Dawson College was founded in 1968 and opened its doors in the Fall of 1969 to 1,200 students as the first English-language CEGEP in the network. It is today the largest CEGEP in Quebec with more than 8,000 full-time students and 2,500 part-time students enrolled in 26 programs of study.
The College is located in downtown Montreal in a historic building on 12 acres of land occupying a full city block, and is directly accessible through the Metro at the Atwater station. In 1988, Dawson College began to consolidate all its operations under one roof by moving into the Mother House of the Congrégation-de-Notre-Dame. After extensive renovations and expansion, the building today houses one of the most attractive and well-equipped colleges in the country. In 2007, the final phase of construction was completed with the addition of a new theatre on campus and the expansion of the Atrium. On September 13, 2011, the grounds of the college were beautified with the inauguration of the Ecological Peace Garden.
Dawson College is the only anglophone college in Quebec to offer programs in industrial design, physical rehabilitation, professional photography, environmental science, community recreation and leadership training, 3D animation and computer generated imagery, illustration and design, social service, radiation oncology, civil engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, laboratory technology-analytical chemistry, and graphic design. The College's computer science program is considered one of the best among colleges in the province.
Dawson Student Services provides a housing database for students who are searching for housing in the Montréal area. This database is also open to building owners who would like to provide housing to our students.
Dawson College offers 5 two-year pre-university programs that lead graduates to pursue studies at a university level, and 21 three-year career programs that allow graduates to enter the workforce or to pursue studies at a university level.
The professional counsellors who staff the counselling centre are available to help you with social, academic and career development, such as adjustment to college life, managing stress, and resolving conflicts. They can also provide support for students with family or personal problems. Another important tool at your disposal is the Career Resource Centre, where you can consult college, trade school and university directories and calendars. You can also get information about summer travel/study, work and volunteer projects in Canada and abroad.
Dawson College has one of the largest athletics programs in Canada. With 20 intercollegiate and competitive teams, there are approximately 400 athletes who call themselves 'Blues'. The on-campus facilities are among the best in Quebec, offering a wide variety of recreational programs.
At Dawson College, there are many events and activites that go on at different times of the year. While they are announced on the homepage at relevant times, you may wish to refer to information that resides on specific pages regarding current or past events.
The DSU funds and oversees over 25 clubs and associations under its umbrella. These clubs serve as the perfect entry point for students to shape their experience within their Union and at Dawson. Whether your interests are artistic, cultural, religious, political, recreational or social there is a club for you.
A number of computer centres and labs with wireless Internet and audio-visual services are available to all students.
The Muslim Student Organization and other multicultural campus organizations add diversity and an opportunity to connect with other students on Dawson's campus.
A non-profit licensed daycare for children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years is available on campus.
Open House is held on the third or fourth Sunday in October. Consult the website at dawsoncollege.qc.ca for the precise date. You can visit the building, try out the facilities, look at the displays, talk to teachers and current students, participate in activities, and ask advisers and Admissions staff about tips for choosing the best program for you. If you miss Open House, we conduct tours of the College throughout November. Ask the guidance counselor at your high school to arrange a tour or call 514 931-8731, ext. 1275.
Dawson College offers academic advising, an academic skills centre, a language lab, a library, student accessibility, awards and scholarships, counselling and career development, financial aid, health services, a mentor program, ombudsperson service, orientation, student employment, a bookstore, a cafeteria, a finance department, human resources, information systems and technology, and a multimedia centre.
