broadcasting in Canada.”

The 2015 Pan Am Games runs from July 10 to 26 followed by the Parapan Am Games from August 7 to 15. The Region of Durham is hosting a number of the events that were spread across southern Ontario.

DC announces sexual violence policy and procedure

On Tuesday, March 31 Durham College (DC) announced it has finalized its stand-alone policy and procedure on sexual assault and sexual violence and they are now publicly available on the college’s website.

“This is an important step to take for Durham College, alongside the other colleges across Ontario,” said Don Lovisa, president, DC. “It’s essential that everyone knows their rights and responsibilities and that the security of our campus continues to be a priority.”

DC’s policy and procedure communicate that all members of the Durham College community have a right to work and study in an environment that is free from any form of sexual violence. 

These documents ensure that the college has a process that:

  • Protects the rights of individuals
  • Facilitates an environment in which those who experience sexual violence are believed and their rights respected
  • Holds individuals who are found to have committed an act of sexual violence, accountable

Presidents at Ontario’s 24 publicly funded colleges voted unanimously in November to create a stand-alone policy and protocol that would be available at all colleges by March 31. A draft version was publicly released in January and there have been consultations throughout the province to finalize the document.

Building on DC’s existing policies and procedures, the stand-alone policy and procedure provide precise definitions of sexual assault and sexual violence, set clear standards for reporting and responding to incidents of sexual violence, and establish clear processes for complaints and investigations.

Individual colleges and Colleges Ontario (the advocacy organization for the province’s 24 colleges) have consulted with students and college staff throughout Ontario. There have also been consultations with legal experts, the Ontario Women’s Directorate, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, government officials and others, including DC’s Director of Campus Safety, Tom Lynch, who sat on the provincial advisory committee.

The colleges’ policies and procedures support the action plan on sexual violence announced by Premier Kathleen Wynne on March 6. Work will continue to ensure the initiatives at each college fulfil the expectations and requirements of the premier’s action plan.

Ontario’s colleges are currently working on next steps, including new education and training at the colleges and the development of new awareness and prevention initiatives.

“We are grateful to our students and staff who have worked diligently to finalize our new policy and procedure,” said Meri Kim Oliver, vice-president, Student Affairs. “It’s essential that we continue working together to raise awareness about sexual violence and the role we can all play in preventing it.”

DC’s policy and procedure can be found on its Sexual Violence and Awareness page, along with a video and infographic to provide additional resources to students, staff and faculty.

DC celebrates multicultural student population

On March 18, Durham College (DC) students were invited to learn more about DC’s diverse population in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre (CRWC). The Mother Language Festival is a collaborative event hosted by DC’s International and Diversity offices, as well as the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s (UOIT) Student Experience Centre.

The third-annual event allowed multicultural students to share, raise awareness and learn about each other’s language and nationalities. This year, a wide variety of cultures were represented at the event, including Pakistan, Iran, Brazil, Eritrea, Afghanistan and India among others.

“All of the display tables brought something unique to the event.” said Allison Hector-Alexander, diversity officer at DC. “The Saudis had a very elaborate presentation, the Arab Nations won for best display and our Indian table was most hospitable.”

International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1999 as a way to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity. This international event highlights the importance of inclusive education through and with language.

“This year’s Mother Language Festival was a wonderful opportunity for Durham College and UOIT students to share an important component of who they are with their peers,” said Sarah Edwards, international education officer. “The exhibitors and performers were amazing and did a terrific job engaging others in lively conversations about their languages and cultures.”

MBM grad honoured by CMRRA

Congratulations to Durham College (DC) Music Business Management graduate, Kase de Jonge, on his 2014 Cyril Devereux Award from The Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Agency Ltd. (CMRRA).

The award, named in honour of CMRRA’s first general manager, has been given annually since 2001 to an employee who exhibits excellence in all aspects of her/his position including impeccable work quality and productivity, exemplary client service, professionalism and team spirit.

“The MBM program was fundamental in the success that I have achieved so far in my career,” said de Jonge. “The program covers so many aspects of the music industry that it truly prepares students for the ‘real world.’”

De Jonge, who graduated from DC in 2008, has worked with CMRRA since late 2009, when he was hired to be part of their major label licensing team. Since then, he has proven himself as an expert in royalty analysis and helps the company identify and release royalties owned to CMRRA clients.

Congratulations Kase!

Durham College, UOIT and Trent University join forces in bold vision to create healthier communities

Durham College, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Trent University have collaborated on a call for submissions from the provincial government’s Major Capacity Expansion Framework to build a new flagship facility dedicated to health and community studies, located in Oshawa’s north end.

The proposed Centre for Integrated Health and Community Studies (CIHCS) and the partnership between the three institutions is detailed in a collaborative new website, investwith3.ca. The bold vision proposes a new facility that will enable the institutions to deliver curriculum and create a campus culture that educates students in the requisite knowledge, and technical and soft skills needed for success in the health-care and community studies field. Offering a unique mix of programs from the three institutions will give people in Durham Region, Northumberland County and beyond access to more health-care professionals and technologies, as well as access to new innovative approaches to health care.

Additionally, the proposed new facility will open up opportunities for exciting new collaborations with industry partners that will position Durham Region and Northumberland County as a leader in health-care delivery, services and innovation. It will strengthen and sustain the partnerships already in place with area health care and community institutions, many of which are recognized across the province for excellence in health-care delivery.

The proposal and partnership by Durham College, UOIT and Trent University builds on a long history of collaboration with decades of experience working together. The natural synergies that exist between the institutions provide a solid foundation for success for the Centre for Integrated Health and Community Studies.

DC rolls out the welcome mat for its annual Spring Open House

On Saturday, March 21, Durham College (DC) welcomed more than 3,900 visitors during its annual Spring Open House. The doors to the Oshawa and Whitby campuses and the Pickering Learning Site were opened as potential students, their families and the broader community explored all that DC has to offer.

The college’s innovative programs were showcased throughout the day by expert staff and knowledgeable students. DC Crew took visitors on tours of the high-tech classrooms, labs and state-of-the-art facilities at all three locations, while helpful information sessions on topics ranging from the admission process, to financial aid, career planning and access and support services were also offered.

“We look forward to Open House every year,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “It’s a great opportunity for potential students and the wider community to access a multitude of resources and limitless information about DC at one time, while experiencing all that the college has to offer first-hand. We hope to see many of the people we met on Saturday joining us soon.”

Centre for Food (CFF) ambassador and celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy was also on-hand and spent the day at the CFF speaking with attendees about the field-to-fork philosophy and signing copies of his new cookbook.

Visitors’ at all three locations had the chance to win free tuition for the year, valued at $2,700 or an iPad.

If you missed the spring open house but are interested in a tour of Durham College, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/campustours or contact the Admissions and Recruitment Office at 905.721.3000. You can also visit us online to learn more about our extensive program offerings.

DC’s Centre for Food claims victory in School Cup Challenge

With an overall participation of 26.3 per cent, Durham College’s (DC) Alumni office is pleased to congratulate the Centre for Food as the victors of the second annual School Cup Challenge!

From March 2 to 19, nearly 600 spring and fall 2015 graduates shared their favourite memories and experiences from their time at DC. Along with the glory of victory, bragging rights and an inscription on the trophy, as winners of the School Cup Challenge, the Centre for Food receives a $1,000 bursary to award for the 2015-2016 school year.

The School of Science, Engineering & Technology took second with a student participation of 18.9 per cent. A $500 bursary donated in their name will be awarded to a DC student for the 2015-2016 academic year.

Additionally, Victoria Sykes, a student in the Hospitality Management program (Centre for Food) was the winner of $500 for sharing her favourite DC experience as part of the challenge.

Amy Branscombe, a student in the Animal Care program (School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services) was the lucky recipient of a pair of Toronto Maple Leafs tickets.

The final standings for school participation are as follows:

  • Centre for Food – 26.3 per cent
  • School of Business, IT & Management – 11 per cent
  • School of Health & Community Services – 4.1 per cent
  • School of Interdisciplinary Studies & Employment Services – 5.3 per cent
  • School of Justice & Emergency Services – 14.2 per cent
  • School of Media, Art & Design – 5.6 per cent
  • School of Science, Engineering & Technology – 18.9 per cent
  • School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology – 7.8 per cent

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all of the students who participated!

Spring and Fall 2015 Graduates Get Prepared at Countdown to Grad

Durham College’s (DC) spring and fall 2015 graduates-to-be had the chance to find out everything they need to know about their upcoming graduation during the college’s annual Countdown to Grad. Held at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses and Pickering Learning Site, these events were sponsored by the DC Alumni Association.

Students were invited to stop by for a free slice of pizza and, more importantly, for the opportunity to learn about all things graduation, from alumni benefits and employment services to convocation details. Students also had the chance to enter the School Cup Challenge.

“This is the fourth year we’ve hosted the Countdown to Grad,” said Lori Connor, alumni officer, Durham College. “It’s a great way to celebrate our students’ upcoming graduation and share relevant information to make sure they feel supported as they transition from a DC student to alumni.”

The events were held on Tuesday, March 10 (Oshawa campus), Thursday, March 12 (Whitby campus) and Tuesday, March 17 (Pickering Learning Site) and over 900 students attended.

“Now that it’s finally here graduation seems to be a daunting step,” said Heather Bulman, a second-year Public Relations student and member of DC’s Team Experience. “The opportunity to learn from the Alumni Association really put my mind at ease, and now I can’t wait to be a DC alumna. I’m excited to move beyond school and use all that I’ve learned in the workplace.”

For more information about the 2015 graduation please visit the Spring Convocation page.

FIRST Robotics Canada takes over joint DC/UOIT campus

From March 12 to 14, high school robotics teams from across Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and New York State descended on Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s (UOIT) Oshawa campus for the 2015 FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC) Greater Toronto East Regional competition. FIRST is an acronym that means For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.

The event, a last stop before the FRC World Championship taking place in St. Louis, Mo. in late April, was free to the public and saw more than 1,000 student participants compete on more than 45 teams, as they demonstrated their engineering skills and knowledge using the Recycle RushSM program.

The fierce three-day robotics showdown concluded with the alliance of team 2056 (Orchard Park Secondary School), team 2852 (Denis Morris Catholic High School) and team 3710 (Frontenac Secondary School) being crowned champions and earning a coveted spot at the world championship.

“At DC we celebrate the spirit of innovation fostered by these FIRST® Robotics competitions and look forward to hosting this exciting event on our joint campus every year,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Competing in the FRC is a great way to prepare students for a post-secondary education in science and technology.”

Competing in head-to-head challenges, teams guided their robots through a recycling-themed game in an attempt to dispose the “litter” and collect as many points as possible during the two-minute-and-30-second match. Within the first 15 seconds, robots operated independently from their drivers to earn points by moving themselves. Competitors were also recognized for robot design excellence, sportsmanship and teamwork.

Competitors also had the opportunity to fine-tune their robots in the Durham College Machine Shop, where DC students and staff were on-hand to assist with the repairs.

“The teams thoroughly enjoyed themselves, their cheers definitely made that obvious,” said Nisarg Sanchela, co-chair for the Greater Toronto East Regional planning committee. “The event was a great success and we look forward for many more to come.”   

The full list of Greater Toronto East Regional winners and special award recipients can be found on the FRC website.

 FIRST® Robotics Canada is an international, not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.

For more information about FRC, please visit http://www.firstroboticscanada.org/main/frc/.

Being constructive with non-destructive evaluations

The Engineering Quality Control Department (DEPT. 3822) in Plant 22 (Plt. 22) at Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) in Mississauga, has supported Durham College’s (DC) Mechanical Engineering Technician – Non-Destructive Evaluation program over the last seven years with its student internship program.

The partnership began about eight years ago, when David Craig, fellow inspection engineer and NDT manager, visited a lunch and learn at the college where he was impressed by the enthusiasm shown by students.

“The internship spawned from this initial interaction,” said Katy Zaidman, program co-ordinator for the Mechanical Engineering – Non-Destructive Evaluation program at DC. “As an advocate for the future NDT workforce, David and the Plt. 22 NDT department established year-long internships that allow students to experience first-hand the heightened technology demands of the aerospace industry.”

The partnership, which includes Plt. 22, DC and Mohawk College has benefitted 11 students to date.

“When Plt. 22 took over the placement program from its initial Montreal location, students gained technical knowledge while also getting the opportunity to process and inspect a wide variety of parts – from nuts and bolts to more critical aspects,” said Craig.

He added that over the years the program has evolved, and students now have the opportunity to work for a one-year term in Plt. 22, which aligns with the college curriculum.

“I am a different person today,” said Jenifer King an intern from DC. “At P&WC I have acquired knowledge of how to apply the theory learned in class to real inspection situations.”

She added that the internship is an invaluable opportunity to work with one of the most reputable companies in Canada and train with people who have decades of experience in NDT.

“The experience of learning and working with the P&WC NDT team will stay with me for a very long time,” said King.

“We would also like to recognize Karen Zwara, supervisor of Dept. 3822 as well as the Plt. 22 NDT team for their support of the program” said Craig. “In addition to mentoring and providing technical support to the students, Karen’s team participates in the interview and selection process with both DC and Mohawk College to ensure the internship is offered to suitable candidates.”

The process is now established and well positioned to continue offering NDT students much needed practical experience, hours and access to NDT lines, equipment and certified inspectors.

If you’re interested in DC’s Mechanical Engineering – Non-Destructive Evaluation program or any other programs the college has to offer, drop by our Open House on Saturday, March 21.