We would like to share information about the potential impact of severe weather and/or campus closure on college operations as a reminder to the Humber community.
To all members of the Humber and University of Guelph-Humber communities,
As we experience colder temperatures and snow in the coming weeks, we would like to share information about the impact of severe weather and/or campus closure on Humber’s operations.
Only in-person classes and assessments being held on campus will be affected by inclement weather and (physical) campus closure. Inclement winter weather is not expected to impact current online classes, courses, or programs or most faculty and staff who are working remotely.
All Humber online classes and assessments will continue regardless of weather conditions or if Humber campuses are closed due to severe weather. If inclement weather affects online class delivery, such as a power outage or internet disruption, Humber will assess the impact on online classes and will confirm if they are to continue as scheduled.
If any in-person classes, assessments or exams are cancelled due to severe weather/campus closure, the professor of that class will contact their students to make alternate arrangements for coursework.
Employees who regularly work on campus, and who are unable to attend campus due to severe weather/campus closure should contact their supervisor.
All Humber faculty and staff working remotely will continue to perform their normal responsibilities, even if the physical campus is closed due to inclement weather.
Overall, during the winter season, we are planning to be open each day and to operate as normal. If an institution-wide or specific campus closure is required due to severe weather, an announcement will be posted on humber.ca, our main Facebook, X and Instagram channels, and Humber Updates, as well as Guelph-Humber channels, guelphhumber.ca, Instagram, X and my.guelphhumber.ca by 5:30 a.m. for morning classes, and 3:30 p.m. for evening classes, or as soon as possible. Unless a closure notice is posted as above, please consider Humber and Guelph-Humber to be open.
For students who have in-person classes, if you think the roadways near your home or your respective campus are unsafe due to severe ice or snow, please call or email your instructor if you decide not to come to class. For employees who think it is unsafe to travel to campus because of severe ice or snow, please contact your supervisor.
You can sign up to receive notification of Humber campus activity, including closures by downloading the Humber Guardian App available from your phone's app store. Be sure to enable push notifications in both your main system preferences as well as in the app to receive emergency notifications.
Humber will also inform GTA media of a campus or institution-wide closure. For Downtown Campus students and employees, please note that separate announcements will be sent to you, as the weather downtown is not always the same.
If a physical campus closure occurs, students scheduled to be in-person at external organizations for an internship or placement, or for other Humber-related activities, will follow the protocol of the external organization with respect to cancellation of activities or closure of the facility. It is the student’s responsibility to advise their external placement advisor or supervisor of any situation that prevents them from attending their placement or work.
For more information, please see the Severe Weather Closure Procedure.
Finally, this time of year also marks the return of flu season and an increase in other contagious illnesses as more people gather indoors. Humber reminds all staff and students that if they are feeling unwell to remain at home to help prevent the spread of infections and keep each other healthy and safe. If you are unwell and stay home, please contact your supervisor or instructor accordingly.
We wish you a safe and warm winter season.
We are aware of the labour disruption that is impacting services in Brampton (including Brampton Transit) and recognize that there may be an impact. We encourage students, staff and faculty to follow guidance from Brampton Transit and explore alternate approaches for travelling to Humber. Students should reach out to faculty and employees should reach out to their manager if they anticipate that they will need some flexibility.
Update as of October 30 - Conciliation has been extended to Tuesday, November 5.
The following email was sent to students on October 18, 2024.
Dear students,
As part of the regular collective bargaining process, the College Employer Council (CEC) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union CAAT-A (OPSEU), the union representing full-time and partial-load faculty, librarians, and counselors at all 24 Ontario colleges, including Humber Polytechnic, have been in negotiations since July 2024.
On October 9, the parties entered conciliation to address the Union's list of demands. In addition, the Union bargaining team requested a strike vote, which occurred from October 15-18. The strike vote was required by OPSEU to ensure the support of its membership prior to taking labour action or to be in a legal strike position.
The strike vote results have been announced and OPSEU members have voted in favour of supporting a potential strike. The results of the vote do not mean there will be a strike.
Prior to setting a strike date or commencing strike activity, the Union must first ask the Ministry of Labour for a No Board Report. Upon receipt of the No Board Report, the Union must wait at least 16 days before beginning strike activity. The Union must also give the CEC five days’ notice before beginning strike activity.
Setting a strike date means that the Union is planning to start the strike on that specific day, unless an agreement between OPSEU and the CEC is reached first.
As of today, no strike date has been set.
WHAT’S NEXT
CEC and the Union remain in Conciliation until October 28. The Union may still declare labour action during the bargaining period. Labour action may take various forms. We will keep the Humber community updated should labour action occur.
Bargaining may continue during labour action and with a no board report and strike mandate. If both parties are willing, a settlement can be negotiated.
If a strike occurs, we know it will impact students, employees and the Humber community. We also know there are many questions and information required in advance of a potential strike. We will post regular updates on www.humber.ca/updates and in Communique. In the immediate, please see this FAQ on the updates page, along with key points below.
If a strike occurs:
Faculty are a valued and vital part of the Humber community and the Ontario college system. We look forward to a bargaining resolution. Again, as of today, no strike date has been set.
The following message was sent to students on October 17, 2024
Dear Students,
As you may have heard, the College Employer Council (CEC) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union CAAT-A (OPSEU), the union representing full-time and partial-load faculty, librarians, and counselors at all 24 Ontario colleges, including Humber Polytechnic, have been in negotiations since July 2024. This is part of the regular collective bargaining process.
In September, the union requested a strike vote to be held with its members. The period to vote will end on October 17 and the results of that vote will determine the next steps in the ongoing negotiation process. This could include no change at all if the result is against a strike or it could take various forms, such as work-to-rule, imposing other limits and restrictions on its members, rotating strikes or a full walk-out/strike. Once the results of the vote are available, we will share them with the Humber community.
Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber are committed to student success and will ensure that all students have the opportunity to achieve their learning goals. We are also committed to keeping the Humber community informed throughout this ongoing process.
Humber recognizes the uncertainty surrounding this situation can cause additional stress, and I would like to remind you that there continues to be services and resources available to our learners to help support you, including:
We encourage you to monitor the Humber updates webpage, and the FAQ section regarding Academic Bargaining. Humber will post regular updates on this website as new information becomes available. In the meantime, be well and be assured that Humber will continue to support you throughout your academic journey.
Sincerely,
Ian Crookshank
Associate Vice-President, Learner and Career Success and Dean of Students
The following message was sent to students on September 26, 2024.
Dear Students,
At Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber, we believe that inclusion and belonging are values and essential pillars that strengthen our community, enrich our society, and shape our collective futures. Our commitment to fostering an environment in which every individual feels valued, respected, and included is unwavering. Belonging is our bedrock as we are dedicated to actively embedding inclusion across all aspects of the student experience.
The Importance of Inclusion and Belonging
Inclusion and belonging are fundamental to the well-being and success of our community. By empowering us to embrace diversity, we celebrate our unique brilliance and learn from one another. By fostering an inclusive environment, we enhance the educational experience and prepare ourselves to contribute positively to society. A community in which everyone feels they belong is a community in which innovation, creativity, and collaboration thrive.
Our Shared Responsibility
Creating a culture of inclusion and belonging requires the collective effort of every member of our community. It is our shared responsibility to be considerate of others, challenge biases, stand against discrimination, and support one another. Together, we can build a community of care in which everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.
Resources for Support
We understand that some students may face challenges and seek community and mental health support. Here are some resources available to you:
Be a Builder of Brilliance:
We encourage you to actively participate in fostering a sense of belonging on our campuses. Join our events, engage in our on-campus events, learning and development sessions, and be a leader in fostering an inclusive community. Your involvement is key to creating a supportive and respectful environment for all.
Today we launched the Building Connections: EDIB Action Plan which details actions the Humber/UofGH community can do to continue to foster an inclusive campus culture. The EDIB Action plan outlines how inclusion and belonging is at the forefront of everything we do. I encourage you to review the full plan on the Inclusion and Belonging webpage.
Thank you for being an integral part of our diverse and vibrant community. Let’s continue to work together to ensure that Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber remains a place where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.
Warm regards,
| Ian Crookshank Associate Vice-President, Learner and Career Success Dean of Students Humber Polytechnic |
Melanie Spence-Ariemma Vice-Provost, Chief Academic Officer University of Guelph-Humber |
The following email was sent to students on September 3, 2024
Dear Humber Students,
Welcome to the fall 2024 term at Humber Polytechnic. As you plan your next few weeks and months, we want to make sure you have some key information to set you up for success.
To our returning students, it's wonderful to have you with us again. To those joining the Humber community for the first time, we're grateful that you chose Humber and look forward to supporting you along your educational journey.
We will remain committed to your success throughout your academic career. As you begin the term, please take time to familiarize yourself with the supports and resources that are in place to help you navigate your academic journey. The reality is that post-secondary can be challenging, and we're here for you and believe that you can succeed!
A key aspect of that success is developing relationships with members of the Humber community. An easy place to start is with classmates and professors. If you're looking for other opportunities, check out the First Year Experience program or the many events and activities offered by IGNITE, Student Life, Athletics, or other departments and organizations.
Humber offers many resources that are designed to support you academically and personally. It is never too early to reach out to an advisor, stop by the library, drop into the Math and Writing Centre, or connect with a tutor to help prepare you for your academic success. Our Healthy Community Hub serves as a centralized resource for your health and wellness needs. The Hub is the go-to destination for Humber and Guelph-Humber students to find the information they need about health and well-being, and healthy initiatives and events happening across Humber.
Humber Polytechnic is also dedicated to creating an environment free from discrimination and promotes understanding, inclusion, and appreciation for the diversity of all students. We strive to foster belonging in everything we do, while ensuring safe and supportive learning and communal spaces. If you want to connect with members of our Inclusion and Belonging portfolio, Indigenous Education and Engagement, or the student equity hubs you can email edib@humber.ca.
Whether you're new to Humber Polytechnic or returning for another term, don't forget to download the ONECard app as your campus identification, and the Campus Compass app to help you navigate our campuses. Step-by-step instructions for uploading your photo can be found on the ONECard website. Also, stay informed about Humber news and updates by visiting humber.ca/updates.
Lastly, I know that this is a lot of information. The most important thing for you to remember is that we are here for you. If you get stuck, lost, have a question, or don't even know what question to ask, please drop by any office or stop a Humber employee in the hallway and we'll do our best to guide you. Your success is our number one priority.
Wishing you all a term filled with success, fulfillment, and memorable experiences.
Ian Crookshank
Associate Vice-President, Learner and Career Success and Dean of Students
Humber Polytechnic
The following email was sent to students on August 29, 2024.
Dear students,
Today is a big day. Humber College is now Humber Polytechnic.
What does that mean for you? You chose Humber for your education because of our expert faculty, depth and breadth of programming, and experiential opportunities and all of that remains the same.
A polytechnic education offers a distinct third option between university and college - one that combines deep, theoretical learning with applied, hands-on experience to foster employability, not just employment for graduates. The polytechnic model is well established and highly regarded across Canada and the world.
You are now a part of this next era - one in which students will be able to future proof their careers and have an impact on the global stage.
If you are interested in learning more about what we are envisioning for the future of Humber Polytechnic, I encourage you to look at Building Brilliance.
Thank you for choosing Humber.
Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan
President and CEO
Humber Polytechnic