Over the past few months, emerging data has confirmed the effects of anti-Black systemic racism on disproportionately poorer COVID-19 health outcomes for Black individuals and communities. As well, there has been a growing global awareness of anti-Black racism as a result of the killing of George Floyd in the United States, in addition to the deaths of a number of Black individuals in Canada, including Regis Korchinski-Paquet and D’Andre Campbell.

In response to this growing awareness of anti-Black racism, Humber College has been engaging with staff and students in important conversations in order to develop strategies to address anti-Black racism. Humber has also prioritized engaging the larger community in important conversations about equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), specifically around the work that Humber is doing to create a more inclusive environment.

Adam Benn (Manager, Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Diversity) and Christina Alcena (Manager, Equity and Student Life) are featured in an article published by thestar.com. Adam and Christina share how Humber is creating an inclusive environment through equity, diversity and inclusion programming in order to foster a sense of belonging in all members, even as we transition to an online study and work environment. The article emphasizes the importance of an intersectional approach to EDI work and highlights the programming and resources offered by the Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Diversity, Indigenous Education and Engagement, the LGBTQ+ Resource Centre and the Black Academic Success and Engagement (BASE) program.

To learn more about Humber’s ongoing work towards advancing equity, diversity and inclusion, please visit here.

As Humber gradually reopens campuses, new health and safety measures have been put in place. These measures include the mandatory wearing of masks in indoor spaces.

Masks are to be worn within all areas of campus buildings, with the only exemptions for employees working in private offices and/or personal work space where 6ft of physical distancing can be maintained. In addition, students and employees who are unable to safely wear a mask due to medical reasons will be exempt.

Humber will be providing two reusable cloth face masks to each staff or student returning to campus.  

For the summer pilot currently underway, students, faculty and staff already on campus have been provided masks.

For the Fall term, requests for masks required for staff will be handled by management in each faculty and department with the Occupational Health and Safety team. This will follow the submission of completed COVID-19 Faculty/Department Plans from each faculty and department indicating the number of staff who will be required to return to campus.

Humber has centralized the process for procuring and distributing face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) required for protection against COVID-19. The PPE working group, with representatives from Purchasing, CDFM, SWAC, and Occupational Health and Safety, are involved in overseeing the availability of appropriate face masks and PPE for the college community.

Employees who are required to be on campus to complete their work and are unable to wear masks should inform their manager and Occupational Health and Safety. Issues pertaining to confidential medical conditions can be referred to Hiren Patel, Senior Abilities and Accommodations Specialist at hiren.patel@humber.ca. Students who are unable to wear face masks should inform their instructor or program coordinator. Issues pertaining to confidential medical conditions can be referred to Jacqueline Anderson, Associate Director, Health and Counselling at jacqueline.anderson@humber.ca.  

Masks and face coverings are used to help prevent the spread of infection; they are to be used in addition to physically distancing, carrying out proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, and staying at home if ill.

Access to Campus

While limited facilities have reopened, the process for accessing campus remains the same. Employees require approval from their Director/Senior Dean to come to campus, and time on campus should be limited to only what is necessary. If a staff member needs to visit campus, they must submit a request in advance and once approved, an email from management must be sent to publicsafety@humber.ca to arrange the visit at a specified date and time. They will also need to complete a health self-assessment.

As always, visit humber.ca/updates for the most up-to-date information. Info for those returning to campus is available on humber.ca/campus-return.

It is with mixed emotions that I share that Neil Price has accepted an exciting new role as Fleming College’s Dean, School of Justice and Community Development.

Neil started at Humber in 2017 as Director, Student Life, where he led First Year Experience, Transition & Orientation, Residence and Peer Leadership, among other programs in SSE. In this role, Neil was also instrumental in transitioning the BASE to an institution-wide student support program.

Since joining the Faculty of Social and Community Services as Associate Dean, Neil has become known for his thoughtful approach to all relationships, with a deep commitment to student success, collaboration and social justice. Some of his accomplishments include leading the development of the successful Bachelor of Addictions and Mental Health program proposal; co-leading FSCS’s Diversity in Teaching research project; co-leading institution-wide student consultations on Black student experiences, and contributing to Humber’s SEM Student Success and Retention Committee. Neil also served as Reviews Editor for the Humber Literary Review.

Neil came to Humber having taught for over 10 years at George Brown College. He has extensive experience as a non-profit sector leader, community researcher and youth advocate. A well-regarded commentator, he writes regularly about public policy and social issues.

Neil will be with us until the end of July. He will be missed by many here at Humber, including myself. Please join me in congratulating Neil and wishing him continued success.

There will be an opportunity to say goodbye to Neil on Friday, July 31 at 1 p.m. A zoom invitation will be posted shortly.  

Derek Stockley
Senior Dean, Faculty of Social and Community Services
Principal, Lakeshore Campus

The Culturally Inclusive Educator Certificate (CIEC) program is designed for those interested in the field of teaching or private sector training. The courses within this certificate program provide participants with an opportunity to enhance their intercultural knowledge, communication skills, curriculum development and differentiated teaching skills essential for supporting international students in higher education.

Upon successful completion of the five courses, participants receive a Certificate of Completion.

The complete program is offered in the Fall 2020 semester online.

To register, please visit the Continuing Education – CIEC webpage.