Durham College enrolment continues to grow despite a provincial decline in applications

Oshawa, Ont. –While most post-secondary institutions in Ontario realized an overall decline in applications, Durham College (DC) announced it has experienced an increase in enrolment of more than 1.3 per cent since fall 2014. One of only three colleges in the Greater Toronto Area to increase confirmed applicants, DC’s history of growth continues to positively impact the economic and social development of Durham Region.

“With September officially behind us, we are pleased to say we’ve gotten off to a strong start,” said Elaine Popp, vice-president, Academic. “Our increased enrolment numbers indicate that more students than ever, both domestically and abroad, recognize Durham College’s commitment to fostering their success, both during their studies and upon graduation. From the introduction of new programs to providing more pathways and opportunities for students to gain real-world work experience, we are living our mission that the student experience comes first.”

In total DC welcomed more than 11,200 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students to its Oshawa and Whitby campuses and Pickering Learning Site including more than 5,700 first-year students and 523 international students from 48 countries. Through its nine academic schools, the college offers more than 140 full-time programs and more than 450 pathway opportunities with universities in Ontario, Canada and around the world.

DC’s commitment to developing new, market-driven programs continued with the introduction of Accounting and Payroll, Advanced Baking and Pastry Art (graduate certificate), Human Resources – Business – Transfer to UOIT Bachelor of Commerce (Hons), Insurance and Media Fundamentals.

In addition to welcoming new students and adding new curriculum, DC launched the second year of its highly successful, multi-platform Experience DC social media marketing campaign. With a goal of engagement with prospective and current students, parents, teachers and the community, this year’s campaign features 39 team members, including students, employees and alumni. Visitors to the website will get the inside scoop on DC from those who know it best and will follow their adventures through social media, videos and blogs as they Experience DC their way.

For more information and details on any of the college’s programs, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/programs.

 

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About Durham College

At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In 2015, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including more than 11,200 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students as well as part-time and continuing education students and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including culinary, hospitality, tourism, horticulture, business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus was completed in 2013 when the 36,000-square-foot Centre for Food opened on the northwest corner of campus. Accommodating approximately 900 additional students studying in culinary, hospitality, event management, food science, and agricultural and horticultural programs, the CFF features Bistro ’67, a 70-seat, full-service, green-certified teaching-inspired restaurant and Pantry, a  retail store featuring fresh-baked items, meals-to-go, preserved foods and ready-to-cook meals created by students in the college’s culinary programs.

 

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:
Meghan Ney
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 6219
meghan.ney@durhamcollege.ca

Michelle Roebuck
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca