Announcements

When:
June 19, 2024

This week’s focus is on asssessment, curriculum and instruction, and digital learning and technology barriers.

The report discussed the following regarding barriers in assessment, curriculum and instruction: 

  • Post-secondary institutions struggle with providing equitable access to assessments, curriculum and instruction for students with disabilities 
  • This struggle is the result of higher education evolving from a system that did not consider the full inclusion of students with a diverse range of abilities and learning needs 

Recommendations from the report included: 

  1. The Ontario government shall work with post-secondary institutions, especially with their centres for teaching and learning, to create a common set of accessibility standards for all teaching and learning offered through the post-secondary institutions 
  2. Post-secondary institutions are to identify and publicly communicate the bona fide and essential academic requirements of a program or course in multiple locations. Such as the program website, program manual, course outlines/syllabus, and teaching and learning plans. 

The report discussed the following regarding digital learning and technology barriers: 

  • An accessible digital learning environment means that students with disabilities can access and use technology, produce and consume content, and engage in learning independently and effectively. 

Recommendations from the report include: 

  1. Equitable access to resources, opportunities and services shall be made available to learners with disabilities at no additional cost to the learner. 
  2. Each post-secondary institution shall develop a digital accessibility plan which provides processes and policies to ensure all users access the same digital information or digital services regardless of the impairments they may experience. 

The full report is available online

Visit our ALS Information for Faculty website to learn more about accommodating students with disabilities. 

Please email us at accessible-learning@humber.ca with suggestions for key accessibility-related topics that you would like us to address through the Communiqué.

When:
June 18, 2024
Calendar of IT maintenance dates

Information Technology Services has three "operational excellence nights" scheduled for the coming year. During these scheduled nights, most (if not all) technical services will be temporarily unavailable.

Understanding that shutdowns of any kind are inconvenient, they are necessary so Information Technology Services and its network of partners can carry out critical infrastructure activities on behalf of the Humber community including:

  1. Patching/updating hardware and software assets against security threats to keep Humber's data safe.
  2. Testing the organization's business continuity solutions to mitigate against unexpected service interruptions.
  3. Optimizing the performance of key business systems to ensure a consistently positive end-user experience.

Operational Excellence Nights for this year, as well as the next two years, are as follows:

2024 Dates

2025 Dates

2026 Dates

March 9-10

March 8-9

March 14-15

June 22-23

June 21-22

June 27-28

November 9-10

November 9-10

November 14-15

Each of the scheduled nights will start Saturday evening and carry into early Sunday morning.

IMPORTANT: Work of an urgent nature may, occasionally, necessitate additional service interruptions. In such cases, Information Technology Services will make every effort to schedule the work (with advance notice) early in the morning, late at night, or over a weekend to minimize the impact to operations.

Questions? Concerns? Please contact: 

The IT Support Centre at 416.675.6622 x8888. You can also reach out to humber.ca/techtalk (24x7 live chat)  

When:
June 18, 2024
Side of glass building

The DSX Program comprises three initiatives that will integrate and support each other in delivering on the promise of simplifying and personalizing the Humber student journey. In February, we shared some details about the three elements of the DSX program, and I am pleased to be able to provide updates on the progress of this important work to date. 

Enterprise Web Strategy – Digital Experience Platform and Content Management System (DXP)  

Humber has been working with external vendor Northern Commerce on the DXP project. In March 2024, more than 2,700 people were surveyed about Humber’s current website and what elements would be beneficial in redesigning the site. This survey group included current students and staff, prospects and alumni. Following this work, the DXP team is developing a personalized and continuous browsing experience across all Humber sites, including:  

  • Adjusting content based on data analytics to improve the experience for prospective students  
  • Creating standardized, modular design components to support the simplified creation/update of content  
  • Maintaining a brand presence and a consistent look and feel across all of Humber’s websites  
  • A new centralized way to easily search, share and download digital assets such as photos, video clips, etc.

Within this platform are a Content Management System and a Digital Asset Management System. The Content Management System will host all of Humber’s websites on a modern, centrally managed platform. The first website to launch with a refined look and functionality will be the International webpage in August, followed by an updated Real Estate Education Program webpage. 

The Digital Asset Management System will be a content hub with Humber brand assets, photography, video and graphic elements for use across Humber in communications and other material. As we recently shared in the Communiqué, an initial set of 2,500 to 3,000 high-quality photos will be searchable and accessible for download through the DAM in June. Read the full DAM update.  

Digital Identity (DI) 

DI will provide a single Humber identity that offers personalized and secure experiences in every interaction. DI includes:  

  • One single identity through your entire Humber journey  
  • Access automatically evolves with roles  
  • Single, universal and evolving profile that is consistently available across the applications you use 

In May, we finalized the high-level DI architecture supporting this work. We also began to define the vendor selection process and engage with internal DI partners. We are on track to select our implementation partner and start the design phase in June.   

Enrolment and Admissions Rethinking (E&AR)

Enrolment & Admissions Rethinking (E&AR) focuses on automation that will offer faster admissions decisions and a personalized process that builds early relationships with prospects and applicants. Once fully implemented, this will help Humber achieve strategic enrolment goals by providing personalized interactions through a centralized online admissions experience. 

The E&AR team has concluded the initial discovery phase, which involved workshops to capture and confirm more than 380 functional requirements and build a future state process flow. Consultation and input will continue as the team moves into the next phase of the project and proceeds with the release of the first admissions in 2025.   

The input of the Humber community is critical to all aspects of DSX work. I am grateful for the cross-project collaboration and integration that is happening with DXP, DI and E&AR.  
 
Scott Briggs 
Vice-President, Digital Innovation and CIO

When:
June 18, 2024
Contact:
Occupational Health and Safety Services

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Toronto and most of the province, and this is expected to last throughout the week. This heat wave, and the potential for a hot and humid summer, is a great opportunity to review some of the hazards associated with working outdoors and how to stay safe.

Heat stress is a concern for anybody who is exposed to hot and humid environments. When exposed to extreme temperatures, excess stress is placed on the body’s ability to cool itself. Heat stress can lead to a variety of illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat stress is a particular concern when physical work is being performed, if there is not enough fluid in the body, or if there is a pre-existing medical condition.

Consider the following precautions and tips to stay safe when working or spending time outdoors this week and throughout the summer:

  • Minimize prolonged exposure to the sun, and avoid strenuous activities, particularly during mid-day hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Take regular rest breaks.
  • Keep cool: find shade or air-conditioned spaces, where possible.
  • Consider wearing lightweight, breathable, and long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  • Wear a hat and sunglasses, when possible.
  • Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
  • Apply and reapply sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30.
  • Know the signs and symptoms of heat stress in yourself and those around you. These symptoms include excessive sweating, headaches, dizziness, cramping, and fainting. Notify a supervisor before these signs and symptoms occur.
  • If you manage workers who work outdoors, monitor outdoor temperatures and determine appropriate measures to keep your workers safe.
When:
June 17, 2024
Contact:
Candace Iron
Tel:
x72036

In May 2024, the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences launched the FLAS Grab 'n Go Food Bank. It is located at the North Campus on the 5th floor of the LRC outside of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The Grab 'n Go Food Bank has been a tremendous success, providing members of the Humber community with non-perishable food items every day.

While we recognize that need does not wane during the warmer months, the Grab 'n Go Food Bank must take a break for the remainder of the Summer term.

We would like to thank all those who have contributed to this worthy cause this Spring, donating food items, helping us stock the Grab 'n Go cart, and getting messaging out to learners and other members of the Humber community - your contributions and support are very much appreciated.

The Grab 'n Go Food Bank will be back in the Fall, and we will continue to support members of our Humber community in any way we can.

Until then, we wish you all a safe and happy Summer break, and if you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please reach out to your local food bank.

When:
June 17, 2024
Contact:
Meagan Shepherd
Posters/Attachments: Event Poster
Banner reading "Just wanted to say thanks!"

It was so nice seeing so many of our colleagues at the President’s BBQ to learn more about Humber Gives and the important role this initiative plays for Humber students.

At Humber, our goal is to ensure that students achieve academic success and well-being, both inside and outside the classroom, so that they can one day graduate and reach their full potential.

As a Humber Gives supporter, your generosity over the past year ensures that our students continue to thrive and feel supported when they need it the most.

If you did not have a chance to pick up your 'Grow Your Own Garden' seed packet at the BBQ, please feel free to drop by the Advancement and Alumni office, LRC fifth floor, to pick up your small gift.

To all supporters, thank you again for going above and beyond and making a difference for our students!

To join the Humber Gives circle of support before the new academic year begins – please contribute below by making a donation or supporting through payroll deductions.

Take care and all the best for a wonderful summer.

Donate today | Donate through Payroll deductions

From the Advancement and Alumni team

When:
June 17, 2024
Posters/Attachments: Event Poster

As we approach the culmination of another academic year, it’s time for the Humber College community to come together and celebrate the incredible achievements of our students at the upcoming June 21 convocation ceremony. Convocation is a moment of pride and a time to reflect on the impact we have had as educators and mentors.

In the June FAST Times, we celebrate our students’ growth and development at the Skills Ontario and Skills Canada Competitions where 13 FAST students were awarded 11 medals at the Ontario Competition Closing Ceremony, and three students won gold and silver at the Skills Canada National Competition in Quebec City.

Paul Griffin
Senior Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology

When:
June 17, 2024

Here are a few key things to keep in mind as you prepare for the Fall semester: 

Faculty Orientation – the week of August 19 
Faculty Orientation is designed to provide non-full-time and new full-time instructors with helpful training and teaching and learning support in preparation for a successful teaching experience at Humber including sessions on “Getting Ready to Teach at Humber” and “Getting Started in Blackboard”. 
 
Registration will open via the Programs & Events page on our website in the coming weeks. Please watch Communiqué for updates. 

Blackboard Courses for Fall 
Live Blackboard courses for the Fall semester will be available to teaching faculty around the start of August and will show up under the “Upcoming Courses” tab at learn.humber.ca. 

Blackboard Backup Reminder 
Please don’t forget to back up and archive any courses that have now ended, as Blackboard courses are deleted after a year and a month in alignment with our file management processes.  

Fall 2022 course content will be deleted at the end of September in Fall 2024. We recommend getting ahead of the game and backing up any completed courses now. Helpful information on backing up courses can be found online.

For additional support, please browse our teaching resources or contact the IL Support Centre

When:
June 17, 2024
Posters/Attachments: Event Poster

Update: June 17, 2024 to July 26, 2024

As part of the Finch West Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project, crews will be doing minor works and final paving between Humber College Boulevard to Hwy 27 along Finch Avenue West. Notice will be updated as required to reflect any significant traffic staging.

The work is scheduled to start on June 17, 2024, and will last for six (6) weeks, approximately

Work may be rescheduled due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

Please take extra care when navigating near work sites, and always make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of any equipment or vehicle.

There will be a Paid Duty Officer, flaggers, and detour signs to direct traffic, as needed.

Minor field modifications may occur when needed to complete work safely and minimize impact on the public.

Noise and vibration will be monitored when required during these activities.

When:
June 14, 2024
Contact:
Hedi Rahmat
Map of North Campus Buildings A, B, C, and D

We would like to inform you of an ongoing construction activities affecting access to Buildings A, B, C, and D at the North Campus. The construction has already begun and is expected to continue for several months, and during this period, certain areas and facilities within these buildings will be temporarily inaccessible.

Key Details:

  • Buildings A, B, C, and D: Expect partial closures and restricted access.
  • Affected Areas: Faculty of Business (Culinary Programs, Golf Management, Sports Management, and Spa Programs), Faculty of Health Sciences (Massage Therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine Programs), TCM Clinic, Athletics, Support Staff Union, and all classes on the second floor of Buildings B and D.

We encourage all students, staff, and faculty to plan accordingly and allow extra time for navigating the campus during this period.

Weekly Layout Updates: The layout for each week's closures will be posted on the Friday of the preceding week.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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