Toronto, Ontario – Humber College continues to provide access and opportunities for student journalists to tell the news of the day on our campuses.
“Providing students with the opportunity to practice their craft through work-integrated learning is one of the highest priorities at Humber,” said Derek Stockley, associate vice-president, Academic.
Humber instituted a Temporary Use of Space policy in 2019 and the community was learning about it when COVID-19 changed college operations and reduced activity on campus. Since journalism students returned to campus and resumed in-person assignments and reporting this academic year, it is apparent that there has not been a consistent understanding about the scope of the policy.
The policy was never intended to prohibit student media from on campus reporting or carrying out their assignments. Moving forward, student journalists will be exempt from the policy.
Here are the actions we are undertaking to ensure a common understanding and support student journalists reporting on campus:
- Student journalists working in common spaces and hallways of campus will be provided with press passes that will alert passersby and Public Safety that the activity is part of course work and is permitted without a Temporary Use of Space permit.
- Direct communication and clarification to be sent to journalism students and Public Safety staff confirming that student journalism is exempt from the policy. This will include clarification on the limited number of spaces that require prior notice for filming, such as the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre and the Child Development Centre in which privacy and parental consent are paramount.
- Some branded food vendors on campus have their own corporate policies relating to media and filming. Details of these policies will be shared with journalism faculty and students to provide further clarity.
“We sincerely apologize for the miscommunication that has led to this situation,” said Stockley. “Our journalism students are an integral part of our campus community as they report on college news, and we look forward to them continuing to do that important work moving forward.”
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About Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Humber College is focused on our students' future. As a global leader in polytechnic education, Humber students receive in-depth theoretical learning and hands-on experience with applied research and extensive industry connections. Humber provides career-focused education to more than 38,000 full-time and 19,000 part-time students and professional learners in-person at three main Toronto locations and online. A comprehensive range of credentials, including honours undergraduate degrees, Ontario graduate certificates, diplomas, apprenticeships, and certificates, prepare career-ready global citizens to move seamlessly from education to employment. More than 86 per cent of Humber graduates are employed within six months of completing their studies. Visit humber.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Emily Milic
Associate Director - Communications
Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
emily.milic@humber.ca | 416.779.9229