On March 5, the Centre for Innovation in Health and Wellness (CIHW) celebrated and recognized the outstanding achievements of the students who participated in 2024 Health Innovation Challenge on finding innovative ways to engage youth in prevention and management of Type 2 Diabetes.

Thank you to our COI partners, the Longo Centre for Entrepreneurship and the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation, for their tremendous support. Much gratitude also goes to Novo Nordisk Canada for their financial support for this year’s event and for their commitment to prevention and management of diabetes.

This challenge was an excellent demonstration of inter-disciplinary and cross-faculty approach towards finding innovative ways to engage youth in solving complex health problem of diabetes. 

A total of eight teams of students from 16 different programs across the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology, Longo Faculty of Business, Health Sciences & Wellness, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Media & Creative Arts, and Social & Community Services competed this year. The student participants came from programs such as: Electrical Engineering Technology, Business Management, Research Analysis, Food and Nutrition Management, Graphic Design, and Addictions and Mental Health. 

This International Women’s Day, we reflect on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusivity and celebrate empowerment and the trailblazers who broke barriers, paving the way for future generations.

Desiree McKenzie is a Humber alumna (Bachelor of Creative Advertising, 2018), award-winning interdisciplinary artist, and National Poetry Slam champion. Through her art, she hopes to tap into the little things that make us who we are. 

In her International Women’s Day poem titled Firsts, she aims to inspire inclusion.

March 10 marks the start of Ramadan

Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber are committed to the principles of human rights, equity, inclusion, and belonging. March 10, 2024, marks the start of Ramadan.  

Celebrated during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, introspection, reflection, and a time to focus on spirituality and charity. During Ramadan, many Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, breaking their fast with dates and water and a meal called Iftar.  

The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid-al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr, this year starting on April 9, 2024, celebrates the end of the month of Ramadan and involves food and gatherings.  

As a reminder, many Humber students, faculty and staff may be fasting during this month. Please be mindful that they may require accommodation, such as flexibility related to scheduling or extensions, to observe and celebrate. When this holy month overlaps with exam season, Muslim students may have increased anxiety around deadlines, altered sleep patterns, changes in energy levels and commitment to prayer timings.

If you have questions regarding the duty to accommodate based on creed, please contact humanrights@humber.ca.

The Humber community is encouraged to learn more about this important time for many and to support those who are fasting. 

Here are some ways to support students and employees: 

• Flexibility: Be adaptable with deadlines. Ramadan fasts range from sun up to sun down. If a student or staff member asks for an extension, strongly consider granting it. 
• Make concessions: A pillar of Islam is the five daily prayers, which become even more essential during Ramadan. Allow breaks for those who request the time to complete their prayers. You may wish to discuss break timings with your students or staff ahead of time to promote an easy transition. 
• Advocate: Be an ally in your department for students and staff who are fasting or observing Ramadan. For example, consider team-building activities that do not involve food or drink during this time.  
• Exams: Depending on scheduled exam times, students may request accommodations.  

We wish you a peaceful and happy Ramadan.

The Office of Research and Innovation is very excited to share details about our inaugural launch of the Applied Research Program (Accelerated) for this coming May-June! 

This opportunity is open to any faculty or staff who are interested in learning more about the applied research process and collaborating with peers. 

ORI will sponsor one member from each Faculty and Department for this professional development opportunity. Additional departmental members are welcome to join with confirmation from their manager. If you’re interested, please contact the Dean or department head of your respective faculty or department.

Please find attached a poster with further program details.

We look forward to confirming our participants by March 15, 2024.