Full-time and partial-load faculty across the province have been legislated back to work by the Ontario government. This means that the strike is over and all full-time post-secondary students will begin class on Tuesday, November 21.

Deans will provide students with program-specific information via DC Mail to help ensure a successful return to class. Students are asked when returning to class on Tuesday to follow their existing timetable, as it was before the work stoppage.

With the return to class now scheduled, the revised semester dates apply to all full-time post-secondary students:

• Fall semester classes will continue through the week of December 18 – 22, 2017.
• The holiday break will be from Friday, December 22 at 6 p.m. – Monday, January 1, 2018.
• Fall semester classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 and will end on Monday, January 15, 2018.
• The winter semester will begin on Monday, January 22, 2018.
• Winter semester classes will continue through reading week and therefore the regular break previously scheduled from February 26 until March 2, 2018, is cancelled.
• The Family Day weekend will be extended to include Tuesday, February 20, 2018. The college will be open this day, but classes will not run.
• The winter semester will end Friday, April 27, 2018 as originally scheduled.

Apprenticeship students’ return to class and block details

Apprentices in day release programs will resume classes as follows:

• Tuesday day release programs will resume class Tuesday, November 21
• Wednesday day release programs will resume class Wednesday, November 22.
• Thursday day release programs will resume class Thursday, November 23.

Students who were in blocks when the strike began will be contacted by DC or the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD) to schedule the completion of their blocks. Those who were in blocks that were scheduled to start after the strike began will be contacted by MAESD when new seats become available.

Student supports

Durham College realizes that this work stoppage has created a great deal of stress and uncertainty for students. To ensure students have the support needed to get back to class and focus on their studies, a number of additional supports will be available, including:

• Student Academic Learning Supports 
• Coaching Centre
• Financial Aid Office
• International services
• Campus Health Centre 
• Access and Support Centre

Supports will include enhanced resources for students for academic, mental health and financial needs.

Additionally, many offices on campus will be open with extended hours. This includes academic school offices, The Office of Student Diversity, Inclusion and Transitions, Durham College Students Inc. (DCSI), and the Aboriginal Student Centre. Athletics is also offering a number of services including free after school kid’s programs for children aged 4-12 and free stress relief yoga classes.

We know this has been a difficult and challenging time. Students are reminded that confidential counselling services are available through the Campus Health Centre at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre (Room G1030), by calling 905.721.3037 or via email to healthcare@durhamcollege.ca. After hours and 24/7 support is available by calling Aspiria Student Assistance: 1.877.234.5327. DCSI also provides outreach services at the Student Centre where professional counsellors are available to students at no charge.

Please check www.durhamcollege.ca/backtoclass for details regarding these additional services and extended hours. As classes resume, new and or expanded services will be offered as required. Durham College encourages students to take advantage of the many resources that are available to them, and to establish a personal support plan for their return to class. The college is committed to helping all students fulfill their educational goals successfully.

Financial relief

Ontario’s colleges are actively working with students and the Ontario government on the criteria for a relief fund for students who have experienced financial hardship due to the strike. As soon as the details are finalized, they will be shared with all students.

More information

The college’s FAQ page will continue to be available, providing up-to-date information including return to class plans, details on parking, financial aid and additional student supports.

We understand this has been an incredibly tough time for students. We also know there is a great deal of concern about students’ studies and the long-term effects of these past weeks. Please know that Durham College is committed to moving forward to ensure student success both in and out of the classroom.