In response to the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) strike, Durham College (DC) hosted its first Intro to College session on Wednesday, June 3 and will host two more on Saturday, June 6 and Wednesday, June 10 to ensure secondary school students, and their parents, are prepared for the transition from high school to college.

“It was really helpful,” said 17-year-old Lukas Cholette who is currently attending J Clarke Richardson Collegiate in Ajax. “I got to learn more about my program, meet new people and walk around the college to learn where to go.”

Lukas has been accepted into DC’s Electrical Engineering Technician program, and said he feels more prepared as well as rejuvenated to begin college in September.

At the sessions, students can engage in a Q&A with a panel of faculty and students; participate in a financial aid workshop; meet their coach who will work with them throughout their time at DC; interact with faculty and staff; and learn about other support services dedicated to helping them succeed. Students can also confirm their offer and pay their deposit (debit/credit only), if they haven’t already done so.

There is also a special session designed for parents to provide them with information about how DC will support their kids when they begin in September, and throughout their college career.

“It was fabulous,” said Lukas’s mom, Debbie Cholette. “It helps our mindset and reduces anxiety, and we feel very reassured.”

Lukas’s dad, Rob, added that he was especially impressed by the Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) that assist students in the event they are ill or become injured, in addition to providing many other supports.

“Lukas hopes to play hockey during his time at DC, and it’s comforting to know that if he hurts himself, the college will accommodate him so he can keep on top of his schoolwork and be prepared for tests while he recovers,” said Rob. “It’s good to know students won’t be left on their own.”

The Cholettes were so impressed with the information they received that they decided to come back for the Saturday session to take in more of the services available to them through the Intro to College sessions.

Sessions are located at the Oshawa campus, 2000 Simcoe St. N., with reception at the main entrance to the Gordon Willey building. Parking is free, and refreshments will be served.

“The success of our students is priority one, and these circumstances have challenged the leadership team at DC to do everything it can so all students are able to enter college knowing how to access the tools they need to succeed,” said Meri Kim Oliver, vice-president, Student Affairs. “DC has excellent support systems and high quality services that we want to inform our students about so they feel confident about starting their college career.”

There is still time to register for the June 6 and 10 sessions. Students can learn more and register at www.durhamcollege.ca/infosessions