Durham College praises provincial decision to allow more students to complete their programs Posted on June 11, 2020 at 8:55 am. Limited students will be permitted to return to campus in July to complete hands-on training to fulfill program requirements Oshawa, Ont. – Colleges and Universities Minister Ross Romano announced today a framework for reopening the post-secondary sector in Ontario. This framework will see some in-person classes resuming in July in a range of college programs requiring hands-on work to fulfil requirements. Today’s announcement ensures more students will complete their programs and acquire the expertise sought by employers. “This is tremendous news for students and for employers in key sectors who will need qualified people to help drive Ontario’s economic recovery,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College (DC). “We’re very pleased with the government’s ongoing commitment to student success and to our continued delivery of high-quality programs.” Returning in July for the pilot framework are “stranded students” who need to finish outstanding practical requirements currently preventing them from graduating or completing their semester, resulting from the COVID-19 shutdown of face-to-face activity. DC cancelled in-person classes in March and shifted to remote delivery to protect our campus community. The transition to remote learning was very successful due to the dedication and tremendous efforts of faculty and staff. With a focus on academic continuity, DC implemented innovative practices to ensure students continued to receive high-quality programs, and most were able to complete their semester. Impacted students will receive further communication directly with specific details and information on start dates and timetables. DC has continued to collaborate with Minister Romano and public health officials on the safe return of in-person classes. Several protocols will be in place to ensure the continued health and safety of our campus when students return in July, including: limiting the number of students per learning environment; enforcement of strict physical distancing requirements; mandatory use of personal protective equipment when physical distancing cannot be maintained; enhanced screening; increased cleaning and disinfection protocols; and the continued closure of common spaces. DC is very pleased to see students and employees return to campus and will continue to put the well-being and safety of our community at the forefront of our decisions as we carefully transition back to campus. We also look forward to supporting the government’s announced plans to develop a framework to modernize post-secondary education. “As the work begins to rebuild Ontario’s economy, it’s essential that colleges have the flexibility to respond quickly and effectively to changes in the labour market,” said Lovisa. “We’re pleased the government is taking a proactive approach to strengthening Ontario’s colleges at this critical time.” -30- About Durham College At Durham College (DC), the student experience comes first. With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby and a learning site in Pickering, we offer 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. We enable 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: Shelly Totino Communications and Marketing 905.626.0675 shelly.totino@durhamcollege.ca SHARE:
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