Updates

Welcome to the Humber Updates page. 

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

Humber College has no affiliation or involvement with the “Stand Up for Israel” show scheduled for January 31 at Yuk Yuk’s.  

The views and opinions expressed by comedians and organizations directly contracted with Yuk Yuk’s do not necessarily reflect those of Humber College, its employees or its students.  

Humber College is committed to providing the best possible experiential learning experience for our students. This includes providing Comedy Writing and Performance students with opportunities to hone their craft in professional spaces that serve as an extension of our classrooms. 

Humber uses space at Yuk Yuk’s comedy club to provide our Comedy students access to a professional comedy cabaret and the opportunity to perform publicly each week. This is key to their growth as creators and performers and an important part of their Humber education. 

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 college 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, the college 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 a college-wide or specific campus closure is required due to severe weather, an announcement will be posted on humber.ca, our main Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram channels, and Humber Updates, as well as Guelph-Humber channels, guelphhumber.ca, Instagram and X page 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 the college to be open. 

For students who have in-person classes, if you think the roadways near your home or the college 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 the 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.  

We will also inform GTA media of a campus or college closure. For International Graduate School 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 college related activities, will follow the protocol of the external organization with respect to cancellation of college 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.

On Wednesday, November 1, Humber College received complaints about stickers that had been placed around the Lakeshore Campus in contravention of Humber policy. On Thursday, November 2 the department of Public Safety removed the stickers and addressed the student responsible during a class. The student was asked to leave the room for a conversation and was asked to leave campus and wait to hear from the College. 

Later the same day, the student was informed that they could return to campus and to class. 

Both the Dean of Students and the Associate Dean of the student’s program have been in contact with the student to express regret as to how the situation was handled. The College apologizes for the response being disproportionate to the student's actions. We have put temporary measures in place to ensure that this does not happen in the future and are conducting a review of our processes. 

The student is being supported academically. 

Humber College values and upholds the right to free speech and is committed to providing a safe campus environment for all staff and students.  

Part of that commitment includes Humber’s temporary use of space for events procedure  that must be adhered to for gatherings of any kind on Humber property.  

As Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber enter the latter half of the fall term, we want to reach out with a note of reflection, care and concern for all our students, colleagues and community members impacted by the ongoing war and violence in Israel and Gaza. You are in our thoughts as we hope for peace in the region and removal of conflict impacting innocent civilians.  

The impact of the ongoing violence including horrific attacks on innocent civilians and the worsening humanitarian crisis involving hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and people from other countries is profound and devastating. 

There are members of our community who are grieving the loss or injuries of family and friends, others who are anxiously waiting for news from relatives and friends in the region and those who may be feeling unsafe here at home because of their faith or nationality. 

We understand that students, faculty and staff of all faiths and backgrounds are being impacted in many ways by the ongoing war. The news may also be triggering for other members of our community who have experienced violence in their lives or in their home country. 

We are here to support all Humber and University of Guelph-Humber community members and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for everyone on our campuses. We know what is needed to foster a sense of belonging is evolving and also different for different people. There is no place for any form of hate at Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber. We condemn Islamophobia and antisemitism and will not tolerate any incidents of harassment or discrimination. 

This is an incredibly difficult and stressful time. We encourage all affected students and community members to access the supports we have in place. 

We are here for all of you.  

Student Support  

  • For mental health counselling, students can contact the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre for support. In addition, GoodToTalk (1-866-925-5454) is a 24-hour mental health support for Post-Secondary Students in Ontario. 
  • Wellness Together Canada which offers free multilingual supports and short-term counselling, are also available.
  • Students wishing to access therapeutic, or wellness supports online can access Therapy Assist Online
  • Students may also wish to access the Spirituality and Wellness Centre located on the 2nd floor of the LRC at North Campus. 
  • For complaints or concerns about incidence of discrimination or hate, students can reach out to the Office of Student Community Standards or Public Safety
  • Students can also connect with the Office of Human Rights on matters related to Humber’s Human Rights & Harassment Policy.   

Please continue to support one another during this difficult time.  

Ann Marie Vaughan
President and CEO
Humber College
Melanie Spence-Ariemma  
Vice-Provost and Chief Academic Officer 
University of Guelph-Humber 

 

Humber College and the University of Guelph-Humber are saddened to learn of the massive earthquake that devastated western Afghanistan on October 7 and the subsequent 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck on October 11. We recognize that the impacts of this natural disaster are far reaching as family, friends and relatives in our community and city are also deeply touched by this news. 

While the effects of this natural disaster continue to unfold and rescue efforts are ongoing, our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones or who are anxiously awaiting news of the safety of loved ones. 

We continue to support students and employees who may need assistance during this difficult time. We ask that staff who support students in their learning experience ensure they are aware of the following resources should they need them: 

Full-time employees and Regular Part-time (RPT) Support Staff are encouraged to access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), which can be accessed through the TELUS Health website. If you are a part-time/contract employee and you need counselling support, please contact oe@humber.ca for assistance. 

If you are looking for a space to pause and reflect, please feel free to visit the Spirituality and Wellness Centre at the North Campus in LRC 2112, the prayer rooms in HB102 at Lakeshore and D223 at North, or the multipurpose room at the IGS. 

Be well, 

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

Statement of support for students impacted by the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas

Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber are saddened and disturbed by the attacks on Israel, the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas, and the ongoing violence in the region. We understand the deep impact this has on students, faculty and staff of all faiths with connections to the region.  

We condemn terrorism, violence, antisemitism and all forms of hate and discrimination. 

We are fortunate to have a diverse community of students and employees, and our sympathies and thoughts are with each impacted individual. Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber remain committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for everyone on our campuses.  

We are monitoring the situation as it evolves, and we encourage all affected students and community members to access the supports we have in place. 

Student Support 

Please continue to support one another during this difficult time. 

Ann Marie Vaughan
President and CEO
Humber College
Melanie Spence-Ariemma
Vice-Provost and Chief Academic Officer
University of Guelph-Humber 

On September 30, we observe the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Established to remember the horrific history of residential schools, it emphasizes the enduring impact these institutions continue to have on Indigenous communities. 

As well as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30 is Orange Shirt Day. This day is an opportunity for us to pay tribute to the survivors and reflect upon the children lost and the systematic attempts at genocide of Indigenous Peoples.  

This day is made more poignant with the recent discovery and announcement of 15 potential gravesites at a former residential school site in Carcross, Yukon. As the truth of the residential school system and racist policies continue to be exposed and more unmarked graves are uncovered, it is important that we as a society do not become desensitized to the horrors endured by Indigenous Peoples. 

Humber College recognizes and celebrates Indigenous cultures, narratives, and wisdom in our academic offerings, events, and initiatives that take place throughout the year. The Department of Indigenous Education and Engagement and Humber’s Indigenous Education Council guide this mission; however, it is every individual’s responsibility to take up the call for reconciliation. 

As a visible reminder of this responsibility, a mural which includes “Every Child Matters” has been painted on the walkway outside of the Learning Resource Commons at North Campus. Plans are underway for similar displays at the Lakeshore Campus.  

For genuine healing and establishing mino nawendiwin (good relationships), every Canadian and institution must wholeheartedly embrace Truth and Reconciliation. By actively endorsing the 94 Calls to Action, we all have a chance to engage in continuous learning and acknowledgment of the painful history and legacy of residential schools. Importantly, we can also celebrate the roles that Indigenous peoples are playing in shaping our modern world. 

Addressing the multigenerational trauma and supporting the healing process requires persistent effort from all. We encourage everyone within the Humber community to reflect on the essence of Truth and Reconciliation and how it can be integrated in daily life. 

We call on everyone to support Indigenous colleagues, students and neighbours as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day will undoubtedly stir many difficult thoughts and memories. 

To mark the significance of the day, Humber will lower all flags at the North and Lakeshore campuses on September 30. 

For a deeper understanding of Humber's efforts and opportunities available for learning, please visit the Humber’s Indigenous Education and Engagement website

Jason Seright 
Dean, Indigenous Education & Engagement 
Ann Marie Vaughan 
President and CEO, Humber College 

The following message was sent to students on September 21, 2023.

Dear Humber students, 

First, I hope you are doing well and that the start of the Fall term has you excited for what’s to come as you meet new classmates and learn the material and skills that will serve you well in your program and your future. 

We understand that the evolving situation between the governments of Canada and India has left some students concerned about potential impacts on them. Humber College works to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all its learners no matter where they come from.  

Students from around the world come to Humber to receive a world-class education and learn at an institution where they feel a strong sense of belonging. Rest assured that you are receiving an education that is recognized globally – an education that will guide you through your careers and help you achieve your goals. 

We are monitoring the ongoing situation between Canada and India. Humber will continue to communicate with you as the situation evolves and we commit to ensuring that you have accurate information as quickly as possible. The Humber community supports the many students and employees at Humber with direct and indirect ties to India, and we will continue to foster a safe and inclusive environment and support students and employees who are impacted by this ongoing situation. 

We are here to provide support to students and staff who may need it.      

You can also reach out for support through the International Centre at the North (Second Floor, LRC) and Lakeshore (H100A) campuses and through the support hubs at the International Graduate School (IGS). If you are looking for a space to pause and reflect, please feel free to visit the Spirituality and Wellness Centre at the North Campus in LRC 2112, the prayer room in HB102 at Lakeshore, or the multipurpose room at the IGS.  

One of the things that makes Humber great is the diversity of our learners and the value that their perspectives bring to our classrooms. We encourage the Humber community to continue to support one another. 

Be well, 

Gina Antonacci
Senior Vice-President, Academic 

On September 20, anti-2SLGBTQ+ protests will be taking place in Toronto.  

Hate has no place in our communities.  

Humber acts in solidarity with groups, like The 519, that are leading counter protests against hate, as well as the policies and guidelines that could have negative and possibly dangerous consequences for 2SLGBTQ+ youth. 2SLGBTQ+ students should feel safe at school to come out in whatever way they choose. 

At Humber, we value the contributions, expertise, lived experience and invaluable perspectives that the members of the 2SLBGTQ+ community bring to our workplace and learning environments. Humber in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ Resource Centres and the 2SLGBTQ+ Employee Resource group work together to promote a safe place for all. 

As a physical reminder of our commitment to provide a healthy and inclusive environment for all staff and students, and a visual representation of allyship, this weekend we are scheduled to install a Pride flag crosswalk outside of the Learning Resource Commons at North Campus. Future plans for similar displays at Lakeshore Campus are under development.  

It is one way of acknowledging the contributions and importance of Humber’s 2SLGBTQ+ community members year-round, and it is a symbol of the college’s support for the rights and safety of all.  

Resources and support are available throughout the academic year at the LGBTQ+ Resource Centres at North and Lakeshore Campuses and through the 2SLGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group. In addition: 

Staff are encouraged to access the Employee Assistance Plan services or to connect with their manager for support as needed. 

The following message was sent to students on August 31, 2023.

On Tuesday, we learned of the discovery of nearly 100 unmarked graves at the site of a former residential school in northern Saskatchewan. It is believed that buried at the site are 79 children and 14 infants. As the chief of English River First Nation said, schools should come with playgrounds, “not graveyards.” We are saddened and horrified by yet another reminder of the tragic history and treatment of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and the residential school system and its legacy of intergenerational trauma. 

We act in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and the impacted communities at this incredibly difficult time. This latest news will undoubtedly have an impact on our Humber community as well, and support is available for students and staff who may need it.  

Staff are encouraged to access the Employee Assistance Plan services or to connect with their manager for support as needed. 

As the truth of the residential school system and racist policies continue to be exposed and more unmarked graves are uncovered, it is important that we as a society do not become desensitized to the horrors endured by Indigenous People. In order to heal and build mino nawendiwin (good relationships), it is every Canadian’s responsibility to engage in Truth and Reconciliation, and to understand the impacts of residential schools, the policies that created the conditions for the devastation of Indigenous cultures and communities, and the roles that Indigenous peoples are playing in shaping our modern world. 

For more information about how Humber contributes to your own opportunities to learn, please visit the Humber Indigenous Education and Engagement website

Take care, 

Jason Seright 
Vice-President, Inclusion and Belonging 
Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan 
President and CEO, Humber College 

The following message was sent to students on August 28, 2023.

Dear students, 

As we begin a new school year, I want to welcome you to the fall term at Humber. I hope that you all had a chance to relax and be with the people you care about over the summer months. 

For those who attended classes last year, it’s great to have you back. For those of you who are here for the first time, welcome to the Humber community - we’re grateful you chose to join us. As you will find, Humber is a caring place, and we are committed to helping you be the best version of yourselves. 

Humber and the University of Guelph-Humber value the health and well-being of our students, employees and community. Rather than using a single definition of 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 and strive to be well-being allies for each student.   

To support this commitment, Humber has launched humber.ca/healthyYOU, a new online healthy community hub that is a central site ofr well-being resources for students. The Hub is a one-stop place 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.  

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. 

Humber is committed to supporting you throughout the fall term. Services and supports will be offered on campus and many also have online options to provide greater flexibility to students. You can find the latest information on student services on the We Got You webpage. Many of these service and support areas will be represented at the Orientation Services Fair on both campuses. On the Orientation website you will find a number of events and activities in the coming weeks to welcome you to Humber.  

When you're on campus, remember to use the Campus Compass app to see what's open and find your way around. Also, whether you're a new student or returning student, make sure to download and log in to the ONECard app to access your official identification for campus services. I encourage you to review how to upload your photo to the ONECard app to use as your Humber ID. Step-by-step instructions can be found at: humber.ca/onecard/myphoto

These are exciting times at Humber, and there are many opportunities for personal, educational and professional growth that I encourage you to explore. Please check www.humber.ca/updates regularly for the latest information on important College news. 

We are happy to have you with us and wish you success this term. 

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