Durham College begins 40th anniversary year by welcoming students back to campus today

September 5, 2007

More than 3,500 first-year students begin classes; six new post-secondary programs introduced, along with new apprenticeship program 

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College announced it will welcome more than 3,500 first-year students to campus this morning as classes begin for the 2007-2008 school year, the college’s 40th year of providing students with the workplace-ready skills needed to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world.

Nearly 5,900 students in all have registered for full-time studies this year. The college has also added six new post-secondary programs and one apprenticeship program, including the Veterinary Assistant program at the Uxbridge campus and the Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) program, which offers post-secondary opportunities to individuals with intellectual disabilities, brain injuries, mental health issues, and other learning challenges.

“Everyone at Durham College is excited by the return of our students and the beginning of our 40th year of helping students achieve their post-secondary and career goals,” said Leah Myers, president of Durham College. “The student experience comes first at Durham College, both inside and outside the classroom. We offer market-relevant programs taught by exceptional teachers with real-world experience in outstanding facilities, and we provide student services that meet the full range of student needs. Our many community partnerships provide opportunities for our students to gain hands-on work experience through internships and field placements, better preparing them for the future.”

The other new programs for 2007-2008 are Court and Tribunal Agent – Graduate Certificate, Court Support Services, General Arts and Science – English for Academic Purposes, Advanced Law Enforcement and Investigation, and a Welder apprenticeship.

“At Durham College, we pride ourselves on being responsive to market needs,” said Moreen Tapper, associate registrar, Admissions and Recruitment, at Durham College. “The interest and excitement in these new programs along with the popularity of our established programs are further affirmation of Durham College’s commitment to providing high-quality programs that are focused on market readiness.”

In addition, Durham College offers high-demand programs in the areas of applied sciences and technology, business, communication arts, design, emergency services, health and community services, information technology, integrated studies, justice, and skilled trades and apprenticeship.

A number of programs experienced large increases in applications for the new academic year. For example, Mechanical Engineering Technician: Non-destructive Evaluation was up 111 per cent over 2006-2007, the Water Quality Technician program increased by 62 per cent, Addictions Counselling was up 40 per cent and Office Administration – Legal Compressed increased by 38 per cent.

Returning and first-year students will also be able to take advantage of a 90,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre expansion, which opened in June. The facility houses a triple gymnasium, 10,000-sq.-ft. fitness centre and a health centre featuring a medical clinic and pharmacy, among its many user-friendly features.

Since first opening its doors in 1967, the college has graduated more than 40,000 students; men and women who’ve gone on to take their places as leaders in industries, workplaces and communities across Canada. Over these 40 years, Durham College has consistently focused on ensuring its programs are shaped by market need and its students are workplace-ready when they graduate.

The Durham College Oshawa campus is home to a 73,000-sq.-ft., award-winning library, an Integrated Manufacturing Centre, a Centre for Integrated Justice Studies, state-of-the-art dental and nursing labs and a 150-seat computer learning commons where students have access to a wireless network and individual computer workstations. The Whitby campus features the nationally acclaimed Skills Training Centre, where apprentices gain hands-on experience in manufacturing and construction trades, and with operating elevators, an escalator, boom and crawler cranes, and the latest automotive vehicles and equipment, among many other features.

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About Durham College
Durham College is the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who will succeed in a challenging, supporting and inclusive learning environment. Offering approximately 80 different full-time market-driven programs and hundreds of continuing education and part-time programs, the college has provided students with access to exceptional teachers with real-world experience for 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of close to 95 per cent, Durham College gives students everything they need to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. The college has close to 6,000 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and over 1,575 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Michelle Good
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
michelle.good@durhamcollege.ca

 

 

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