Interactive gaming event showcases Durham College’s innovative approach to applied research

Five video games were showcased at Durham College (DC) on Friday during the MRC Arcade, an interactive event which provided insight into the projects DC’s Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) Studio produces with local game designers, students, researchers and industry experts.

Durham College is leading the way in the Canadian gaming industry while setting students up for success,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “The MRC Studio has hired dozens of students for more than 40 industry projects, which means students get to work directly with our industry partners. This hands-on learning and early introduction to real-life industry scenarios offer a unique advantage to our grads when the time comes to enter the workforce.”

The MRC Studio offers organizations access to technical expertise and state-of-the-art gaming equipment and technology to create solutions that increase productivity and growth, while placing the student experience at the forefront of it all.

Qualified individuals with leading-edge expertise are in high demand and short supply, which is why Interactive Ontario is proud to support Durham College and the MRC Studio,” said Lucie Lalumière, president and CEO, Interactive Ontario. “The MRC Studio is a trailblazer in its approach to developing talent. It works hand-in-hand with industry on real-life games and immersive applications and in doing so, develops the talent we need to succeed and compete on the global stage. Thank you, Durham College, for being visionary!”

DC’s expertise and co-development of the five games shared during MRC Arcade are proof of the amazing collaboration between DC students, researchers and industry partners. As one of five applied research centers at the college, the MRC Studio diversifies the college’s applied research offerings and capabilities, blending the physical and online worlds to explore human interaction within the virtual space.

“Since its launch in 2020, the MRC Studio has helped numerous clients build and improve their games by providing access to new technologies and applied research they otherwise would not be able to access or afford to enhance their product,” said Ryan Miller, project manager of the MRC Studio, Durham College. “Offerings such as improved graphics, processes and access to new technologies are provided to our clients, translating into games such as the ones showcased at MRC Arcade.”

The MRC Studio is home to one of only three Captury Live motion capture systems in Canada, offering students unique experiential learning opportunities to boost their future employability.

“The MRC Studio has been an incredible opportunity to get real work experience with exactly the kinds of projects that I want to work on as a future career,” said Zoe Straw, third-year Computer Programming and Analysis student at Durham College. “I know that thanks to this experience I’m going to be able to flesh out my portfolio and give myself the absolute best start to my career possible. I’ll graduate with a year of experience in the gaming industry and several credits to my name before I even receive my diploma.”


Premier Ford Visits DC’s Whitby Campus

Durham College (DC) welcomed Premier Doug Ford to the Whitby campus on Friday to highlight a number of innovative facilities and programs in our Faculties of Hospitality and Horticultural Science and Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships.

The Premier was accompanied by Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance and member of provincial parliament (MPP) for Pickering-Uxbridge, and Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier.

DC president Don Lovisa guided them on their visit, which began in the greenhouse space where they learned about the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) growing system, a hydroponic growing technique adapted to aquaponics. Other highlights included the Zip Grow Farm Wall and the Freight Farm hydroponic system that grows up to 700 heads of lettuce a week.

Horticulture students Abigayle Hamilton and Paul Fritzsch shared some of their knowledge and experience with the guests, and the Premier rolled up his sleeves to plant some parsley.

Finally, they visited the Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology where they saw the elevator lift used to train students in the Mechanical Technician – Elevated Devices program and took a photo with a group of Level 1 plumbing apprentices and faculty member Peter Sutus.

The visit was a great opportunity to show the Premier how DC is contributing to Ontario’s skilled workforce, according to Lovisa.

“If you experience something, you remember it, and that’s why campus visits are so important,” he said. “Visits like these are important to building relationships, understanding, and helping people see what we do firsthand and showing them how we are leading the way.”


Durham College hosts first international delegation since 2019

Durham College (DC) continued to deliver on its objective to enhance its global partnerships when delegates from Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru visited the campuses in early November. The goal to establish and augment internationalization and global engagement initiatives resides in the college’s Academic Plan and is enabled through the college’s Internationalization and Global Engagement Plan.

The visitors were here to continue their work on the Pacific Alliance Education for Employment program (PA-EFE), which supports the development of marketing and promotional campaigns to increase awareness of technical and vocational education and training in Latin America. The program is primarily focused on reaching women and marginalized populations.

This is the first time that DC has been able to host an international delegation since before the pandemic, and the first time this group, which also included representatives from Fanshawe College and Vancouver Island University, has been together in person.

“Although a lot of great work has been done online, it’s been wonderful to finally meet and work together in person,” said Jacqueline Towell, manager, International Projects and Partnerships, DC, adding that the delegates participated in four days of meetings and DC’s open house. “It’s much more meaningful being together, we can really see and hear everyone’s excitement.”

Collaborating with other education organizations provides insights into new ways of working and learning from others’ perspectives. The global insights brought to DC from delegates spark new ideas, strengthen innovation and create connections.

“To become global leaders, students need not only the core functional disciplines that professional schools offer, but also a deeper understanding of the broader architecture of global society and the forces that shape it,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC’s executive vice president, Academic.

The Pacific Alliance Education for Employment contract further reinforces DC’s commitment to quality education, not only here in Canada, but all over the world. To learn more about DC’s international initiatives, visit the International Education office website.


DC pair leading the way as Canada’s best new student chefs

Durham College (DC) is home to the country’s best new student chefs, according to Taste Canada.

Second-year Culinary Management students Adreanna Russell and Sahil Ahuja took home the top honors at the 2022 Taste Canada Awards Gala in early November. The pair beat out teams from seven other schools to win the Cooks the Books student cooking competition.

“I can’t even tell you how big that moment was for us,” said Ahuja.

As the winners, Russell and Ahuja split a $3,000 educational bursary, along with over $2,000 worth of prizes.

“Once we realized we won, we were in shock,” said Russell. “It was such an honor for us, and a great opportunity.”

The students were tasked with designing a dish featuring a cut of Canadian beef. Under the skilled eye of faculty member Peter Lee, they chose corned beef tongue with mustard jus, pickled cabbage and glazed carrots.

“We chose beef tongue because we wanted to try something different, use an underutilized cut and show everyone it can be delicious,” explained Lee. “If you look at a raw beef tongue, even a cooked tongue, it doesn’t look very appetizing. But it’s absolutely delicious.”

In addition to showcasing their culinary talents, the event was also a great networking opportunity. The DC chefs made the most of it by connecting with students and instructors from other college’s, including the second-place team from Top Toques Institute, as well as professionals from the Canadian food industry.

Both students credit the experimental learning they have received at DC for pushing them to new heights as they prepare for their careers.

“I’ve enjoyed every second here at Durham. All the chefs are industry professionals who have given me the best experience,” said Russell. “They’ve connected me with people outside the college for job opportunities; those have been the best jobs I’ve had in my life and career.”

Ahuja considers himself lucky to be at DC, having come all the way from India to study here in the hopes of one day opening a restaurant.

If a career as a chef appeals to you, check out DC’s in demand food and hospitality programs.


Durham College addresses skills gap with new programs

Durham College (DC) is leading the way by offering several new programs in September 2023 to prepare career-ready graduates with the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of the community and employers in key sectors experiencing labour shortages.

“The next generation of graduates are entering a unique workforce, one that has identified major skills gaps across a number of industries,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “Durham College is thrilled to offer students a variety of new programs that will cater to their interests, lead the way toward an exciting future as qualified graduates and positively respond to the growing needs within our labour markets.”

In addition to two new degree programs announced earlier this fall – the Honours Bachelor of Paralegal degree and Honours Bachelor of Community Mental Health degree – DC has received consent from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer the following diploma and certificate programs, beginning in September 2023:

  • Cloud Computing (graduate certificate)
    Faculty of Science, Engineering & Information Technology
    This is one of the fastest-growing fields in IT and graduates will be able to capitalize on the increasing demand from IT organizations for new professionals to help them secure and manage their cloud infrastructure. This program emphasizes leadership in designing, implementing and deploying services in the cloud by utilizing cloud computing privacy, legal principles and methodology to meet organizational requirements and business goals.
  • Fire Prevention and Technology (advanced diploma)
    Faculty of Social & Community Services
    As the science and art of fire protection and prevention continue to evolve, so does the need for experts in all areas of the fire and life safety industry. Utilizing state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and current industry software, students will gain the practical and theoretical skills to enforce the fire code, along with planning, designing, installing and maintaining current and leading-edge fire protection equipment.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) (graduate certificate)
    Faculty of Science, Engineering & Information Technology
    The quickly-advancing industry of smart cities, home automation, wearable tech and more requires skilled programmers, developers and technicians. In the relaunched Internet of Things program, students will explore security and surveillance cameras attached to devices, their technologies, architectures, resources, data management, strategies, and security and privacy issues. They will also gain the knowledge and skills needed for a variety of in-demand career options.
  • Recreation Therapy (diploma)
    Faculty of Health Sciences
    Recreation therapy is a rewarding career providing meaningful and healthy leisure activities that improve the quality of life for people of all abilities and ages. Certified recreation therapists offer a range of services, including the assessment of client needs, development of programs, goal-setting, group facilitation and evaluation of interventions. Students will develop proficiency in various health disciplines to support the delivery of person-centred recreation programs.

DC’s diverse range of program offerings reinforces its commitment to transformative education and experiential learning, leading the way to a bright future for tomorrow’s professionals.

Learn more about these new programs online.


Future students explore Durham College at Fall Open House

Durham College (DC) opened its doors to prospective students, families and friends at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses for the college’s annual Fall Open House on November 12.

More than 2,000 people explored DC’s state-of-the-art facilities and innovative learning spaces through guided tours, conversations with faculty experts from the college’s 145+ market-driven programs and meetings with support service representatives, such as financial aid, career services and co-op, to learn how DC is leading the way in post-secondary education.

At the Oshawa campus, visitors toured the creative spaces that make the DC student experience unique, including the Esports Gaming Arena, Mixed Reality Capture studio and the DC Spa, before attending information workshops, meeting President Don Lovisa and learning how to start their DC journey with Admissions representatives.

Whitby attendees participated in various workshops and toured the college’s innovative learning labs and shops, such as the Crane Simulation Lab and newly opened Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology. They also had the opportunity to drop into one of two cooking demonstrations hosted by faculty in the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food – always a popular stop for those interested in DC’s culinary and hospitality programs!

At both campuses, attendees were invited to attend DC Alumni Guest Speaker panels, where DC grads offered unique perspectives on what they can expect as a student and the exciting opportunities available beyond college.

Did you miss Fall Open House? You can still learn more about all that DC has to offer. Campus tours and information sessions can be scheduled online or via email. You can also attend one of our upcoming Program Information Nights on January 17 and 18 and Spring Open House on April 1, 2023.


Durham College launches new Honours Bachelor of Paralegal degree

As the scope of paralegals’ role has increased, so has the demand for their skills within the community. Durham College (DC) is proud to launch a new Honours Bachelor of Paralegal degree – one of only two four-year degree programs of its kind in Ontario – to improve access to affordable legal representation and expertise.

The program will prepare students with the legal context they need as well as the cultural competency lens to provide legal services to a wide range of diverse populations including immigrants, refugees, Indigenous peoples, women and people who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+. To best serve their future clients, students will gain an in-depth understanding of human rights claims, disability applications, Immigration and Refugee Board hearings, criminal code offences involving those who have experienced inter-generational trauma and applications involving mental health, housing and financial stability issues.

“We’re providing advanced programs like the Honours Bachelor of Paralegal because we understand the needs of our growing community,” says Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “By combining in-depth classroom learning with an experiential field placement, graduates of this degree program will have the tools they need to be future leaders in the legal sector.”

Graduates of the program will be prepared to provide legal services under the supervision of a lawyer or a licensed paralegal and are also eligible to apply to become Licensed Paralegals themselves through the Law Society of Ontario. Licensed Paralegals can independently represent their clients before various courts and tribunals within their regulated scope of legal practice. They also have the ability to continue their education by applying to law school or graduate studies.

“The paralegal profession has grown in complexity in recent years, which is why Durham College is excited to launch the Honours Bachelor of Paralegal program,” says Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “The student experience and the impact graduates’ expertise has on members of the community are at the forefront of program development. The Honours Bachelor of Paralegal program will develop confident graduates who are well equipped to advance in the legal field.”

For more information about the Honours Bachelor of Paralegal, including registration details for next fall, visit www.durhamcollege.ca/hbpl.


DC students apply their skills in dynamic emergency simulation

Problem-solving, collaboration and practical skills were put to the test for students from eight DC programs who participated in a high-intensity, real-world emergency simulation.

Students from the Faculties of Social & Community Services, Health Sciences and Media, Art & Design, as well as the collaborative DC and Ontario Tech nursing and Registered Practical Nursing-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing bridge programs, worked together during a dynamic exercise in real-time that saw volunteers simulate an emergency involving a vehicle and an illegal gathering.

“This is an invaluable experience for students where they learn by acting and responding as they would in real emergencies,” said Jason Vassell, Faculty of Social & Community Services. “We are grateful to partner with community leaders and services to support this effort. It is another example of how Durham College is leading the way to support the next generation of emergency responders, journalists and more.”

The experiential scenario is a highlight for the students involved.

“This experience was an amazing opportunity for me as a student to really practice the skills I have learned. It felt like a real-life situation and made me feel like an actual firefighter,” said pre-service firefighting student Sierra Cunha. “It had my adrenaline running the whole call. I would recommend everyone do this if they have the opportunity.”

Applying in-class knowledge to a realistic scenario was helpful, said 911 Emergency and Call Centre Communication student Brehanna Gassman. “What I took away from this experience is that everything does not always go as expected,” she said. “There were times when our radios were not working properly, and we were able to work under pressure to resolve these issues as best we could. We kept optimistic and confident no matter what was thrown at us, and in the end, I believe this made us such a strong team.”

Students from the following DC programs participated:

 


Durham College publishes inaugural Diversity Self-ID survey

Results of Durham College’s (DC) first Diversity Self-Identification Survey are now available and will help support data-informed decision-making to continue the building of an inclusive and equitable campus culture. The survey was a collaborative effort by DC’s Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) and the Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE).

Of the staff and students polled, more than 500 full-time and part-time employees and 1,900 full-time and part-time students responded to the survey between January 25 to February 5, 2021, helping DC gather demographic data on five identity dimensions, including Indigenous identity, gender, sexual orientation, disability and ethnic origin.

Of note, eight in 10 employee respondents indicated that they believe people of all identities are valued at the college (85.5 per cent) and that they feel a sense of belonging as identities are valued at DC (80.3 per cent).

The results provide an opportunity to reflect on and improve DC’s current processes, policies and drive data-informed decision-making. One in five (20.2 per cent) employees perceive barriers to career progressions based on their personal identity, and over 68 per cent believe that transparency in decision-making about equity and inclusion decisions will help the college become a more diverse and inclusive institution.

This critical baseline information will support DC’s commitment to respect and inclusion. Together we will continue to lead the way to move the college beyond equity and inclusion to belonging.

Thank you to all who participated in the survey. For further information, please view the report online.


Durham College connects girls to careers in science, technology and trades at annual conference

On October 25 and 26, girls from regional school boards participated in the Expand the Possibilities 4.0: Young Women in Science, Technology and Trades Conference (YWSTT) hosted by Durham College (DC). The on-campus event, in its fourth year, featured a series of interactive activities designed to foster a sense of curiosity in science, technology and skilled trades and connect Grade 7 and 8 girls to career opportunities in these fields.

To kick off each day of the conference, students heard from tech start-up founder and CEO Jessica Lui and HGTV home renovation expert Kate Campbell, before participating in several hands-on workshops at DC’s state-of-the-art facilities and learning spaces. 

“Women make up only 23 per cent of Canadians employed in science and technology, according to Statistics Canada,” says Bonnie St. George, associate vice president, Academic Administration. “As a post-secondary institution leading the way in science, technology and skilled trades, DC is uniquely positioned to help students surpass any gender barriers to entry in their chosen profession. We hope the conference helps these girls feel encouraged and inspired to pursue a career in a field they might not have considered.”

Students participated in a number of hands-on workshops including science and technology-themed activities, such as building a robot, investigating pond water under a microscope, and studying candy chromatography, the process of separating colours from candy using science. The event also featured a number of skilled trades learning opportunities, such as plumbing, welding and carpentry.

The event garnered praise from attendees, including Mikayla, a student at Monsignor J. Pereyma Catholic School in Oshawa.

 “Kate [Campbell] really inspired me today,” said Mikayla. “After hearing about how she grew up playing baseball around boys who would put her down and how her family supported her choices to do what she wanted to do, I think that would motivate other girls and break the stereotype that girls can’t do sports. Girls can do anything boys can do.”

This event was possible because of the generous support of community partners: Ontario Power Generation, Aecon, Black & McDonald, Elexicon Energy, Enercare, Gerdau, RESCON and Safran Landing Systems.

More information about YWSTT is available online.