Hello everyone,

It has obviously been a very difficult set of days here at Cal Poly Humboldt. I truly believe we can navigate through this challenging time and rebuild trust and community. It is going to take time. Time and prioritizing healing, dialogue, and accountability. I believe more than ever in the power of education at Cal Poly Humboldt and the importance of embracing respectful dialogue that helps us all work through difficult conversations and can expose our community to a broader understanding of our world and how we can positively impact it.

I hold regular Provost-Council of Chairs meetings each semester and we will use our meeting time this week to discuss the recent events on campus and identify some actionable ways to move forward. Additionally, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) is looking to convene space to talk particularly for staff members seeking dialogue so stay tuned for more information about this. 

Commencement

As you hopefully saw in the brief campus message that came out last evening, in-person Commencement is on! The University is working through planning modified in-person local ceremonies on Saturday, May 11, 2024. There will be additional information coming in the next few days. I am truly relieved that our graduates, families, and campus community will get the well-earned opportunity to celebrate this important moment. 

Credit/Non-Credit

Many students and advisors have requested information on flexibility around grade mode changes. If a student missed the deadline to change to/from the Credit/No Credit grading mode (CR/NC) early this term for Spring 2024, students may still submit a petition for exception to university policy no later than Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11:59 pm PST with a brief explanation of the request and reasoning for a late change. All reasonable requests will be considered. 

Please note: for some categories of students (for example, veteran students, student-athletes, and students considering graduate or professional school in certain fields), using the CR/NC option is not advisable. Every student should work very closely with their advisor on this decision taking into account all aspects of academic standing, financial aid, etc. Students receiving financial aid should consider impacts on aid eligibility and their Satisfactory Academic Progress (https://www.humboldt.edu/financial-aid/maintaining-eligibility/sap).

Contact records@humboldt.edu with any questions about the petition process or details about changing grade modes after the deadline. 

Events

I wanted to update you on the status of three events which are as follows:

• Innovation Summit- You are invited to the upcoming Innovation Summit 2024, May 1 - May 2, 2024, at a new location- the Red Lion Inn, 1929 4th St, Eureka, CA 95501. The theme of the Innovation Summit 2024 is EdTech & Learning Skills in Digital Environments. Brief keynote presentations will focus on the innovative vision of EdTech services, the problems they are focused on solving, and lessons learned. In addition, presentations will also focus on how learning skills in digital environments are evolving. Together, academic and public libraries, information technology, non-profits, and EdTech, have an opportunity to share insights and collaborate to address the needs of lifelong learners. 

• 11th Annual IdeaFest- This will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Arcata Community Center, 321 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Parkway, Arcata, CA 95521. This is a celebration of research and creative projects and more information can be found here. 

• University Senate Reception- Originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 5:30 pm has been postponed until Fall 2024.

Please take care of yourself and each other.

Jenn Capps

--