Why College?
The benefits of a career focused education:
The image many people have of college is that we’re focused on technical education and the manufacturing sector, but the reality is that we’re career focused. The programs we offer are a reflection of the skills employers are looking for today. When the college system was starting up the in late 1960’s many of the best jobs were in manufacturing and related industries, so that was a big part of what we focused on.
Fifty years later, Ontario’s economy has grown and so has the range of career opportunities in it. Students today can seek careers in information technology, business, social and community services, media, health, engineering, design, hospitality, and performing arts. Humber’s 180 different program offerings are a reflection of the careers students want and the skills employers are looking for in Ontario and around the world.
Educational decisions are family decisions and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to help your student make the most well-informed decision they can. If your student has expressed an interest in college, we encourage you to spend some time learning more about Humber to find out about all that we can offer them during this important transition in their lives.
What to Expect?
Going off to college is a big step for your student and helping them get here is a big step for you.
- Take a campus tour. Your student isn’t just picking a program, they’re picking a learning community. Websites are a great place to gather information, but only on campus can you and your student get a sense of the experience of being a Humber student.
- Encourage your student to explore Humber’s student portal, MyHumber. This is where they will pay fees, choose courses, get a parking pass and much more.
- Encourage your student to attend Orientation. Research shows that students who attend an orientation session are more likely to succeed.
- Work with your student to make a financial plan so they understand what their expenses will be and how to plan for them.
- Encourage your student to get involved in campus life. This is especially important for commuting students. Some of the most important learning experiences students have are the conversations after class.
- Talk to your student about what they’re learning and why it’s important to them. Encourage them to think about how they’re going to use what they’re learning to engage in problem solving in their new career.
- Talk with your student about what it means to take on new responsibilities and encourage them to get support when they hit bumps in the road.
- Make note of important dates and deadlines by referring to the Academic Calendar.
- During the admissions process you can use the Admission Road Map.
- Refer to frequently called numbers for assistance.
Student Fees & Financial Resources
There are many different sources of financial aid available for students.
Parents often have questions about sources of money to help pay for school. There are many different sources of financial aid available for students. MyHumber has a short video that explains how students can apply for financial aid, and Humber’s Financial Aid Office can help you figure out which ones your student is eligible for.
Types of Student Funding:
- OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) is government funded loans and grants.
- Scholarships are awarded for achievement in academics, extracurricular activities or in the community.
- Bursaries are awarded based on financial need.
- Awards recognize specific academic achievements and/or other particular accomplishments.
- Humber's Financial Aid Office is committed to helping you access resources and plan for your education.
Admissions Road Map
Understanding all of the steps in between.
Everybody knows that the process starts with an application and ends with a student starting school, but what about all the steps in between? We’ve created an Admissions Road Map to help you navigate each step of the process successfully.
Every full-time program has its own information page with admission requirements (including information on secondary requirements like portfolios, auditions, or admissions testing), program content and career opportunities.
Follow steps 1 - 10 to understand the admission process from applying for a program to confirming an offer.
Residence
Where will they live, what will they eat?
If your student is considering living on campus while they attend Humber, you’re going to want to do some research about our residences. The residence website has information about the application process and dates, room styles and fees, meal plans as well as information about every parent’s biggest concern: safety, services and amenities.
We know you’re mostly interested in the safety part - it’s our top priority too - but that page also has information about things like housekeeping and Internet service, so be sure to read the whole thing.
If you’re on campus for a tour or Open House, be sure to stop by Residence and have a look around.
Services, Supports & Privacy
Making sure they have the resources and supports they need to be successful.
Services and Supports
College can be challenging, but that’s okay. Taking on the challenge of learning new things is how we get from where we are to where we want to be. But what should a student do when they face a challenge they can’t tackle on their own? Whether it’s support for a learning disability, help finding an on-campus job, or taking a time-management workshop, Humber’s Student Success and Engagement department works with students to make sure they have the resources and supports they need to be successful. Please visit the "Student Services" link below for additional information.
Privacy
Engaged family members play an important role in a student’s success but it is important to note that under Canadian law, postsecondary students are generally considered to be adults regardless of whether they are 18 years old or not. We cannot communicate with you about your student’s application or education unless they have signed a consent form allowing us to do so. Your student can contact the Office of the Registrar to obtain a consent form.