June 3, 2011

Most secondary school students are busy gearing up for summer with school likely the last thing on their minds. For guidance counsellors employed to help those same students go on to higher education, school continues to remain a priority despite the fast-approaching end of the academic year. That includes attending Ontario College Dialogues 2011, which was held at Durham College’s Oshawa campus on May 12.

Designed to educate guidance counsellors on how to help students find the best college and subsequent program suited for their needs, the annual event is held in four different regions across Ontario, showcasing between 20 and 25 Ontario colleges – depending on location – and drawing in approximately 125 counsellors.

Hosting the event for Durham Region was a real honour for the college as the opportunity only arises every five to six academic cycles.

“It’s a big event for all Ontario colleges, especially Durham,” said Emma Cronin, admissions and recruitment officer, Durham College. “Hosting it gave us an opportunity to not only represent our school and programs but to showcase our amazing facilities.”

The event was held in the new Student Services building with Paul Bishop, registrar and Durham College president Don Lovisa welcoming guests and showcasing the campus.  Presentations were made by Debbie McKee Demczyk, director of the college’s Office of Research Services and Innovation, and Rick Niesiobedszki of the Ontario College Application Service. Attendees were then given the opportunity to attend a number of sessions throughout the day on topics such as admission requirements and programs.

“It’s a great event and very well organized,” said Paul Cooke, a guidance counsellor with Ajax High School. “It gives me a lot of information to go back to the high school with. I work primarily with college-bound students so seeing what’s available is very beneficial for me and the students I work with.”

Guests were also given the opportunity to mingle with other guidance counsellors while visiting booths from 24 Ontario colleges, including Durham College, in order to gain specific college information and ask questions ranging in topic from residence options to university bridging opportunities.

Colin Faris and Ginette Poulin, guidance counsellors with Courtice Secondary School, attend every year and agree that it’s an amazing event that helps them do their job better. “It’s good to be able to see the school and speak to the reps about new programs,” said Faris. “We leave with some very valuable information that is good for college-bound students and students interested in university because colleges offer so many different bridging options.”

The sessions were followed by a buffet-style lunch at the South Village Residence cafeteria and a tour of the campus and its facilities.