Transforming lives, building careers, and enriching communities.

ACKNOWLEDGING THE LAND

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach, and prosper today.

Photo of Lisa Allen, Board Chair

Message from
the Board Chair

Photo of Elaine Popp, President

Message from
the President

The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace.

Durham College’s role as an educator, research hub, and partner has never been more critical. Graduates must be career-ready, equipped with skills and experience that align with industry demands and contribute to our local and global communities.

At this pivotal moment, our forward-thinking Strategic Vision will guide our growth, deepen our impact, and empower our students, employees, and communities to thrive.

We engaged with and listened to:

Together, their ideas, insights, and aspirations helped inform an
intentional, five-year Strategic Vision.

This Strategic Vision brings to life our shared purpose.

This statement serves as the foundation of why we do what we do. It defines the enduring impact we strive to create and anchors our work in a broader commitment to service, learning, and meaningful progress.

Transforming lives, building careers, and enriching communities.

It is underscored by our values.

They guide our decisions, shape our culture, and ensure that as we evolve,
we remain true to our purpose and people.

Collaboration
Diversity and Inclusion
Excellence
Innovation
Integrity
Respect
Social Responsibility

This Strategic Vision sets out our four Goals:

future-focused, sustainable, people-centred, community-connected.
These goals provide a framework to guide decisions, align priorities, and drive meaningful outcomes, ensuring our resources and efforts are directed toward areas of greatest impact.

Image of a student celebrating grad.

Goal 1

Future-Focused

Be the first and best choice as a globally recognized leader in delivering the innovative lifelong learning that students, communities, and industries need most.

Objective 1.1

We will attract a diverse range of students by offering a comprehensive program mix that anticipates and fulfills workforce needs.

Objective 1.2

We will drive excellence in teaching and learning by leveraging emerging technologies and industry trends to develop durable skills for a complex world.

Objective 1.3

We will expand high-impact experiential learning and career connections through applied research, academic partnerships, work-integrated learning, and global experiences.

Objective 1.4

We will enhance student success by providing outstanding services and optimal learning spaces.

Objective 1.5

We will activate and celebrate our alumni network as ambassadors and mentors.

Goal 2

Sustainable

Be intentional and align our efforts to adapt, thrive, and achieve our ambitions and ensure long-term sustainability.

Image of the Gordon Willey building at the Oshawa campus

Objective 2.1

We will seek innovative solutions to support our financial health.

Objective 2.2

We will embed multi-year, pan-institutional planning into our work to respond to evolving challenges and opportunities.

Objective 2.3

We will continuously evaluate and refine processes to enhance the student experience and support our teams.

Objective 2.4

We will invest in innovative tools, resources, and infrastructure to ensure the future optimization of our programs, services, and work.

Objective 2.5

We will integrate environmentally sustainable practices across all campuses and locations.

DC employees at the Town Hall event.

Goal 3

People-centred

Be an equity-driven and inclusive environment where everyone feels supported, can realize their full potential, and truly belongs.

Objective 3.1

We will nurture our organizational culture, where students, employees, alumni, and partners feel welcomed, valued, respected, and part of our community.

Objective 3.2

We will expand Indigenous-led programs and initiatives to better support students and employees in upholding Indigenous rights and continuing the journey toward reconciliation.

Objective 3.3

We will review and enhance policies and practices to address inequities, deepen knowledge, and strengthen capacity to better support the needs of students and employees.

Objective 3.4

We will empower students and employees to reach their full potential by being leaders in skill development, career advancement, and lifelong learning.

Objective 3.5

We will retain and attract top talent and be an employer of choice.

Goal 4

Community-Connected

Be purposefully connected locally and globally to deepen our impact and drive social and economic progress.

Ribbon cutting event at the Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology (CSTT) opening.

Objective 4.1

We will enable economic and social development by establishing and nurturing relationships with industry, community organizations, donors, and government.

Objective 4.2

We will enrich our communities by creating meaningful connections with our student and employee expertise and providing access to our facilities.

Objective 4.3

We will champion social responsibility by fostering a culture of community engagement and volunteerism.

Objective 4.4

We will pursue applied research opportunities that respond to the needs and issues that matter to industries and communities.

Objective 4.5

We will deepen our partnership with Ontario Tech University to elevate our competitive advantage as an educational hub of excellence.

Durham College has always been a place of progress — committed to preparing students for success while strengthening our community and workforce. Over the past several years, we have navigated significant changes, from shifting student and industry needs to the evolving landscape of higher education. Through it all, our focus has remained steadfast: to provide an outstanding educational experience that leads to meaningful and rewarding careers.

As we look ahead, our new Strategic Vision sets a direction for the future. It is not only about where we want to go; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to work together, showing what is possible when we unite around a common purpose.

This Strategic Vision challenges us to think differently, act with intention, and build upon our strengths. It places students at the centre of everything we do, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, experiences, and opportunities they need to thrive. It supports and empowers our employees — fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and innovation — so they can do their best work and feel proud of the difference they make. And it reinforces the value of strong relationships, both within our local community and beyond, so that we can expand opportunities and maximize our impact.

It is an exciting time for Durham College. The future is bright, and our ability to meet the evolving needs of students, employers, and our broader community has never been more important.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, thank you to everyone who contributed to shaping this Strategic Vision. Your voices, insights, and ideas have helped chart the course for our continued success.

Lisa Allen's signature.

Lisa Allen
Chair, Durham College Board of Governors

As we continue to meet the needs of today’s students,

we are evolving and embracing the future with confidence.
At Durham College, we believe in the power of education to create opportunity and change lives.
And, at the heart of it all, one thing remains constant:
Success Matters.