Durham College President Leah Myers listens intently during a recent Town Hall meeting she held with students.
Durham College students and President Leah Myers came together to share ideas and information recently, at a Town Hall meeting on campus.
"Transparency is something I'm committed to and value at Durham College," Myers told the students.
The Durham College president, who on April 4 will mark her second anniversary as president, attended the Town Hall to hear students' ideas and thoughts from their experiences with academics, student services, campus life and more. Dozens of first-, second- and third-year students chatted with Myers and also enjoyed a pizza lunch.
"The student experience comes first," said Myers. "That's what Durham College is all about."
Among the topics of discussion, students offered feedback on information technology, classroom space and academics, while Myers shared details about Durham College's achievements in enhancing student life.
Since 2007 the college has increased group study space by 10,000 square feet, and opened a 90,000-sq.-ft. expansion to the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre (CRWC). The CRWC includes a health centre that features a full-service pharmacy and medical clinic with on-site doctors, nurses, counsellors and a variety of other alternative health services, such as massage therapy, physiotherapy, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, chiropractic and orthotic services.
Myers noted that based on student feedback in 2007, smoking enforcement has increased on campus, a peer tutoring program at the Whitby campus has been strengthened and food services now provides a variety of healthy food choices.
"Town Halls help increase collaboration between Durham College leaders and students," said Ali Abbasnaqvi, a General Arts and Science student. "We had an opportunity to raise our concerns and give our praises."
Joining Myers and also speaking with students at the meeting were Margaret Greenley, vice-president, Student Affairs; Paul McErlean, vice-president, Finance and Administration; and Don Lovisa, vice-president, Academics.
As Durham College celebrates its 40-anniversary year and continues to grow, it remains committed to championing ongoing dialogue between students and college officials in a number of different ways.