A new academic term brings a fresh new start including a fresh new name: Humber Polytechnic.

With the recent announcement of our transformation from Humber College to Humber Polytechnic, we are leaning into the future and reimagining our approach to learning. Students have always been our focus and providing an unparalleled student experience is what excites me most about our Humber Inspired vision. 

The polytechnic model is well established and highly regarded across Canada and the world. It offers a distinct third option between university and college – one that combines deep, theoretical learning with applied, real-world experience to foster employability for graduates.

As Canada’s most comprehensive higher education institution both in the range of credentials and in the depth of our programs, Humber is leading the province and country in advancing academics with a polytechnic education model that is hands-on and industry responsive.  In addition to continuing to develop credentials from apprenticeship to applied master’s degrees, we are transforming our north and Lakeshore and downtown campuses with critical state-of-the-art learning spaces. We are equipping the next generation of workers with in-demand skills needed to address global challenges in industries including healthcare, technology, sustainability, manufacturing and community services.

Leading Higher Education with new Bachelor and Applied Master’s Degrees

We are building innovative credentials that support personalized learning and creating an educational journey that is as enriching and transformative as it is informative. 

In the 1970s we developed the first paramedic program in Ontario and now we are leading the sector with the development of a new Bachelor of Paramedicine Degree. This three-year program will include more than 500 hours of combined experiential learning and professional practicums, preparing graduates for entry to practice and paramedic employment. The program responds to the changing expectations for paramedic practice through addressing the changing role and scope of paramedic care within Ontario’s health care system. 

Humber has always been at the forefront of academic innovation and the creation of applied master’s programs has been one of our advocacy priorities to meet labour market demands in key areas.  For example, Humber is a leader in advanced manufacturing and has worked closely with industry partners to address the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.  As a result, we recently developed the first applied master’s in advanced manufacturing. While this degree has been submitted for ministry approval, we will continue to move forward and develop additional applied master’s degrees to prepare students to be industry ready.

Building state-of-the-art learning spaces

Last month, we celebrated the opening of the new residence at the Lakeshore Campus as part of the new Humber Cultural Hub. Providing much-needed capacity to meet the growing demand for skilled talent in creative industries, the Cultural Hub will be home to Humber’s award-winning music, creative arts and multimedia programs with world-class, technology-rich teaching and performance spaces, including a 500-seat Performance Hall.

The expansion of the Centre for Skilled Trades & Technology is almost complete, and this fall we will celebrate the 16,620 square-foot addition that will provide enhanced training spaces for additional pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship and post-secondary learners.  By investing in this Centre, Humber is playing a significant role in addressing the skilled trade shortage in Ontario and demonstrating its commitment to building a strong future skilled workforce.

Academic Plan: Projects under Priority 3 – Empowering Teaching and Learning

Last year, we launched Priority 3 of the Academic Plan – Empowering Teaching and Learning at Humber and nine proposals by faculty and staff were chosen as the inaugural round one recipients. This priority engages and supports faculty and staff to push the boundaries of how we design and deliver the best possible learning experience for Humber students. This past June, nine projects were selected as part of round 2 and I will share the project details in the coming days. 

Award-winning faculty and students

We offer many ways for our students to thrive. Students go beyond participation, they build their capacity, they make meaningful contributions to their community and rise to compete on the provincial, national and global stages.

Recently, Bachelor of Commerce, Finance degree students, Prabhleen Kaur and Alexis Dwyer, were the exclusive polytechnic recipients of the National Bank Financial 2024 Young Women Student Mentorship program. National Bank received more than 300 applications and selected 23 mentees from institutions across Canada, including our two students.

FAST students Paxton Coghlin and Dillon Kong will represent Humber and Canada at the WorldSkills competition in France this month.  As National champions in the Mechatronics Division, their success reflects the faculty and staff who provided them with exceptional instruction, support and coaching.

A highlight of the President’s Breakfast is always celebrating the award recipients and this year was no exception. Faculty and staff from across the Academic Division were the recipients of numerous 2024 President’s Awards, including the Distinguished Faculty Award. Congratulations to all who were celebrated and a special thank you to those who took the time to recognize their colleagues with nominations.

I am proud of the outstanding faculty, staff and students who have demonstrated exceptional talent and commitment to our community.  Their dedication not only enriches our academic environment but also inspires us all to strive for excellence.

2030 and beyond

Over the next decade, Humber will lead the definition, discovery, value and possibilities of polytechnic education. 

By 2030, we will transform learning to reimagine the student’s educational journey by leveraging technology to achieve personalized, human-centred learning at scale. 

We have the programs, skills, and people to change the way we empower the future workforce, and we have the leadership to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and government to promote and enrich a culture of innovation. 

I want to express my gratitude to all faculty and staff for the hard work and dedication that will enable us to develop forward-thinking academic initiatives that will play a vital role in supporting student success. There is so much to celebrate at Humber Polytechnic, and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you.