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Carpenters Union Local 397 Contributes $100,000 to DC Skilled Trades Expansion

Durham College (DC) is pleased to announce the fundraising campaign for the Whitby Campus skilled trades and professions expansion has received a significant donation of $100,000 from the Carpenters Union Local 397.

The generous donation will go toward the Building for Skills campaign, which has raised $4.4 million to date, supporting a 60,000 square foot addition to DC’s Whitby campus.  When completed, the expansion will allow 750 more students to study skilled trades and professions each year.

“The Carpenters Union is supporting this expansion because we understand the need to train more young people in the trades,” noted Joel Neville, Local Union Coordinator. “The new facility will provide more room and resources not only to our carpenter apprentices but for the apprentices of many other trades accessing this great new facility.”

In recognition of the Carpenters Union Local 397’s gift, a multi-purpose classroom will carry the name of the union that represents women and men in Durham Region and Northumberland County who work in a variety of construction related skilled trades, including carpentry, drywall and resilient flooring.

Construction continues at DC’s Whitby campus with plans to open in fall 2021.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of organized labour. This generous donation from the Carpenters Union Local 397 demonstrates a dedication to the training of future skilled trades professionals and support for DC’s state-of-the-art facility that will have a positive impact on the workforce of Ontario. This gift will help Durham College continue to develop skilled workers who contribute to a strong economy and vibrant communities,” said DC President Don Lovisa.

DC and Precise ParkLink share results of partnership and case study

Durham College (DC) and Precise ParkLink are thrilled to share the results of their long-term collaborative partnership through their online Artificial Intelligence Kiosk Case Study.

With a working relationship that began in 2015 when the college selected Precise ParkLink as its parking management services provider, this partnership has evolved beyond parking, as Precise ParkLink helps facilitate student learning as an industry partner for DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE).

DC’s applied research program, facilitated by ORSIE, solves industry and social challenges through innovation and collaboration. By engaging industry, faculty, students, and the community-at-large in research projects that address the needs of a technology-driven knowledge economy, ORSIE brings together multiple stakeholders and groups interested in mutually-beneficial solutions, leveraging the talent, facilities, and capabilities of the college and broader community to advance economic prosperity within Durham Region.

“One of the reasons organizations enjoy working with Precise ParkLink is because we offer the latest technology innovations available in the marketplace,” says Maria Lato, marketing manager for Precise ParkLink. “Being an ORSIE industry partner allows Precise ParkLink to tackle its large-scale research and development wish list faster.”

“Durham College and Precise ParkLink have engaged in five different applied research projects,” says Debbie McKee Demczyk, dean of ORSIE. “Each one of them involves DC students working closely with Precise ParkLink staff to address real-world challenges and create a solution that will then be introduced into the market.”

Working on Precise ParkLink projects, ORSIE students have the opportunity to gain valuable skills, such as “a chance to enhance their learning by working with industry professionals in the field,” says Lato.

“In addition, students gain hands-on experience while enhancing their communication, team-work, accountability and problem-solving abilities. These job-ready skills prepare students for future employment, making them valuable employees,” Lato adds. “The relationship is a win-win for Precise ParkLink, DC and its students.”

Discover how ORSIE and Precise ParkLink made AI in parking a reality and learn more about the partnerships in the Research at DC: Precise ParkLink video.

DC launches new learning series for employees on equity, diversity and inclusion

Durham College (DC) is launching a new learning series for employees as part of ongoing work towards ensuring an equitable post-secondary experience for all students.

Developed jointly by DC’s Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions and its Centre for Academic and Faculty Enrichment, the series is titled Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Pedagogy and Practice and comprises five modules:

  • Power, Privilege and Bias
  • Navigating Difficult Conversations
  • Inclusive and Responsive Teaching
  • Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
  • Conversations in Decolonization

DC recognizes the rich diversity of all students and appreciates the need to ensure this diversity is welcomed and reflected in all teaching and learning practices. The modules reinforce DC’s values of diversity, inclusion, and respect, and were created to introduce college employees to the concepts of inclusion and cultural intelligence so that all students can be equitably supported.

DC celebrates the start of the academic year

With the 2020-2021 school year fast approaching, over 550 Durham College (DC) employees gathered virtually on September 1 for Academic Kickoff. Designed to engage and inspire, this annual event sets the tone for the academic year ahead.

Thanks to its online webinar format, DC faculty, as well as administrative and support staff, enjoyed a diverse program including college updates and a discussion about the impact of COVID-19 from a ministry and provincial perspective from President Don Lovisa, a sneak peek from Dr. Elaine Popp, vice-president, Academic, into DC’s new Academic Plan, and video presentations from various employees about transitioning to remote learning and the creative solutions they have implemented to enhance the overall education experience for students.

The videos can be viewed on DC’s YouTube page via the following links:

Attendees also had the pleasure of hearing from keynote speaker Dr. Britt Andreatta, an internationally recognized thought leader who creates brain-science based solutions for today’s challenges. As CEO and president of 7th Mind Inc., and having been both a professor and dean in post-secondary education, Dr. Andreatta draws on her background in neuroscience, psychology, leadership and learning to unlock the best in organizations and their people.

Through an exploration of the way the brain functions when learning and retaining information, Dr. Andreatta provided insight into how modern educators can help enhance the academic experience for students. Stating “we are all biologically hardwired to learn,” she provided a number of strategies and suggestions for those teaching in the coming academic year.

DC’s fall 2020 classes will begin on Tuesday, September 8 and will be delivered via a blended-learning approach which includes remote and remote/in-person delivery.

Durham College and Sheridan College receive funding to support Canadian media industry SMEs

Durham College (DC) and Sheridan College (Sheridan), with support of up to $100,000 from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), are pleased to announce that they will undertake university-industry projects by sharing their applied research centre services and by providing expert time to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Canadian media industry. The contribution from NRC IRAP will help support projects with up to 10 high-potential, growth-oriented companies who are aiming to develop media production workflows.

DC’s Mixed Reality Capture (MRC) Studio, in partnership with Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT) at Sheridan College Pinewood Toronto Studios, will lead applied research and development projects with industry clients to help fuel the growth of Canada’s media industry by assisting SMEs in conducting the feasibility to create media content workflows, offering technical expertise and proof of concept for the inclusion of advanced technologies in the creation of media.

The colleges’ joint offering includes an integrated suite of the following technologies, all powered by leading-edge infrastructure technologies such as 5G and SIRTNET:

  • Live performance tools for content creation using the film development kits for integration of all aspects of content creation.
  • Virtual production techniques allowing content creators to plan, imagine, or complete a filmic element with the aid of digital tools to simplify content generation workflows.
  • Integration of digital techniques such as AI, special sound effects and immersive experience using AR/VR techniques across all platforms.
  • High-fidelity virtual human creation and aggregation to maximize productivity for content generation across all platforms.
  • Access to Multi-National Enterprise (MNE) technologies such as leading-edge processor and graphics platforms from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD).

The MRC Studio and SIRT Centre are recognized for their demonstrated track records of success assisting SMEs with the development of proof of concepts in a variety of content generation projects. DC and Sheridan will use the funding to enable SMEs from coast to coast to gain technical skills, adopt new technology, commercialize innovations, create jobs and increase revenues within a globally competitive market.

Durham College receives $75,000 in funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to reduce social isolation among youth

Durham College’s (DC) Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) is pleased to announce it is receiving $75,000 in applied research funding via a College and Community Program – Applied Research Rapid Response to COVID-19 grant, awarded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

The funding will be used to support a collaborative project between DC and Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Durham (BBBSND), an organization that provides vital mentorship programming to vulnerable youth who deal with anxiety in rural areas of Uxbridge, Scugog, and Brock Townships. The project will be led by two DC nursing faculty members, Crystal Garvey and Jacqueline Williamson, who have ample experience working with youth and addressing issues of mental health.

BBBSND has a long history serving the youth in these communities, and is very familiar with the daily hardships they experience. These include having limited opportunities to build healthy relationships and little or no access to supports, including transportation and technology. In addition, before the pandemic occurred, BBBSND estimated that 75 per cent of youth they work with deal with anxiety on a regular basis.

Knowing that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of these challenges, the project is designed to ensure that the vitally important mentor support provided to mentees is maintained and does not deteriorate despite physical distancing challenges. The mental health needs of the mentor and mentee will also be addressed.

Those resources include building a bank of activities, tools and mental health supports that are easily accessible to mentors and can serve as a roadmap for use by BBBS Canada and others in rural communities across the country. The resulting resource bank will be useful for BBBSND to enhance training of current and future mentors. The resources may also be disseminated by the national office to other BBBS agencies for their use.

Students from various DC programs, including, Child and Youth Care and Nursing, as well as those from the School of Media, Art & Design, will be involved at various stages of the project, providing them with experiential learning opportunities while also meeting project objectives.

For more information about ORSIE visit www.durhamcollege.ca/orsie.

Durham College launches new DC Ready homepage to prepare students for fall

​September is right around the corner! We can’t wait to welcome back returning students and meet our new cohort of first-years as they embark on their exciting post-secondary journey at Durham College (DC).

To support students as they navigate a unique new year, including changes to operations and course delivery, we’ve launched a new DC Ready microsite to help students get started and get settled. Full of helpful links and resources, the site is also home to our DC Ready Guide, a valuable academic success tool preparing students for their fall semester.   

With COVID-19 changing the way we work, teach and learn, the DC Ready homepage will act as a hub of information so students can find the support and guidance they need to be successful at DC.

To visit the DC Ready microsite, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/dc-ready.

DC Journalism program continues winning streak in Ontario newspaper competition

Students and faculty from the Durham College (DC) Journalism – Mass Media program once again won big in the Ontario Community Newspaper Association’s (OCNA) Better Newspaper Competition (BNC).

DC’s journalism program was introduced more than 40 years ago and has won dozens of OCNA awards since, most recently finishing second in the Best College/University Website category in 2018 and first in both the Best College/University Website and Student Feature Writing categories in 2017.

The Chronicle newspaper won first place in the General Excellence Newspaper – College/University for the 2019 awards. The category judge praised The Chronicle’s “eye-catching front pages,” “fantastic editorial and op-ed pages,” and “flawless presentation of issues.”

The Chronicle also placed second in the Best College/University Newspaper Website category. Judges complimented the website’s user-friendly navigation, particularly for mobile, as well as the paper’s “solid, well-rounded content” with its balance of campus news, community and pop culture coverage.

In addition to the program’s overall success, Dave Flaherty, a 2010 Journalism – Mass Media graduate and current editor of the Oshawa Express newspaper, took home accolades with his win for Best Heritage Story.

The BNC is an annual contest that recognizes the outstanding work produced each week by the OCNA’s member newspapers and showcases it to readers and advertisers.

Congratulations to DC’s Journalism – Mass Media students and faculty on this well-earned celebration of their dedication and hard work.

Durham College’s 2019-2020 Annual Report now available

Durham College (DC) is pleased to share that its 2019-2020 Annual Report is now available. As one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for a fourth consecutive year, DC is sharing its successes in a fully electronic format.

“Given 2020 marked the start of a new decade, this Annual Report gave the college an opportunity to take stock of the past ten years while also considering the future ahead,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “We’ve got a lot to be proud of and always welcome the opportunity to share those accomplishments with DC and the broader community.”

The report is filled with examples of leadership in action. Driven by the entire DC community and marked by innovation, growth and excellence in education, DC has a lot to be proud of.

DC Photography grad to be featured in Applied Arts virtual gallery

Anurag Parteek Singh’s successful career as a professional photographer is coming into sharp focus thanks to his recent win in the prestigious Applied Arts Awards. Mere months after graduating from the Photography program at Durham College (DC), Anurag’s work, ‘The Untitled Gaze”,’ garnered industry accolades as a winning selection from the Character Portrait category of the Applied Arts Student Awards.

In addition to the profile boost within Canada’s visual arts landscape, Anurag’s photograph will be featured in the Applied Arts virtual gallery of winning work that will be included in the Student Annual Edition, to be published online in October.

Regarded as the go-to destination for creative advice, insight and inspiration, Applied Arts has been awarding design, advertising, illustration and photography professionals and students since 1992. The Student Awards are open to high school and post-secondary students enrolled in relevant programs.

DC takes great pride in Anurag’s work and success and congratulates him on this significant professional achievement.