Durham College launches new strategic plan

Durham College (DC) has unveiled its 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, which includes a new mission statement.

The new mission statement will serve as the guiding touch point for the wide-reaching college community.

While executives at Durham College are excited for the launch of the new plan, the timing was not lost on President Don Lovisa.

“It could seem odd to be launching a new strategic plan at a time of so much uncertainty and upheaval but, after much reflection, it was clear to us that the timing actually couldn’t be better,” says Lovisa. “In light of the leadership, innovation, collaboration and excellence being demonstrated through DC’s coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our new mission statement rings true: Together, we’re leading the way.”

The college’s new strategic plan was developed by drawing upon in-depth consultations held with every major stakeholder group, including students, alumni, employees and industry and community partners.

“We heard our people loud and clear – the college has evolved and it’s time everyone knew it,” says Ivan DeJong, chair of the DC Board of Governors. “‘The student experience comes first’ kept the college’s commitment to our students at the forefront, but it wasn’t capturing the full story DC has to tell. We’re doing much more than putting the student experience first at DC – we’re reinventing it.”

Highlights of the new strategic plan include a refocused vision statement, refreshed values and updated objectives and strategies to support each of the four pillars that provide the plan’s framework: students, people, work and community.

DC is also unveiling the beginnings of a refreshed brand identity that will continue to evolve with the college. The college hopes the new brand identity reflects how DC is moving forward, while maintaining a connection to the past.

Members of the public are invited to explore DC’s 2020-2023 Strategic Plan and updated brand at https://durhamcollege.ca/strategic-plan.