New academic year boasts record increase and launch of 11 new programs.

Durham College announced today that it has welcomed more than 8,400 full-time students to its Oshawa and Whitby campuses and Uxbridge location since the start of the academic year, marking an increase of more than 7.3 per cent over fall 2010-2011 and an all-time high for Day 10 student enrolment numbers. In addition, the number of students new to Durham College increased by 7.5 per cent.

“The start of the school year is always incredibly exciting from an academic perspective and this substantial increase in our enrolment numbers directly reflects our commitment to offering the market-driven programs currently in demand by today’s students and employers,” said Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic. “In addition, Durham College continues to provide state-of-the art learning spaces, a world-class faculty and comprehensive student services in order to ensure our students enjoy the best student experience possible during their time with us.”

The college’s full-time student population, comprised of students studying in a full-time, daytime program as well as Second Career, collaborative nursing and international students, started the academic year off with Orientation Week, an annual event featuring program orientation, the Student Association’s off-campus student social, a pancake breakfast, a pep rally, movie-on-the-lawn and the third annual Campus Cup. In addition, students enjoyed Campus Extravaganza, which included a barbecue, music and a carnival.

The college also launched 11 new programs for the 2010-2011 academic year including Chemical Laboratory Technician, Construction Carpentry – Sustainable, Construction and Hoisting Techniques, Developmental Services Worker, Digital Photography, Digital Video Production, Emergency Services Fundamentals, Fine Arts – Advanced, VFX and Digital Cinema, Victimology and Welding Techniques. Each was developed with support from the college’s program advisory committees and in response to current labour market demand and employer wants and needs.

“These new programs are a strong example of the importance we place on providing our students with access to relevant and modern programs that are designed to prepare them for employment immediately following graduation,” added Robinson. “Each is developed with the current labour market in mind and includes input from employers, faculty members, community associations and others to ensure they provide students with the education and training they need to be successful and make a difference in the world.”

 

For more information on the college’s programs – both new and current – please visit www.durhamcollege.ca/programs.