Strong growth in student population continues for 2010-2011 academic year

October 1, 2010

Oshawa, Ont. – Durham College welcomed more than 7,500 full-time students to its Oshawa and Whitby campuses and Uxbridge location this fall, an increase in enrolment of 8.65 per cent since 2009 and an incredible rise of 37 per cent since 2004.

“We’re very pleased with the growth of our student population,” said Durham College President Don Lovisa. “Our strong increase in enrolment is clear evidence that we are offering the right mix of programs to meet today’s job market needs. By providing innovative programs, new and upgraded learning spaces and labs and high-calibre faculty, we continue to ensure the student experience comes first.”

The college’s full-time student population, which is comprised of both domestic and international students studying in one-, two- and three-year programs, kicked off the year with Orientation Week, which featured Campus Extravaganza; Shine the City and CampusFest1 Concert ’10.

The college also launched three new full-time post-secondary programs: Culinary Skills; Hospitality Management – Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism; and Mechanical Techniques – Precision Machining/CNC, and the one-year, full-time Mediation – Alternative Dispute Resolution graduate certificate program. Durham College’s programs are continually developed in consultation with industry experts and with support from local businesses and industry.

“I chose Durham College because it offers students the opportunity to study various aspects of the hospitality sector,” said Marie-France Lemire, a first-year student in the Hospitality Management – Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism program. “The courses put me knee-deep in the dimensions of tourism, food safety and the art of management, making me comfortable in kitchens, classrooms and real-life situations. Hospitality is a constantly growing field and Durham College offers the tools students need to start and grow in the industry.”

Since opening its doors in 1967, Durham College has graduated more than 51,000 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
At Durham College, the student experience comes first, an approach it has taken for more than 40 years. Through a vast range of market-driven programs that are taught by exceptional professors with real-world experience, students develop the skills required to meet the ever-changing needs of employers and the job market. Moving forward, Durham College’s expansion plans will see its Whitby campus grow by 40,000 square feet. Phase 1 of the construction features an energy-neutral living laboratory for new technologies and education that will serve the growing needs of the emerging energy sector. Phase 2 of the expansion will create additional classroom and laboratory space to support skilled trades and new program development, and Phase 3 will be a food centre designed to house culinary arts programs; a food and agricultural component; a food processing centre and agriculture and science laboratories. Durham College has more than 7,500 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and more than 1,400 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:
Cosette Kazarian
Communications, Marketing and External Relations
905.721.2000 ext. 3611
cosette.kazarian@durhamcollege.ca

 

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