At the November College Council meeting, a request was made for further clarification of the rationale for moving the first day of classes from Wednesday, January 7th to Monday, January 12th 2015.

In order to provide the best opportunity for student success, it is critical that students, faculty and staff have a smooth start to academic delivery and related campus start-up activities such as student orientation.

The following factors and issues were considered in changing the Winter 2015 start date:

1. It is critical to ensure that students are fully registered and schedules are completed in time for the beginning of classes. With college employees returning to work on January 5th, and given the complexities of registering and welcoming close to 3000 new students, it was determined that a January 7th class start did not provide adequate time for these activities.
2. Many of Humber’s courses combine both theory and practical application and in many cases it is ideal that this content is delivered in the same instructional week. It was recognized that a Monday start would allow for the proper sequencing of these academic activities.
3. Existing data shows that participation in academic and campus orientation is a critical factor in supporting student success. A later start provides additional time for faculty and staff to prepare to greet our students, and increases the availability of students to participate (particularly international students who may arrive late and students relying on work to support the cost of their education). The New Student Orientation date has been changed to January 8th 2015.
4. A review of start dates for other GTA colleges indicates that most will begin classes on or after January 12th. The additional time provided is utilized for academic advising.
5. Students have not yet registered and will not have their academic schedules until late December and the exam schedule will not be finalized until mid-March. As such students will not know any potential impact that the change may have, and are being directed to Program Coordinators for any additional academic/scheduling issues that may be identified in the new year. The college is committed to ensuring that accommodations are made for any students impacted by the change to end-of-term date (to May 1st 2015). As required and when available, additional instructions will be provided both to students and staff.

Any additional questions should be raised with the appropriate Dean or Director, with the Registrar's Office providing clarification as required.

Jason Hunter
Vice President
Student and Community Engagement

Laurie Rancourt
Senior Vice President
Academic