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Dawson College
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Dawson College is an English-language public college in Westmount and Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The college is situated near the heart of Downtown Montreal in a former nunnery on approximately 12 acres (5 ha) of green space. It is the largest CEGEP in the province of Quebec, with a student population of approximately 8,000 day students and 3,000 evening students enrolled in more than 30 fields of study.[1]
Key Information
History
[edit]
In September 1945, McGill University established a satellite campus called Sir William Dawson College at the Royal Canadian Air Force base in St. Johns (now Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu), Quebec. This first incarnation of the college was set up to handle the overflow registration of servicemen after the Second World War. Populated mainly by engineering and science students who were required to live onsite, the college operated for five years.[2] It was named after Sir William Dawson, a principal of McGill University from 1855 to 1893.
After the General Vocational College Act came into effect in June 1967, Dawson College became the first English-language institution in the new CEGEP network. It opened its doors in September 1969 to 1,655 students. The college was originally housed in a converted pharmaceutical factory at 350 Selby Street in Westmount. In 1970, a second campus, used mostly for Creative Arts programs, was opened on Viger Street just to the north of Old Montreal. During the next few years, additional spaces were rented across the city such as 4333 Ste. Catherine St. W. (Data Processing, Continuing Education), the Show Mart at Berri (gym), Dome Theatre on Notre Dame St., the Richelieu Building at 990 du Couvent and the La Fontaine building on Sherbrooke Street East. Finally, in 1975, the Victoria Campus was added at 485 McGill St.
In August 1982, the college signed an agreement to acquire the Mother House of the Sisters of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame in order to unify its fourteen separate locations.[3] The campus opened in 1988, and consolidation happened in 1997 when the Selby Campus was closed.[citation needed]
In August 2010, because of an increase in CEGEP enrollments, the college was faced again with a lack of space. The fourth floor of the Pepsi Forum on Atwater Street was leased, allowing for the addition of new classrooms.[4] The P Wing is equipped with six classrooms for regular day DEC students and one classroom and a computer laboratory for AEC students. A security office and student lounge were also added. In 2011, an additional 4 rooms were added to the 4th floor for general study. In 2018, Dawson leased additional space on the Forum 2nd floor, adding general classrooms, active learning rooms and 4 labs for the college Physiotherapy Technology Program.
In 2020, the college was awarded the gold rating for leadership in sustainability by The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).[5] The college's initiatives include, among other things, a pledge to carbon neutrality, rooftop gardens, certificate programs in Sustainable Happiness, and a student-led initiative to compost waste.[6][7]
Programs
[edit]
The CEGEP offers two types of programs: pre-university and career/technical. Pre-university programs take two years to complete and cover subject matter that roughly corresponds to the additional year of high school given elsewhere in Canada, as well as university-level introductory courses that prepare students for their chosen field in university. Technical programs take three years to complete and allow graduates to enter the workforce or to pursue their studies at a university level.
Evening courses are offered through continuing education in both credit and non-credit divisions. Corporate training is available as well.
Pre-university programs
[edit]- Creative & Applied Arts
- Arts, Literature and Communication (ALC)
- Arts and Culture
- Cinema-Communications
- Interactive Media Arts
- Languages
- Literature
- Studio Arts
- Visual Arts
- Arts, Literature and Communication (ALC)
- Science, Medical Studies & Engineering
- Science
- Pure and Applied Science
- Health Science
- Enriched Science (formerly known as First Choice Science)
- Enriched Pure and Applied Science
- Enriched Health Science
- Environmental Science
- Explorations Science
- Developmental Science
- Science
- Social Science & Business Technologies
- Social Science
- General Social Science
- Commerce
- Child Studies
- Environmental Studies
- International Business Studies
- Law, Society and Justice
- Social Change and Solidarity (similar to former North-South Studies)
- Psychology
- Travel and Tourism
- Liberal Arts
- Social Science
Pre-university programs usually require four semesters (two years) to complete.
Enriched Science
[edit]Formerly named First Choice Science, Dawson College's honours science program is known as Enriched Science. Enrolled students can choose between the Pure and Applied Science or the Health Science profiles.[8]
Career/technical programs
[edit]- Creative & Applied Arts
- 3D Animation and Computer Generated Imagery
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Industrial Design
- Interior Design
- Professional Photography
- Professional Theatre
- Science, Medical Studies, and Engineering
- Biomedical Laboratory Technology
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Laboratory Technology – Analytical Chemistry
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy Technology
- Radiation Oncology
- Social Science and Business Technology
- Accounting and Management Technology
- Business Management (Marketing)
- Community Recreation and Leadership Training
- Computer Science Technology
- Social Service
Career/technical programs usually require six semesters (three years) to complete.
Special areas of study
[edit]- Creative and Applied Arts
- Hellenic Studies
- Jewish Studies
- Peace Studies Certificate
- Women's / Gender Studies
- Social Science & Business Technologies
- New School (see section below)
- Reflections (see section below)
The time required to complete a program in the special areas of study varies.[9]
New School
[edit]New School takes a Critical Humanistic approach to learning and allows students to do their English and Humanities courses in a smaller group setting.
Reflections
[edit]Reflections offers double-credit courses which allow students an alternative way to complete their English, French, Humanities and History course requirements. Using seminar-style settings, Reflections offers a different yet effective pedagogical approach, which include teacher-led discussions and short lectures.
General education courses
[edit]In addition to concentration courses, students are required to complete general education courses in order to graduate. These core courses include four English courses, two French courses, three humanities courses, and three physical education courses.
Most students must also pass two complementary courses outside their area of study. Students are awarded a Diploma of College Studies upon completion of their program of study and the successful writing of the Quebec English Exit Exam.
Certificate programs offered by the Sustainability Office
[edit]- Sustainable Happiness Certification
- Sustainable Happiness Facilitator Training Certification[10]
Dawson Student Union
[edit]
The Dawson Student Union (DSU) is the Dawson College students' union representing the approximately 7,500 full-time students and 2,500 part-time students. It funds, coordinates and regulates clubs and activities and is a resource for students to direct them to appropriate departments and services. The union also does its part to inform students of their rights and lobbies for them when necessary.[11]
In November 2008, the Dawson Student Union contacted Montreal police after an estimated $840,000 in union funds were misappropriated. This came after much criticism towards the union for not publishing financial statements since its 2005 accreditation.[12]
The DSU has since been a functional, autonomous, accredited student union since 2005.[13]
Campus activities
[edit]
Dawson College has a number of clubs, 825 officially funded by the DSU and eight that receive no funding. These include religious and language-themed clubs, para-academic groups, athletic clubs, program-based clubs, Pokémon club, cultural clubs and more. Dawson also has a radio station, CIXS: The Edge, as well as a student newspaper, The Plant, which publishes every month during term, with a circulation, in 2012, of about 1,350 copies. Founded in 1969, it is a member of Canadian University Press (CUP), and is the largest CEGEP newspaper in Quebec. Editors are chosen at the end of each semester (August–December, January–May) for the upcoming semester based on a democratic vote by the previous editors and the 'Writing for The Plant' class. There is another paper published annually at Dawson College, the Dawson Research Journal of Experimental Science (colloquially known as DrJes). This journal is completely student-run and student submitted. The articles are published after being edited by a board of student editors and then undergo evaluation by referees who are experts in the field. Volume 1 of DrJes was issued in 1999 and at that time was the first journal of its kind in North America.
Most clubs can be found in the 2C wing of the college, which is in the center of the building at street-level. The athletics department is located in the 1H wing, which is at metro-level, in the south-west corner of the school. New clubs can be formed with the help of the DSU.
Campus athletics
[edit]Dawson College, known nationally as the "Blues," has one of the largest intercollegiate programs in Canada. A large number of recreational and intramural programs are offered to the student population. Although the college offers a wide variety of sports to its student body, the national governing body of college athletics, the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association (CCAA), only sanctions five sports nationally (AAA). These are: basketball, soccer, golf, badminton and cross-country running. Of these five sports, Dawson College competes nationally in all but badminton.
Dawson has an Athletic therapy clinic.[14]
Some of Dawson's highlights from its athletic history include winning the Men's and Women's Provincial Hockey Championships and having the CCAA award the Dawson College Blues a banner representing "25 Years of Basketball Supremacy".[citation needed]
School shooting
[edit]
On September 13, 2006, a mass shooting occurred at Dawson College. Kimveer Gill, a 25-year-old resident of Laval, Quebec, approached the school and began firing at students outside of the entrance. He proceeded to shoot inside the school before committing suicide after being shot by a police officer. Eighteen-year-old student Anastasia Rebecca de Sousa died at the scene. Nineteen other people were injured, eight critically.
The college was closed until September 15, when teachers and support staff returned. Students were given access to the campus on September 18, and classes resumed the following day, on September 19.
After the shooting, Dawson College provided grief counselling to its students and staff and a research team conducted a three-year study[15] on the psychological impact of the shooting.
Peace Garden
[edit]On September 13, 2011, the ecological Peace Garden on the campus grounds was inaugurated to become a “living memorial” for de Sousa.[16] A CTV News report framed the garden project and the accompanying Living Campus program as a demonstration of the college community's healing and resilience.[17] The 20,000 square-foot garden was designated an urban biodiversity site in 2014 by Espace pour la vie Montréal.[18]
Controversies
[edit]During the 2012–2013 academic school year, student Ahmed Al-Khabaz was working on an app to give students access to their online records from mobile devices. While developing the application, he and another student discovered a security hole in a third-party student records system.[19]
Al-Khabaz and his colleague reported the issue to the college administration and were congratulated. They were told the problem would be fixed immediately. However, days later, when Al-Khabaz ran a web vulnerability scanner on the college's servers to see whether the problem had been resolved, Skytech company president Edward Taza called Al-Khabaz and accused him of performing a cyber attack. Taza spoke of the possibility of legal action and imprisonment and suggested Al-Khabaz sign an agreement to tell no one about the flaw, which Al-Khabaz did. After signing the non-disclosure agreement, the college expelled Al-Khabaz and his appeal to tell his side of the story was denied.
At first, the college refused to comment on the expulsion, stating that they could not discuss individual student situations. However, due to overwhelming public pressure, they said at a press conference that the student had been warned not to attempt to test the security of the system.[20]
Notable people
[edit]Alumni
[edit]- Joel Anthony – former NBA player and 2x champion
- Michael Applebaum - Mayor of Montreal 2012-13
- Maria Barile – disability rights activist
- Jeff Barnaby – writer, composer, and film director
- Annie Briard – artist
- Bianca Farella – Canadian Olympic medalist
- Jeff Fuchs – explorer and author
- Michael Greenspan – director and screenwriter, Wrecked
- Kaniehtiio Horn – film and television actress
- Meryam Joobeur – film director
- Moe Khan – TSN Radio 690 host
- Luc Lafortune – lighting designer
- Jon Lajoie – comedian[21]
- Jessica Lanyadoo – astrologer and psychic medium
- Shira Lazar – Internet talk show host
- Rachelle Lefevre – actress in movies such as Twilight
- Michael Mando – actor
- Seb McKinnon – freelance illustrator (known for Magic: The Gathering illustrations) and filmmaker
- Harley Morenstein – host of the popular YouTube series Epic Meal Time
- Steven Pinker – psychologist[22]
- Marie-Philip Poulin – Canadian Olympic medalist
- Meaghan Rath – actress
- Allison Russell – singer-songwriter
- SeXXXy Eddy – professional wrestler; real name Eddy Dorozowsky
- Michael Zelniker – actor and filmmaker
- Prosper Karangwa - Professional Basketball Player and GM of GLeague Team
Faculty
[edit]- Will Aitken — film studies, novelist, journalist and film critic
- Frédéric Bastien — history, author, historian, and journalist
- Jill Britton — mathematics
- Ariel Fenster — science educator
- Michael Harris — poet and translator
- Keith Harrison — English, novelist
- Ann Lambert — English, playwright and novelist
- Susan J. Palmer — religious studies
- Jocelyn Parr — history, novelist
- Ross H. Paul — former Dean of Arts and Academic Dean
- Susan Pinker — author
- Tony Proudfoot — physical education, former CFL player
- T. F. Rigelhof — writer
- Francis Scarpaleggia — business administration, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Louis
- Lorraine Simms — painter
- Ray Smith — English, author
- David G. Sorensen — artist
- Chaim Tannenbaum — philosophy, musician
See also
[edit]References
[edit]Citations
[edit]- ^ Dawson College (November 27, 2017). "Dawson College 2016-2017 Annual Report" (PDF). www.google.com (PDF). Retrieved June 18, 2021.
- ^ Edwards, Reginald. "Historical Background of the English-Language CEGEPs of Quebec". mje.mcgill.ca. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
- ^ "Newsletter" (PDF). westmounthistorical.org. February 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
- ^ CTV Montreal (August 25, 2010). "Dawson students move into the Pepsi Forum". CTV. Archived from the original on June 24, 2015. Retrieved March 21, 2012.
- ^ "Dawson College | Scorecard | Institutions | STARS Reports". Retrieved June 18, 2021.
- ^ "'We hope others will follow': Dawson College awarded gold rating for leadership in sustainability". Global News. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
- ^ W, Dawson College; Montreal; Operation (March 2, 2021). "Sustainable Happiness | Sustainable". Sustainable | Dawson College. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
- ^ "What is Enriched Science" (PDF). Dawson College. Retrieved September 22, 2021.
- ^ "Alphabetical Listing: Programs, Profiles and Disciplines". Dawson College. Retrieved June 25, 2012.
- ^ Dawson College (March 2, 2021). "Program List | Sustainable". Dawson College. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
- ^ "Dawson Student Union". 2011. Archived from the original on January 7, 2010. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
- ^ "Dawson Student Union contacts police". Montreal Gazette. canada.com. 2008. Archived from the original on November 10, 2012. Retrieved May 22, 2011.
- ^ "Student union calls in the cops". November 27, 2008.
- ^ Dawson Athletics Department. "dawson college". dawson athletics. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
- ^ "Latest News – McGill University Health Centre". muhc.ca. Archived from the original on June 23, 2015. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
- ^ "Dawson College unveils garden 5 years after shooting". CBC News. September 13, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
- ^ "Dawson College marks shooting anniversary, aims to be a model for other schools". Montreal. September 13, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
- ^ "Ecological Peace Garden". Espace pour la vie Montréal. 2014. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
- ^ "Pupil expelled from Montreal college after finding 'sloppy coding' that compromised security of 250,000 students personal data". National Post. January 20, 2013. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
- ^ "Student expelled after he discovered flaw in school's data security was warned twice, college says". National Post. January 23, 2013. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
- ^ "Jon Lajoie". Retrieved March 18, 2016.
- ^ "Curriculum Vitae". harvard.edu. Archived from the original on February 17, 2008. Retrieved February 19, 2008.
General and cited sources
[edit]- CEGEP union fights for independence – September 18, 2005
- Dawson Student Union Win Major Victory Against Administration[permanent dead link] – July 20, 2005
- Dawson students consider accreditation – November 9, 2004
- Montreal Gazette, Nick Weatherall – July 22, 2005[full citation needed]
- Dawson's Board of Governors Minutes (PDF) – June 13, 2005
- Dawson's Board of Governors Minutes (PDF) – September 22, 2005
External links
[edit]- Dawson College website
- Dawson Student Union website (archived)
- Dawson Teacher Union website
- Dawson Support Staff Union website Archived February 24, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
Dawson College
View on GrokipediaDawson College is a public English-language CEGEP situated in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, functioning as a post-secondary institution bridging high school and university or workforce entry within Quebec's unique educational framework.[1]
Chartered in 1968 and opening its doors on September 23, 1969, as the province's inaugural English-language CEGEP, it began with 1,500 students and has expanded to become the largest in the network, enrolling around 10,000 full- and part-time students across more than 30 programs, including six pre-university and 22 career-oriented tracks.[2][1]
Housed in a heritage building originally constructed in 1904-1908 for the Congregation of Notre Dame and consolidated at its current Atwater location in 1988, the college fosters a diverse, multicultural environment reflective of Montreal's demographics, supported by 1,176 faculty and staff.[2][1]
Dawson emphasizes sustainability, having pledged carbon neutrality in 2018 and receiving the 2022 International Green Gown Award for Sustainability Institution of the Year, while maintaining graduation rates exceeding the CEGEP network average.[1][3]
A defining tragedy occurred on September 13, 2006, when gunman Kimveer Gill killed one student and wounded 19 others before being fatally shot by police, an event that prompted enhanced security measures and national discourse on gun control and mental health in educational settings.[4][5]
History
Founding and Establishment
Dawson College was established as part of Quebec's broader educational reforms during the Quiet Revolution, following the recommendations of the Parent Commission (1963–1964), which advocated for the creation of CEGEPs—collèges d'enseignement général et professionnel—to provide post-secondary non-university education bridging high school and university or vocational training.[6] The provincial government, under the Ministry of Education, began implementing the CEGEP network in 1967, replacing traditional classical colleges with secular, publicly funded institutions amid efforts to modernize and democratize education.[6] Dawson emerged specifically to serve English-speaking students in a province increasingly emphasizing French-language instruction, becoming the inaugural English-language CEGEP in the system.[2] The college received its charter from the Quebec government in 1968, named after Sir John William Dawson, a prominent geologist and former principal of McGill University (1855–1893).[2] It opened on September 23, 1969, under the direction of Paul Gallagher, who envisioned it as an egalitarian "community of learners" tailored to a younger generation seeking alternatives to rigid traditional schooling.[6] Initial enrollment reached approximately 1,500 students, though reports varied slightly, with some indicating up to 1,800 freshmen and over 1,000 qualified applicants turned away due to capacity limits.[2] [6] Operations began across multiple temporary sites in Montreal, reflecting the nascent stage of the institution, including a former factory at 350 Selby Street in Westmount as the primary location, with expansions to Viger Street and near Lafontaine Park in subsequent years.[7] [6] The college offered two-year pre-university programs and three-year vocational tracks, aligning with the CEGEP mandate to foster accessible higher education amid Quebec's cultural and linguistic shifts.[6] This decentralized setup persisted until consolidation in the late 1980s, underscoring the rapid but resource-constrained establishment of the institution.[7]Growth and Key Milestones
Following its opening on September 23, 1969, with an initial enrollment of 1,500 students, Dawson College experienced steady expansion in student numbers and program offerings, reflecting increased demand for English-language CEGEP education in Quebec.[2] By the late 1980s, the institution had outgrown its dispersed temporary facilities across multiple Montreal locations, prompting a major consolidation milestone in 1988 when operations centralized into a single heritage building complex situated between Sherbrooke Street and De Maisonneuve Boulevard near Atwater Avenue.[2] This move enhanced administrative efficiency and campus cohesion, supporting further growth amid rising applications. Over subsequent decades, enrollment surged, reaching approximately 10,000 full- and part-time students by the 2020s, making Dawson the largest college in Quebec's CEGEP network.[2] [2] The student body diversified to mirror Montreal's multicultural demographics, with programs expanding to over 30 pre-university and technical options, contributing to above-average course completion and graduation rates compared to the provincial CEGEP average.[2] Peak demand periods led to record admissions, such as one instance where the college exceeded capacity by 300 students to accommodate applications, marking its largest enrollment to date.[8] Infrastructure challenges emerged alongside this expansion, with chronic space shortages persisting for over 25 years by the early 2020s, as student numbers outpaced allocated facilities designed for around 7,000 in the 1990s.[9] Efforts to address this included provincial commitments in 2020 to fast-track a $100 million pavilion project under accelerated infrastructure legislation, though funding was ultimately canceled in 2022 amid shifting government priorities.[10] [11] Despite these setbacks, Dawson maintained operational growth through internal optimizations and sustained high university placement rates for graduates.[8]Campus and Facilities
Location and Physical Layout
![Dawson College facade on Sherbrooke Street West][float-right]Dawson College is situated at 3040 Sherbrooke Street West in the Westmount area of Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3Z 1A4.[12] The campus lies adjacent to downtown Montreal and connects directly to the Atwater Metro station via underground access.[13] The physical layout encompasses a full city block covering about 12 acres.[7] The main structure, adapted from the former Mother House of the Congregation of Notre Dame built between 1904 and 1908, features Beaux-Arts style elements including a sloped copper roof with dormers, a large central dome surrounded by four smaller domes, and a projecting entrance with a monumental arch, rose window, and triangular pediment.[14] [15] [16] [17] Internally, the multi-story building includes basement and ground levels with gymnasium bleachers, karate training room, and sports hall access; upper floors house classrooms, faculty offices, boardrooms, and the library with direct Sherbrooke Street entry on the fifth floor.[18] The design integrates historic elements with modern adaptations for educational use, such as renovated spaces for academic and athletic facilities.[15]
Infrastructure Developments and Challenges
Prior to 1988, Dawson College operated across 11 rented buildings in downtown Montreal.[19] Beginning in 1988, the institution undertook phased renovations to consolidate operations into the renovated former Mother House of the Congregation of Notre Dame, reducing reliance on rented spaces by six buildings during Phases I and II.[19] Phase III in 1991 further decreased rented facilities by three additional buildings.[19] In 1996, Phase IV introduced new wings F and H, featuring state-of-the-art laboratories, computer facilities, and a sports complex.[19] Phase V in 2007 added Wing T, providing an on-site theater for the Drama Department.[19] Since 2014, Phase IV of washroom renovations has been ongoing.[20] The college continues to rent the Forum spaces (2P and 4P) since 2010 to address capacity needs.[19] Dawson has faced a documented space shortage exceeding 11,200 square meters for over 25 years, contributing to overcrowding and strained facilities.[9][21] A proposed $100 million expansion, including a new pavilion for health profession programs adding 11,000 square meters, was pledged in 2020 but cancelled by the Quebec government in January 2022 to prioritize infrastructure for francophone CEGEPs.[22][23][24] In September 2024, provincial budget cuts imposed spending caps on CEGEPs, forcing Dawson to suspend all new renovation projects, including water infiltration repairs and teaching space upgrades, as well as cancel equipment and library purchases.[25][26] These constraints exacerbate maintenance challenges in the college's aging historic Beaux-Arts buildings, originally the Notre-Dame Congregation's Mother House.[27][28]
Academic Programs
Pre-University Programs
Pre-university programs at Dawson College consist of two-year curricula within Quebec's CEGEP system, designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and skills required for subsequent bachelor's degree programs at universities. These programs emphasize theoretical learning and interdisciplinary exploration, distinguishing them from the more applied three-year technical programs offered at the institution.[29][30] Dawson provides five principal pre-university programs: Arts, Literature and Communication; Visual Arts; Pure and Applied Science; Social Science; and Liberal Arts. The Social Science program (300.A0), the most enrolled pre-university option at both Dawson and across Quebec CEGEPs, prepares students for university-level studies in fields such as law, education, administration, and commerce, with specialized profiles including Business Studies, Commerce, Environmental Studies, and Law and Justice.[29][31][32] The Liberal Arts program fosters broad intellectual development through courses in humanities, social sciences, and languages, serving as a flexible pathway to diverse university disciplines. Arts, Literature and Communication emphasizes creative expression, media analysis, and cultural studies, while Visual Arts (510.A0) focuses on studio practice, art history, and techniques in drawing, painting, and digital media to build portfolios for university fine arts programs.[33][29][34] In the sciences, the Pure and Applied Science program covers advanced mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, with options for computer science and mathematics profiles tailored to engineering, physics, or computational fields at university. All programs incorporate mandatory general education components in French, English, humanities, physical education, and complementary courses, ensuring alignment with Quebec's Ministry of Education standards.[35][29][34]Technical and Career Programs
Dawson College offers 23 three-year Diploma of College Studies (DEC) programs in technical and career fields, designed to provide students with practical, job-ready skills for direct workforce entry upon graduation.[36] These programs emphasize hands-on training, including laboratory sessions, simulations, internships, and industry collaborations, alongside foundational theory to meet Quebec's professional standards regulated by bodies such as the Ordre des technologues médicaux du Québec for health-related fields.[36] Enrollment in these programs requires secondary school completion with specific prerequisites, such as mathematics and physics for engineering tracks, and admission is competitive based on academic records.[37] The technical programs span diverse sectors, categorized broadly as follows:- Engineering Technologies: Civil Engineering Technology prepares students for infrastructure design and construction management; Electrical Engineering Technology, updated in recent years, specializes in networking, telecommunications, and systems integration; Mechanical Engineering Technology - Automated Manufacturing focuses on automation, robotics, and manufacturing processes.[38][39]
- Health and Medical Technologies: Biomedical Laboratory Technology trains in diagnostic testing and lab procedures for disease prevention; Diagnostic Imaging Technology, Medical Ultrasound Technology, Physiotherapy Technology, Nursing, and Radiation Oncology equip graduates for clinical roles involving patient assessment, imaging, therapy, and oncology care, with curricula aligned to provincial licensing requirements.[40][36]
- Business and Management: Accounting and Financial Management, Administration and Management Technology, and Marketing and Digital Communication develop expertise in financial analysis, organizational leadership, and digital strategy for corporate environments.[36]
- Creative and Applied Arts: 3D Animation and Computer Generated Imagery, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Product Design, Professional Photography, and Professional Theatre (Acting) integrate digital tools, studio practice, and portfolio development for media, design, and performing arts industries.[36]
- Computer Science and Laboratory Sciences: Computer Science Technology covers programming, software development, and IT systems; Laboratory Technology (Analytical Chemistry) focuses on chemical analysis and quality control.[36]
- Social and Community Services: Community, Recreation and Leadership Training and Social Service prepare students for roles in community development, counseling, and recreational programming.[36]
General Education and Specialized Offerings
In Quebec's CEGEP system, Dawson College requires all students pursuing a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) to complete a structured general education component designed to foster essential competencies in language, critical thinking, ethics, and physical well-being, applicable across all programs. This includes three mandatory English courses emphasizing communication and literature, three physical education courses promoting health and activity, two humanities courses exploring cultural and historical contexts, and one French course focusing on linguistic proficiency and comprehension.[42] [43] Program-specific general education supplements these common requirements with two philosophy courses addressing moral reasoning and epistemology, one additional French or English course based on proficiency needs, and three complementary courses selected to enhance interdisciplinary knowledge, such as mathematics, foreign languages, or elective humanities. These elements ensure a balanced curriculum, with students typically fulfilling them over two to three years depending on program length, while maintaining progression standards like passing at least four general education courses per year in certain disciplines.[43] [44] Specialized offerings at Dawson encompass the formation spécifique courses that form the program's core, delivering targeted disciplinary training distinct from general education. In pre-university programs, these include advanced coursework in areas like pure and applied sciences (e.g., calculus, organic chemistry) or social sciences (e.g., macroeconomics, statistics), preparing students for university-level study. Technical programs emphasize vocational skills, such as clinical practicums in nursing, software engineering projects in computer science technology, or studio-based design in graphic or interior design, often incorporating industry certifications and co-op placements for direct employability.[42] [37] Dawson structures its 28 DEC programs to integrate these specialized elements with general education, allowing concentrations like media studies in Arts, Literature and Communication or biotechnology in Health Sciences, where students complete 20-30 specific credits alongside general requirements. This approach totals 90-105 credits for graduation, with specialized courses comprising roughly 60-70% of the curriculum to prioritize field-specific expertise while ensuring broad foundational development.[29] [41]Governance and Administration
Institutional Structure
Dawson College operates as a public institution under Quebec's Colleges Act, with governance structured around a Board of Governors as the highest authority, an academic Senate for pedagogical oversight, and an executive leadership team led by the Director General.[45] The Board ensures compliance with the college's legal mission and directives from the Ministry of Higher Education, Sports and Recreation, while setting policies on planning, institutional objectives, and financial management.[45] The Board of Governors comprises 19 members, including 11 from the external community and 8 internal representatives from students, teachers, non-teaching staff, the Director General, and the Academic Dean.[45] External members are appointed or elected to represent diverse societal interests, while internal seats ensure input from college constituencies; the Director General, Diane Gauvin, and Academic Dean, Leanne Bennett, serve ex officio and are appointed by the Board.[45] [46] The Board appoints the Chair, currently Sean Smith, and Vice-Chair, and oversees executive operations through bodies like the Executive Committee, supported by the Corporate Affairs department.[45] The Senate handles academic governance, advising on programs, teaching standards, and evaluation policies, with membership including the Academic Dean as President (Leanne Bennett), an elected Chair (Ben Seamone), and representatives from administration (9), faculty (15), program coordinators (4), support staff (5), and students (5).[47] It operates through committees, such as the Council of Career Programs, to address specific academic matters.[47] Administratively, the Director General manages daily operations and reports to the Board, while the Academic Dean oversees academic affairs and reports to the Director General.[45] [46] Specialized deans handle departmental portfolios, including Creative and Applied Arts (Brid Nic Niocaill), Science, Medical Studies and Engineering (Jonathon Sumner), Social Science and Business Technologies (Tommy Diamantakos), Continuing Education and Community Services (Maeve Muldowney), Academic Development (Isabelle Carrier), and Academic Systems (Julie Brosseau).[46] This structure facilitates decentralized decision-making in academic and operational domains while maintaining centralized accountability.[46]Financial and Policy Influences
Dawson College's operating budget is predominantly funded by subsidies from the Quebec Ministry of Higher Education, which constitute nearly 90% of revenues for CEGEPs province-wide, with allocations determined by enrollment numbers, program offerings, and operational costs under a formulaic model established by provincial policy.[48] Tuition fees for Quebec residents, capped at approximately $97 per semester for full-time pre-university programs as of 2023, contribute marginally, while out-of-province and international students pay higher rates up to $10,000 annually, though they represent a smaller enrollment share. Ancillary revenues from services, parking, and the Dawson Foundation— which raised funds for bursaries and projects like robotics equipment in 2022-2023—supplement government grants but remain secondary.[49] Provincial fiscal policies have imposed direct constraints on administrative decision-making, particularly through spending caps enacted in 2024 by the Coalition Avenir Québec government, which limited funding for renovations, equipment, and library acquisitions to 50% of prior levels across CEGEPs.[28] Officials justified the measure as a response to excessive institutional expenditures on non-essential upgrades, forcing Dawson's administration to suspend ongoing projects and reallocate resources, thereby delaying maintenance on aging infrastructure built largely in the 1960s.[25] Earlier, in January 2022, the government withdrew a $100 million grant previously allocated for campus expansion, citing budgetary reprioritization amid post-pandemic recovery, which nullified years of planning and petitions for the $180 million project.[23] [50] These policy interventions reflect Quebec's centralized oversight of CEGEP governance, where ministerial directives on financing rules—interlinked with broader education reforms—dictate autonomy limits, compelling administrations to navigate annual budget cycles vulnerable to political shifts rather than multi-year strategic autonomy.[51] Federal contributions, such as Research Support Fund grants tied to tri-agency awards, provide targeted relief for scholarly activities but do not offset core operational dependencies on provincial allocations.[52]Student Life
Student Union and Representation
The Dawson Student Union (DSU) is the accredited student association representing and advocating for the interests of over 10,000 full-time and part-time students at Dawson College.[53][54] It operates under a constitution ratified by referendum on May 23, 2024, and effective from June 1, 2024, which outlines its governance through internal regulations, policies, and a Student Council.[55] The DSU's structure includes an executive team with roles such as Vice-President Academics & Advocacy, who chairs the Student Representatives Caucus.[56] Student representatives, appointed by the Student Council upon recommendation from the Vice-President Academics & Advocacy, serve on Dawson College's boards, councils, and committees to advance student priorities in areas like academics and campus policy.[56] The organization also maintains representation on the college's Board of Governors and coordinates external affairs to connect with broader networks.[57] Elections for DSU positions and referenda are administered by an independent Elections Commission to ensure transparency and participation.[58] For instance, Student Council elections occurred on March 4–5, 2021, marking a resumption after several years, with students voting for councillors responsible for internal decision-making.[59] Students exercise representation through binding votes on key issues, such as the May 2021 referendum where 1,500 participants approved a final exam boycott by a narrow margin amid pandemic-related concerns.[60] In practice, the DSU facilitates advocacy on student welfare, including a August 2024 petition to the Quebec National Assembly seeking full funding for Indigenous education programs and signature drives in campus atriums to address disproportionate impacts on Indigenous students.[61][62] These efforts underscore the DSU's role in bridging student input with institutional and governmental channels, though participation rates in referenda can vary based on turnout.[60]Extracurricular Activities
Dawson College provides students with extensive opportunities for extracurricular involvement through student-led clubs, para-academic groups, and campus-wide initiatives, aimed at building leadership skills, fostering community, and promoting personal growth. The Dawson Student Union coordinates over 30 student groups, spanning categories including community and activism, art and performance, leisure and hobby, culture and religion, as well as independent chapters and media outlets such as The Plant newspaper, The Vine podcast, and The Swap Book.[63][64] Para-academic groups, administered by the Campus Life Office and open to all students regardless of program, focus on interdisciplinary interests and skill-building activities. Active groups include Best Buddies/Miriam for supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Community Pantry for addressing food insecurity, Debating for honing public speaking, Dawson College Model United Nations (DCMUN) for simulating international diplomacy, Entrepreneurship for business innovation, Robotics for engineering projects, and SparkMind for mental health advocacy.[65] These groups organize events, workshops, and competitions to encourage collaboration and real-world application of knowledge.[66] Volunteering opportunities are facilitated through organizations like the Blue Ring Society, a student volunteer team that supports campus events and community service, and Sustainable Dawson, which promotes environmental sustainability initiatives.[64] Students can join clubs via Discord servers, Instagram pages, or direct contact, often promoted at annual club fairs held in the college's lower atrium.[63] Campus events such as trivia nights, design workshops, and recruitment days further integrate extracurricular participation into daily student life.[67]Athletics Programs
Dawson College's athletics programs, branded as the Blues, encompass 16 varsity teams with approximately 400 student-athletes participating in competitive sports under the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) framework. These programs prioritize a balance between athletic competition and academic performance, offering opportunities in multiple divisions tailored to skill levels, such as Division 1, 2, and 3.[68] Facilities supporting these activities include the Tony Proudfoot Gymnasium for indoor sports like basketball and volleyball, and the Westmount Arena for hockey.[68] Varsity sports include:- Badminton (Division 3 mixed teams)
- Baseball (Division 3 men's teams)
- Basketball (Division 1 and 2 for both men and women)
- Cross-country running (Division 2)
- Hockey (Division 1 for both men and women)
- Rugby (Division 3 women's teams)
- Soccer (Division 1 and 2 for both men and women)
- Volleyball (Division 2 for both men and women)
