As June’s convocation ceremonies draw near and the 2012-2013 academic year ends, I am pleased to provide the Humber community with an overview of our year-end results from across the college. These are only some of the many achievements in and outside of the classroom that showcases our leadership role in the Canadian postsecondary environment.

In fall 2012, Humber welcomed more than 11,700 first-year students, an enrolment increase of 7.4 per cent from 2011-12. This increase was largely driven by the introduction of nine new programs and, encouragingly, increased retention rates. To meet the needs of our larger population, we hired additional full-time and part-time faculty and staff, widened faculty supports through the Centre for Teaching and Learning, and created new learning spaces across our campuses.

This growth also led to expanded student services and support initiatives such as mental health first aid training, pre-admission advising, enhanced peer mentoring and tutoring, new learning skills workshops, additional scholarships and bursaries and new research opportunities.

Our students are also benefitting from the organization’s focus on student success. This year, Humber students won numerous international, national and local awards, were recognized for their outstanding achievements and contributions to their community, and helped to build Humber’s reputation both globally and at home.

Along with our students, our faculty and staff have made great strides in research and entrepreneurship. Funding received through the New Venture Seed Fund, the Staff Initiated Research Fund and the Innovation Humber Incubator will help our faculty and students to further their studies or develop their own businesses.

Finally, on the financial front, we ended the year with $42.9 million excess of revenue over expenditure position. This will be invested in Humber’s future strategic initiatives to ensure delivery of the highest quality student experience. Investments already include an increased focus on mental health and wellness, student leadership workshops, IT infrastructure improvements, and facilities such as the early-works phase of the Learning Resource Commons at the North Campus, the event management lab and other academic space at the Lakeshore Campus, and open access computer labs at both campuses.

As we reflect on the year that’s past, we are also now looking forward. In January, we started the process of developing our 2013-2018 Strategic Plan. We have heard from the Humber community though surveys, consultative roundtables and town halls, and are looking forward to presenting our new five-year plan this summer, and to welcoming new and returning students in the fall.

Congratulations and thank you to all students, faculty and staff on a highly successful year.