We’re now Cal Poly Humboldt, what's next?

by Frank Rocha

It’s official, like a referee with a whistle. Humboldt State University is now California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. The institution launched the polytechnic prospectus, a multiyear phased plan, which includes $433 million one-time funding, and $25 million is ongoing funding for the institution starting Jan. 26.

“That $25 million is really to support academic program buildout, recruiting students like yourselves and future students, retention, communicating about our programs, and supporting infrastructure,” said Jenn Capps, provost and vice president of academic affairs, in an Open Forum on Jan. 19.

In that same meeting Capps was able to determine how the one-time funding is being implemented at Cal Poly Humboldt.

“The one time, the $433 million is really about infrastructure: housing, academic buildings, technology, communications, land acquisition, things like that,” said Capps.

Clearing the air

There were questions from others about the changes that will be made transitioning to a polytechnic, like the graduate student collective who believe there should be improvements to the prospectus.

Others fear what the update might bring to classes during the transition to a polytechnic. Capps was able to clear up some rumors surrounding the transition.

“There’s absolutely no intention or purpose behind eliminating something that isn’t, air quoted, polytechnic. All of our academic programs are very important, and we would never seek to eliminate programs based on becoming a polytechnic,” Capps said.

Students fear the idea that the tuition will rise because the institution is now a polytechnic, but Capps said the two don’t correlate.

“Polytechnic designation isn’t connected to how much tuition costs or how much fees cost at our institution. Those decisions are made independent of a designation. Tuition is determined at the system level, so I know there’s been a little worry that if we’re a polytechnic and polytechnic are expensive and that might cause students more money. Those two things are not associated with one another,” Capps said.

Students also wonder what their diploma will say when they graduate from Cal Poly Humboldt during the spring 2022 semester or in the future ahead.

“So, for a couple of years during this transition if you started at the University under HSU you will have the opt in choice if you want to go the old school right, otherwise California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. The forthcoming class in fall 2022 won’t have that choice because they would have enrolled and started here

under that new name,” “ said Capps.

New hire from the prospectus

“We are adding a second tribal counselor to expand state-wide focus as part of us being a polytechnic,” said Jason Meriwether, vice president of enrollment management, in a Jan. 10 joint interview with Capps.

There being only one hire for a tribal counselor from the polytechnic prospectus is a start. There could be positions added throughout the multi year phased plan that surrounds expanding Traditional Ecological Knowledge at the institution.

“Start in the spring and in fact you’ll probably see the job posted, probably, before your article goes up. We’ve already approved it and everything through the HR process we’re just waiting for it to get moved and get out there. It will be kind of like a higher level position and it will supervise the existing tribal recruiter position,” Meriwether said.

What happens now that we’re a polytechnic?

The logo is being reworked to accommodate the new name change as we speak. All Humboldt State University

merch is now deadstock or no longer being made. The mascot change is being evaluated by a branding agency called Simpsonscarborough who have met with groups of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders since December, according to Kristen Gould, director of marketing.

“A lot of people have started bringing up that question about the mascot and so you can expect some surveys to come into your inbox, hopefully at the beginning of February to mid-february that will kind of dig into that question a little bit,” Gould said.

The Year Two Planning of the multi year plan was revealed in a Jan. 28 zoom meeting, which detailed the revised planning for one-time spending.

The revision included an increased number of new faculty hires from 12 to 16 during years one and two of the transition. $800,000 from polytechnic funding will go to GI 2025/Inclusive Student Success. Also increased onetime investments in marketing, rebranding, student recruitment and outreach efforts will be made during years one and two. As of right now, plans willcontinue to be refined as the institution goes along and they’re asking for students’ help in the process. Year three plans will be honed in by the end of fall 2022 semester.

“So, if you have ideas, interests, there’s things you’re interested in seeing come forward at HSU or hopefully Cal Poly Humboldt you want to share those with us. We’d love to hear what you’re interested in,” said Capps.

If students want to reach out, Capps asks for them to get in contact with the Office of Academic Affairs at Cal Poly Humboldt to share their ideas or interests.

Cal Poly Humboldt banner displayed at the bookstore on campus celebrating the university’s name change. | Photo by Ricardo Lara Nava

All of our academic programs are very important, and we would never seek to eliminate programs based on becoming a polytechnic. ” -Jenn Capps, provost and vice president of academic affairs

Emergency funds for students

by Angelina Ramirez Peirano

Cal Poly Humboldt Financial Aid office will be offering emergency funds to students on a case by case basis during the spring 2022 semester. The form to request funds will be available on the Financial Aid website around mid February.

Available funds are limited, as federal funding for emergency money for students has run out. Although there is no deadline for filling out the request form, Peggy Metzger, director of financial aid, expects Cal Poly Humboldt’s funds to expire by the end of the current semester. Eligibility for receiving a grant is on a case by case basis, prioritizing more severe situations while also taking into consideration who has not received these funds in the past.

According to Metzger, approximately 300 new students, and students who have returned after taking breaks during the past few semesters were granted small sums of money from this reserved funding.

“A combination of new students who are just coming in for spring and also students who may have been students for a while and they just didn’t enroll in fall, didn’t have access to the funds in the fall,” said Metzger. “There are like 300 students in that situation, so just this week we gave some money automatically to them.”

Previous funding was provided by the federal government through the CARES Act, Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), as well as the American Rescue Plan. As of right now there are no more government funds anticipated to be disbursed in the near future.

Once posted, the form to request emergency funds will be found at www.finaid. humboldt.edu.

Cumbre scholarship opens in February

by Angelina Ramirez Peirano

Beca Cumbre abre en febrero

by Angelina Ramirez Peirano traducido por Jennifer Diaz

Cumbre Humboldt is planning to open up another round of scholarship applications on Feb. 15. These scholarships will award five different students $500 for this coming Fall.

Founder and president of Cumbre Humboldt, Lucy Salazar, encourages Latinx students of all ages to apply.

“Any Latinx person who lives in Humboldt County or is attending or planning to attend a college, vocational or technical school in Humboldt County can apply,” wrote Salazar in an email to El Leñador. “They must also demonstrate financial need. There is no upper age or grade limit.”

Cumbre is a non-profit organization in Humboldt County that aims to support the local Latinx community. They offer enriching opportunities such as scholarships, tutoring, cultural dances, access to technological devices, advocating for accessibility and field trips.

Most importantly, Cumbre Humboldt instills confidence in Latinx students of all ages as they enter the academic realm.

The deadline for this scholarship is still to be determined, however it will be posted on their website as soon as the scholarship officially opens. You can find the Google Form application on their website at www.cumbrehumboldt.org. La organización, Cumbre Humboldt, está en el proceso de abrir otra ronda de aplicaciones de becas el 15 de febrero. Las becas serán recompensados a cinco estudiantes escolares de una cantidad de $500.

La fundadora y presidenta de Cumbre Humboldt, Lucy Salazar, anima a todos los estudiantes de todas edades de parte de la comunidad Latinx que aplican a esta oportunidad.

“Alguna persona parte de la comunidad Latinx que reside en el condado de Humboldt que está atendiendo o aplicando para el colegio, en escuela vocacional o técnica, está disponible para aplicar,” dijo Salazar en un comunicado con El Leñador. “También, deberán demostrar que están en necesidad financiera. No habrá límite de edad o grado escolar.”

Cumbre es una organización sin fines de lucro en el condado de Humboldt que su propósito es apoyar la comunidad Latinx. La organización Cumbre ofrece oportunidades enriquecedoras como becas, tutoría, clases de bailes culturales, acceso a dispositivos tecnológicos, abogar por la accesibilidad, y excursiones.

Sobre todo, Cumbre Humboldt infunde confianza en los estudiantes Latinx de todas las edades mientras continúan su educación.

El plazo de la beca está en proceso de ser definido, y estará publicado en el sitio web tan pronto la beca esté disponible. Podrás encontrar la aplicación en el sitio web www.cumbrehumboldt.org.

Welcome back, check out these resources on campus

Student resources on campus

by Victoria Olsen

With the start of the spring 2022 semester, California State University Polytechnic, Humboldt has seen more students and in-person classes on campus than in the last two years.

A year ago at this time, according to the Institutional Research, Analytics and Reporting, campus was only seeing 7.81% of face-to-face classes. Right now, the IRAR has reported that 58.59% of classes are face-to-face.

There are now 1,563 students living on campus as compared to fall 2021 with 1,440 students living on campus.

Many student resource offices have moved locations on campus and/or have changed hours and availability. For many freshman and transfer students who are new to campus, even for many returning students, this may be their first time physically on campus in over a year. We want to make sure that students are aware of where all student resources are located.

For more resources and information on campus please visit: www.acac.humboldt.edu/students/ campus-student-support-services

Educational Services:

• Educational Opportunity Program

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is located in the Hadley House 56. They offer a wide range of educational assistance like free printing and various other campus, academic and career related guidance. You can make an appointment to meet with an advisor either in person or over zoom Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Library

The library is now open 7 days a week, Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 11 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.- 7 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. - 11 p. m. The library resources include the Student Disability Resource Center in room 055, Writing Studio in room 032, Learning Center in room 055, the Testing center in room 13, and the Academic & Career Advising Center is located in the lower library room 27.

COVID-19 Resources:

• Testing

Walk-in testing is available on the first floor of the Student Activities Center, left side of the Depot, open Monday and Thursday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Tuesday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wednesday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Friday 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. There are also vending machines around campus that offer access to rapid COVID-19 tests. • Masks

N95 masks are available on campus in the Student Business Service building at the University Police Department front desk and in College Creek and Jolly Giant mailrooms. • Additional Information If students test positive for COVID-19 they should immediately notify Student Health & Wellbeing Services by emailing health@humboldt. edu or calling 707-826-3146. Keep an eye for HSU emails about vaccine availability/appointments and updates on COVID-19 policy.

Mental Health Resources:

Counseling and Psychological

Services (CAPS) has their main location on the second floor of the Student Health Center building, and a second location at the Behavioral & Social Sciences building in room 208. You do have to schedule an appointment to go in person, or they also offer “Web in Wednesday” over zoom. More information can be found on their website www. counseling.humboldt.edu.

Food Resources:

• OH SNAP

OH SNAP is an open food pantry that helps students get access to food. They also offer help getting into the CalFresh program and offer a swipe assistance program that gives students free food at the J. Their office is located at the Recreation and Wellness building in room 122. • General Food

All dining on Campus is now open (College Creek, The Depot, Bigfoot Burger, The J). All dining locations are Grab-N-Go only, no indoor seating allowed until further notice. For more information on campus dining hours and locations please visit: www.dineoncampus.com/humboldtstate/dining-locations-and-hours

Cultural Resources:

• The Umoja Center for Pan African Student Excellence is a Pan African cultural community that offers career, academic and social guidance for students. They are located in Nelson Hall East room 206. • El Centro Académico Cultural is a community centered mainly around providing assistance in academic, professional and social development for Latin American students. They are located in Nelson Hall East room 205. • Indian Tribal & Educational Personnel Program (ITEPP) is a community that helps Indigenous students in their studies through the three colleges of Arts, Humanities & Social Science; Natural Resources & Sciences; and Professional Studies. They are located in the Brero House 93. • Indian Natural Resources, Science and Engineering Program (INRSEP) is a STEM based house that provides students with research assistance and professional connections. They are located at the Walter Warren House 38.

Social Resources:

• Eric Rofes Multicultural Queer Resource Center is a community of students and locals that organize events to advocate for Queer, Anti-Racist, and Feminist avctivism. They are located in the Warren House 53. • Social Justice, Equity, and Inclusion Center (SJEIC) is a student-run organization that supports students through their 5-E’s: Explore, Experience, Express, Empower and Engage. They are located in the Balabanis House 55. • Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (ODEI) is a program that follows a 6-pillar plan of inclusive excellence to help students and faculty in professional and academic development. They are located in Siemens Hall room 208. • Women’s Resources Center offers support, empowerment and a safe community to women. They also offer menstrual, safe sex, and art supplies. They are located in the Balbanis House 55, Room 105.

Current COVID-19 testing and quarantine information

by Alexandra Gonzalez

Covid-19 cases continue to rise in Humboldt County. As of Feb. 1, there have been a total of 17,509 cases since the pandemic began. The Department of Human Health Services, the Center for Disease Control, and the California Department of Public Health recommend the following:

When to get tested

You should immediately get tested for COVID-19 if you are feeling any symptoms – regardless of your vaccination status. COVID-19 symptoms can feel like a common cold seasonal allergies or flu.

After being exposed to someone with COVID-19.

What to do after being exposed?

• If you were fully vaccinated when exposed, you do not need to quarantine unless you develop symptoms. Vaccinated people should get tested 5-7 days after close contact with someone who has recently tested positive, even if they don’t develop symptoms. • If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and are not fully vaccinated, get tested right away and quarantine for at least five days. If you test negative, retest 5-7 days after your exposure date. • If you have recovered from COVID-19 in the last three months and have had no new symptoms since your recent exposure, you do not need to get tested.

The CDC recommends people take precautions until 10 days after exposure and avoid being around people who are at high risk.

What to do if you test positive?

Community: If you tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status: • Stay home for five days and isolate yourself from others in your home. • If you have symptoms, end isolation after five full days and if symptoms are no longer present or are resolving. • If you did not have symptoms, end isolations at least five days after your positive test. Cal Poly Humboldt students: Same as above. Students should also contact the Student Health & Wellbeing Services. You can email health@humboldt.edu or call 707-826-3146.

Isolation guidelines

The CDC recommends that people who test positive for COVID-19 or are showing symptoms of COVID-19 need to be isolated regardless of their vaccination status. • People who have a positive viral test for COVID-19 should isolate, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms. • People with symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate, including people who are awaiting test results or have not been tested.

Isolation recommendations for multi-family homes.

For those who may share a room with someone who has symptoms, the CDPH recommends: • Make sure the room has good airflow • Maintain at least six feet between beds if possible. • Sleep head to toe, or with faces at least six feet apart. • Use a separate bathroom or one that can be disinfected after use.

When to seek help

If you experience any one of the following emergency warning signs, call 911 and get medical attention immediately: • Trouble breathing. • Bluish lips or face. • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest. • New confusion or inability to arouse. • New numbness or tingling in the extremities. • Other serious symptoms.

Free at-home rapid antigen testing

Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests from USPS.com. • Limit of one order per residential address • One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests • To order visit: www.covidtests.gov

Free masks

Rite-aid, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and local pharmacies are offering free N-95 masks. People can get three masks per person.

The CDC stated that although all fitted masks provide protection, respirators like the N95 mask above offer the most protection. | Canva Photo

Recommendations for Masks

• Make sure no air is flowing from the area near your eyes or from the sides of the mask. • For cloth masks, multiple layers of tightly woven, breathable fabric is recommended • Masks should have a nose wire • Use fabric that blocks light when held up to a bright light source

The CDC states that while all masks and respirators like an N95 provide some level of protection, properly fitting respirators provide the highest level of protection.

Who can get vaccinated and/ or boosted and where?

According to the CDC, adults, and children, age five years and older can now get Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines. COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are now authorized for everyone 12 years and older in the U.S.

Vaccines in your area can be found at www.vaccines.gov.

Where to call for information about testing sites and vaccination information for Spanish speakers?

To get local information about the current vaccine and testing locations, Spanish speakers can call the Joint Information Center at 707-441-5000 and ask to speak to a Spanish call taker.

Testing Sites:

To schedule a test at one of the OptumServe sites listed below, go to www.lhi.care/ covidtesting or call 888-634-1123. Making an appointment in advance is strongly encouraged.

Eureka

Wharfinger Building, 1 Marina Way, Eureka 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., seven days a week Closed from 11 a.m. - noon and 4 - 5 p.m.

McKinleyville

Azalea Hall, 1620 Picket Road Mondays, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed from 11 a.m. - noon and 3 - 4 p.m.

Trinidad

Trinidad Town Hall, 409 Trinity St. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed from 11 a.m. - noon and 2 - 3 p.m.

Hoopa

Hoopa Fire Department – 11121 State Hwy 96, Hoopa Thursdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed from 11 a.m. to noon and 2 - 3 p.m.

Arcata

Arcata D Street Neighborhood Center, 1301 D St. Fridays, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed from 11 a.m. - noon and 3 - 4 p.m.