Stephanie Ball, dean of the Durham College School of Justice & Emergency Services, highlights her schools’ new Victimology program at the college’s new program showcase event, which was held at the Oshawa campus on April 14.

May 17, 2011

Durham College president Don Lovisa was joined by community and support agencies, field placement hosts, program advisory committee members and college faculty and staff on April 14 when the college officially launched three new support-oriented programs to the local and broader-based community at its first-ever new programs showcase event.

The showcase included presentations on the new Accessibility Coordination, Developmental Services Worker and Victimology programs, which all begin this September, to highlight key program features; discuss placement opportunities; and give a general overview of the various skill sets students will possess post-graduation.

“Our goal was to get the word out to potential students about the importance of these new employment sectors and programs and the amazing career opportunities that will be available in the future,” said Traci Ellis, marketing co-ordinator, Durham College.

With a mission statement that the student experience always comes first, Durham College strives to offer programs that are geared toward current economic needs and designed to provide opportunities for graduates to pursue relevant and successful careers.

“We’re always looking at opportunities to enhance the skill sets of our graduates,” said Stephanie Ball, dean of the School of Justice & Emergency Services. “For example, we feel the Victimology program is a great asset to the college and our students since the needs of victims are a significant priority for both the courts and our local communities.”

Victimology is a one-year graduate certificate program that teaches students specialized knowledge and skills in victimology including victim service education, various types of crimes and healing strategies. Upon graduation, students are able to advocate for victims of crime within the criminal justice and other systems.

The two-year Developmental Services Worker diploma program focuses on working with individuals in all stages of life who have a developmental, physical, learning or mental disorder including learning the skills required to care and advocate for individuals with disabilities.

Accessibility Coordination is a one-year graduate certificate program developed in response to the need for individuals with specialized skills in regulatory compliance and accessibility standards. This includes customer service, information and communications, employment, transportation and more.

In just eight months, students gain expertise in equal access, structural accommodations and accessibility barriers, enabling them to help employers and their staff comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act while reducing and/or removing physical, attitudinal and systemic barriers in the public and private sectors. Currently, it is the only program of its kind in Ontario.

For more information on all of the college’s new programs, please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/new.