Academic Council met for the third time this semester on Thursday, March 14, 2013, 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
Rick Embree and Ruth MacKay provided an update on the Strategic Planning process. The Strategic Planning Steering Committee has combined the data from the Strategic Planning Kick-Off Survey, the HSF Roundtable, the Student Success Roundtables, and the Industry Partners Roundtable, and has developed the Student Success Framework, which represents a synthesis of the input gathered during the early stages of the consultation process. The Student Success Framework identifies three high-level themes that have emerged from the process:
- Strengthening our Polytechnic Identity
- Ensure an optimum program/credential mix within a strategic enrolment management framework
- Lead the system in providing innovative pathways
- Position Humber as a distinctive provider of postsecondary education
- Sustained Focus on Learning Excellence
- Ensure an exceptional student experience
- Leadership in innovative teaching and learning strategies
- Live the values of a ‘learning organization’
- Maximizing the Impact of Partnerships
- Ensure essential industry linkages
- Build and maintain beneficial relationships with alumni
- Creative connections with education and community partners
Members of Council had the opportunity to discuss these themes in small working groups and to provide our feedback. If you would like to learn more about the Student Success Framework and provide your feedback to the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, please visit www.humber.ca/imaginehumber/ and click on “Student Success Framework.”
Long-Term Capital Plan
Rani Dhaliwal, Carol Anderson, and Sanjay Puri updated members of Council on Humber’s 2012 Long Term Capital Plan. Currently, Humber’s capacity is at 61 square feet per full-time student, which is well below the provincial average of 97.9 square feet per fullt-time student. With anticipated enrollment growth, the current and projected space needs at the North Campus total 78,974 square feet, which includes labs, offices, classrooms, and student spaces. Planned projects at the North include the Learning Resource Commons, an academic building, and a lecture hall. In addition, to address parking needs, Humber is considering acquiring property at Highway 27 and Carrier Drive. With extended shuttle service, this property would serve both Carrier Drive and the North Campus.
At the Lakeshore Campus, there is a total space need of 159,960 square feet, including labs, classrooms, student services, library, athletics, offices, and an academic centre. To meet these needs, Humber plans to redevelop a number of nearby properties, and to acquire 24 acres of vacant land on Birmingham and 13th St., which would be used for parking as well as an academic building There are also plans to build a Welcome Centre, which would house Student Services, and a 5-storey academic building on the current site of Building A, which would provide space for labs, classrooms, and offices. In addition, renovations are planned for the library, athletics, and food services, and we are also exploring potential solutions to address the need for residence spaces and parking.
New Programs
In response to an identified labour market need for healthcare managers, The Business School will launch a new four-year degree: Bachelor of Commerce - Healthcare Management. As with Humber’s ten existing Bachelor of Commerce degrees, the first two years of the program will develop foundational knowledge in such areas as organizational behaviour, law, economics, finance, marketing, and operations. The last two years of the program will focus on the Canadian healthcare system and the specialized knowledge required to respond effectively to today's complex healthcare environment. The program includes one 14-week work placement. Although the degree will be offered by The Business School, the program was developed in collaboration with the School of Health Sciences, and the curriculum in the second and third years will be delivered by faculty from both schools. The program will be of interest to students who wish to move into entry-level administrative or management positions in the health sector or who are interested in analytical jobs in health policy.
Rick Embree spoke to members of Council about the process of developing proposals for new programs and gave Council an overview of programs that are currently under consideration for development. New programming is very important for Humber. When developing a new program, key considerations include the program’s fit with Humber’s strategic direction and within a school’s mandate, opportunities for field placements, required facilities and equipment, and the types of work opportunities available for graduates. Currently, Humber has several programs under consideration for development, including degrees, diplomas, advanced diplomas, certificates, and post-graduate certificates.
Enterprise Systems Project
Elaine Popp, Scott Briggs, and Sharon Kinasz provided Council with an update on the Enterprise Systems Project, beginning with a review of the project benefits, which include:
- an increased ability to support student choice and mobility by improving the recognition of programs and courses on student transcripts
- an opportunity to redesign our core academic and business procedures to better support students
- a move to modern, integrated, industry-standard computer systems, which will allow us to build on new opportunities
A significant component of the project involves the implementation of the Banner Finance and Student Systems. “Banner” refers to a suite of different pieces of technology that allows students, faculty, and staff to access information. Components of the student system are currently in place, with more scheduled to be added between now and the beginning of August.
Faculty and staff will be provided with role-specific training, through both in-class and e-learning options. Employee groups will be notified by email when training is available and provided details on how to register. Drop-in sessions will also be offered.
The Enterprise Systems Project website provides a timeline for the implementation of the system, information about the system, frequently asked questions, training schedules, quick-reference guides, detailed guides, and e-learning modules. The site is updated frequently, so please check back regularly: www.humber.ca/esp
Humber Students’ Federation
Bhalinder Bedi, Ashley Martin, and Teresa Silva provided council with an update on recent HSF activities. February was Mental Health Awareness month, and HSF kicked off the month with a “Blue Monday” event on January 21, as part of an ongoing effort to destigmatize mental illness. Subsequent events included a Massage Day at the University of Guelph-Humber, and a De-Stress Day during which students at the North and Lakeshore Campuses were invited to escape the stress of midterms by relaxing in the Student Centre with pillows and blankets, while listening to tranquil music and eating healthy snacks.
In addition, HSF has partnered with Dr. Rummy Gill, Manager of Humber Counseling Services, to offer the Bounceback Award, which will be given to a Humber student overcoming mental illness. The recipient of the award receives $500, with an additional $500 donated to the mental health charity of their choosing. There were twenty applicants for the award.
HSF elections ran from March 11 – 15, 2013. The governance structure is in the process of being changed for increased transparency and accountability.