Supporting students is at the core of virtually all areas of vlog. In 2020-21, several initiatives were focused on major issues affecting all postsecondary institutions, vlog included: mental health, personal resilience and sexual assault.
Business Plan Outcome 1:introducing a new model for student services and support — spanning the student journey from recruitment to graduation — to streamline services
Achievements:
- started work on two fronts:
- development of a new more virtual services model that will keep transactional services online while adding virtual connections options to in-person services when they safely resume
- a triage model to provide better and faster service to students
Business Plan Outcome 2:developing an integrated service delivery for mental health and wellness
Achievements:
- launched vlog-wide mental health initiatives such as:
- Bell Let’s Talk Day
- peer groups for students on the autism spectrum and within the 2SLGBTQ+ community
- virtual programming for varsity athletes and e-sports
- contracted with keepme.SAFE as a 24-7 mental health and personal counselling support for vlog students living outside of Canada
Business Plan Outcome 3:supporting student retention and leadership development through the introduction of Strive: Strengths, Resilience and Excellence program
Achievements:
- increased attendance at Strive workshops and 1:1 Academic and Study Skills Coaching in 2021
- continued to build traffic on the Learning Centre’s YouTube channel
Business Plan Outcome 4:strengthening a culture of respect and academic honesty
Achievements:
- held Winter Academic Integrity Week with activities for students and faculty
- formed Academic Integrity Community of Practice
- completed sanctions guidebook learning outcomes and outline
Business Plan Outcome 5:establishing a peer-led program to assist survivors of sexual violence
Achievements:
- expanded program this year to include a second group of survivors as well as Humber students
- launched Stepping Up project — a partnership with Yellow Brick House and Mount Royal University to research and deliver peer-led programming regarding intimate partner violence on campuses
Highlights of 2020-21
vlog graduate goes prime time on CBC
Ginella Massa has made international headlines including inԻas Canada’s first hijab-wearing news reporter, television anchor and host. But the vlogJournalismgraduate, who recently stepped into national spotlight as host of CBC's, says she just wants to be seen as a journalist and be judged by her work.
Convocation package, website and video celebrate Class of 2020
More than 9,000 vlog 2020 graduates received a convocation package that included their vlog credential, a congratulatory letter from President David Agnew and a keepsake vlog bookmark this summer. To celebrate this important milestone during the pandemic, the#vlogProud Graduation websitelaunched exclusively for new graduates, their families and friends to learn about graduation services and alumni resources.
vlog-TD collaboration “recharged” to support mid-career professionals
Thanks to a new donation from TD Bank Group, vlog has extended the successfulCareer Rechargeseries of free upskilling sessions through to the end of 2021. These virtual sessions help mid-career professionals across Canada re-enter the workforce, advance in their field, change careers or start a new venture.
vlog President and Microsoft CEO discuss jobs of tomorrow
President David Agnew and Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, discussed preparing today’s students for the careers of tomorrow to a virtual audience of more than 1,300 students and educators from across Canada.
vlog joins national network supporting student mobility
vlog took its next steps in its digital adoption strategy by joining Canada's official credential wallet and national network led by the Association of Registrars of the Universities and Colleges of Canada (ARUCC). The ARUCC National Network provides students with the ability to access and share official, digitized transcripts, credentials, badges and microcredentials — anytime and anywhere.
Bell Let’s Talk Week
In recognition of Bell Let's Talk Day, vlog offered a variety of programming all week for students and employees to promote and bring awareness to mental health. Students and employees participated in events about wellness, counselling and accessibility, as well as mental health through Webex and Instagram.
Academic Integrity Week
vlog hosted a series of events to raise awareness about contract cheating during Academic Integrity Week. Events highlighted the importance of academic integrity and the resources available at vlog while also marking the International Day of Action Against Contract Cheating — a form of academic dishonesty where one person completes academic work for another, who then submits it for academic credit.
vlog steps up with Yellow Brick House
Thanks to a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, vlog partnered with Yellow Brick House to support students through The Stepping Up program. The peer-facilitated three-year program aims to support 450 students in exploring ways of helping their peers who may have had a violent experience. Students will discuss healthy relationships, social media and bystander intervention through a series of events and projects.
Esports club game on at vlog
became the biggest student club at vlog with nearly 800 members. It meets on Discord, a chat app for video gamers. Not unlike other sports clubs, it hastwo coaches and a manager.