Usually at the end of a term, I post a blog about the accomplishments and milestones of the previous months and look ahead to what’s next.

This term has been unlike any other. I think it is safe to say that none of us expected to have COVID-19 impact our work, education and lives to the extent that it has. We had to pivot quickly to move the final weeks of the Winter 2020 term to online delivery to ensure that the members of our community could stay safe at home. This took a tremendous amount of work and collaboration and I am extraordinarily proud of the faculty and staff who came together to make this happen in record time.

Also, I am so impressed by our students. They have shown tremendous adaptability and resilience during an often-unpredictable time in our collective history. To our students, I know that you likely did not envision your winter and summer terms looking like they do. Please know that we continue to put your health and well-being first.

Understanding that you still need and want the services that you have come to expect from Humber, we continue to provide supports online and by phone. A full list of services and the manner in which they are delivered can be found here.

I know this is a challenging time. If at any time you need immediate personal support or counselling, you can access the Good2Talk Helpline at 1-866-925-5454, or use Therapy Assist Online, which provides online and mobile tools.

Although this global public health crisis is affecting us all, we know that our students are among those impacted the most. This is why Humber has launched the SOS (Support our Students) Fund to aid students in need due to COVID-19, with a goal to raise $500,000 from the Humber community and our networks. 

We have also compiled a list of Government Financial Aid options so you can learn about what’s available, in addition to the financial aid that is administered by Humber directly.

I look forward to when we can all return to campus. I miss seeing colleagues in the hallway and students learning and collaborating in our classrooms, labs and learning spaces. I know you do as well.

In the meantime, we are finding ways to connect virtually. On Saturday, April 18, we will be hosting our first-ever virtual Open House so prospective students can get a sense of what it is like to be a Humber student. Visitors can explore featured videos highlighting services, departments, faculties and student stories. Virtual campus tour videos and Instagram stories will also provide a feel of what the campus really looks like. Live sessions will provide an opportunity for people to ask faculty and staff questions as well.

I hope what shines through during Open House is that Humber really is a community. One that is committed to teaching and learning excellence and supporting student success. As a community, we may be separated physically, but we are all in this together. Please visit our updates page for ongoing information.

Be well. Stay safe.