Durham College kicks off 2021-2022 academic year

DC welcomes over 11,400 full-time and apprenticeship students, with 65 per cent studying on campus

Oshawa, Ont.  – This fall, more than 11,400 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students have chosen Durham College (DC) as the next step in their academic journey, helping them get job-ready through the best in innovative and transformative education. Included in that number are more than 5,500 first-year students and 2,000 new and returning international students from 74 countries. Another 7,000 students are also gaining new skills and knowledge via part-time studies.

With the increase in vaccination rates across Ontario leading to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, approximately 65 per cent of DC students are also joining their peers on campus this fall, with 73 per cent of programs offering an in-person component this semester.

 “We are thrilled to kick off this academic year by welcoming students to our on-campus and virtual learning spaces,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “Whether studying face-to-face, remotely or a combination of both, Durham College is preparing students to be leaders in their chosen field by helping them develop an exceptional theoretical foundation of knowledge and providing access to unique and interactive experiential learning opportunities. We can’t wait to see what amazing things our students accomplish.”

This year’s cohort of students includes the inaugural class of DC’s Honours Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence degree program, Behavioural Science Technician diploma program and Pharmaceutical Science graduate certificate program.

The college is also significantly expanding its industrial trades training capacity, with students in select programs excited to begin their year learning in the brand new 60,000 sq. ft. Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology at the Whitby campus. The facility, which includes a double-height shop lab, new classrooms and student touchdown spaces, among other features, is home to DC’s post-secondary Electrical Engineering TechnicianElectrical TechniquesMechanical Technician – Elevating Devices and Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing programs, and the Electrician – Construction and Maintenance, Elevating Devices Mechanic and Plumber apprenticeship programs.

“The energy on campus is unmistakeable – students and employees alike are excited for the fall semester to be under way and we’re all looking forward to a rewarding year ahead,” said DC President Don Lovisa. “We are optimistic that the winter semester will see most of our students back on campus, and are continuing to lead the way as an institution where students can dive into a fully immersive educational experience that supports them on their path toward a meaningful career.”

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 11,400 full-time students access to more than 140 post-secondary programs, including four honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs.

DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need.

At the Oshawa campus, the Centre for Collaborative Education brings together local, Indigenous and global communities, featuring the Durham College Spa, Global Classroom and interprofessional simulation and anatomy labs. The campus is also home to four of the college’s applied research centres, including the AI Hub, Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, Mixed Reality Capture Studio and Social Impact Hub. Additionally, the flexible, fully automated, and industrial-grade Integrated Manufacturing Centre serves as a model of the new standards in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics and engineering education.

At DC’s Whitby campus, the new 60,000 sq. ft. Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology shines a spotlight on industrial skilled trades training, innovation and education, and includes a double-height shop lab, new classrooms and student touchdown spaces, among other features. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which is home to the award-winning full-service restaurant, Bistro ’67; retail store, Pantry, featuring food grown and prepared by students; and the Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture and its community-inspired urban farm.

Media contact:
Shelly Totino
Communications Officer, Durham College
905.626.0675
shelly.totino@durhamcollege.ca