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Start Strong at DC: Services Fair, Oshawa Campus

Maximize Your DC College Experience!

Event Highlights:

  • Discover campus services
  • Pick up some free DC swag to kickstart your college journey
  • Mingle with fellow students

Don’t miss this chance to enrich your college experience and get involved in the vibrant DC community!

Start Strong at DC: Ask Us Anything: Catch Up and Connect

Still have questions about college life at DC? You’re not alone. 

Whether you missed orientation, started late or just need a refresher, this drop-in Q & A session is a safe, supportive space to ask anything. Even if you’ve already figured out a few things, it’s normal to still feel unsure or have questions – we’re here to help! 

Join the Student Development team for real-time answers about: 

  • Campus services and supports 
  • Timetables, fees, important dates 
  • Navigating college 
  • Anything else that’s on your mind 
  • No question is too small. Whether you’re looking for clarity, connection, or just want to check-in and pick up a few tips, this session is designed to help you feel confident and supported as you settle into your semester at Durham College. 

 

You will receive an email with the session link on the day of the event. 

If you require accessibility accommodations for this event (e.g., an interpreter), please feel free to contact us at least 48 hours in advance so that we can make any necessary arrangements: firstyear@durhamcollege.ca. 

Academic Welcome Day: STA, HHS, HS Whitby campus programs

Welcome to the Faculties of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship (STA), Hospitality and Horticultural Science (HHS), Health Sciences (HS) -Whitby campus programs.

Join us for Academic Welcome Day on Friday, January 9, 2026, in the Don Lovisa Building! This half-day event is designed to introduce you to your faculty, program, and the Durham College (DC) community.

This session is for first-year students at the Whitby campus in the following STA, HHS, and HS programs:

  • Animal Care
  • Electrical Engineer Technician
  • Electrical Techniques
  • Mechanical Technician – Plumbing
  • Culinary Management
  • Culinary Skills
  • Hospitality Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management
  • Hospitality Skills

Here’s what to expect:

  • A warm welcome from your faculty
  • A program-specific orientation session
  • Social activities to help you start strong
  • Free time to visit the Campus Store, explore available DC services on campus or pick up your parking pass (if you’ve been notified it’s ready)

Enjoy light refreshments, grab your DC swag, and connect with new friends!

This in-person event is for first-year students only. Parents and supporters are welcome to stay on campus while the first-year student participates in Academic Welcome Day.

Do you need accessibility accommodations (e.g., an interpreter)? Please let us know at least 48 hours before we can arrange support: firstyear@durhamcollege.ca.

For questions or assistance, reach out to the Student Development Office at firstyear@durhamcollege.ca.

Free parking is available in Durham College’s main parking lot at the Whitby campus. Click here to view DC’s Interactive Map – choose Whitby campus.

Not sure which Faculty your program belongs to? Check your program page: Program Search.

We’re excited to welcome you to DC!

Academic Welcome Day: Faculty of Health Sciences (HS)

Welcome to the Faculty of Health Sciences (HS)!

Join us for Academic Welcome Day on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in Gyms 3, 4, and 5! This half-day event is designed to introduce you to your faculty, program, and the Durham College (DC) community.

This session is for first-year students at the Oshawa campus in the following faculty:

Here’s what to expect:

  • A warm welcome from your faculty
  • A program-specific orientation session
  • Social activities to help you start strong
  • Free time to visit the Campus Store, explore available DC services on campus or pick up your parking pass (if you’ve been notified it’s ready)

Enjoy light refreshments, grab your DC swag, and connect with new friends!

This in-person event is for first-year students only. Parents and supporters are welcome to relax on campus while the first-year student participates in Academic Welcome Day.

Do you need accessibility accommodations (e.g., an interpreter)? Please let us know at least 48 hours before we can arrange support: firstyear@durhamcollege.ca.

For questions or assistance, reach out to the Student Development Office at firstyear@durhamcollege.ca.

Free parking is available in Durham College’s Founders 2 and Commencement Oshawa Campus parking lots. Click here to view DC’s Interactive Map.

Not sure which Faculty your program belongs to? Check your program page: Program Search.

We’re excited to welcome you to DC!

Academic Welcome Day: Faculties of BIT, MAD, SCS, LS

Welcome to the Faculties of Business & Information Technology (BIT), Media, Art and Design (MAD), Social and Community Services (SCS), and Liberal Studies (LS)

Join us for Academic Welcome Day on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in Gyms 3, 4, and 5! This half-day event is designed to introduce you to your faculty, program, and the Durham College (DC) community.

This session is for first-year students at the Oshawa campus in the following faculties:

Here’s what to expect:

  • A warm welcome from your faculty
  • A program-specific orientation session
  • Social activities to help you start strong
  • Free time to visit the Campus Store, explore available DC services on campus or pick up your parking pass (if you’ve been notified it’s ready)

Enjoy light refreshments, grab your DC swag, and connect with new friends!

This in-person event is for first-year students only. Parents and supporters are welcome to relax on campus while the first-year student participates in Academic Welcome Day.

Do you need accessibility accommodations (e.g., an interpreter)? Please let us know at least 48 hours before we can arrange support: firstyear@durhamcollege.ca.

For questions or assistance, reach out to the Student Development Office at firstyear@durhamcollege.ca.

Free parking is available in Durham College’s Founders 2 and Commencement Oshawa Campus parking lots. Click here to view DC’s Interactive Map.

Not sure which Faculty your program belongs to? Check your program page: Program Search.

We’re excited to welcome you to DC!

Design Your Career Workshop

Your path to career success is a journey that evolves over time. There are moments along the way when you might feel stuck or uncertain if you are on the right path; you may find yourself at a crossroads and uncertain about your next move.

In this interactive workshop, you will work on developing a practical roadmap to help shape your career path and create a work life where you can thrive. You’ll learn practical tools to navigate your career path, overcome obstacles, and make simple changes to enhance your well-being and job satisfaction.

Together, let’s figure out how to go from where you are to where you want to be.

Thousands of students return to Durham College for spring semester

Durham College (DC) welcomed over 3,500 students for the new Spring semester, this week.

Our Faculties of Business and Information Technology and Health Sciences will deliver innovative, hands-on learning to our returning and first-year students.

“It’s always so exciting to see our campus filled with students on the first day of classes,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students. “Watching students take their first steps toward building their future careers—and knowing they’re on a path to make a real impact both locally and globally—is incredibly inspiring. Their excitement is contagious and reminds all of us at DC why we’re so passionate about creating a welcoming environment where every student can thrive and feel like they truly belong.”

On May 2, Academic Welcome Day gave new students their first chance to meet classmates, connect with faculty members and get important information about their programs.

“It made me feel more comfortable and ready for my classes,” said Lina Charles, a first-year Practical Nursing student.

A number of fun activities are planned for the rest of May to help them excel both in and out of the classroom, from donut giveaways and crafting sessions to workshops on time management and academic integrity.

The semester may have begun, but there’s still time to register for your own DC program. Limited space is available in our Computer Systems Technician, Computer Programming, Cloud Computing and Fitness and Health Promotion programs. Registration is open until May 16, so don’t delay!

To learn more about DC, including the full range of programs that start in September, visit us at Program Information Nights May 13 (Oshawa campus) and 14 (Whitby campus).

Warm winter welcome for new DC students

The weather may be cold, but the welcome is warm for new students at Durham College (DC).

This winter semester, over 2,000 students are embarking on their DC journeys. To help them start strong, we hosted Academic Welcome Day at both our campuses on Friday, January 3. In Oshawa, students were greeted by Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students, while in Whitby they were welcomed by Tara Koski, Dean, Students. They also met the Deans of their respective Faculties and heard from representatives of the Durham College Student Association.

The welcome sessions were followed by individual program orientations, as well as a social event in the Marketplace Cafeteria in Oshawa and in the Games Room/Shop in Whitby.

It was an invaluable opportunity for new and returning students alike.

“Academic Welcome Day helps students develop a sense of belonging and community, and sets them up for a successful start to their program,” said Lucy Romao Vandepol, Director, Student and Career Development. “This event provides incoming first-year students with an opportunity to connect with their faculty and peers, while also learning about essential program-specific details to help them start the year off on the right foot.”

Early Childhood Education student Nickey is excited to be back at DC after previously enrolling in two other programs.

“When I was at DC in the past I liked being in class and meeting new friends, so I’m excited to do that again,” she said. “I also didn’t do any of the orientation activities before, so I wasn’t aware of all the services on campus and what each building had. It’s really cool to know what’s in the building, like a doctor’s office!”

International students also took advantage of the event. Maasim, who has a master’s degree from the University of Windsor, is enrolled in Data Analytics and looks forward to preparing for his career with the courses and co-op in his program.

“Overall, I feel very welcomed here,” he said.

With classes now underway, there are a number of fun activities for students to enjoy this week and throughout the month of January. A full schedule of events is available online.

DC’s General Arts and Science program works to develop a sense of community from day one

The General Arts and Science program (GAS) in the Faculty of Liberal Studies may be a pathway to other places, but the program team wants to ensure that students enjoy every aspect of their time at Durham College (DC). Designed for students still figuring out their career path and interests or those preparing for future college or university programs, this one-year certificate program is focused on setting students up for success in their academic journey. Now the GAS team’s efforts to deepen the student experience, with a more interactive orientation and regular meetups, have resulted in double-digit increases to retention and graduation rates, and a closer-knit community.

For the faculty and staff, step one was to start on day one — orientation. Last year, the team re-formatted their event to focus on the fresh adventure to come, with a focus on building connections between students, faculty and staff through activities focused on goal setting and collaboration.

“We wanted to get away from piling on information,” said General Arts and Science program coordinator Nathan Wilson. “Talking as a team, a lot of us remember from our own orientations the fun, the cohort and the collegiality, a confirmation that you made the right decision.” In practical terms, the team created two orientation segments, a breakout session on creative thinking and brainstorming, and an activity where students worked together to create an infographic on the topic of “why choose General Arts and Science.”

To keep the connection going, the team also created a new weekly event called MEET 1000, where students could drop in for lunch and learn sessions and social time. From information sessions about pathways available through Durham College, Ontario Tech and Trent University, to guest lectures on student-centred topics such as wellness or motivation, the hour has become a gathering point and the response has been tremendous, with weekly attendance ranging from 50 to 100 students depending on the topic.

Recent feedback from one student said: “MEET 1000 was a great addition to the program as a lot of people were afraid to ask questions. It provided an opportunity to learn things you wouldn’t have thought to ask.”

Sometimes the MEET 1000 sessions feature pizza or giveaways, and always a presence from faculty and student advisors, as a way to raise the profile of student supports.

“I think it’s really helped cultivate a level of trust and rapport with students,” said Wilson. The team also circles back between events via the DC Connect program page with information and discussion forums for follow-up questions.

GAS has also increased efforts to stay in touch with alumni, inviting graduates back as ambassadors to participate in Q&A sessions with current students and contribute to Program Advisory Committees. Three GAS graduates were recipients of DCAA Leaders of the Future awards this year.

“Even though they are only with us for two semesters, we want them to actually feel like a part of the General Arts and Science community, and to see this as a valuable step along their path,” said Associate Dean Claire McCormack. “We’re helping them build a solid foundation, and academic self-confidence for future programs.”

Already, enrolment numbers show that these activities are making a difference with both an increase in enrollment and improved student academic performance. It’s a success that McCormack credits to her entire team.

“It’s a faculty team who I think really understands the goals of the GAS program,” she said. “Our faculty and staff team care deeply about supporting student success.”

 

Interested in joining the General Arts and Science program in the Faculty of Liberal Studies? Learn more about the program options here

Give yourself the time and space to explore a variety of options and evaluate the many paths that lie ahead with one of DC’s upgrading, general arts or pathways programs.

School’s in session: Durham College ready to welcome back more than 13,000 students this fall

From refreshed physical spaces to wrap-around student services designed to help students succeed, Durham College (DC) is welcoming more than 13,000 post-secondary and apprenticeship students this fall.

These students will pursue credentials including graduate certificates, diplomas and degrees in 145-plus market-driven programs including four new programs starting this September.

We’re welcoming more than 6,700 new students and many of them are already on campus participating in orientation activities, including Academic Welcome Week where they get to know their faculties and pick up important tips for success in their programs. Orientation events also include fun social activities designed to help students connect, like a movie night under the stars at our Oshawa campus, a corn roast at our Whitby campus and the return of our popular Campus Cup soccer rivalry with its festival atmosphere. To help them start strong this semester, we have compiled a content collection of some of our most popular blog posts, which are full of helpful information.

Students will enjoy a number of new and refreshed spaces at both of our state-of-the-art campuses this year. Highlights include:

  • A new multifaith prayer room in the Justice Wing.
  • Additional bike racks and repair stations to promote sustainable transportation and convenience for cycling students.
  • A redesign of Founder’s One parking lot to accommodate increased pedestrian traffic between the Centre for Innovation and Research and the rest of campus.
  • A renovated garden at the Whitby Campus’ Don Lovisa Building, creating an inviting entrance and a welcoming space for students to gather.

Before opening our doors to students for the new semester, DC employees gathered for Academic Kickoff which featured panel discussions, a keynote speaker and more. The annual event sparked new ideas and generated excitement for the academic year ahead.

To help support students’ needs, DC’s Campus Health and Wellness Centre developed resources designed to educate and empower employees to support the mental health and well-being of students on campus. And our newest faculty participated in a multi-day professional development opportunity hosted by the Centre for Teaching and Learning. A number of important topics were covered, including the science of learning principles, teaching strategies, curriculum, assessment, and educational technology.

Visit durhamcollege.ca to learn more about our programs and upcoming campus events and follow us on social media including Instagram and TikTok and get a feel for our dynamic campuses.