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DC welcomes more than 12,000 students to campus for 2017-2018 academic year

Against the backdrop of its 50th anniversary, Durham College (DC) has welcomed more than 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students to its Oshawa and Whitby campuses and Pickering Learning Site for the 2017-2018 academic year. This represents an increase of more than eight per cent in overall domestic and international enrolment.

This year’s student population includes more than 7,000 new students (domestic and international) and close to 1,100 international students who have travelled from 61 countries around the world to study at DC – a number that is nearly double international enrolment last year.

“We are very pleased with the growth in the college’s enrolment this year,” said Paul Bishop, executive director, Strategic Enrolment Services and registrar, Durham College. “The increase can be attributed to an intensive collaborative applicant conversion plan executed by student recruitment and admissions, communications and marketing, and our academic schools, but also speaks to DC’s commitment to the student experience and its focus on experiential learning, applied research and the quality of the programs offered.”

New market-driven programs for 2017-2018 include Entrepreneurship and Small Business – Business – Transfer to UOIT Bachelor of Commerce (Hons), Massage Therapy and Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices.

In total, DC offers more than 140 full-time programs through its nine academic schools as well as more than 500 educational pathway opportunities in partnership with universities in Ontario, Canada and around the world.

DC Therapist Recognized for Life-saving Actions

Saul Behrman, an athletic therapist with Durham College’s (DC) Campus Health Centre has received the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) Merit Award for his actions during a Durham Lords basketball game in January 2017. The honour recognizes CATA members who through their immediate actions saved a life, prevented serious injury or performed outstanding emergency service.

During the game in January, Saul leaped into action to provide emergency medical attention to a referee. Working alongside a visiting student athletic therapist from Centennial College, Behrman stabilized the referee and then worked with DC’s Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) until paramedics arrived.

“Saul embodies the true definition of hard work and commitment to excellence in carrying out his role in support of our student-athletes,” said DC’s director of Athletics and Recreation, Ken Babcock. “In this case, his training, combined with quick thinking and action, helped save a man’s life.”

Behrman holds both a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a certificate specializing in Athletic Therapy from York University.

2015

President Don Lovisa signs the Indigenous Education Protocol for Colleges and Institutes, adding DC to the group of more than 45 signatories. Developed by Colleges and Institutes Canada, the protocol aims to support members’ commitment to improving and better serving Indigenous education.

1980

Expansion of college facilities continues. New structures include a state-of-the-art robotics lab (precursor to the Integrated Manufacturing Centre found on campus today).

1971

First permanent building is built at DC’s Oshawa campus with the construction of the Gordon Willey building (what are now the A, B and C wings).

Durham College Personal Support Worker student receives Central East Community Care Access Centre Award

Durham College student Shona Tighe on and off the volleyball court

Personal Support Worker (PSW) student Shona Tighe readies herself on the volleyball court. Tighe received a $500 donor award from the Central East Community Care Access Centre.

The Durham College School of Health & Community Services received exciting news last month when it was notified that Shona Tighe, a student enrolled in the one-year Personal Support Worker (PSW) program, was being given a $500 donor award from Central East Community Care Access Centre.

Tighe, who received her award based on her academic achievement and fulfilling the criteria laid out by the college’s Financial Aid and Awards office, was recognized at a reception at the college on March 31. She, along with several other award recipients, was given an opportunity thank the college’s donors in person and meet with Durham College President Don Lovisa.

“This award is an honour to receive as it is helping someone who is training in the health-care industry,” said Tighe. “Not only does it acknowledge my hard work in school, it also helps me financially. I want to thank the donor for this award. I greatly appreciated their donation and generosity. Awards such as this one make it worth all the hard work.”

Donor awards provide post-secondary students with a valuable and long lasting resource and numerous awards are given out each academic year. Award amounts vary from year to year and between organizations.

The PSW program teaches the skills required to provide a safe and positive environment for patients experiencing physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges while effectively interacting and communicating with patients and their family members.

Students graduate with an Ontario College Certificate and are well-prepared to work at long-term care facilities, community service agencies, homecare agencies and group homes.