Academic Council met for the first time this semester on Thursday, September 13, 2012, at the North campus. In the interest of keeping the Humber community informed about upcoming events, new initiatives, and important issues, I’ll be reporting on the highlights of the monthly meetings. For more information on any topic, or to give me feedback on the reports, please feel free to contact me directly, at lisa.salem-wiseman@humber.ca.
Strategic Planning
Humber College’s new president, Dr. Chris Whitaker, addressed council members for the first time, speaking with enthusiasm about the upcoming opportunity to develop Humber’s next Strategic Plan, building on our strengths as we take the vision of excellence in polytechnic education to the next level.
In addition, the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities has asked each postsecondary institution in Ontario to enter into a process of developing a Strategic Mandate Agreement. By September 30, each institution must submit an eight-page SMA document identifying three priority objectives and outlining the institutional strengths that will help it achieve those priorities. President Whitaker pointed out that this is an opportunity for Humber to demonstrate what already differentiates us from other institutions, and to identify ways to build on that excellence as we move forward.
Ruth MacKay and Rick Embree further explained the Strategic Mandate Agreement process, and introduced the three proposed priorities for Humber College, which are:
- Enhancing student choice: expanding degrees and pathways
- Demonstrating leadership in teaching and learning excellence: focus on student success and graduate outcomes
- Supporting teaching and learning through technology
Council members and members of the Strategic Mandate Agreement Planning Task Force had the opportunity to discuss the three proposed priorities, and to consider what fundamental principles and questions should guide the upcoming development of Humber’s next Strategic Plan.
Startup, Fall 2012
John Mason and Barb Riach gave us an update on enrollment. Humber College has admitted approximately 23,000 full-time students (11,500 new and 11,600 returning) for the Fall 2012 semester. Our new program offerings at the degree, diploma, and postgraduate levels generated additional interest in Humber, resulting in increased applications and enrollment. Significantly, first choice applications to Humber increased by almost 1.5%, with over 18,680 students selecting Humber as their top choice for Fall 2012.
Chantal Joy provided a snapshot of some of the exciting changes to orientation this fall, including a more visually appealing and user-friendly website, a live band welcoming students to the Lakeshore orientation, an HSF carnival at the north campus, and a new First Year Experience peer mentoring program to assist first semester students with their transition to college life. 96 per cent of students surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that orientation was important and worth attending, and 97 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that, as a result of attending orientation, they were happy with the decision to attend Humber.
Campus Improvements
Carol Anderson spoke to us about some of the major projects at both campuses. At the North campus, a new open access computer lab and student lounge is now located in LX109. The welcoming new space houses 76 independent computer spaces, a meeting room, study spaces, and a lounge with a fireplace. Also at the North campus, Seventh Semester has been modernized and equipped with technological upgrades, transforming it into a state-of-the-art meeting space.
At the Lakeshore campus, the new Tim Hortons is currently under construction, and is scheduled to open later this fall. In addition, the second floor of the Community Medical Services Building is now fully occupied, with the addition of an event planning lab, an 80-seat computer lab, and faculty offices.
Pervez Ditta walked us through some of the recent and planned changes to the parking lots at the North campus, which will be completed by the end of September. The new road, LED lighting, emergency phones and cctv cameras have improved safety for both drivers and transit users. By 2016, the bus loop and new parking deck will be completed, improving service, safety and traffic flow on campus.
New Programs
In order to prepare students to work in the rapidly changing digital media landscape, the School of Media Studies and Information Technology will be offering a four-year Bachelor of Digital Communications program, which includes one 14-week work placement. Areas of study include digital production, writing development, communications theory, and portfolio development. The program has been designed to complement existing diploma programs within the school and will provide students in those programs with a pathway to degree completion at Humber.
The new one-year Certificate in General Arts and Science – Technology fits the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ strategy of offering underprepared students pathways to diploma or degree studies at Humber. The program will help to address the needs of the many students seeking to enter programs within the School of Applied Technology who do not meet the entrance requirements. Students will spend two semesters upgrading their skills and knowledge in math, English, and science, while simultaneously acquiring credits that will transfer to their target programs.
IT Services Update
Scott Briggs gave us an update on Information Technology Services, including the upcoming transition of Humber staff and faculty to Microsoft Outlook for email and calendar. The implementation will occur department by department, with the goal of having everyone using the new platform within twelve months. For those needing assistance with the transition, an Outlook page has been added to the Communiqué, offering both quick-reference and more detailed guides. Face-to-face training will also be available for those needing more help.
Finally, the addition of a backup telecommunication link between the North and Lakeshore campuses means that Lakeshore students, faculty, and staff will experience more reliable technical services with a greatly reduced risk of disruption.