Durham College announced today that it has the highest enrolment growth in the province according to new enrolment figures released by the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) on October 19. Adding 1,128 students in fall 2012, the college’s total all-fee categories (domestic and international) growth rate is 14.2 per cent against the 3.3 per cent Ontario college system average, the highest in the province in absolute numbers and by percentage. 

The OCAS 2012 September Day-10 Report, which provides information on enrolment numbers at Ontario’s colleges as of the tenth day of the academic year, shows that Durham College welcomed 5,587 first-year students in September, an increase of 15.3 per cent over the previous academic year. In addition, enrolment for all years reached 9,047 students, an increase of 14.2 per cent over fall 2011.

“As more and more people from all parts of society look to Durham College for a post-secondary education, our new programs, additional seats and physical capacity ensure we are helping more full- and part-time learners than ever before fulfil their dreams,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Our reputation for offering high-quality programs taught by expert faculty members continues to grow rapidly and I am incredibly proud of our success.”

In total, more than 30,000 students study at Durham College each year in a variety of full- and part-time, diploma-to-degree, fast-track, apprenticeship, continuing education and career development programs in several different areas of importance to the current economy. Dedicated to ensuring that the student experience comes first, the college introduces new programs annually while working to develop diploma-to-degree opportunities designed to enable students to complete their degree requirements in less than the traditional amount of time.

For example, Durham College and its campus partner, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) recently announced the signing of a new articulation agreement that reflects the two organization’s close to decade-long commitment to providing consistent, flexible and seamless pathway opportunities for students enrolled in approved programs at both institutions. The agreement allows qualified graduates of one-, two-, and three-year Durham College programs to enter numerous UOIT undergraduate degree programs with advanced standing. There are a total of 25 diploma-to-degree opportunities approved between the two institutions in addition to the 16 graduate certificate and six fast-track programs Durham College offers to graduates of UOIT.

In addition to its impressive enrolment growth, 2012 also marked several other milestones for the college including the opening of the Pickering Learning Site and the continuation of the massive three-phase construction project at the Whitby campus underway since 2008. Phase 1 opened in December 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3, the 36,000-square-foot Centre for Food (CFF) located at the northwest corner of campus, began construction in December 2011 and is scheduled to open to students in September 2013.