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Durham College study examines impact of exercise on physical and mental health for forensic patients

Researchers at Durham College (DC) are partnering with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and the Abilities Centre in Whitby to examine barriers to exercise for forensic patients and how community-based exercise could impact their physical and mental health.

Dr. Erin Dancey, a faculty member in DC’s Fitness and Health Promotion program, is leading the three-year project through the college’s Social Impact Hub. The research is made possible through a $350,000 College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CHIR) which was announced on September 13.

“We’re interested in the impact of exercise on not just physical fitness, but as a means to increase social connections and improve mental health and wellness and quality of life,” said Dancey. “We met with Ontario Shores and they were already trying to think about ways to get their patients exercising more and the Abilities Centre is close and aims to provide an inclusive space for all individuals in the community, so it all came together.”

The overall goal of the project is to develop exercised-based treatment options that will reduce health disparities and inequities experienced by Canada’s forensic patient population, people who have been found not criminally responsible for an offence or unfit to stand trial by the courts due to mental illness and are hospitalized and receiving treatment to improve their mental health.

Forensic patients with mental illness are more sedentary, have reduced levels of physical fitness and are at a higher risk for obesity as compared to the general population for several reasons including the impact of medication on metabolic health and barriers to exercise while accessing care in a hospital setting.

While other studies have demonstrated the benefits of exercise for people living with mental illness, there is limited research focusing specifically on forensic patients.

“It’s interesting, important research for patients in an institutional, hospitalized setting because it has the potential to improve their quality of life,” said Dancey.

The first phase of the research project will look at barriers to engaging in community-based exercise for patients receiving forensic psychiatry care at Ontario Shores. In the second phase, patients participating in the study will engage in community-based exercise at the Abilities Centre and the researchers will investigate the impact on physical fitness, quality of life, social isolation, mental health and sleep quality.

At DC, Dancey will work with Faculty of Heath Sciences faculty member Dr. David Copithorne and Jennifer Bedford, a faculty member in the Faculty of Media, Art and Design. The project also comes with experiential learning opportunities for students from both faculties.

“We will hire Fitness and Health Promotion students as well as Community Mental Health students as research assistants so they will gain experience with the research ethics approval process, data collection, fitness assessment and prescription, and working with a vulnerable population and community partners,” said Dancey. “We’re also going to hire Media, Art and Design students to help create a video outlining the project findings as well as infographics that will share our results with a broader audience.”

Benefits of the research may include creating a low-cost treatment for people living with mental illness that can be used in combination with medication which could be expanded to patients in the general psychiatry and outpatient clinics at Ontario Shores and elsewhere. It also provides the Abilities Centre and other similar community recreation centres with new tools and ways to support a marginalized group, people living with mental illness.

Funding allows Social Impact Hub to study and improve mental health care for Black communities

Researchers at Durham College’s (DC) Social Impact Hub are launching a project to study and improve mental health care for Black communities thanks to a $360,000 federal grant.

Announced on September 13, the grant is from the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF), funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada (2022), 35.4% of Black Canadians experience significant psychological distress, but only 1.2% of them seek the aid of mental health services. With that in mind, ‘Bridging the gap: Developing Culturally Responsive Mental Health Care with and for Black Communities’ will explore the experiences of Black patients and frontline workers in emergency, acute and community mental health settings. Beginning this fall, researchers will collect data and work with members of the Black community, caregivers, and frontline workers to co-create resources from a culturally responsive lens.

The project will be led by researchers from the Social Impact Hub with a team consisting of Black community-members and academics.

“This is a very important project,” said Dr. Crystal Garvey, lead researcher and a faculty member in DC’s Nursing – Collaborative Bachelor of Science (BScN) program. “Historically, when decisions are being made for members of the community who have to access the healthcare system, they’re made by leaders and experts who are not representative of the groups they are serving or making decisions for. What makes this research different is that it is a co-creation piece, where those who actually use the services and are navigating the system will now have a say in what bridging the gaps look like”

The Social Impact Hub is partnering on the project with the Health Research Council for People of African Descent, the Regional Municipality of Durham, Black Health Alliance and Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.

DC students will have the opportunity to contribute to the new initiative, with three being hired each year. Two students from the Faculty of Health Sciences will provide support as research assistants, while one student from a Media, Art and Design program will assist in documenting and promoting the project.

“We have some really amazing stakeholders that are going to be engaged in this project. I am deeply grateful that they are ready and willing to listen, and that’s the first step to changing any narrative,” said Dr. Garvey. “I am so appreciative and humbled by our community leaders who are involved in this project. They are being intentional with giving space to voices who historically have been ignored or silenced. Because of this project we all now have a seat at the table to engage in sincere discourse to create the authentic change needed.”

Dr. Garvey and her fellow researchers hope to gain the trust of the Black community and encourage them to seek mental health support before crisis hits.

“I hope that we can be the community that breaks down barriers and makes sure that mental health care is being received equitably and fairly,” she said. “This research, in collaboration with community support and involvement, is going to change the status quo and belief systems associated with mental health.”

“I say with all confidence that it’s going to be a game changer.”

Bistro ’67 nominated for Business Excellence Award from Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce

Durham College’s (DC) on-campus restaurant, Bistro ’67, has been nominated for a Business Excellence Award from the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce in the category of sustainability.

Each year, the awards recognize organizations that excel in all areas of business and leadership within the community. DC was previously recognized in 2020, when the AI Hub and W. Galen Weston Centre for Food (CFF) received awards for innovation and sustainability, respectively.

This year’s winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 24.

“We make a really great effort towards sustainability initiatives in Bistro ’67 and throughout the CFF,” said Lori Saint, General Manager of the CFF. “We’re very appreciative that all of our efforts have been noticed.”

She pointed to Bistro’s Feast On™ and LEAF certifications as examples of their commitment to sustainable and locally produced dining.

“We couldn’t be any more local for a lot of our products because they’re coming from the urban farm we have here on campus,” she noted.

She also cited their zero waste initiatives. This year, Bistro ’67 has been focused on finding new uses for food waste. In one such case, vegetable scraps from the Bistro kitchen are dried, frozen and turned into a powdered broth for sale in The Pantry.

“Sustainability is something that we focus on every single day and it’s very rewarding to be recognized for that.”

Durham College takes proactive measures to support mental health on campus, launches new resources for employees to assist students

In response to the growing need for mental health supports on campus, Durham College (DC) is prioritizing resources and supports to ensure that students’ needs are met.

The fall 2024 semester is the first to welcome learners who experienced the pandemic throughout high school, starting in Grade 9, reinforcing the need for additional mental health supports in post-secondary education.

“Over the past few years, the CHWC has noted a substantial increase in both the volume and complexity of students’ mental health challenges post-pandemic, and we’ve implemented the supports to proactively address these needs,” said Jennifer Elliott, Director, Campus Health and Wellness Centre at DC.

To educate and empower employees to support student mental health, the CHWC has launched a comprehensive guide and quick reference flowsheet. The resources, developed by mental health experts on campus, support employees by enhancing their understanding of mental health while helping them navigate the college’s emergency processes. Both resources include a focus on user experience and are a part of DC’s broader effort to ensure that the entire campus community has the knowledge and support needed to succeed.

“These resources were developed in direct response to a growing demand for support among employees who are working diligently to assist these students,” said Elliott.

To support the launch of the CHWC’s mental health guide and flowsheet, DC is providing ongoing opportunities for employees to engage with CHWC mental health clinicians. Employees can ask questions and learn about how to support students in managing their mental health on campus. Additionally, employees have the option to book a classroom visit or health promotion session to explore various mental health topics.

For students, the CHWC offers access to confidential and comprehensive services with an expert team of health care professionals and are encouraged to visit the CHWC to learn about all the resources available. Students can also explore the online Wellness Directory, which highlights other resources available at the college to support them.

This month, on September 10, DC will be hosting the Canadian Mental Health Association Durham (CMHA) Durham’s Safety Expo, along with its partners, to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day. The event will include presentations and resource booths on key topics such as transgender care, suicide prevention, and more. Attendees will have access to valuable insights and the chance to engage with experts in the field, ensuring members of the community have the supports they need to thrive year-round; an initiative Elliott says is critical as mental health needs continue to evolve.

“Events like this further underscore DC’s dedication to prioritizing the mental health and well-being of its community, ensuring that support evolves alongside the needs of everyone.”

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.

Durham College kicks off Strategic Plan consultation sessions

A series of consultation opportunities for Durham College’s (DC) Strategic Planning Process are scheduled and set to launch in the coming weeks. DC’s Board of Governors, students, employees, alumni, retirees, donors and community partners are all invited to get involved and contribute to the process by sharing their unique insights.

“This is a pivotal time for Durham College as we shape the future together, and we are excited to collaborate with everyone in our DC community,” said Lisa Allen, DC Board Chair. “The diverse insights and perspectives of all our members are essential in guiding us to new heights, strengthening our institution, and enhancing the success and impact we have on the broader community we serve.”

Over the next several months, the DC community will consider how student and industry needs have changed, how our organization and the workforce have evolved and how the landscape of higher education has shifted. The result will be a new Strategic Plan – expected to launch in spring 2025 – serving as a roadmap with tangible goals and objectives to inform decision-making and resource allocation.

Consultation details, as well as timelines, objectives and team members are available on DC’s Future Focused: Strategic Planning microsite. There are many ways to engage in the process and share feedback. Students and employees are encouraged to register for upcoming in-person Town Hall sessions and participate in “one big question pop-ups” that will appear throughout the Oshawa and Whitby campuses over the fall. Alumni, retirees, and key community partners will hear directly from the Strategic Plan Working Group and have opportunities to provide their input. Additionally, all community members are invited to complete the online survey to share their thoughts.

“As our current Strategic Plan comes to an end, this is an incredible opportunity to look critically at our work and listen to our communities’ aspirations, needs and ideas,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President. “Together, we will develop an actionable plan to move DC forward in building a sustainable, future-proof, equity-driven, people-focused and community-connected college.”

It starts with us: Thousands of students launch their post-secondary journey with Durham College’s Academic Welcome Week

A brand-new class of students at Durham College (DC) are buzzing with excitement as they kick off their post-secondary journey this September.

This year, DC will welcome more than 6,700 students across nine academic Faculties in 145-plus market-driven programs.

From August 27 to 30, new students attended Academic Welcome Week events at DC’s Oshawa and Whitby campuses. At these half-day events, students connected with their Faculty, receiving essential program-specific details. They also participated in social events and fun activities designed to help them connect with fellow students.

Taylor Norville, a Public Relations student, was excited to attend the event for students in the Faculty of Media, Art and Design on August  27.

“Today I just want to know a little more about my program because I don’t really know what to expect, I haven’t gone to school for something like this before, it’s totally new to me,” she said.

Norville attended a university nursing program before deciding to take Public Relations at DC. She works in the beauty industry selling makeup and fragrances in a retail store and that inspired her to consider a new career path.

“I kind of wanted to go to the business side of the beauty industry and I thought PR would be a really good career for me,” she explains. “At my work I do events, I do our social media so I thought it would be a good transition.”

Meanwhile, at the Faculty of Liberal Studies welcome event, Caleb Pike isn’t quite sure what career path he wants to pursue, so he’s exploring his options while pursuing a General Arts and Science certificate. Through the program, he will earn transferable credits towards a future post-secondary program.

“I’m going to do a one-year program and decide what I’m going to do after that,” he said. “It was either going to be a gap year or this, so I decided to try things out and see what I like and then choose a career.”

He said he was looking forward to picking up new information at the Academic Welcome event and connecting with people.

Liberal Studies Executive Dean Nora Simpson welcomed students in General Arts and Science programs and highlighted the importance of attending orientation events like Academic Welcome Week, pointing out that studies show students who attend orientation are more successful academically. She encouraged students to share what they learned at orientation with their peers.

“When you see some students who are not here today, take a moment and share with them what you’ve learned,” she said. “If there are some key tips or tricks or pieces of information, share it with them and that can be your first act of community-building within the General Arts and Science program, your first act of building this cohort of colleagues and friends.”

Simpson had simple advice for success: get involved and ask for help.

DC President Dr. Elaine Popp shared some heartfelt advice with DC’s newest class, advising them to prioritize themselves along with their academic and personal responsibilities, encouraging them to focus on well-being by keeping active and paying attention to nutrition.

“Another key piece of advice is to cultivate strong relationships with your faculty members,” said Popp. “They aren’t just experts in their fields—they’re also deeply connected with industry. These relationships can open doors to job opportunities or provide valuable references that will help you achieve your goals.”

And finally, she encouraged them to remain true to who they are.

“As you grow and learn this year, be sure to keep living your values.”

Sitting volleyball a new, accessible sporting option for DC students

This year, Durham College (DC) students will have the opportunity to play an exciting and accessible sport.

In addition to hosting the 2025 Canadian College Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Volleyball Championship next March, DC is partnering with ParaSport Ontario for the inaugural college/university sitting volleyball tournament. As the host, DC will enter a team in the competition, and tryouts begin this fall. All students are welcome to give it a try, and the team will practice weekly in preparation for the competition next March.

Originating in the Netherlands 70 years ago, the sport is a modified version of volleyball primarily for athletes with a disability. During play, athletes sit on the floor and attempt to strike the ball over a lowered volleyball net.

“With the national championship coming to the Durham Region next year, it is important that we use our platform to create inclusive opportunities in sport that can be enjoyed by all,” said Scott Dennis, Athletic Director. “We could not think of a better partner than ParaSport Ontario to achieve our goals with.”

The initiative was announced at the ParaSport Ontario Awards Brunch earlier this summer.

The DC team is already off to a strong start with the addition of Recreation Therapy student Ashley Green as its first member. The 19-year-old is a veteran of the sport with six years of experience, and is excited to share it with her fellow students.

“I’m honored to be the first Durham College student on the team,” she said. “It’s amazing to see the growth of the sport in the last six years, and I’m looking forward to getting to play competitively.”

“We actively identify workforce trends and stay ahead of them”: How Durham College develops new programs to meet industry need

DC launches four new programs in fall 2024

This September, Durham College (DC) will welcome the first intakes of students in four new programs, designed to prepare them for today’s competitive job market with the skills and industry-specific knowledge they need to succeed.

The Law Clerk diploma, Professional Selling and Business Development graduate certificate , Clinical Bioinformatics graduate certificate, and the Public Relations graduate certificate programs are DC’s newest offerings – contributing to the college’s impressive repertoire of more than 145 programs, all developed to meet employer and industry needs.

“There is a heightened demand for professionals in these fields and we are proud to develop programming with a forward-focused perspective that prepares students to be career-ready in these industries,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students at DC. “We actively identify workforce trends and stay ahead of them by following a rigorous program development process that includes labour market analysis and consultation with industry professionals and leaders.”

DC’s new Clinical Bioinformatics graduate certificate program is addressing the growing demand in the health sciences, particularly in emerging fields like genomics and proteomics. These fields, which have evolved from advancements in gene sequencing, enable scientists to use big data to identify and analyze diseases and disorders, leading to the development of targeted drug therapies and precision medicine.

“Research indicates a significant need for experts in clinical bioinformatics who can effectively utilize genomic and proteomic data to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes,” said Choi.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers in clinical data analysis, clinical research, or genetic counseling within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

“We also know that there are increasing employability rates in the public relations sector and legal fields, and in the sales industry the acceleration of digital trends has elevated the need for sales professionals to adopt new strategies to drive business success,” Choi added.

As industries rapidly evolve and employer needs continue to shift, DC remains committed to a proactive approach to program development. The college is preparing students who will fill labour shortage gaps and support growth across sectors, enabling graduates to take on rewarding careers in new and evolving fields.

Discover more than 145 in-demand programs by visiting DC online today.

MRC Studio, AI Hub make a splash at virtual reality conference

Durham College (DC) students and employees showed off their applied research work at the VRTO Spatial Media World Conference & Expo in July, displaying their talent and ingenuity and making connections in the tech industry.

Representing DC’s Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE), the MRC Studio and AI Hub attended the conference to showcase their latest breakthroughs.

A team of work-study students showed off a mixed reality demo using the Meta Quest 3 virtual reality (VR) headset. By scanning real world objects and digitizing them for manipulation in 3D space, the demo allows users to pick up and examine items within an augmented reality.

The mixed reality demo was prepared by Game – Art students Joshua Vandergeer, Alexis Mantler and Nathan Lang and Computer Programming and Analysis students Connor Vandergeer and Manu Sugunakumar.

The experience of showing off their own work while rubbing shoulders with accomplished industry veterans was a highlight for the students, according to Connor Vandergeer.

“It felt really rewarding to be a part of the community,” he said. “Speaking to professionals, seeing what they think and how impressed they were and just enjoying the demo, it was a really great experience.”

The applications for the demo are practically limitless according to Jason Hunter, Manager of the MRC Studio.

“A lot of people still relate VR to entertainment and games only, but there’s a lot of applications within other industries that the hardware and software can be used for,” he said. “We have a lot of industry partners who want to find ways to do digital twinning, either of spaces or of objects, particularly for training and simulation.”

For example, an industrial company could use the technology to train new employees on heavy machinery, remotely and with no risk to their safety.

A second demo, developed by Game – Art student James Gleeson, used a Looking Glass display and Unreal Engine to create holographic 3D models that could be turned and rotated manually.

Both demos wowed the crowd, according to Hunter.

“There were a lot of smiling faces and minds blown,” he said. “It’s really satisfying to see that we could still impress people who have been working within the field for a long time. That’s really gratifying for the students.”

Working with the MRC Studio over the summer has been an invaluable experience for them.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to start getting industry experience within their field, and it’s a great place to test what you’re learning,” said Joshua Vandergeer.

Students weren’t the only ones making us #DCProud at the event. MRC Principal Investigator Harrison Forsyth was invited as a guest speaker to discuss his recent work digitizing real world objects and environments for virtual applications.

“It was a great pleasure to speak at the event on behalf of Durham College,” said Forsyth. “Most importantly, the teams from the MRC Studio and AI Hub got an opportunity to engage with leaders in the extended reality community. This was a huge win for our teams and I am certainly very proud of the work we do.”