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.

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

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.

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