An assembly of faculty, support staff, students, and administrators, Humber Polytechnic Council (HPC) is Humber’s collective employee voice, making suggestions to Humber Polytechnic’s President as it relates to long and short‐term institutional priorities.
At its second meeting of the academic year, Humber Polytechnic Council (HPC) welcomed presentations on Humber’s employee engagement survey, 2024-25 budget and financial update, and new sustainability vision and action plan.
HUMBER EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT SURVEY
Cheryl Pinto, Manager, Employee Engagement & Learning and Julia Pavlov, Talent Development Analyst
Humber launched an employee engagement survey in March 2024. It was conducted by McLean & Company to ensure data confidentiality and objectivity. 5,768 Humber and University of Guelph-Humber full-time and part-time administrative, support, and academic staff, and work study student were surveyed, with 2,202 (38 per cent) responding. Overall, Humber performed slightly better than McLean & Company’s benchmark.
The overall results were presented to HPC, with thematic areas divided into four categories:
- Improve: Areas in need of improvement include company potential, department leadership, and employee growth and development
- Evaluate: Areas Humber is working on and could benefit from further focus include department collaboration, recognition, work-life balance, total compensation, and executive leadership.
- Leverage: Areas to be built on include employee empowerment, culture, inclusion, and working environment.
- Maintain: Areas where Humber is excelling include coworker and manager relationships.
Action plans are currently being developed by the various departments focused on the Improve category relative to their areas.
2024-25 BUDGET & FINANCIAL UPDATE
Sanjay Gandhi, Director, Financial Planning
HPC was reminded of the context for this financial update: Earlier this year, the federal government introduced key changes to the student visa program, placing a hard cap on international enrolment. Additionally, there have been no changes to the Tuition Fee framework, meaning that Humber cannot increase tuition, despite increasing needs for student support systems.
Humber’s 24/25 enrolment is forecasted at 65,927 (36,913 domestic; 29,014 International). The forecasted revenue excess over expenses is projected at $11 million, $1 million over what was budgeted.
HUMBER’S NEW SUSTAINABILITY VISION & ACTION PLAN
Lindsay Walker, Director, Office of Sustainability
Humber is in the process of developing its new sustainability vision and action plan. Through several consultation sessions and an online form, 750 people engaged in the plan’s development. A draft plan was tabled with HPC for their input.
The working vision for the new plan is Be the climate action blueprint for the world. To realize this vision, four draft focus areas are proposed:
- Educate: Dynamic, forward-thinking programs and courses that empower every graduate to shape a more sustainable world.
- Lead: Provide global leadership in sustainable campus development, transforming Humber into a model of environmental sustainability.
- Engage: Deepen a sustainability culture that translates knowledge into action for a more resilient future.
- Drive: Embed sustainability into the foundations of Humber’s institutional policy, structures, and decision-making to achieve our institutional goals.
Specific actions were shared relative to each focus area. To track Humber’s progress, the plan aligns with the Sustainability Tracking and Assessment Rating System (STARS) – which identifies the key components of a leading sustainable post-secondary institution.
NEXT HPC MEETING The next Humber Polytechnic Council meeting will be held in person on November 21, 2024.
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS about HPC meeting highlights, contact regan.mancini@humber.ca. For all other inquiries, contact shovani.samalia@humber.ca.
