Bold new mission statement speaks to the college’s reinvention of the student experience

 Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College (DC) is proud to unveil its 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, which includes a bold new mission statement that will serve as the guiding touchpoint for the wide-reaching college community.

“It could seem odd to be launching a new Strategic Plan at a time of so much uncertainty and upheaval but, after much reflection, it was clear to us that the timing actually couldn’t be better,” said DC president Don Lovisa. “In light of the leadership, innovation, collaboration and excellence being demonstrated through DC’s coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our new mission statement rings true: Together, we’re leading the way.”

The college’s new Strategic Plan was developed over many months, drawing upon in-depth consultations held with every major stakeholder group, including students, alumni, employees and industry and community partners.  

“We heard our people loud and clear – the college has evolved and it’s time everyone knew it,” said Ivan DeJong, chair of the DC Board of Governors. “‘The student experience comes first’ kept the college’s commitment to our students at the forefront, but it wasn’t capturing the full story DC has to tell. We’re doing much more than putting the student experience first at DC – we’re reinventing it.”

Highlights of the new Strategic Plan include a refocused vision statement, refreshed values and updated objectives and strategies to support each of the four pillars that provide the plan’s framework: our students, our people, our work and our community. DC is also unveiling the beginnings of a refreshed brand identity that will continue to evolve with the college. This identity reflects how DC is moving forward, while maintaining a connection to the past that has brought the college to where it is today.

Members of the public are invited to explore DC’s 2020-2023 Strategic Plan and updated brand through the dedicated microsite launched today. 

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About Durham College

With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, Durham College (DC) offers approximately 13,400 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and nine apprenticeship programs, including the Honours Bachelor of Behavioural Science and Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management.

DC enables students to develop the career-ready skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market by connecting them with expert faculty and offering quality programs. With a focus on experiential learning through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads have the skills and knowledge employers need.

The Oshawa campus features DC’s newest building, the Centre for Collaborative Education, which represents the college’s commitment to working with local business and community partners while bringing together local, Indigenous and global communities and members of key business sectors.

DC’s Whitby campus is home to the Skills Training Centre, where students receive hands-on training and instruction in industrial-grade shop labs for carpentry, HVAC, welding, elevating devices and crane operation, among others. The campus also features the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.

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

Media contact:
Melissa McLean
Communications and Marketing
647.880.6363
melissa.mclean@durhamcollege.ca