Durham College (DC) is expanding opportunities for students to access, navigate and complete post-secondary education with the support of funding from the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT). Two new projects - one focused on advancing transfer credit tools and another strengthening pathway opportunities in health education - will help students receive recognition for previously completed learning.
"This funding from ONCAT supports our commitment to making education more accessible, flexible, and responsive to student needs," said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice President, Academic and Students. "By improving credit transfer processes and creating streamlined pathways between programs, we're helping students make informed decisions, reduce duplication, and reach their academic and career goals sooner."
The first initiative - Building Pathways: Kinesiology to Massage Therapy - is in partnership with Ontario Tech University and builds pathway opportunities between the two institutions' Kinesiology to Massage Therapy programs. By developing new course materials, the pathway will reduce the time required to complete a second program helping learners enter the labour market sooner.
The second initiative - Transfer Credit Database Expansion - expands the functionality of a transfer credit database. By beginning a process to shift transfer credit assessments from post-admission to pre-admission, the project aims to provide students with clearer information about postsecondary options.
"ONCAT's funding for institutional projects will reduce barriers and smooth transitions for learners," said Dr. Adrienne Galway, President and CEO, ONCAT. "We prioritize innovative initiatives with the potential to scale or be adopted across institutions, that help learners successfully navigate their academic journey and receive appropriate recognition for previous academic and work experience. Our mission is to ensure that learners complete their post-secondary credentials and transition successfully into the workforce."
From April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, ONCAT awarded $2.04 million in funding for 29 institutional projects, including the two at DC.
"Our province's postsecondary education programs are building Ontario's workforce of today and tomorrow," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security of the funding announcement. "Our government is proud to support ONCAT and their critical efforts to reduce barriers for students looking to get the training they need to begin successful careers that meet our province's labour market needs."
For more information
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa Ontario
Canada L1H 7K4
www.durhamcollege.ca/
