Updates

Welcome to the Humber Updates page. 

Here you will find the latest information about emerging or ongoing issues impacting Humber operations. This information will be updated as required. You are encouraged to bookmark the page for future reference. 

Information Regarding the Hold and Secure at Lakeshore Campus

A hold and secure was initiated at Humber College's Lakeshore campus on Tuesday, May 30 at 11:47 a.m., followed by a lockdown of the Welcome Centre at 12:36 p.m. Police conducted an on-site investigation of campus buildings. Police determined there was no risk to public safety and the hold and secure of campus and lockdown of the Welcome Centre were lifted at 12:45 p.m.  

The safety and security of the Humber community is always of the utmost importance. We thank staff, students and visitors for the cooperation and thank Toronto Police Services for the quick resolution.  

Launch of new healthy community hub for students and employees

The following message was sent to students on May 3, 2023.

Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber are committed to the health and well-being of our students, employees and community.  

Together we strive to be health and well-being allies for each student and employee. Rather than define what health means for our community and to you personally, we work to ensure structures, supports and services are available to assist each person in navigating their health journey. 

To support this commitment, Humber has launched humber.ca/healthyYOU, a new online healthy community hub that is a central site for well-being resources for students and employees. The Hub is a one-stop place for Humber and Guelph-Humber students and employees to find the information they need about health and well-being and healthy initiatives and events happening across the campuses. 

The Hub also includes our new Well-being Strategy, which focuses on four pillars: mental, physical, financial, and social health and well-being. We strive to ensure that the whole community is supported across all dimensions of health and well-being. 

This month, we will also kick-off a “Healthy YOU” campaign to help students be at their best, making it easier for you to access information on available resources and supports. Look for the Healthy YOU logo and Healthy YOU campaign activities taking place at Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber campuses. 

I hope you take the time to explore the Hub and find what resonates with you. Share your health and well-being experience by posting on social media using #MyHealthyHumber.  

Take care and be well, 

Ian Crookshank 
Associate Vice-President, Learner and Career Success 
Dean of Students 
Humber College  		George Bragues 
Associate Vice-Provost, Academic  
University of Guelph-Humber 

 

Humber offers solidarity and support for those impacted by the conflict in Sudan

Students with known ties to Sudan have received a separate direct communication to provide additional touchpoints for support. 

Humber knows that the conflict currently taking place in Sudan between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces may impact members of the College community, particularly those with family or friends living there or in bordering countries.  

We also understand that the news of this conflict may impact anyone who has experienced similar conflict and trauma in their lives or home countries.  

Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber have supports available to those who may need it.   

We know that Faculty and staff provide compassionate responses to students affected by this type of humanitarian crisis, ensuring that Humber remains a supportive environment. Faculty and staff are encouraged to consider how they can provide both flexibility and support to students who are struggling to manage competing priorities that emerge during times of crisis. 

Students in need of mental health counselling can contact the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre for support and information. You can also connect with the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion for support and information. If you are an international student, and have specific questions related to immigration, study permits or connections to consular services you can contact the Humber International Centre. 

If you would like to access services outside of Humber, below is a list of mental health services:   

We understand that each person may have a different experience and have different needs at this time. If you have ideas about additional support that would be beneficial, please reply to this email or send a note to deanofstudents@humber.ca and someone will get back to you.  

Take care, 

Ian Crookshank 
Associate Vice-President, Learner and Career Success 
Dean of Students 

Update: Outlook desktop client - April 10

We are pleased to inform you that we have restored access to the Outlook desktop client for Windows PCs. You will be able to use Outlook after having your Humber Windows PC connected to the internet for about an hour.  

If you encounter any issues or have any concerns regarding the use of the Outlook desktop client, please do not hesitate to contact our I.T. Support Centre at 416.675.6622 X8888 or humber.ca/techtalk 

Please remember when working off campus with a Humber Windows PC, ensure to connect to VPN bi-weekly to ensure you receive important security and feature updates. 

Humber's Response to Media Coverage about Fraudulent Acceptance Letters

On March 16, 2023, Humber became aware of media coverage about Canada deporting 700 Indian citizens whose post-secondary admission letters and visa documents were found to be fake. The media coverage is the first information we have seen on this matter. 

Humber's full statement can be found on the International Centre webpage. 

Updated Message to Learners regarding the earthquake - Feb. 14, 2023

On February 6, 2023, an earthquake struck parts of Turkey and Syria and has had a devastating impact. Humber has reached out to students who we believe are from that region based on information in our student information system. We are also aware that the impact can be felt by a much larger group than those on that list. We know that many of our community members have connections (through family, friends, heritage, and culture) with all parts of the globe and so we felt important to reiterate our messages of support to the broader Humber and Guelph-Humber communities.  

On Tuesday, February 7, Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber shared a message with our communities to express our support and offer connection to resources. This message is a follow-up that provides a more direct list of supports available.  

1. General Questions or Requests for Support

  • International Students with specific non-academic questions or concerns should connect with the International Centre, Amanda Koski, Manager, International Student Services: amanda.koski@humber.ca 
  • Other students who may be experiencing significant challenges with respect to the impact of the earthquake can contact SICsupport@humber.ca 

2. Emotional and Mental Health Support

  • Students can book same-day and next-day counselling sessions via SWAC@humber.ca
  • Good-2-Talk - for students located in Ontario (1-866-925-5454)

3. Connection and Community

  • Members of Humber’s Student Success and Engagement Department, International Centre, Academic Division, and IGNITE Students’ Union will be organizing two drop-in events for impacted students to gather, ask questions, and be nurtured through community.  
  • Lakeshore: Wednesday Feb 15, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. IGNITE K Building Student Centre, main floor 
  • North: Thursday Feb 16, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Spirituality and Wellness Centre, LRC 2112 
  • Humber IGS: Thursday Feb 16, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room 6th floor at the IGS 

4. Academic Supports 

  • Students with specific questions related to assignments, tests, assessments, or course attendance should discuss those directly with the faculty member instructing that course. Additional questions can be directed to the Program Coordinator or Associate Dean.   
  • Students can also receive support through Student Learning Services.
  • Students can also book an appointment with a Career & Student Success Advisors.

5. Finances

  • IGNITE offers a confidential financial relief program which is intended to provide short-term assistance to full-time students. 

As things evolve and change, we hope you will continue to connect through the channels above and be open about the supports that you need.  

Message Regarding Earthquake in Turkey and Syria 

The following message was sent to students on February 7, 2023.

The Humber College and University of Guelph-Humber community is saddened to learn of the massive earthquake and aftershocks that devastated Turkey and Syria on February 6.  

The impact of the of the earthquake is not confined to Turkey and Syria. Family, friends and relatives in our community and city are also experiencing loss and trauma as a result of the death and destruction caused by the earthquake.  

While the impacts of this natural disaster are still unfolding and rescue efforts continue, our collective thoughts are with those who have lost or who are anxiously awaiting news of the safety of loved ones. We are here to provide support to students and staff who may need assistance.   

It is during times like these that we need to unite and check in on one another – please know that there are many supports within the Humber community.   

Ian Crookshank  
Associate Vice-President, Learner and Career Success and Dean of Students  
Humber College   		Melanie Spence-Ariemma, Ph.D.  
Vice-Provost and Chief Academic Officer
University of Guelph-Humber  

  

Reflecting on Black History and Current Injustice

The following message was published on AMViews on January 30, 2023.

This week marks the start of Black History Month. It is a dedicated time to reflect on the successes and tremendous impact of Black people in every facet of society. It is also a time to critically examine the links of historical injustices to the current and ongoing violence and trauma that stems from systemic racism. 

On January 7 in Memphis, Tennessee, Tyre Nichols was beaten by police and died three days later. He was a father, a son and a skateboarding aficionado. He had dreams and plans that stopped short because of senseless violence.   

Humber condemns any acts of violence. As President, I personally condemn any act of violence. I am writing this with emotions of sadness and anger as these acts provide more and more evidence that we are dealing with a systemic issue in our society. 

As a post-secondary institution that provides education for future policing professionals and social service advocates, we continue to work to make change from the ground up so there is not one more tragedy like this one. It is our responsibility to help shape a system based on justice, equity and anti-racism. 

We are teaching our students about new ways policing and justice professionals respond to the changing nature of harm and community expectations.  

We are committed to working with our local law enforcement to ensure we contribute to the change; Humber works directly with the Toronto Police Service to evaluate the neighborhood community officer program (NCOP) to support the creation of tools and education needed to develop best practices and community trust. We are working hard to help our community and all members of it.  

We know that horrific incidents like this, and the video of the assault that has been circulating, have far reaching and lasting ripple effects on Black people and communities, including at Humber.   

Support is available for students and staff who may need it. 

I encourage you to check in on your Black peers and on one another and provide support as you are able. The Humber community stands in solidarity with all those calling for “not one more.” We will continue to do everything we can to address these systemic issues. 

Ann Marie Vaughan 
President and CEO 
Humber College ITAL 

Humber College receives historic $30 million gift from The Barrett Family Foundation

The following message was sent to Humber employees on January 24, 2023.

Dear Humber employees, 

Today is a great day for Humber College as we celebrate the incredible generosity of our donors.  

I am pleased to share exciting news about a transformational gift. Humber is the recipient of $30 million from the Barrett Family Foundation, marking the largest single donation ever made to an Ontario college. Combined with their donations to Humber’s Unlimited Campaign, the Barrett Family Foundation has given a total of $42 million, making their donation the largest in Canadian college history.  

The Foundation’s investment will support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs and technology (STEM) at Humber. It will provide access to education through more than 100 annual scholarships to students entering and continuing their studies in engineering and technology-related degrees and diplomas. It will also enhance the learning environment for students and foster interest in STEM careers by investing in existing and new programs, people, and resources at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (CTI). 

I am inspired by the Barrett family and their foundation’s generosity, and grateful for their shared vision and support for students and our polytechnic model of education. This gift is an investment in the future of Humber students that will strengthen industry, the economy and our communities. 

Led by Bob Barrett and Francine Rouleau-Barrett, the Barrett Family Foundation is Humber’s largest benefactor, having previously donated $10 million to support the creation of the Barrett CTI at the College's North Campus, and $2 million to support a STEM initiative led by Humber College’s International Development Institute targeting girls aged 14 to 18 in Kenya and Ethiopia. 

This contribution also brings the total of Unlimited, Humber’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, to more than $85 million, surpassing the campaign’s original $50 million goal.  

Please join me in welcoming this historic news at Humber.   

Sincerely, 

Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan 
President, CEO, Humber I.T.A.L. 

Humber strongly encourages mask wearing across the college  

The following message was sent to students on November 16.

As we move into the winter months and the many social gatherings that happen at this time of year, it’s important that we take steps to keep the most vulnerable in our communities, whether family, friends, students, colleagues or those working on the front lines safe. 

Earlier this week, Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health strongly recommended that Ontarians wear masks in indoor public spaces and social settings as the hospital system simultaneously battles three respiratory diseases – COVID-19, influenza and RSV. Hospital Intensive Care Units in the province are struggling with capacity as children, particularly those under the age of four, have been acutely impacted by these viruses.  

With this latest information, Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber strongly encourage everyone to wear a mask while in public and indoor settings, including on campus. Many of our community members have young children, seniors and immuno-compromised individuals in their lives and reducing community transmission requires collective action.  

Vaccines continue to be our best defence against these infectious diseases and the College strongly encourages everyone to get their flu shot and COVID-19 booster shots as soon as you are eligible. We continue to employ enhanced cleaning protocols on campus, including frequent cleaning of high-touch areas.  

I also want to remind the Humber community to practice good health measures and layers of protection, including:  

  • Do daily self-screenings for respiratory symptoms.  
  • Stay at home when sick, feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness.  
  • Practice good hand hygiene.  
  • Stay up to date with vaccines, especially COVID-19 boosters and the flu shot.  
  • Wear a mask in indoor public settings.  

Individuals are responsible for bringing their own mask to wear on campus. There may continue to be situations in which masking and other personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at Humber. If your learning or working environment fits these criteria, masks or other PPE will be provided to you by your Faculty or department. Disposable medical masks will also be available at various locations across the college campuses and work sites.  

Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber are not reinstating mandatory masking or vaccination policies at this time. A cross-college working group continues to meet regularly to discuss any new developments in the province or new guidelines from public health officials. As we have throughout the pandemic, we will continue to act in consideration of public health direction and may adjust our approach as circumstances continue to evolve.  

We know that the past three years have been challenging and that changing health circumstances and public health directives can be stressful and exhausting. We want to see the successful completion of the Fall term and we know that working together to reduce transmission can help achieve that. 

Stay safe and be well. 

Ann Marie Vaughan
President and CEO