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.