Students and colleagues,

Over the last few days, the COVID-19 situation has evolved rapidly and we have been monitoring the changes closely. The health and safety of our campus community is always our top priority.

I am writing to provide an important update regarding Humber’s response to COVID-19.

In an effort to minimize the number of people on campus over the next three weeks, we are taking a number of steps. Let me begin with the most important elements:

• Humber has decided to cease the delivery of on-site classes from March 16 to 20. This means that there will be no classes held on campus during that period. This is being done so that College faculty and staff can appropriately plan for remote delivery of classes beginning on March 23rd. This will also allow us the opportunity to undertake a deep cleaning of technical equipment and classrooms.
   
• Contingency plans to address final exams are being prepared, information will be shared in the coming days.
   
• For the week of March 16 to 20 the College will remain open; however, all classes will be cancelled. There will be a limited number of Public Safety, Facilities, Student Services and Registrar’s Office services available during this time. An updated list of available on-campus services will be provided regularly on the Humber Updates page.
   
• From March 23 to April 17, Humber classes will be delivered remotely wherever possible. Support will be available to faculty members during this period.
   
• It is important to note that field and clinical placements will continue in their current mode wherever possible, pending any decisions by placement organizations which may impact their operations.
   
• Humber Residence will remain open and operational. If possible, we encourage students to go home for the week of March 16 to 20 as there will be limited services available on campus.  Communication will be sent to students who live in residence in the coming days.
   
• Humber Libraries are physically closed from March 16 to 20. All online library resources are available. Libraries are expected to reopen (physically) on March 23. 
   
• Humber’s Child Development Centre is closed until further notice. We will monitor the situation and advise families as soon as anything changes.
   
• March Break camp is cancelled. 
   
• The gym/fitness centre will be closed until further notice.
   
• The Humber Community Employment Services Offices will remain open until further notice.
   
• For updates about University of Guelph-Humber campus operations and plans, please visit www.guelphhumber.ca/Covid-19.
   
• For all members of the Humber and Guelph-Humber community, if you are ill, please stay home.

We know that these decisions will cause some disruption, and we apologize for that. We’re in uncharted territory. We have been consulting and liaising with other post-secondary institutions in the province as we all look to protect our communities. One of the key factors in these decisions is the need to foster a degree of “social distancing”, as recommended by public health authorities. On that front, our goal is to help interrupt the chain of transmission in the wider community, thereby protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that our health care system will not become overburdened. 

More detailed information about these changes will be available for students, faculty, and staff on www.humber.ca/updates. We will continue to update the FAQs and post other important information. I urge you to review the site on a regular basis.

As a reminder, we have increased cleaning of high touch point areas, using a chemical that kills both coronavirus and norovirus. Electrostatic fogging machines are also being used twice a week in cafeterias, open computer labs, high-traffic washrooms, athletic changerooms, health centres, residence, etc. This includes the cleaning of keyboards and monitors in the open access labs. Electrostatic fogging machines seal surfaces so that germs are unable to attach to them.  Soap and hospital-grade hand sanitizer dispensers across campus are monitored and filled regularly.

Finally, I want to thank everyone for your patience and understanding.

To the Humber faculty and staff who have been working long hours the last several weeks to ensure we are prepared to manage the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our community – thank you.

To our students: these are unusual times and we know the current situation may be causing stress and uncertainty. If students or employees need support or counselling, there are resources to help. Post-secondary students can access the Good2Talk Helpline at 1-866-925-5454. Therapy Assist Online provides online and mobile tools and is also available to students. Full-time employees may access the Employee Assistance Program.

The College’s Critical Incident Response Team, which is responsible for COVID-19 oversight, planning and preparation, is staying on top of the developments. This is a dynamic situation and things can continue to change quickly.

It’s a challenging time and I appreciate your understanding and patience. We all look forward to the day when we can resume our regular activities. We will get through this together.

Chris Whitaker
President and CEO, Humber ITAL