The Fall 2021 term is underway! 

When you arrive at Humber’s North and Lakeshore campuses, you will notice some new ways and spaces that are designed to better connect our community. 

For those who have not been back to North Campus since March 2020, expect some changes to our infrastructure. 

Work continues on the Finch West Light Rapid Transit line, which will increase community accessibility and sustainability. You will receive periodic updates about the future station and how it will affect traffic flow during construction. Those coming to North Campus and the University of Guelph-Humber should give themselves some extra commuting time as there are lane closures around campus. 

A few months ago, I told you about Humber’s IT Services team’s new, sustainability-focused Open Access Lab at North campus. Students learning in-person this term will be able to visit the cozy, tranquil corner of the H Building.  

I am also excited for you to visit the new Tech Zone at North Campus, located across from the bookstore in H109, which replaces the IT Support Centre counter and expands Humber’s IT services. 

The Tech Zone will showcase both demonstration and support. You can attend a product demonstration or explore new technology at the Innovation Showcase, which also features an interactive wall. 

The Tech Zone’s Service Hub is a collaborative space where students support students and gain valuable work integrated learning experiences. The Service Hub is the place to go to get your tech questions answered, find the right device to support your learning and even book a training or coaching session. 

Our faculty and staff continue to innovate to provide the best possible polytechnic education to Humber students, both in-person and online. They have ensured that students have continued access to important and enriching projects. 

At the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation, Humber students can safely use revamped lab areas, enabling them to continue to find creative solutions to real-world automation challenges. Two recent graduates from the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology took advantage of the SEW-Eurodrive Innovation lab this summer to design a power supply for the German automation company, working with technicians here in Toronto and virtually, with employees overseas.  

Humber Galleries and the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts have kept our Campus as a Canvas initiative going strong. They have ensured that there is more student artwork hanging in our buildings than ever and have dreamed up projects that bring art pieces outside, like Humber alumni and employee Krystal Moodie’s Cones Series displayed at the Humber Cultural Hub (HCH) construction site at Lakeshore.  

HCH is in its first phase of construction, which will be completed over the next two years and will include specialty teaching spaces for media and creative arts programs, a 140-seat Recital Hall and a 300-space student residence addition.  

This landmark building will transform education for the entertainment and creative industries and enable opportunities for community and industry engagement. It is being built to LEED Platinum standards and will incorporate innovative sustainable technologies. 

The International Graduate School building opened its doors during the pandemic and is now welcoming the first cohort of students learning in person. The Humber IGS is located downtown in the heart of Toronto’s Business District. It’s an exceptional space for learning, networking and collaboration. 

Whether you are new or returning to Humber, you will find the Campus Compass wayfinding app helpful. It will help you navigate the North and Lakeshore campuses, and it is updated with information on which services are accessible and where they are located on campus. 

Please remember to download the Humber Guardian app before you come to Campus. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors must still complete a daily check-In using the Humber Guardian App. 

In our buildings, you will see safety signs and stickers reminding you to remain physically distanced and be conscious of COVID-19 related protocols. 

Under Humber’s vaccination policy, by October 18, individuals coming to campus or a Humber facility in person must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated or that they have received an exemption from the college. You can find more information on the new policy at humber.ca/updates, including information for those seeking an exemption. Exemption forms will begin to be distributed the week of September 13. Humber is committed to ensuring that any personal health information submitted to the college will be secure and confidential. 

I look forward to connecting with you all this year in different ways.  

I wish you a successful start to the term.