Announcements

When:
June 19, 2025
Contact:
Innovative Learning

Innovative Learning (IL) invites you to a series of hands-on, faculty-centred workshops designed to support your professional practice as Humber faculty. Whether you are looking to explore the potential of Generative AI, create engaging online content with Articulate, or make the most of your Blackboard courses, these sessions are here to help.

Each workshop offers practical strategies, ideas and tools you can immediately apply to enrich student engagement and create meaningful learning experiences.

Join us to connect with your faculty colleagues, share ideas, and grow together in your teaching journey.

Below is the list of professional learning workshops designed for Humber faculty. They are offered virtually or on campus for the July - August 2025 semester:

Gen AI

  • Why AI Checkers Don't Work and What You Can Do About It
  • From Concept to Practice: Harnessing Generative AI to Personalize Learning
  • Intentional Intelligence: Considerations for Building a Custom AI Agent

Curriculum and Assessment Design  

  • Introduction to Competency Based Education
  • Designing Effectively for Online Teaching/Learning

Articulate Software for Creating Online Course Content  

  • Articulate Rise: Introduction

COSSID, Educational Technology, Blackboard Ultra, AODA and Accessibility

  • Navigating and Utilizing the Blackboard Ultra Gradebook

For a complete list of workshop descriptions, dates and link to register, visit the IL Programs & Events page.

When:
June 19, 2025

It is with mixed emotions that I share the news that Jenny Hill has accepted an exciting new position as a Research Scientist at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

Jenny joined the Faculty of Media, Creative Arts, and Design (FMCAD) in October 2023 as Associate Dean of the Design Cluster. With her innovative vision and strong leadership, she played a key role in the successful transition of this cluster from the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology (FAST) to FMCAD, an important milestone for both Faculties.

As many of you know, Jenny holds a doctorate in water resources engineering from the University of Toronto. Her passion for hydrology and stormwater management has led her back to this field, where she will continue to make a meaningful impact through her research and expertise.

Although her time with us has been brief, Jenny has made a lasting impression on FMCAD. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside her, and I will personally miss her insight, energy, and collegiality.

Jenny’s last day with FMCAD will be July 2. Please join me in congratulating her and wishing her continued success as she embarks on this exciting new chapter.

Sincerely,

Guillermo Acosta | Senior Dean (he/him)
Faculty of Media, Creative Arts, and Design

When:
June 18, 2025
Poster for Operational Excellence Nights

Information Technology Services has several "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:

2025 Dates

2026 Dates

2027 Dates

March 8-9

March 14-15

March 13-14

June 21-22

June 20-21

June 19-20

November 8-9

November 14-15

November 13-14

Each of the scheduled nights will start Saturday evening and carry forward 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:

Humber Technical Support at 416.822.8888. You can also reach out to humber.ca/techtalk (24x7 live chat).

When:
June 16, 2025
Posters/Attachments: Event Poster
Poster for Barrett STEAM Academy with photo of children using laptop computer.

The Barrett STEAM Academy is a 12-week tech and creativity journey for students in Grades 6–12. It's an exciting Saturday program where students explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) through real-world projects and interactive activities.

Join us at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation, Humber Polytechnic North Campus – made possible by the Barrett Family Foundation.

What will students learn?

Each session uses project-based learning to explore real-world technologies and creative tools:

  • Automated Systems
  • Coding and Algorithms
  • 3D Design and Printing
  • Robotics and Sensors
  • Webpage Creation
  • Virtual Environments
  • Final Project and Prototype Presentation

Students will design their own working prototype and present it at a final showcase, with opportunities to win awards for creativity and innovation.

Registration fee:

12 weeks for only $100!

Program schedule:

Saturdays from September 13 to Decembver 6, 2025 (No class on October 11 due to a holiday)

  • STEAM Academy Sr. for Grades 9 to 12 - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  •  STEAM Academy Jr. for Grades 6 to 8 - 1 to 4 p.m. 

Ready to join the Barrett STEAM Academy?

Register now at humber.ca/barrettsteamacademy.

For more information, email us at barrettsteamacademy@humber.ca.

When:
June 17, 2025

A key priority of the Digital Campus Plan is the enhancement of the student experience with a focus on simplifying and personalizing the journey from prospective student to alumni. The Digital Student Experience (DSX) program components support three actions in the student experience priority of the plan: Enterprise Web Strategy (Digital Experience Platform, DXP), Enrolment and Admissions Rethinking (E&AR), and Digital Identity (DI). 

Over the last year, several significant milestones have been achieved in this work.  

Digital Experience Platform (DXP) 

The objective of the DXP is to implement a scalable platform for personalized web experience using content management and digital asset management systems. Below are some of the milestones of the past year: 

  • Humber’s Digital Asset Management system was launched in June 2024. It provides a centralized hub for managing photos, videos, and graphics, with enhanced searchability, organization, and sharing features. Accessible through single sign-on, this hub reduces duplication of assets and supports brand consistency across the organization. 
  • In August 2024, Humber launched new international webpages in the first phase of the transition to DXP-enabled pages. The redesigned pages improve search engine optimization and offer a fresh look, streamlined navigation, and improved user experience across devices, targeting international students from prospects to graduates. This simplified redesign has eliminated or consolidated outdated pages, enhancing the visibility and accessibility of critical information. Since launch, the pages have had measurable impact: 
    • Engagement rate increased from 72 per cent to 98 per cent 
    • Average engagement time rose by 35 per cent 
    • Pages visited per visit grew from 2.6 to 3.5 

The new look serves as the model for future Humber websites. A chat pop-up for out-of-Canada visitors was also implemented and marked the first instance of tailored and personalized web content. 

  • In March 2025, the Downtown Campus webpage launched to provide a redesigned, enrolment-focused page. It features an enhanced user experience, strongly focused on student support and industry connections. It’s the first DXP site with full-time and professional program data integration. Post-launch engagement reached 97%, with notable increases in user actions and time spent on site. 
  • A Climate Change MOOC website was launched in April 2025 on the DXP platform.  

Enrolment & Admission Rethinking  

The objective of E&AR is to personalize and automate enrolment and admissions processes to build early relationships and streamline rapid admissions decisions. Throughout the last year, significant progress has been made. 

  • In May 2025, a new domestic & international admissions process & agent portal was launched. Key features include: 
    • Domestic on Demand: There is now near real-time integration with OCAS for inbound applications, and outbound offers that are being made. Staff have real-time application data, supporting the ability to make faster admission decisions.  
    • Trust & Verify: International applicants self-report grades, English proficiency, and documents, with staff verification. This results in reduced decision time, which drives enrolment efficiency and student satisfaction.  
    • Agent Tracking Portal: Agents can apply on behalf of applicants and track applications and commissions in a dedicated portal. This streamlines agent operations, strengthening partnerships, and boosting global enrolment. 
    • Automated Provincial Attestation Letter Processing: Auto-requests and delivers PALs for applicants, adapting to Automated PAL Processing eligibility changes. This change accelerates PAL issuance, ensures compliance, and enhances international enrolment. 
    • Unified Staff Dashboard: Staff access applicant data and eligibility in one to two clicks, with clear requirement visibility. This boosts staff productivity, ensuring fast, accurate admissions to meet enrolment goals. 

Digital Idenity (DI) 
 
DI establishes a unified Humber identity, offering a seamless, secure and personalized experience throughout an individual’s journey at Humber. We’ve launched key digital identity features to support the core admissions go-live. Applicants can now register themselves using options like Google login, access a self-service portal to manage their identity, and benefit from improved identity matching behind the scenes. 
 
As an institution we are working to provide unparalleled student experiences and support enrolment goals. I would like to extend my gratitude to all the team members who have worked to ensure that Humber achieved these goals. We look forward to continuing to roll out these important initiatives to support the key priorities of the digital campus plan.  

Scott Briggs
Vice-President, Digital Innovation and CIO 

When:
June 17, 2025

The Bookstore at Lakeshore Campus will be closed on Wednesday, June 18 and Thursday, June 19.

When:
June 17, 2025
Contact:
Tonja Armstrong-MacInnis

Please join us in congratulating two extremely dedicated members of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellness team, Josie Iannaccio, a Resource Consultant on the Every Child Belongs unit, and Larissa Kostevskii, a Training and Development Coordinator for City Wide Training, for their 25 years of service. On June 19, they will mark 50 years of combined excellence to Humber and the early learning and care field.

For both, Josie and Larissa, a quarter of a century is truly a remarkable commitment, and we thank you both for your extraordinary guidance, support, and continuous inspiration for the vast number of educators, children and their families that you have engaged with over the past 25 years.

When:
June 17, 2025
Contact:
Kathy Branton

Testing of Emergency Messages via the PA System

Emergency Public Address (PA) System Testing – June 23–29, 2025

The Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management will be conducting tests of the emergency messaging system via the Public Address (PA) system during the week of June 23 to 29, 2025.

Testing will occur between 6 and 9 p.m. at the following locations:

  • North Campus: Including 30 and 110 Carrier Drive
  • Lakeshore Campus: Including all cottages and satellite buildings

Emergency messages will be played intermittently throughout the evening on the above dates. An announcement will be made prior to the start of testing and once testing is complete.

These tests are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the PA system functions as expected in an actual emergency. Regular testing is an important part of our due diligence and emergency preparedness strategy.

Please note: No testing will occur at Humber Downtown, as Humber does not manage the PA system in that building.

For any questions or concerns, please contact emergency.management@humber.ca.

When:
June 16, 2025

Humber Polytechnic is Building Brilliance and setting a distinct path and identity for post-secondary education in Ontario. Here are some of the key highlights from recent weeks:

  • Humber Polytechnic and the Canadian Nuclear Association Join Forces to Support the Growth of Canada’s Nuclear Workforce
    Humber Polytechnic and the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore solutions to the growing skilled labour requirements for upcoming nuclear projects across Canada. Read more in the media release.
     
  • Humber Hawk Malik Grant taken in CEBL 2025 Draft
    Humber Hawk Malik Grant’s professional career is on the rise after he was selected in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) 2025 Draft in April. Read about Malik's success in Humber Today.
     
  • Hudson's Bay layoffs inspire Humber Polytechnic to offer Career Comeback suite of services
    Humber put its expertise to work to help support Canadians feeling the impact of the closure of The Bay. Read more online.
When:
June 16, 2025

What does it mean to personalize the learning journey? At Humber, it’s about meeting learners where they are - offering flexible, responsive, and inclusive options that reflect the realities of learners’ lives, aspirations, and responsibilities.

In the second year of Humber’s 2023-2026 Academic Plan, personalizing the learning journey remains an integral part of our ongoing commitment to make learning individualized, efficient, and responsive to the needs of our students and the ever-evolving workforce. Building on the progress we made in Year 1 of the Academic Plan, we have been expanding flexible scheduling and delivery options for programs across all Faculties.

Reimagining the weekly schedule

The Academic Division has been piloting a condensed scheduling model in the Faculty of Social & Community Services (FSCS) that offers students greater flexibility and has significantly improved student outcomes. As part of this, FSCS program courses were scheduled to enable students to attend campus for a maximum of three days per week and allow for at least two days without classes. Participating students have reported that the condensed scheduling model helps them manage multiple responsibilities in addition to their courses, as well as providing them dedicated time to focus on studying and assignments.

The Longo Faculty of Business has also begun piloting evening and weekend class schedules, offering greater flexibility for working professionals balancing their careers and academic goals.

Just as we are reshaping when students learn, we are also transforming how learning happens.

Expanding how we learn

As part of a pilot research project on multiple delivery options, feedback was gathered from faculty and students in the Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness and the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences to understand their levels of comfort and preparedness within a flexible learning environment. All student participants in the survey reported that flexible delivery (giving students choice in how and where they learn; for example, in-person or online synchronous) delivers an effective learning experience. The results are being used to support the advancement of flexible learning opportunities and to inform the redesign of learning spaces at Humber.

Future research will examine the impact of flexible delivery on class attendance and learners’ synchronous online delivery utilization, as well as its impact on access, equity and retention rates.

Beyond time and space, personalizing the learning journey also extends to how students demonstrate mastery - through models that prioritize competence over duration.

Learning by mastery: Piloting competency-based education

Multiple pilots on competency-based education (CBE) across Humber are underway. An alternative pedagogical model, CBE emphasizes personalized pacing within a curriculum designed to engage students in meaningful learning experiences that focus on demonstrating mastery rather than on time-based learning progression. Humber programs piloting CBE include Journalism, Wellness Coaching and Health Sector Regulatory Compliance.

Beginning in Fall 2025, the Journalism Graduate Certificate Program will be based entirely on CBE. As part of this model, students’ progress will be assessed by their mastery of key journalism competencies, such as community reporting, interviewing and critically analyzing information sources. Students will also be able to tailor their areas of specialization and focus on the skills and subjects that align most with their career goals.

An exploratory case study has been conducted in the Wellness Coaching Program to understand the experiences of students. The study found that students had a positive experience with CBE, noting decreased stress and increased confidence in their professional skills.

Looking ahead

At the heart of personalizing the learning journey is our commitment to choice, access, and empowerment. We know our students juggle jobs, families, and big dreams. By offering flexible, responsive, and learner-driven models, we are not only expanding access - we are transforming lives. My deepest thanks to our faculty and staff for championing this work and shaping the future of education at Humber.

Gina Antonacci
Senior Vice-President, Academic

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