FAQs

Yes, vaccinations are required for students living in an on-campus residence. Two weeks prior to arrival you’ll be asked to provide proof that:

• You’ve received two doses of a World Health Organization approved vaccine.

Individuals requiring vaccines or booster doses can book an appointment through the Province of Ontario’s booking site, at one of the Region of Durham’s vaccination clinics, or at the Campus Ice Centre.

We’re committed to helping stop the spread of COVID-19 and will continue to implement measures as outlined by the Durham Region Health Department.

Specific details around vaccination requirements and guidelines for residence students will be shared directly with students when they receive their official on-campus residence acceptance. For more information about the College’s response to COVID-19 such as cleaning protocols, safety measures and more, visit the Coming to Campus tab.

Move-in will take place from Friday, September 2 to Sunday, September 4. Students will be given the date and time that they will move in prior to those dates. Masks will still need to be worn in the public and common areas of the building. Each student is allowed two guests to assist with move-in. These guests will need to be signed in at the front desk.

When arriving during your timeslot, you will check in with our front desk staff. They will provide you with your move-in package, as well as the key card to enter your suite.

1. Please remain in your room and call Student Health Services at 905.721.3038 (Please see hours here). If you need assistance after hours, please contact Durham Region Public Health Services at 905.668.2020.
2. Once you have notified health services, please notify the residence front desk at 905.728.8700 ext. 8000.

Students living in residence who have been told to self-isolate should stay in their rooms and notify the residence front desk at 905.728.8700 ext. 8000. Our staff will notify the manager on call who will make arrangements for your isolation. The residence staff will inform you fully of our process concerning our support for you.

Please encourage your roommate to contact Student Health Services at 905.721.3038 or Durham Regional Public Health Services at 905.668.2020 and select option 2. If unable to reach either service please notify the residence front desk at 905.728.8700 ext. 8000. Our staff will connect with your roommate or neighbour to ensure they are connected to the right resources and supported throughout this process.

Yes. The residence has implemented a booking system allowing residents to reserve specific timeslots when using common spaces. The residence asks that students adhere to all posted signage, keep a safe physical distance from others where possible and wear a mask or face covering when unable to remain physically distant and in all common areas of the residence.

The college and the residence have adapted residence policies and procedures to proactively protect residents and employees, while providing a safe and secure living and learning environment. This includes:

• Offering maximum flexibility on residence payment options and cancellation deadlines.
• Minimizing physical interactions at the front desk.
• Increased cleaning of high traffic touchpoints through housekeeping.
• Reviewing access to lounges, laundry rooms and other non-essential spaces.
• Included Wi-Fi available throughout the residence, offering bandwidth and speed required for remote learning.

In-suite housekeeping service is currently suspended and the residence will monitor provincial recovery plans and determine an appropriate time to reinstate this service. During this time, our staff will continue to focus more on common spaces and high traffic areas will have a higher frequency level of cleaning, focusing on touch-points such as door handles, railings and elevator buttons.

Masks are not required in the residence, however they continue to be mandatory in the Oshawa campus Library, Dental Clinic and Campus Health and Wellness Centre, as well as the shared DC/Ontario Tech University Campus Corners space.

We appreciate that everyone’s circumstances are unique, and some will continue to wear a mask for personal reasons. DC is a mask-friendly college, and those who choose to wear one are respected for their decision.

Residents will be able to sign in up to two guests at one time. Guests will need to sign in at the Front Desk. Masks must be worn in public and common areas of the building.

Students and visitors will no longer be required to submit screening forms, but are encouraged to monitor and self-screen for symptoms before entering the Residence. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.

Yes, if you are an international student arriving to Canada, you will need to prepare to quarantine for 10 days when you arrive. During this time, you will work directly with the International office to receive clearance from isolation. You will need to make sure you connect with the international office, prior to travel.

Please contact the residence front desk at 905.728.8700 ext. 8000 or at info@dc-otresidence.ca.

Yes, paid parking has now resumed at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses. For more information, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/parking.

For more information please contact parking@dc-ot.ca.

The Campus Health and Wellness Centre is offering a combination of virtual and approved in-person appointments – including physician, mental health, massage therapy, physiotherapy and chiropractic.

To ensure the health and safety of patients and employees, the CHWC has implemented infection prevention and control measures, which includes physical barriers and enhanced health and safety procedures.

For CHWC hours and more information please visit their webpage.

• To book an appointment call 905.721.3037.  If after hours leave a message and front office staff will call you back the next business day.  Our hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m. for cleaning

Please note: at this time, only those patients invited for an in-person appointment will be allowed in the clinic and is required to wear a mask or face covering.

After hours supports available to students include:

• Student VIP: ca/dcsi
• Good2Talk Helpline (24/7): 1.866.925.5454
• Well Student Assistance Program: 1.877.554.6935
• Ontario 211 Community and Social Services Help Line (24/7): dial 211
• In the case of emergency, please dial 911.

Durham College Student Association – DCSA, the independent student association representing all DC students, has additional services available. In addition to the information listed here, please go to their website or contact them directly for updates.

• • Counselling available via online delivery. Email outreachdcsi@durhamcollege.cato book an appointment.

The Pharmacy is now open on campus from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Athletics and Recreation Resource Library
The Athletics and Recreation department has developed a resource library featuring valuable fitness and health information, including:

• Webinars
• Online exercise videos
• Workout plans
• Healthy eating and nutrition
• Mental health and wellness
• App and play recommendations
• Free fitness consulting

The resource library is available on the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre webpage.

Virtual fitness classes
The FLEX is also offering virtual fitness classes led by certified FLEX instructors. Classes include: Yoga, Belly Dance, Stretching, Sit & Get Fit, Pilates, and Stability Ball. New classes will be added as well as upcoming live-streamed classes. Check back regularly as the virtual library grows.

To gain access to our virtual classes:

• Go to https://registercrwc.dc-uoit.ca
• Log in or set up an account if you don’t already have one. DC-OT students & staff need to use their student/staff id numbers & campus network logins.
• Select Virtual Fitness Class Library under “Classification” and select again under “All Categories”.
• Click on “Register”.
• Click on "Check-Out".
• A confirmation email will be sent to you containing the web link to access the Virtual Class Library.​

Virtual fitness and nutrition consultations

Want to work out from home, but not sure exactly what to do with the resources you have available? Contact DC’s fitness co-ordinator Angie Wood to schedule a fitness consultation by emailing her at angela.wood@durhamcollege.ca.

Holistic nutrition consultant Sylvia Emmorey is also offering DC students free virtual nutrition consulting. Please email sylviaemmorey@hotmail.com.

Mental health supports available for students:

• Good2Talk Helpline (24/7): 1.866.925.5454
• I.M. Well Student Assistance Program: 1.877.554.6935
• Ontario 211 Community and Social Services Help Line (24/7): dial 211
• Campus Health Centre
  • Services including medical appointments and appointments with mental health nurses, wellness coaches and therapists are available virtually. Fit4sport, Wellness by Oluchi continue to be open.
  • To book an appointment:
    • Call 905.721.2000 ext. 3037
    • LIVECHAT
    • CHWC@durhamcollege.ca
  • The pharmacy Lovell Drugs continues to be open
• Durham College Student Association – DCSA, the independent student association representing all DC students, has additional services available. In addition to the information listed here, please go to their website or contact them directly for updates.
  • Counselling available via online delivery. Email outreachdcsi@durhamcollege.cato book an appointment.
• In the case of emergency, please dial 911.

If you're feeling nervous about the coronavirus, you're not alone. Being concerned and anxious about this outbreak is normal.

What you can do to reduce anxiety:

• Stick to the facts as communicated by public-health agencies or medical professionals. Instead of reading every article and going to every website, staying offline for a period can be beneficial. If you're concerned, sites that include accurate information include the World Health Organization and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
• Try and keep it in perspective. Social media and news outlets can amplify misinformation. Keep in mind that there's a concerted global effort to try and contain this virus.
• Follow prevention tips to stay healthy. Washing your hands often and properly is the single most effective way to stop the spread of disease.
• Practice stress and anxiety management. There are many proven ways to reduce stress and anxiety: getting enough sleep, balanced diet and hydration, exercise, talking about your fears with others, meditation, and more. Find the self-care practice that works for you.

Mental health supports available for students:

• Good2Talk Helpline (24/7): 1.866.925.5454
• I.M. Well Student Assistance Program: 1.877.554.6935
• Ontario 211 Community and Social Services Help Line (24/7): dial 211
• Campus Health Centre
  • Services including medical appointments and appointments with mental health nurses, wellness coaches and therapists are available via teleconferencing. To book an appointment, call 905.721.2000 ext. 3037. To speak with a nurse, please call ext. 2854. Please ensure your phone is enabled to receive calls from No Caller ID.
• Durham College Students Inc. – DCSI, the independent student association representing all DC students, has additional services available. In addition to the information listed here, please go to their website or contact them directly for updates.
  • Counselling available via online delivery. Email outreachdcsi@durhamcollege.cato book an appointment.
• In the case of emergency, please dial 911.

Social distancing can change our regular routine and distance us from our sense of community. However, there are many ways we can connect to each other and many ways we can stay healthy both mentally and physically during challenging times.

• Take advantage of social technology: Watch a movie with friends from the comfort of each of your own homes through Skype or a browser extension like Netflix Party.
• Continue to eat healthy: Have a video chat dinner date with friends or family where you cook the same meal. Cook big batches of healthy meals to save in your freezer so you don’t need to head to the grocery store as frequently.
• Dance and enjoy music: Watch a recorded concert of your favorite band and have a living room dance party.
• Disconnect: Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage and do not share misinformation.
• Get outside: enjoy some fresh air and go for a nature walk.
• Keep learning: read a new book, try a puzzle, or text riddles to your friends. YouTube also has many lectures on interesting topics.
• Stay active: search YouTube and Instagram for recorded or live fitness classes to take part in.
• Express gratitude: text or video chat with your family and friends.
• Get crafty: bust out some art supplies and create greeting cards for upcoming birthdays and holidays.

Keep checking this page for up-to-date information on special measures put in place by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to help international students, temporary and permanent residents, and applicants affected by COVID-19.

DC employees and students who are travelling for personal reasons outside of Canada are advised to continue to monitor the Government of Canada guidelines and follow the protocols listed for travel.

Students and employees returning to Canada must visit this website for up-to-date information on entering Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid.

International students returning to or coming to Canada for the first time MUST visit this website for instructions prior to being approved to travel to Canada.

Students who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 can apply to the International Student Emergency Bursary. This fund is intended to support students with proven financial need due to COVID-19. This includes students who have lost income, are unable to secure a job to support expenses, are unable to transfer money from their home country to Canada, are unable to return to their home country and have therefore incurred unforeseen in-Canada costs (housing, etc.), and other impacts.

This emergency bursary is awarded on an individual basis after a careful review of a student’s expenses, income, employment and personal situation. The amount awarded will be based on a student’s individual assessed need.

If you require emergency financial support and would like to apply, contact us to discuss your financial concerns. Include an outline of your financial need. You will be asked to complete a needs assessment application.

If you have a full-time job offer, please send a copy of your job offer to ISA@durhamcollege.ca; you might be eligible to receive an early Verification of Graduation letter. Apply for your PGWP before the expiry date of your study permit.

You have 180 days beginning from the date listed on your Verification of Graduation letter or when you receive your final marks, whichever date is earlier, to apply for your PGWP. For example, if you completed your courses in April 2020 and your Verification of Graduation(graduation) letter is dated June 22, you have 180 days starting from then.

If you wish to work full-time once you apply for your PGWP, you will need to apply for your PGWP before your study permit expires.

Students with a valid study permit may continue working 20 hours per week until they receive their Verification of Graduation letter.

Once you receive the Verification of Graduation letter, you must stop working until you submit your PGWP application.

After submitting your PGWP application, students who had a valid study permit at the time of applying for the PGWP may work full-time until a decision has been reached.

IRCC has provided a helpful guide for applying for a PGWP. See here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/about.html

If you have extended your stay as a visitor OR extended your study permit, include the submission confirmation letter of either of these extensions in your PGWP application.

If you plan on staying in Canada while waiting to apply for your PGWP and not work, but your study permit expires before you apply, you can apply to remain in Canada as a visitor to keep your legal status while waiting for your PGWP. In your PGWP application, include the submission confirmation letter of your application to extend your stay as a visitor. Here’s how to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor. For more information, see Guide 5551 – Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada – Online application.

The course completion letter is now called the Verification of Graduation letter.

Current and past graduates can obtain a copy of their graduation status(es) at Durham College by visiting MyCampus to obtain your Verification of Graduation letter. This official letter can be accessed at any time on MyDC and will provide you with your graduated status whether you have just begun your program, have applied to graduate or have successfully graduated from your program.  You can provide this letter to another academic institution for admission, for employment or for PGWP purposes.

Please visit MyDC, go to the right side of the page and click on “Grades/Verifications”

If you have any questions regarding the status of your letter please email convocation@durhamcollege.ca.

If you graduated in July/August, your Verification of Graduation letter will be ready on October 29, 2020. If you have a full-time job offer, please send a copy of your job offer to ISA@durhamcollege.ca; you might be eligible to receive your graduation letter sooner. You should apply for your PGWP before the expiry date of your study permit.

After submitting your PGWP application, if you have received a letter from IRCC requesting you provide one or more documents, a new section was created on your application page.

Sign in to your IRCC account (MyCIC), click the “View submitted application” button at the bottom of the page and follow the instructions provided on the Documents Submitted page.

Should you be unable to provide the information and/or other documents requested, you must advise IRCC in writing detailing the reasons why you cannot provide the document/information requested.  You must upload this written explanation electronically through the MyCIC portal instead of the document requested. This would include, for example, that your official transcript is not available due to COVID-19 situation.

Please contact us! Be sure to include your name and student number in your email. Also please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/international and https://durhamcollege.ca/info-for/international/contact-us/faqs

If you are planning to come to Canada, you must let us know in advance. Please visit https://durhamcollege.ca/info-for/international/new-and-current-students/arrival-services for a complete guide on travelling to Canada.

Our January intake is open for international students and is currently set to start as scheduled.

As of October 20, 2020, if you are a registered Durham College student you may be permitted to travel to Canada for your studies, if you meet certain requirements. For full details, see IRCC’s website: Update to Travel Restriction Exemptions.

Requirements include, but are not limited to:

1. You have a valid study permit OR
2. You have approval of your study permit in the form of a letter from IRCC plus you have a valid TRV visa sticker in your passport

For more information please review the information found here.

Please find information on the arrival services that we offer here.

Applicants with questions can contact us at https://durhamcollege.ca/info-for/international/contact-us

Keep checking this page for up-to-date information on special measures put in place by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to help international students, temporary and permanent residents, and applicants affected by COVID-19.

Durham College will be accepting results from the Duolingo English Test until further notice. This interim measure has been approved as an alternative for applicants who cannot access testing at English Language testing centre closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The College reserves the right to add additional testing once students arrive on campus, in order to ensure that students’ learning is supported appropriately.

Minimum Scores (2022 intakes)

Certificate and Diploma Programs:  105

Most one-year certificate programs

Most two-year diploma programs

Most three-year advanced diploma programs

Post-Graduate and Degree programs:  110

One-year Ontario college graduate certificate and compressed, fast-track programs and the following diploma or degree programs:

• Behavioural Science - Honours Bachelor
• Health Care Technology Management - Honours Bachelor
• PR and Strategic Communications
• Social Service Worker
• Sport Administration/Sport Management

The following selected programs:  120

• Practical Nursing
• Communicative Disorders Assistant (graduate certificate)

TOEFL is now offered online.  Access to a new online test has recently been posted on the TOEFL website.   Here is the link:https://www.ets.org/s/cv/toefl/at-home/

Please note: If a student is from an SDS Country, it is up to the student and agent to verify with IRCC if using Duolingo will affect their applications as an SDS student. If it will, student will need to apply under the general stream as we have no control or say over IRCC rulings.

We are excited to announce that Durham College has received approval for its readiness plan to welcome international students to Canada. We look forward to seeing you in Canada!

As of October 20, 2020, if you are a registered Durham College student you may be permitted to travel to Canada for your studies, if you meet certain requirements. For full details, see IRCC’s website: Update to Travel Restriction Exemptions.

Requirements include, but are not limited to:

1. You have a valid study permit OR
2. You have approval of your study permit in the form of a letter from IRCC plus you have a valid TRV visa sticker in your passport

You should not make any travel plans until you have met all requirements. For full details, see IRCC’s website: Update to Travel Restriction Exemptions.

If you are planning to come to Canada, you must let us know in advance. You may be required to quarantine. Please visit https://durhamcollege.ca/info-for/international/new-and-current-students/arrival-services for a complete guide on travelling to Canada.

Through our partner Maple Assist, Durham College will arrange an airport pickup and your first two nights of your quarantine for FREE.

Book your airport pickup here: https://www.mapleassist.com/durham-college/arrival-services.

You can find program delivery information for your program here.

If you are in a hybrid program, most of your classes will be online with some practical components face-to-face on campus. This notification will be sent to you after you have paid your tuition fees, at the email on your application.

If you are in a flexible program, professors teach some classes and/or workshops from DC’s learning spaces and you have the choice of attending in person or attending remotely (online).

If you have any questions, please visit our website www.durhamcollege.ca/international or contact us at https://durhamcollege.ca/info-for/international/contact-us or via Live Chat. Remember to include your name and student number in your email.

If you are in a flexible program - Professors teach some classes and/or workshops from DC’s learning spaces and students have the choice of attending in person, on campus in the classroom/lab or attending class remotely.  These classes and/or workshops are delivered in real-time [synchronously].  Flexible programs may also include courses that are delivered remotely.

Attending these workshops in-person is not mandatory. The workshops will be ‘streamed’ so those learning remotely will have an experience very close to ‘being there’. If students cannot travel to campus due to illness, quarantine, or feel that the risk of coming to campus is too high, they will be able to achieve all of the course learning outcomes.

Please read the COVID-related reporting page.

Please continue to follow the direction provided by Durham Region Health.

Please continue to follow the direction provided by Durham Region Health.

The college has reinstated its standard sick note policy in which employees must provide a doctor’s note for short term sick leaves longer than 5 days.

For leaves due to illness or injury longer than 10 days, the college has also reinstated its policy that requires physician’s clearance and disclosure of any required accommodations prior to returning to work.

The exception to the above will remain in instances where an employee has been diagnosed with COVID19 or are self-isolating because they are believed to have COVID19. Or if the employee has requirements to care for a loved one who is ill with COVID19. In these situations, no doctors note will be required. Please speak with your supervisor or your HR Generalist if you have any specific questions.

All members of Durham Region are advised to follow the COVID-19 reporting protocol identified by Durham Region Public Health.  The Public Health department will communicate with you directly if there is a need for you to be tested or isolated.  If DC is contacted by Public Health, we will fully cooperate with their investigation.

EFAP is available to full-time employees and their eligible dependents.  If you are a contract or part-time employee and are interested in EFAP supports, please contact Kelly.doyle@durhamcollege.ca. EFAP services can be accessed:

• • 1.844.8809142
  • TTY: 1.877.338.0275
  • Workhealthlife.com
  • download My EAP app

Absences due to illness should continue to be reported and recorded through the normal, established process within your department.  Attendance keepers will continue to report attendance to HR.

If an employee who is eligible for sick leave entitlements advises the College that they are ill or injured, the College will compensate that employee using the appropriate sick leave per the normal process.

This is determined on a case-by-case basis. Employees are required to contact casemanagement@durhamcollege.ca if they have received direction to quarantine from public health.

Please ensure media inquires are forwarded to DC’s Communications and Marketing team at mediarelations@durhamcollege.ca.

Please speak with your supervisor.  HR related questions can be directed to your Human Resources Generalist.

Yes, paid parking has now resumed at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses. For more information, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/parking.

For more information please contact parking@dc-ot.ca.