First Generation initiative welcomes newcomers with open arms

At Durham College the student experience comes first and the First Generation initiative provided by the Student Life office is an excellent example of this mission. First introduced in 2009 as a pilot project, the program is designed to encourage and support incoming students whose parents or guardians did not attend a post-secondary institution by providing assistance in the form of mentoring programs, orientation events, academic workshops, student bursaries and more. On average a third of all Durham College students are considered to be first generation.

Led by Lucy Romao Vandepol, First Generation student co-ordinator, the initiative provides the opportunity for students who enter post-secondary education unfamiliar with the college environment to familiarize themselves with everything on campus at their own pace.

“The key to the First Generation program is being able to build that rapport with students and letting them feel like they have someone on campus to go to,” said Romao Vandepol.

Working directly with first generation students, Romao Vandepol acts as host of Latte’s with Lucy, a frequently occurring workshop that brings together first generation students to answer questions and provide assistance during their time at Durham College.

“I didn’t know my way around or what would be expected of me but Lucy and the first generation group really filled in all those blanks for me,” said Mechanical Engineering Technician – Non-Destructive Evaluation student Clifford Roffey when asked about the program.

First generation students are invited to attend the next Latte’s with Lucy on Thursday, January 30 from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Student Services Building to learn more. 


Durham College professor speaks at TEDx

Creativity, collaboration and engagement was the title and theme of a TEDx event that took place this past weekend and featured prominent speakers including astronaut Marc Garneau and Durham College professor Lon Appleby.

TED conferences bring together people from the worlds of technology, entertainment and design and have progressed into a global staple of education built upon a series of inspirational and enlightening TED Talks videos that are easily accessed online. TEDx are local, self-organized events that bring people together to share and learn through the combination of live speakers and TED Talks video’s.

Appleby, who teaches in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Employment Services, was one of eight speakers selected to present at the Oshawa event. Appleby has been a full-time professor of the general education program for five years, teaching such classes as: short history of the world; the global class; and popular culture and media. His expertise in education and global issues are what interested Durham College graduate and TEDx organizer Chris Fernlund into inviting him to be a speaker at the event.

“Chris had previously been a student of mine in my short history of the world course,” said Appleby. “After graduation Chris continued his studies and as well decided to organize the TEDx event showing him to be one of the many outstanding students I am seeing these days at Durham College who have an interest in human history and world affairs.”

Appleby’s presentation focused on the change occurring in the classroom as the world continues to become more interconnected and interdependent. When asked about Durham College’s progression in terms of this ever evolving global community, Appleby was excited by the direction the college is heading.

“From the top, Durham College is forging a culture of innovation and student success, and what I see around me, increasingly, from the new programs and growing enrolment and the kinds of courses that are being offered, is a college that is determined to become a leader in education for the twenty-first century,” said Appleby. “This is an exciting time to be a professor.”


Campus master planning open house taking place on January 29

Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) share a commitment to innovative and successful post-secondary education. This includes a need to provide the new classrooms, laboratories and infrastructure required to support the learning of current and future students, professors and researchers.

To support this important and necessary growth, DC and UOIT are working together on a campus master plan. This plan is designed to address the future expansion and needs of both institutions for their shared campus in Oshawa, as well as DC’s Whitby campus and UOIT’s downtown Oshawa location. It will include recommendations on:

  • How best to create a mixed-use hub for activity between the two academic institutions, as appropriate, and with the surrounding community through incorporating business, incubator research space, and social activities.
  • Further growth and/or enhancement opportunities to both the DC Whitby campus and UOIT’s downtown Oshawa location.
  • How to support the ongoing development of north Oshawa as a complete community with enhanced transit opportunities, natural heritage linkages and the infrastructure needed to accommodate sustainable development.
  • Ensuring that all campuses and locations are sustainable in terms of building design but also in terms of walkability, active transportation and respect for the natural environment.

With a goal to have a campus master plan with input from the local community completed by October 2014, a campus master planning open house will be held on Wednesday, January 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Gordon Willey building at the Oshawa campus. All members of the campus community and the public are invited to attend.


Centre for Success students honoured by DC

Durham College and partnering school boards honoured 150 secondary school students who successfully completed the Centre for Success program on January 16 at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre (CRWC). The program, hosted on Durham College’s Oshawa and Whitby campuses through the School College Work Initiative, offers secondary school students another route to graduate by engaging them in a college environment.  In addition, most of the students earn a college credit alongside their secondary school diploma requirements.

“I’ve always been told I have great potential but I never realized how much until I joined the Centre for Success,” said Jade Evans, one of the students selected to speak about their educational experiences at the ceremony. “The teachers are great and the environment is unrestricted which is exactly what high school should be.”

From its humble beginnings in 2006 with 14 students the Centre for Success has continually grown to offer more students the opportunity to succeed. This year was no exception as the program introduced the first provincial pilot project dual credit class. Nine students from the Learning and Life Skills program at Clarington Central Secondary School took part in the Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) dual credit program. These students were provided with the opportunity to experience college life and enhanced academic learning by enrolling in the program modified to fit their academic abilities.

“The pilot program was such a great success because these students would not normally have the opportunity to think about college,” said Gail MacKenzie, manager of strategic initiatives. “With them being immersed in a college credit they know they have an opportunity to come to college in the future which allows them to acknowledge and prepare for it.”

Plans are in place to continue the provincial pilot project alongside the Centre for Success in fall 2014 with additional school boards beginning to show interest in joining.


Peer tutoring helps boost student success

For new and returning Durham College students, a new year is often filled with a renewed commitment to improvement, whether it’s promises to be healthier and return to the gym or a goal to learn a new skill. The new year can also mean a vow to improve scholastically, a resolution the college is able to help achieve through Student Academic Learning Services’ (SALS) peer tutoring.

All students are eligible to apply for peer tutoring and gain the advantages it can provide for a minimal fee of $10. Students are provided with the opportunity to be tutored by fellow students in two subjects with a maximum of 15 hours in each subject, most often working out to approximately two hours of tutoring per week.

“Peer tutoring is a win-win program for both the tutees and the tutors,” said Leslie Linstrum, writing specialist with SALS. “Tutees receive subject-specific support in a course they are experiencing difficulty with while tutors are able to help fellow students; add to their co-curricular record; and receive part-time employment income.”

Peer tutoring has a proven track record of improving academic performance. Last year, 82.3 per cent of students who accessed peer tutoring received their credits. Students gain valuable abilities including organizational skills while learning in a friendly environment alongside a fellow student.

This semester’s peer tutoring sessions are set to begin on Monday, January 20. For more information and instructions on how to apply for peer tutoring or to be a tutor, please visit Durham College’s peer tutoring webpage.


Campus Ice Centre recognized as best arena in Durham Region

The Campus Ice Centre on the campus of Durham College and UOIT has received the 2013 Readers’ Choice “Diamond Award” as the best Ice Skating Facility in the Durham Region.

The Readers’ Choice Awards presented by the Oshawa/Whitby This Week recognizes the top three businesses in a variety of categories. The business with the most votes in each category receives the Diamond award, while Platinum and Gold are awarded for the second and third place.

Opened in 2005, the Campus Ice Centre includes two NHL-sized ice pads, with seating for 500 and 200 respectively, a total of 10 change rooms, a sports retail outlet, offices, administration and food and beverage facilities.

“This is a wonderful achievement and we would like to thank the readers for choosing our arena complex as the best,” said Ken Babcock, Durham College & UOIT Athletic Director. “We have always known that we have a great facility with great staff focused on customer service and excellence. This proves it.”

In addition to hosting numerous minor hockey and figure skating events, the Campus Ice Centre (operated by Nustadia Recreation) is also home to the UOIT men’s and women’s hockey programs. 


Get Active and Win!

The Flex Centre is hosting the annual Active Living Challenge to encourage staff and students to participate in any type of physical activity from Thursday, January 9 through to Thursday, February 13.

Simply pick up a postcard-sized tracking card from the main athletics desk or the Flex Centre beginning January 9. Make your way through 30-minute blocks of physical activity dating and initialing each block. Each time you complete five hours of physical activity, take your card to Flex Centre staff to be signed and fill out a weekly ballot for chances to win great prizes.

For the duration of the challenge, each Thursday morning prizes of t-shirts, fitness equipment and Lords and Ridgeback swag could be yours. Complete the entire card (by participating in 10 hours of physical activity) and submit it to win one of the following great prizes:

  • 1st prize: a Norco hybrid bike or a Reebok spin bike
  • 2nd prize: $100 Keg gift certificate
  • 3rd prize: $50 Future Shop gift card
  • 4th prize: $25 Chapters gift card

The grand prizes will be drawn on Thursday, February 20th. Your completed tracking card(s) is your ticket to win.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Q. Do I have to complete the physical activity at the Flex Centre?
    A. No, If you go for a run, hike or walk you can record that. Skiing, snowboarding, shovelling? Record that too.
  2. Q. Do I have to do all 30 minutes at once?
    A. No, for every 30 accumulated minutes of activity, you can initial and date a square on your mountain.
  3. Q. Who verifies the tracking sheets?
    A. This initiative runs on the honour system. We’re hoping (and expecting) participants will be honest about physical activity completion.
  4. Q. How will I know if I win a prize?
    A. If your name is drawn, we will contact you. When you come to claim your prize, we may ask to take your photo to post on our Active Living Challenge bulletin board (just outside the Flex).
  5. Q. What if I complete 1 hour of physical activity?
    A. Then, you get to fill in the date and initial two squares.
  6. Q. When will the final draw for the big prizes be held?
    A. Fill out your complete tracking sheet, and submit for your chance to be eligible for the final prize draws. This draw will be held on Friday, February 20th. Please stay tuned for more info.

Durham College President Don Lovisa signs new five-year contract

Following a very successful first term marked by significant achievement, strategic growth, community involvement and dedication to the student experience, the Durham College Board of Governors is pleased to announce that Don Lovisa will continue in his role as college president for a second five-year term, effective January 1 and running through to December 31, 2018.

“I am honoured and excited to serve another five years as president of Durham College and very proud of what we’ve accomplished together in my first term,” said Lovisa.  “Durham College has become a post-secondary destination of choice; our reputation has never been stronger and we’ve expanded and led the college system in growth and new program development.  I take pride in the direct, positive impact of Durham College on the social and economic well-being of Durham Region and the strong partnerships that we have developed with our community.”

Since assuming the role of president in 2008, the college has thrived under Lovisa’s leadership, realizing substantial growth in student enrolment, buildings, learning spaces and reputation, along with a stronger partnership with its campus partner, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), that has provided more opportunities for students than ever before. This includes a strong dedication to meeting the needs of all learners with the college welcoming more than 10,000 full-time, post-secondary and apprenticeship students in fall 2013, meeting its 2015 enrolment target of 10,000 students two years ahead of schedule.

The college also opened a new Student Services building at the Oshawa campus in March 2011; opened the Pickering Learning Site in September 2012; and undertook a three-phase expansion of the Whitby campus, resulting in the opening of the new Centre for Food in October 2013. Lovisa also demonstrated provincial leadership on student mobility as co-chair of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT), increasing emphasis on offering students as many high-quality post-secondary options as possible and supporting continuous learning from apprenticeship to PhD. At Durham College, there are now more than 450 pathway opportunities with universities in Canada and around the world, many of which are with UOIT, and students of both institutions are moving between the two with greater frequency each year.

“Don has provided strong leadership for the college through a very successful first term, realizing strategic growth, academic excellence and success at every level,” said Ron Chatterton, chair, Durham College Board of Governors. “With an excellent team in place across campus, he is well-positioned to achieve further success in the years ahead as we prepare to celebrate the college’s 50th anniversary. Please join me in congratulating him on a job well done and supporting him as he commences his new term.”

During his time as president the college also introduced a new strategic plan; launched a new academic vision and plan; is working toward the introduction of its first-ever baccalaureate degrees in 2015; and received millions of dollars in research funding to work on applied research initiatives with small- and medium-sized business designed to advance innovation and the economic well-being of the community.

In addition, Lovisa has remained focused on developing and maintaining strong community, industry and business partnerships with organizations such as Ontario Power Generation, Parkwood and DC @ Core21, including taking a leading role in the development and realization of the Durham Learning and Business Innovation Park. 

“As I look to the future, I see a college that will continue to innovate, transform, build and provide our students with new opportunities in helping them find even greater success,” added Lovisa.  “With our experienced and dedicated staff and faculty, Durham College is well-positioned for continued success and the delivery of the very best programs and services.” 


Donation from Harmonize for Speech enhances CDA program

Durham College’s Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) (graduate certificate) program recently received a generous donation when the Oshawa Horseless Carriagemen presented the college with a cheque for $2,500 on behalf of Harmonize for Speech, a fundraising project of the Ontario District Association of Chapters of Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Singing of America, commonly known the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS). The project provides funds for numerous speech-related projects and equipment at organizations across the province.

In addition, a portion of the funds donated were also raised by the Oshawa Horseless Carriagemen, a BHS member that has been supporting the college for eight years.

“Thank-you so much to the Oshawa Horseless Carriagemen and Harmonize for Speech for this wonderful support of our CDA program,” said Elizabeth Maga, CDA program co-ordinator. “We could not provide as high a quality of learning as we do without this very generous donation.”

The CDA program uses the funds to purchase new textbooks, assessment tools and resources that will be used to prepare students for working with clients who have speech impairments both in their field placements and in the workforce. The funds also allow the program to bring in guest speakers such as Debra Goshulak, a world-renowned speaker from the Speech and Stuttering Institute, who came to campus in November to speak to students as part of the Articulation and Phonology course.

The CDA program is a one-year graduate certificate program that prepares students to work with speech-language pathologists and audiologists to help implement effective treatment plans to help people of all ages communicate more effectively. It welcomes approximately 32 students each year.

“We are very grateful for the support of the Oshawa Horseless Carriagemen and Harmonize for Speech,” added Maga. “All these resources are of such great benefit to our current and future CDA students and to the community in general. What the students learn from using these resources now will help so many individuals with communicative disorders in the future.”


Durham College wins four Educational Digital Marketing Awards

The Educational Digital Marketing Awards, presented by the Higher Education Marketing Report has recognized Durham College’s Communications and Marketing department with four awards, announced on December 15.

Competing against hundreds of submissions from other college and university submissions from across Canada and the United States, the department won the following awards (Two-year Institution: Enrollment 7,500 to 15,000 category):

  • GOLD – Microsite category – “I’m going to…” microsite
  • GOLD – Online Schedule category – Horticulture – Food and Farming program page
  • MERIT – Online Publication category – DC Alumni Magazine
  • MERIT – Institutional Website category – Durham College website

The Education Digital Marketing Awards recognize the best educational websites, digital content, electronic communications, mobile media and social media. Award certificates are given to those entrants whose programs and materials display exceptional quality, creativity and message effectiveness. They are presented by the Higher Education Marketing Report, the most widely read publication for educational marketers.
 
This marks the second time in a year that the department has been recognized by the Higher Education Marketing Report’s awards. In February, they received a Gold and Merit award for the What Matters to Me campaign.