COVID-19 update: DC has implemented a vaccination policy for the fall 2021 semester. Learn more.
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General FAQs

As the COVID-19 situation evolves, the college will continue to provide answers on a daily basis to many of the frequently asked questions we are receiving below. If your question is not addressed in the below FAQ please email dccares@durhamcollege.ca.

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Current Students

FAQs

DC’s vaccination policy for the fall semester is now in effect and as of September 13 individuals coming to campus, college-operated property or a college-sanctioned event – including students, employees, clients, third-party contractors, visitors and/or other guests – must provide proof of one of the below:

  • Full vaccination;
  • Partial vaccination and a negative rapid test twice weekly; or
  • An approved exemption and a negative rapid test twice weekly.

Individuals who have received an exemption or who are not fully vaccinated must test negative on a rapid antigen test twice per week before entering our campuses or affiliated facilities and student residences.

Rapid testing is now available at DC’s Whitby and Oshawa campuses during the vaccination grace period (Sept 13 to Oct 17). Rapid test results will be valid for three days and will be shown to security at the designated entrances to campus. Effective October 18, the grace period and rapid testing will end, and individuals will not be permitted on campus until they are fully vaccinated.

DC has an obligation to provide a safe environment to work and learn. The decision for a campus vaccination policy comes after consultation with public health officials and colleagues in Ontario’s college system. This decision will go a long way in protecting the health and safety of our campus community and beyond in the fight against COVID-19.

By Sunday, October 17, all individuals attending campus, college-operated property or college sanctioned events are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with an accepted vaccine. DC students, employees, clients, third-party contractors, visitors and/or other guests on DC campuses, affiliated facilities and in student residences, must provide proof of full vaccination before coming to campus.

Anyone coming to a Durham College campus or location must be vaccinated with a vaccine approved by Health Canada and/or the World Health Organization. 

All individuals attending campus, college-operated property or college sanctioned events – including DC students, employees, clients, third-party contractors, visitors and/or other guests.

Individuals requiring vaccines 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.

Individuals coming to campus or accessing DC facilities will be required to show proof of their vaccination.

  • Employees and students must upload their COVID-19 vaccine dose administration receipt using the COVID-19 screening app.
  • Visitors, including clients, customers, committee and community members must show their vaccine dose administration receipt to security upon arrival and entry to campus.
  • Third-party contractors are required to work with their employer to provide proof of vaccination.

Individuals requiring vaccines 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.

Vaccination receipts are provided to individuals after they receive their vaccination. They can also be downloaded from the Ontario Health website.

Yes, vaccinations are required for students living in an on-campus residence.

Yes, you will need to be vaccinated to live in a Durham College residence.

Those who cannot be vaccinated, based on medical or other grounds recognized by the Ontario Human Rights Code, should request exemption before the start of the fall semester by contacting the office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at diversity@durhamcollege.ca  

Please note that DC may, at its discretion, grant conditional exemption requiring compliance with stricter public health and safety measures, restricted access to campus or facilities, and/or limited participation in certain programs, activities and events.

Students under the age of 18 must have their parent or legal guardian sign the declaration on their behalf.

The vaccination policy can be viewed online.

At this time, the policy is in place for the fall semester and it is expected it will extend into the winter 2022 and spring 2022 semesters. The policy will be extended for as long as necessary, and the campus community will be notified when it has been rescinded.

Students coming to campus or using a DC facility will be required to upload proof of their vaccination status using the college’s updated COVID-19 screening app.

If you have questions about the collection, use or disclosure of your personal information, please contact Melissa Pringle, corporate and board secretary, Office of the President.

If you will not be on a Durham College campus or facility, this policy does not apply to you. However, you are expected to adhere to any vaccination policy implemented by your placement host or employer. If you choose to visit campus for any reason during your work-integrated learning semester, you will need to adhere to DC’s vaccination policy.

If you will not be on a Durham College campus or facility, this policy does not apply to you – however, if the program is on campus in subsequent semester, the policy will apply to you. Additionally, if you choose to visit campus for any reason, you will be required to adhere to the vaccination policy.

Yes, any individual attending a Durham College campus or facility is required to be vaccinated.

Yes, as your training requires that you enter Durham College property (the truck cab).

If your classes are within a Durham College (DC) facility, then yes, DC’s vaccination policy applies to you.

Yes, Durham College’s (DC) vaccination policy applies to any individual attending a DC campus or facility. They will be required to upload proof of their vaccination status using the college’s updated COVID-19 screening app.

DC students, employees, clients, third-party contractors, visitors and/or other guests on DC campuses, affiliated facilities and in student residences, must provide proof of full vaccination before coming to campus.

Yes, Durham College’s (DC) vaccination policy applies to any individual attending a DC campus or facility  will be required to provide proof of their vaccination status using the college’s updated COVID-19 screening app.

Yes. Durham College is following all local, provincial and federal public health directives, including requirements for mask-wearing, hand washing and other possible measures, as applicable.

Yes, you will need to complete the mandatory online COVID-19 screening questionnaire prior to your arrival if you plan to come to a Durham College campus or facility.

Yes, commencing September 3, DC’s vaccination policy applies to any individual attending a Durham College campus or facility.

Individuals who make false attestations about, or provide false documents related to being vaccinated may be subject to disciplinary actions, up to and including expulsion for students, termination for employees, voiding of contracts for clients and contractors and removal/restriction from campus for visitors and/or any other attendees.

Please refer to the college’s vaccination policy for specific details.

Please visit the Ontario Human Right’s Code COVID-19 Questions and Answers webpage.

If you withdraw from full-time studies, your OSAP application will be updated accordingly and your funding assessment will be adjusted in accordance with OSAP policy.

Employees and students who are scheduled to work and learn on campus are expected to adhere to the Vaccine Policy requirements.

Please refer to the college’s vaccination policy for specific details.

As an international student, you can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in Canada at no cost.  You 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. When booking, select the "no Ontario health card" option from the drop-down menu under "Health Card Type."

Vaccines are now widely available across Ontario. You can schedule an appointment online.

If you arrive in Ontario unvaccinated, or partially vaccinated, you will be eligible to live in residence and to be on campus before Sept. 3, 2021 when the policy takes effect. After this date, being vaccinated will be a condition for living in residence and studying on campus.

Upon your arrival, please schedule a vaccination appointment as soon as possible.

As an international student, you can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment in Canada at no cost.  You 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. When booking, select the "no Ontario health card" option from the drop-down menu under "Health Card Type."

New domestic students: For in-person programs, you may have the option to postpone your studies to a future semester, if possible, or consider another program offered remotely, or elect to withdraw and receive a refund. Please contact admissions@durhamcollege.ca to discuss your options further, as each postponement or refund request will be calculated on a case-by-case basis.

New international students: For in-person programs, you may have the option to defer your studies to a future semester, consider another program offered remotely or withdraw. Please connect with the International Education Office to discuss your options, as each deferral or refund request will be calculated on a case-by-case basis.

Returning domestic students: If you have questions about academic options for this fall, please contact your academic advisor. The last day to make changes to your timetable, or withdraw from the fall semester, is September 21.

Returning international students: Please connect with the International Education Office to discuss possible implications.

Employees: You are expected to be vaccinated in order to come to campus.

Please refer to the college’s vaccination policy for specific details.

If you’re postponing or deferring your program because of the vaccination policy, your deposit will be applied to a future semester. If you are withdrawing from your program completely, you will receive your deposit refund.

Domestic students should contact admissions@durhamcollege.ca.

International students should contact international@durhamcollege.ca.

You may have the option to postpone your studies to start your program in a later semester, if possible, or consider another program offered online. You may also withdraw from your program completely.

New students:

Please contact admissions@durhamcollege.ca to discuss options. International students should contact international@durhamcollege.ca to discuss semester deferment.

Returning students:

Please contact your student advisor or international student advisor to discuss options.

Rapid testing will take place at the Campus Ice Centre (CIC). Enter through south doors, Founders 4 lot.

Testing will be available every Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until October 17*.

This service is only available for employees and students. Appointments can be booked through Lakeridge Health’s screening booking system (lh.ca). We encourage individuals to pre-book their appointments prior to arrival to expedite the testing process – however, walk-ins are still welcome (upon availability).

Please note: negative rapid tests results are valid for 72 hours, after which time another test is required.

*Testing sites will be closed on statutory holidays.

Rapid testing at the Whitby campus will take place in the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food parking lot, off Stellar Drive, in a Rapid Testing Medical Tent.

Testing is available every Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until October 17*. This service is only available for employees and students. Appointments can be booked through Lakeridge Health’s screening booking system (lh.ca). We encourage individuals to pre-book their appointments prior to arrival to expedite the testing process – however, walk-ins are still welcome (upon availability).

Please note: negative rapid tests results are valid for 72 hours, after which time another test is required.

*Testing sites will be closed on statutory holidays.

Individuals who are not able to use the rapid testing service on campus can receive a rapid antigen test at participating pharmacies. If the test is done off-campus, individuals are still required to provide proof of a negative test twice weekly. Please note: results from self-test take-home kits are not accepted.

No, to ensure the safety of our campus community, we require a test receipt with confirmation of the results done by a medical professional organization. Some examples of this include DC’s rapid testing services on campus with Lakeridge Health, Shopper’s Drug Mart, Life Labs, etc.

Yes, until October 17 all individuals who are not fully vaccinated are required to do twice weekly rapid testing. After October 17, only those who are fully vaccinated will be permitted to campus.

No. However, please continue to fill out the daily pre-entry screening questionnaire and monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

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 your first dose of a World Health Organization approved vaccine.
  • A second dose is scheduled.

More information will be provided via email and sent to your DC Mail account from Residence.

If you are concerned that you may not be able to get your first dose prior to moving in, please contact the Residence office for assistance.

For information on how to get vaccinated, see How do I get vaccinated?

DC has an obligation to provide a safe environment to work and learn. The decision for a campus vaccination policy comes after consultation with public health officials and colleagues in Ontario’s college system. This decision will go a long way in protecting the health and safety of our campus community and beyond in the fight against COVID-19.

Individuals requiring vaccines 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. Once the semester gets underway, the college will also implement pop-up vaccination sites throughout the fall.

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 university’s response to COVID-19 such as cleaning protocols, safety measures and more, visit the Coming to Campus tab.

Yes, any student who is looking for residence accommodations must create an application by visiting www.durhamresidence.ca. We are working with Durham Region Public Health to remain within all guidelines; ensuring the safety of our residents is our number one priority.

Move-in will take place over the course of the week of Monday, August 30 to Sunday, September 5. We have implemented a system that will allow you to select your move in date and time. You are asked to bring only one person to assist you with your move to reduce the number of people in the building at one time. More information about move in was sent out in early August.

All incoming students will be able to schedule a move in time to allow for a safe move in experience with physical distancing measures put in place. Additionally, the residence will contact each student prior to move in, where the students will be asked a series of screening questions prior to your arrival.

  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.

If you are still living with a chosen roommate, please encourage your roommate or neighbour 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.

Please contact us directly at info@dc-otresidence.ca to discuss your individual situation.

Yes, in addition to our semi-private suites, we have increased the number of single room options available to students. 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 the 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 touch points 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.

Living in residence offers an incredible opportunity for you to connect with fellow Durham College students. Our Residence Life team is ready to adapt our community model as restrictions continue to be eased to support and encourage your academic and social success.

Traditional residence events such as move-in and orientation will be adjusted to accommodate physical distancing guidelines. We are developing new and innovative programs aimed at engaging students and building community, either in smaller groups or delivered through online platforms.

Our Residence Life team will also be collaborating with our residence outreach worker to promote and support the delivery of virtual counselling services.

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.

The ability to host guests in residence has currently been suspended. The easing of restrictions will take on a phased approach, including restrictions on number of guests per host, length of stay and total number of guests in the building.

The Regional Municipality of Durham has announced that non-medical masks or face coverings will be mandatory in public and enclosed indoor spaces effective Friday, July 10, 2020 to help manage the spread of COVID-19. The campus as a whole, including residence have adopted this best practice to help keep our community – and each other – safe. All students and visitors must wear a mask in all common spaces of the residence, such as hallways, kitchens, laundry rooms, and lobbies.

Yes. Students will be asked screening questions prior to their arrival, and again when they arrive to move in. If a student should fail the screening questions upon arrival, they will be placed in a 14-day quarantine within residence.

Yes, if you are an international student arriving to Canada, you will need to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive.

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

Yes, residence will have limited spaces available for the winter semester.

In addition to the support faculty members provide in the academic setting, Student Advisors and Student Academic Learning Services is also available to help you access the resources you need.

Remote delivery at DC provides students with a high-quality academic experience in a rich and supportive learning environment that will help them learn the vocational and durable skills employers are looking for.

Our exceptional faculty are committed to supporting students remotely, enabling them to achieve their goals while providing an interactive and student-centric experience. By leveraging a variety of tools, students will receive a quality education at DC.

We have tools and supports in place to ensure that remote delivery meets our quality standards.

Some programs will be delivered using a hybrid or flexible approach. Students in programs with lab/shop/studio in-person delivery requirements will be scheduled for classes on campus.

Theoretical content may be delivered remotely, and in-person activities will be delivered on campus, following all directives from Durham Region Public Health.

Learning outcomes that are addressed by experiential learning opportunities may be achieved through alternate forms of learning, which may include a capstone or remote placements. 

Some field placements/practicums/co-ops will proceed as planned, either in person, remotely or with a hybrid approach. Should an experiential learning program component be suspended, the college will ensure that students have the opportunity to achieve the required learning outcomes. 

Contact the Office of the Registrar for information regarding admissions.

Remote courses offer an interactive and engaging student-centric experience. Courses are led by faculty who are committed to supporting students, enabling them to achieve their goals and be successful. All student-faculty and student-student interactions occur remotely, online.

Courses will be delivered synchronously, asynchronously or using a blend of the two approaches.

Hybrid courses leverage the benefits of both remote and in-person delivery. Student will learn both online and on-campus as required for hands-on activities.

Flexible course delivery means that professors will 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 remotely. These classes and/or workshops are delivered in real-time [synchronously] and attending in-person is not mandatory. They will be ‘streamed’ so those learning remotely will have an experience very close to ‘being there’.

Regardless of how a course is delivered, Faculty will use a variety of technologies and resources to support student learning. They will post course-related learning materials, assignments, resources, etc. in DC Connect, the college’s learning management system. For remote or hybrid course Faculty and students will interact using various technologies that may include Microsoft Teams, Zoom, DC Connect’s virtual classroom and Office 365.

  • Synchronous – courses will have scheduled meeting, or class, times in a virtual classroom, using Microsoft Teams, Zoom or DC Connect’s virtual classroom.
  • Asynchronous – where learning takes place at times and locations of the student’s own choosing through online communications technologies. Instruction may occur through interactive discussion posts, content sharing, video recordings, etc.

Courses may also blend the two delivery approaches, combining elements of non-scheduled and scheduled activity.

It is recommended that students have access to a computer (desktop or laptop) and have internet access. Recommended specifications will be posted to each program page on the college’s website in the coming weeks.  

Students in laptop programs should review technical requirements for their programs. Information is available on the program page on the college’s website. 

Students, employees, clients, contractors, visitors and all other guests are required to maintain two metres (six feet) of physical distancing in all campus buildings, with the exception of indoor instructional spaces.

Amendments were recently made to O. Reg. 364/20: Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID- 19) Act, 2020, S.O. 2020, c. 17, which, effective September 7, 2021, removed physical distancing requirements and capacity limits for indoor instructional spaces (e.g., classrooms; laboratories; libraries; in-person experiential learning).

With a vaccination policy now in effect at Durham College, the Ontario government no longer requires caps on indoor learning space capacity.

Physical distancing and capacity limits are still being practiced in all other areas of the college (e.g. hallways, designated eating spaces, residence, etc.). In addition, DC’s on-campus cleaning service provider is performing enhanced cleaning, including disinfecting of high touch areas, two to three times daily in all spaces; masks are still required in all indoor spaces across the college and daily COVID-19 screening is required for those wishing to come to campus.

DC will be delivering training in hybrid model, a blend of remote and face-to-face course delivery. Apprentices should regularly check DC Connect and DC Mail to access course outline addendums, class material and messages to support continuity of learning.

Contact your designated Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) Employment Training Consultant (ETC). They will advise you what is possible. If a withdrawal is necessary, complete an Official Withdrawal Form at Durham College’s Withdrawals and Refunds website and send it to Whitby Enrolment Services.

If you have specific questions about apprenticeship training, please contact the Apprenticeship office at apprenticeship@durhamcollege.ca.

Yes, paid parking has now resumed at the Oshawa campus. Parking permits are not being sold for the Whitby campus until further notice due to construction. For more information, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/parking.

Until Tuesday, September 7, spaces in all parking lots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Should your desired lot fill up, please use the next available lot.

After that time, you will be required to park in your designated lot if you have a semester or annual pass. If you are purchasing hourly or daily parking, you can park in the lots that are not currently full.

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:

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

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

Open gym time is currently available at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre.

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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.

Yes. For more information on registering for U-PASS please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/digital-wallet.

Future Students and Applicants

Yes, applications are available at www.ontariocolleges.ca and applications are being processed. For a step-by-step overview on becoming a student this September visit our Countdown to September page.

For up to date hours of operations, please visit the Coming to Campus tab.

DC will deliver programming through a combination of face-to-face and remote delivery for the fall semester.

To review your program delivery method please review the program list on the COVID-19 information page.

Once you have found a program you are interested in (For available programs, please click here.) and wish to apply, applications for open programs can be made online at www.ontariocolleges.ca

If you have any questions about the application process, please connect with our recruitment team at recruitment@durhamcollege.ca.

If you have applied and have questions about your application, please contact Admissions at admissions@durhamcollege.ca.

Please contact admissions@durhamcollege.ca for next steps.

OSAP applications and disbursements will continue to be processed without any interruption. Until further notice, any supporting documents you are required to submit for your OSAP application should be uploaded directly to your OSAP account.  Instructions on how to upload can be found on the OSAP website.  www.ontario.ca/OSAP.

Yes, ancillary fees have been reviewed and adjusted to reflect remote delivery. Ancillary fees will be assessed as approved by the board and DCSA. Services have resumed on Campus and therefore fees reflect our service delivery. We are pleased to reintroduce the UPASS for our students this fall which represented the most significant reduction to mandatory fees during COVID shut-down.

Some ancillary fees are used to support the college’s infrastructure that are non-tuition-related expenses and are subject to approval through a framework that involves both Durham College and the independent student union, Durham College Student Association (DCSA).

Any increases or new ancillary fees are voted on by a committee and in some cases by a referendum to support the college's investment in facilities that students value like the Campus Recreation Centre and Student Centre. While we understand that there may be limited access to campus this semester, we can assure you that most of our services will be offered remotely. Adjustments made to the semester ancillary fees have been carefully reviewed by both DC and DCSA to ensure that students are paying for services that they will receive in this upcoming semester and into the future.

International Students, Applicants and Agents

Yes. Student residences are still open and students living on campus are permitted to stay until the end of the academic term.

For additional questions, contact the residence via their website to live chat, call 905-728-8700 ext. 8100 (Oshawa) and 905-728-8700 (Whitby) or email info@dc-otresidence.ca.

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 is restricting college academic and business-related travel and is strongly encouraging employees or students to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada.

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 MyCampus 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.

    If you completed your program in July/August 2020, your Verification of Graduation letter will be ready in your MyCampus on October 29, 2020.

    Please visit MyCampus, in the DC Home tab, go to the right side of the page and under “Student Records” click on Verification of Graduation letter.

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

    If you graduated in July/August 2020, 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.

    When you travel to Canada, you are required to quarantine for 14-days and we can help with that.  Please find information on the arrival services that we offer, including quarantine requirements here.

    Applicants with questions can contact us at international@durhamcollege.ca.

    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.

    When you arrive in Canada you are required to have a quarantine plan and you might be required to quarantine for 14 days  according to Government of Canada regulations.

    We can arrange your quarantine!

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

    For the rest of your quarantine at the same location, we were able to secure low rates. And for those who need financial assistance to help with the cost of quarantining, you may be eligible for a bursary.

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

    If you are a first semester student who has paid their tuition fees, you will be receiving an email and notification regarding your program delivery methods for the September (fall) 2021 semester. Most of our programs will be offered in a remote delivery format, which means the program will be fully online.

    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.

    Learn more - Fall semester | Durham College.

    Employees

    Employees are to speak with their supervisor for approval and complete the Remote Work Request form and COVID screening.

    • Ensure you have a suitable remote work space, taking into consideration safety, ergonomics, privacy and confidentiality.
    • Ensure an internet connection is available.
    • Managers should ensure they have a means of contacting all of their employees during the their scheduled hours, and have communicated how they should contact them.
    • Guarantee regular check-in of work voicemail and/or have calls forwarded to a home, or cell phone device. Voicemail should also be updated to identify to callers the frequency with which voicemails will be checked.
    • Log into email and calendar regularly.
    • Ensure access to applications and files remotely and request VPN access, if necessary. Note: VPN access is not necessary to access email, DC Connect, ICE, Office 365 or MyCampus. Employees require VPN access to connect to Banner, Fast and the network drives.
    • Fulfill the expectations agreed upon with their manager regarding the scope of their remote work assignment and honour agreed upon hours of availability to communicate.
    • Avoid working on personal computers, and take all reasonable steps to ensure the protection of confidential information.
    • Report any malfunctions to equipment as soon as possible to supervisor and IT Services.
    • Continue to report absences due to injury, illness, or caring for a family member to their supervisors/attendance keeper as soon as possible.

    In support of business continuity plans, most employees, with the exception of small teams of in-person essential services, are being asked to work from home. Below are some guidelines to assist managers and employees with establishing and maintaining work from home arrangements.

    • A work from home arrangement should maintain an employee’s regular hours of work, any shifts in hours of work or availability should be discussed with your manager in advance.
    • Working from home does not change the basic terms and conditions of employment under the applicable collective agreement, employment contract, policies and law. All employees are expected to continue to comply with college policies while working remotely.
    • In some cases, a manager may require an employee to report in a different way, or with different levels of frequency than when they are working onsite. This is generally to ensure the manager is up-to-date. For example, the manager may wish to schedule additional update meetings, have updates provided by email, or implement schedules and methods of reporting.
    • The length of time work from home arrangements are in place will be based on manager’s approval and business continuity decisions made by DC.

    A remote workspace should provide a comparable level of health, safety and security to college office space. For more information about ensuring a safe work space at home, visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website.

    Please direct the person to Public Health information and advise they follow the direction provided. Please do not share health related information with others, without the express consent of the individual.

    Please refer to the COVID-19 reporting form.

    If you are in self isolation due to travel, or another reason as directed by Public Health, but are not symptomatic, you are able to work remotely.

    The Human Resources department, in collaboration with Communications and Marketing, has created a  section on ICE called Employee Supports. Dedicated to supporting employees while they are working from home, the site provides a variety of resources and new ways to connect with the DC community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Some of the resources on Work@home include tips and tricks for working remotely, online professional development offerings, health and wellness webinars/resources, virtual coffee breaks, and information on employee benefits and the Employee and Family Assistance Program.

    Employees are encouraged to take some time to check out this great new resource.

    For employees that attend work at a DC satellite or facility, managers within those specific units will ensure that their employees are in compliance with DC’s vaccination policy and the provincial requirement to pre-screen prior to entrance utilizing the COVID-19 Pre-screening App.

    If you will not be on a Durham College campus or facility, this policy does not apply to you – however, all employees are expected to be available to come to campus, if requested, for team meetings, one-on-one meetings, or any other on-campus scheduled meeting or events. Additionally, if you choose to come to campus for any reason, you will be required to adhere to the vaccination policy.

    Please follow the directions set out in the Durham College COVID Reporting infographic and continue to follow the direction provided by Durham Region Health.

    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:

    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.

    Sun Life is treating illness due to the Coronavirus as any other medical emergency. This means there is no exclusion to treating someone because this is an epidemic vs. another type of medical emergency.

    The out-of-country coverage will cover the employee in the event of a medical emergency, even if it is related to the Coronavirus. This applies as long as the employee is within the trip duration limit. For more information please review the College Employer Council update.

    The administrative exceptions included above will not apply. This is in-line with the Government of Canada’s efforts to prevent non-essential travel and repatriate Canadians traveling abroad.

    The following will not be available under the out-of-country travel benefit for employees on or after March 18, 2021:

    Coverage of any expenses during and after a period of quarantine (directed by a doctor or public health official), unless the plan member shows symptoms of or has tested positive for COVID-19-19

    Employees who are currently abroad, but not in quarantine and cannot return home will continue to have access to out-of-country coverage up to the 60-day limit under the Plan. After this time, they will not have out-of-country coverage.

    If an employee or their dependent needs the immediate attention of a doctor for a medical emergency, they must contact Allianz for assistance:

    • In the USA and Canada call: 1.800.511.4610
    • From anywhere else: 1.519.514.0351
    • Fax: 1.519.514.0374

    Allianz is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    For more information please review changes to out-of-country coverage due to COVID-19.

    A remote workspace should provide a comparable level of health, safety and security to college office space. For more information about ensuring a safe work space at home, visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website.

    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.

    Paid parking will resume for the fall semester and upcoming academic year. Gates will remain open until Tuesday, September 7. After that time, all employees, students and visitors will be required to have a parking pass, hang tag or pay for daily parking on site. Please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/parking for more information.

    Until Tuesday, September 7, spaces in all parking lots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Should your desired lot fill up, please use the next available lot.

    After that time, you will be required to park in your designated lot if you have a semester or annual pass. If you are purchasing hourly or daily parking, you can park in the lots that are not currently full.

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

    Applied Research

    At all times, researchers are expected to follow the guidance provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada to protect themselves and research participants. Research involving in-person interaction shall be modified or postponed to avoid in-person interaction among participants and researchers, unless stopping the research would increase risk to participants. Ongoing research conducted face-to-face that cannot be modified to avoid in-person interaction must cease for the time being, unless ceasing such activity might pose significant risks to participant safety (e.g., ceasing the provision of an important service).

    Researchers are encouraged to redesign their research to replace in-person interaction with telephone or online communication. Modifications to research design must be approved by the REB prior to implementation, unless delaying modification of the research design would pose a significant and immediate risk to participants.

    As always, researchers are responsible for informing the REB of any changes or unanticipated issues to their study. Please contact reb@durhamcollege.ca to request the appropriate form to report changes or unanticipated issues, or if you have questions on amending your REB protocol.

    Ongoing research not involving in-person interaction may continue as planned, if researchers employ strategies to mitigate any risks associated with the COVID-19 outbreak, where applicable.

    New research related to, or arising from, the Publicly Declared Emergency will be given priority for REB review in accordance with TCPS 2 Articles 6.21 to 6.23, and REB Protocol #408 for REB Review during Publicly Declared Emergencies.

    The REB will continue to review and approve new applications for ethical review as time permits, giving priority to the review of applications to amend already-approved research protocol.

    COVID-19

    The following links will act as valuable resources for you about COVID-19

     Durham Region COVID-19 website: https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/novel-coronavirus-update.aspx

    Government of Ontario COVID-19 website: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/

    Government of Canada COVID-19 website: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html