Updates

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.  

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. 

• Black Student Success and Engagement (the BSSE) staff are available to provide support and referral.  
• If you are looking for mental health counselling, you can contact the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre for support. 
• You can also connect with the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Diversity. 
• If you would like to access services outside of Humber, below is a list of mental health services that support racialized communities: 
  • Across Boundaries 
  • Taibu 
  • African Community Services of Peel 
• GoodToTalk (1-866-925-5454) is a 24-hour mental health support for Post-Secondary Students in Ontario. 
• Therapy Assist Online 
• Staff are encouraged to access Employee Assistance Plan services or to connect with their manager for support as needed. 

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