II. The University
History
Founded in 2002, the University of Guelph-Humber builds on the combined strengths of the University of Guelph and the Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (Humber). The University offers a curriculum that provides the advanced theoretical education of a university degree integrated with the professional knowledge of a college diploma.
University of Guelph-Humber programs have been designed to meet the emerging demands of employers for strategic skills including critical thinking, computer expertise and leadership. All programs at the University lead to an honours degree which is awarded by the University of Guelph and a college diploma which is awarded by Humber. Students may pursue studies in undergraduate programs including: Business Administration, Early Childhood Studies, Community Social Services, Justice Studies, Kinesiology, Media and Communication Studies and Psychology.
Enrolment at the University is currently at 4,688 students. Responsible growth has allowed the University to offer small class and lab sizes to students in all programs at all year levels. The University has a number of international students and students who hail from across Canada, but the University of Guelph-Humber is primarily a commuter campus, with the majority of students coming from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Academic Organization
The University of Guelph-Humber is a joint venture between the University of Guelph and Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. The academic structure of the University of Guelph-Humber is based on program offerings, each of which is supported by an academic unit within the two institutions. Listed below are the program offerings at the University of Guelph-Humber and the sponsoring unit (school or college) from both parent institutions.
| Program | U of G Academic Support Unit | Humber Academic Support Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Business | Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics | Faculty of Business |
| Community Social Services | College of Social and Applied Human Sciences | Faculty of Social and Community Services |
| Early Childhood Studies | College of Social and Applied Human Sciences | Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellness |
| Justice Studies | College of Social and Applied Human Sciences | Faculty of Social and Community Services |
| Kinesiology | College of Biological Science | Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellness |
| Media and Communication Studies | College of Arts | Faculty of Media and Creative Arts |
| Psychology | College of Social and Applied Human Sciences | Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Innovative Learning |
Our Academic Philosophy
Our objective at the University of Guelph-Humber is to deliver a broad-based university education and to provide students with focused career options. Beyond gaining specialized knowledge in their chosen field, students will also develop the ability to learn continuously and independently. Upon graduation, students will be ready to respond confidently to change and seize opportunities. Courses at the University of Guelph-Humber combine academic rigor with real world applications. Faculty and experts in course development from the University of Guelph and Humber, in collaboration with employers and professionals, developed the curriculum for our programs.
Learning Objectives
They considered three major Learning Objectives:
- the knowledge that would serve as the foundation of the course,
- the skills that students would develop and enhance during the course, and
- the values that relate to programs and chosen careers.
Knowledge is always expanding and new applications evolve every day. Our course designers have incorporated new theories and models into the curriculum. They have also provided sufficient flexibility to embrace new ideas as they evolve.
The University of Guelph and Humber possess a rich heritage that takes skills and values into account. The University of Guelph-Humber has incorporated philosophies from both institutions to ensure that the student's education is complete. In addition, we have identified a range of skills required in the workplace which students will have the opportunity to develop throughout the curriculum.
Overview of the University of Guelph-Humber's Three Major Learning Objectives
Knowledge
- Global Understanding
- Sense of Historical Development
- Understanding of Forms of Enquiry
- Depth & Breadth of Understanding
- Theoretical & Professional
Skills
- Leadership & Teamwork
- Mathematics & Computing
- Personal Skills
- Communicating
- Thinking Skills
Values
- Independence of Thought
- Moral Maturity
- Love of Learning
- Aesthetic Maturity
- Citizenship
Our Faculty
Our professors are known for more than their expertise in the subjects they teach – they are also known for valuing student-centred learning and for incorporating both theory and practice in the classroom. Faculty – including those who have broken frontiers in their research and those who are connected with industry partners and professionals outside the classroom – will enrich your learning experience.
You will be taught by experienced faculty from both the University of Guelph and Humber. You will discover professors who are approachable and ready to help both in and out of the classroom.
Workplace Experience Before You Graduate
In addition to in-class learning, every program includes an opportunity for you to learn in the workplace, so you can build on what you have learned in the classroom. The type of workplace experience varies across each program.
Students in the Business program are required to participate in an Applied Business Study in their last semester. In this course, students, in either a paid or volunteer position, analyze and apply business theories to the workplace through a reflective paper. Students also have the option of gaining more work experience for credit by participating in either the Business Practicum or Business Workplace Learning course in their third or fourth year.
Students in Early Childhood Studies and Community Social Services participate in practicum and community service placements. A practicum is a part-time volunteer placement that is taken over a semester in conjunction with a course. Students typically carry a full course load while enrolled in practicum placements.
Students in Justice Studies participate in community service placements. A placement is a part-time volunteer or paid opportunity placement that is taken over a semester in conjunction with a course. Students typically carry a full course load while enrolled in placements.
Kinesiology students complete 2 internships in 3rd and 4th year, participating in weekly seminars to analyze their experiences and help develop the skills needed for professional employment.
Students in the Media and Communication Studies program participate in a 240 hour workplace internship in their final year of study. An internship is a part-time volunteer placement.
Students in Psychology combine academic study with a minimum of 100 hours of workplace experience through the Applied Study in Community Mental Health course.
Mission/Identity Statement
The University of Guelph-Humber combines the rich academic tradition of the University of Guelph and the professional, job-readiness training excellence of Humber by enabling students to earn an honours degree and a college diploma after four years of study.
Our challenging curriculum, developed in consultation with professionals and employers, combines academic rigor with real world applications and affords educational opportunities both in the classroom and in the workplace. Classrooms and labs in our state of the art facility allow for small-group learning, which encourages exploration and innovation while field placements and workplace exposure provide practical hands-on experiences.
Students who graduate from the University of Guelph-Humber are career driven, practically skilled, professional, and possess critical thinking skills to adapt to the complex world. Our graduates are positioned for leadership and lifelong learning.