HUMBER

PROGRAM STRATEGIC PLANNING

Intake figures and attendance are analyzed monthly to track activity and client profiles. This results in on-going adjustments to programming including enhanced recruitment and outreach and provision of information sessions. As a result of this analysis, Humber has significantly shifted activity to LBS levels 2 -4. Courses have also been reorganized. Math has been split into 2 streams - academic and applied. Self management, previously part of communications, has been developed as a separate course with students split into 4 groups each of which participates in a 3 hour class once a week with a teacher hired specifically to deliver training relevant to the group. This same teacher is responsible for all training plan related activities. There is extensive ongoing communication between teachers. There has been a major impact on programming. Classes are split according to LBS levels, 2-3, 3-4, 5-OBS to minimize disruption to students and accelerate their progress.

A majority of students are employed part time. Classes are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. which has been successful in accommodating employed students. Students may attend part time (taking either math or communications) or fulltime taking both subjects. Evening delivery is currently under discussion and will depend on interest and availability of space. There is a fee based evening program which uses LBS/ACE curriculum.

Students are encouraged to bring materials from their workplace and classroom activities are designed around these materials. It is primarily communications activities especially WIMIS and Government Health and Safety documents. There has been little math e.g. spread sheets or graphing. Most students are employed in warehousing, retail, fast foods and some factory work. In the Self Management course topics such as resume writing, job applications and interview techniques are covered.

There are a lot of options for plateaued learners in this area outside of the college. Students not making progress are referred to a wide range of community based employment focused programs particularly PTP. Students are also referred to School Board programs offering enhanced activities for lower level students. Humber has initiated a 30 day probation period to assist in the rapid identification of students for whom the pace and workload of a PS program may not be appropriate.

Math is delivered on an individualized basis. Communications is a blend of teacher led, individualized and some lecture (for PS preparation). Self management is teacher led and group work. Computers are taught in a lab and additional computer time is made available to communications classes on an as required basis.

MARKETING AND PARTNERSHIPS

The primary partnership is with post secondary. PS faculty provide individual and group information sessions; students can program shadow. Students can also participate in PS for credit free of charge. (This is primarily communications in the evening.) There has also been a joint venture to address the needs of at risk youth many of whom are gang members. PS faculty have also provided considerable input on the development of curriculum. All math outcomes are linked to specific PS programs. There is a particularly strong cross referral link with GAS. Unsuccessful GAS students are referred to upgrading at the end of the semester. There is an articulation agreement with GAS, which is the pathway to health sciences especially PSW and BScN. The spring rejection letters from the Registrar include a flyer on upgrading. Successful students automatically have space in PS. Students successful in completing ACE can move to the PS university stream programming.

The strongest external link is through the regional network and with the YMCA, Legal Aid, Women's Shelter and OW.