History, Affiliations and Rankings

Unrelenting dedication to student achievement, high-quality education and programmes guided by brilliant instructors with real-world experience, graduates who have excelled in their careers, and a cherished relationship with the community. Since 1967, Durham College (DC) has been driven by these values. Former Ontario Education Minister Bill Davis introduced legislation in May 1965 to establish colleges of applied arts and technology throughout the province. The law constituted a radical shift in educational thinking that has continued to invigorate, stimulate, and reshape the provincial and national economy ever since. On September 18, 1967, DC began classes in 16 portable classrooms with a staff of 14 and a student population of 205. Courses in applied arts, business, and technology were available on the first academic calendar. Durham is also affiliated with many international and national organisations like Canadian Bureau for International Education, Colleges and Institutes Canada, Colleges and Institutes Canada and also has sports affiliations with Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association. In the 1980s, as the number of students grew with a significant amount, DC adopted an expansion strategy and established several other campuses in Whitby, Oshawa, Port Perry and constructed a new robotics lab, the precursor to the Integrated Manufacturing Center in 1987. 

Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses

Durham College has two main campuses, located in Oshawa and Whitby, Ontario. Today, Durham College has a number of faculties and schools in a number of different disciplines. It offers full-time programs at the undergraduate level in many disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology. In addition to this, Durham College offers a number of courses at certification, diploma and online programs in cooking, sewing, and beauty and fashion camps. Durham College has also made its presence in Uxbridge, Port Hope, Port Perry, Beaverton, Oshawa and Bowmanville a community employment service. It started as an employment service site but today the Uxbridge site of Durham College has classrooms to offer programs for those planning to upgrade academic skills to enter into college programs. DC campuses have the state of the art facilities including housing options, parking, health and medical facilities, sports and recreational activities, shopping, transportation, campus safety, and franchise of food options. 

Accomplishments and Alumni

Durham College has a shared campus and facilities with Ontario Tech University. The college, in conjunction with Ontario Tech and private enterprise, has developed network infrastructure to support laptop-based learning at both institutions. This includes the integration of wireless services on campus, as well as e-learning content and curriculum development. Durham College has also been ranked among the top 50 research colleges by Research Infosource Inc. Durham College (DC) has produced influential and successful professionals, tradespeople, entrepreneurs and community leaders since its inception in 1967 including Roland Kielbasiewicz (Founder/CEO of Loraxian Inc), Sheldon McIntosh (Drag Queen), Brandon Nolan (CEO of Krautchan.net) and Patricia O’Connor (Founding member on the Canadian Association of Aero-medical Transport).

Student Diversity and Visiting Companies

Durham University is known to celebrate diversity-focused activities, including Black History Month events, Ramadan Dinner for Muslim students, Pride events, Pangea Culture Events and celebrating International Women’s Day events and hosting Violence Against Women Awareness, among the few events they partake in. Having said that, the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is committed to ensuring that Durham College staff and students feel welcomed and supported on the dynamic campus by offering a wide range of varied and comprehensive programmes that promote academic, professional, and social development. The companies known to hire graduates from Durham College are Lakeridge Health, Ontario Power Generation, General Motors, Rogers Communications, Scotiabank and RBC.