August 27, 2008

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College will welcome more than 3,000 first-year students to campus on September 3 for the start of the 2008-2009 academic year, as the college continues its tradition of providing students with the skills needed to succeed in market-driven careers and make a difference in the world.

In addition to offering high-quality programs, exceptional professors and outstanding facilities, Durham College also offers a unique and rewarding first-year experience to students beginning their studies. This includes the college’s first-year experience co-ordinator, who provides support throughout students’ first year, introducing them to the vibrant campus, staff and faculty, and cultural and recreational opportunities.

“As we begin another academic year at Durham College, I wish to extend a warm welcome to all our students and in particular our newest students as they begin their post-secondary studies and take their first steps towards a successful and rewarding career,” said Don Lovisa, president of Durham College. “All of our students can take comfort in the knowledge that as they begin their studies this semester, Durham College has a long history of providing all the tools and assistance required to ensure their success.”

Another unique service, the Staff to Student Mentoring program, eases the academic and social transition for new students by matching them with a supportive Durham College staff member. Mentoring pairs are appropriately matched to suit students’ personal interests and career ambitions and help students build a stronger connection with the Durham College community.

Durham College offers a wealth of other personal, educational, career and financial support services and resources, including financial aid, on- and off-campus employment opportunities, academic advice and peer tutoring. In addition, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre has a full range of health and wellness services designed to keep students healthy in mind and body. These include a 10,000-square-foot fitness centre, along with access to on-site doctors, nurses and other health services.

“Our college provides opportunities to become engaged in all aspects of student life,” said Margaret Greenley, vice-president of Student Affairs. “With over 70 clubs, varsity and athletic programming, and a full range of activities, students can get involved in our enriched campus community. To support student success, there is a full range of quality services that contributes to our students’ ability to meet their full potential.”

In total, 6,100 students have registered for full-time studies this year. The college has added four new compressed fast track programs for 2008-2009: Biotechnology Technologist; Chemical Engineering Technology; Environmental Technology; and Pharmaceutical and Food Science Technology. Durham College offers programs in the areas of applied sciences and technology, arts, business, communication, design, emergency services, health and community services, information technology, justice, language studies, management, media, and skilled trades and apprenticeship.

The college recently announced plans to continue to meet the growing demands of the ever-changing workplace by expanding its facilities with a 40,000-square-foot addition to the nationally acclaimed Skills Training Centre at its Whitby campus. The first phase of the expansion is scheduled to be complete in 2009, while plans also call for a suite of new energy programs and a retrofit of the campus itself to become energy-efficient and energy-producing.

The college is home to numerous other innovative facilities, including the award-winning Campus Library, an Integrated Manufacturing Centre, a Centre for Integrated Justice Studies, state-of-the-art dental and nursing labs and a 200-seat computer learning commons where students can access the campus’ wireless network and individual computer workstations.

Since first opening its doors in 1967, the college has graduated more than 45,000 students, men and women who have gone on to take their places as leaders in industries, workplaces and communities across Canada.

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About Durham College
Durham College is the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who will succeed in a challenging, supporting and inclusive learning environment. Offering approximately 80 full-time market-driven programs and hundreds of part-time and continuing education courses, the college has provided students with access to exceptional teachers with real-world experience for more than 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of 95.6 per cent, Durham College gives students everything they need to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. The college has more than 6,100 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and almost 1,600 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000. 

Media contact: 
Michelle Roebuck
Communications and Marketing
905.721.2000 ext. 2197 
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

 

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