Division Update to University Senate

April 6, 2020
The following is the most recent update on University Advancement that was shared with the University Senate. These reports are shared once or twice each month. If you have suggestions for items to include, you can email Frank at frank@humboldt.edu.
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University Advancement – Senate Report

 Recent projects and successes

  • Marketing & Communications staff have served HSU’s Emergency Operations Center during the COVID-19 response by developing internal messages, writing news releases, responding to media inquiries, maintaining current content, posting and monitoring on social media, developing websites, and more. (See the COVID-19 website, which includes all updates including a summary of the HSU response up until the first day of virtual instruction on March 26.)
  • With funding support from HSU’s California Center for Rural Policy, KHSU has begun airing public service announcements related to COVID-19. The spots are focused on health and wellbeing, and feature HSU Nursing Program Director Kim Perris. They can also be heard on six local commercial stations, which have all provided deep discounts for the airtime.
  • The HSU Foundation recently committed $140,000 to St. Joseph Health for the purchase of four ventilators. The equipment is needed to provide healthcare to the community, including HSU students and employees, during the COVID-19 response. Funds were drawn from unrestricted donations to the Foundation.
  • The Alumni & Engagement Office has sent a series of messages and updates about the COVID-19 response to alumni as well as families of current students.
  • The Development Office has begun communicating to current donors about the Student Adversity Fund, which is helping to support students during this time. The fund has recently been used to purchase expanded data plans and internet access for those students who need it, and to purchase more laptop computers for check-out at the Library. Any faculty and staff wishing to give can learn more at the Student Adversity Fund giving page
  • The Phone Jacks student callers have begun calling alumni and donors again after a one-month hiatus. The students usually call to solicit gifts as part of annual fund, but at this time are not requesting donations. The calls are to check in, find out how the alum is doing, and share how HSU is responding to COVID-19. The response has been very positive.

Organization and planning

  • The Advancement Division is continuing a significant reorganization in order to re-focus on major gifts and plan for a comprehensive campaign. The division is planning to reduce its expenditures in anticipation of additional budget challenges.
  • In late February, the HSU Foundation finalized an agreement with an outside firm to conduct a campaign feasibility study. This study will explore donor interest and capacity, potential priorities, and organizational readiness. Originally scheduled to be completed by the end of summer, the timeline is being extended due to travel restrictions and physical distancing requirements.
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