EMSS Team Members:

Happy Friday! I know I shared an enrollment message with campus earlier this week, once enrollment numbers were finalized, but I wanted to be sure to thank our division for all of the work that went into achieving this second consecutive fall semester of growth for our campus.

Of course we would have been thrilled to see higher enrollments, but I want to reinforce this important point: Cal Poly Humboldt is performing better than many institutions like ours across the state and the nation, and the fact we have arrested the enrollment slide, demonstrated over multiple semesters, is a cause for celebration. To not pause and acknowledge that we are moving mountains, and working hard to do it, would be a huge mistake. In fact, preliminary system enrollment numbers shared at a meeting I attended this week indicate our campus grew at a larger percentage in both headcount and resident FTE than the CSU overall.

Everyone should feel proud of the commitment to students and dedication to this campus that spurred us towards that growth, and for the ongoing work to build on that for future terms. I am confident that every member of this team has an important role to play in our continued growth, whether you are bringing new students through our doors, helping them navigate campus once they arrive, or ensuring they are supported and engaged during their student journey.

Thank you for the spirit you show, the willingness to rethink our work and make adjustments so that we can better serve our students, and for being part of the team that is making history on our campus. I am proud to work alongside you.

Please take a few minutes to read more below about other important work taking place in our division.

Fall Preview

We are expecting about 500 guests to campus this Saturday for our Fall Preview event, one of our signature admissions events that allows students and families a sneak peek at what Cal Poly Humboldt has to offer! This Preview sees the return of our instant admissions decisions, where students with active applications who can provide an unofficial transcript find out on the spot whether they are admitted. An event of this magnitude takes collaboration from across campus, so many thanks to all those I know are putting in extra work to make this event a success. Read more about the plans for the event, or review the agenda for the day.

Celebrating Our Transfer Students

Don’t forget that next week is National Transfer Student Week, a heartfelt celebration of our transfer students' journeys and achievements at Cal Poly Humboldt that takes place Oct. 16-20. National Transfer Week is a nationwide initiative aimed at celebrating transfer students as well as the staff and faculty who support them on their journey.

As part of this initiative, we have planned a series of workshops and events that aim to shed light on their experiences, honor their accomplishments, and provide valuable information to both current and prospective transfer students. We invite you to explore the full schedule of events and activities on our National Transfer Week Website: https://www.humboldt.edu/admission-aid/events/transfer-student-week.

Lumberjack Weekend – Homecoming 2023

Lumberjack Weekend returns next week, starting with a kickoff party on Thursday, Oct. 19, and including various activities for students, families, alumni, and the broader campus community. This weekend is one of the major opportunities to cement the relationship between our students and the rest of the Lumberjack family. Don’t forget to wear your green and gold, and take a few minutes to review the schedule of events so you can join in the fun!

Your Opinion Matters

Dining wants your feedback on our food services, menu options and more – even better, you can win an $800 Mountain Bike. Take the survey: https://swiy.co/CalPolyHumboldt-Survey-2023

New Additions & Searches

We are excited to share that El Centro is currently searching for a coordinator, so encourage potential candidates you may know to consider applying for this and other jobs currently posted!

Accolades

A key part of our polytechnic transformation and strategic enrollment growth is increasing name and brand recognition for the campus. Our colleagues on the University Marketing & Communications team do amazing work to support those efforts, including an incredible new promotional video, which has been all over social media in recent days – and is even showing in the local airport! Take a moment to watch this Future Found video, if you haven’t yet seen it – I promise you will be inspired.

Events

If you are able, support one (or more) of these great events involving members of the EMSS team:

• Open Budget Forum, hosted by the University Resources and Planning Committee of the University Senate 10/18, 2 pm to 3:30 pm, Goodwin Forum. The purpose of the forum is to: introduce University budgeting concepts; provide information about the state of the budget at the CSU and specifically at Humboldt; and describe the charge, timeline, and processes of the URPC. At least 30 minutes will be set aside for campus community members to offer feedback or suggestions, and ask questions. The session will be offered in person only, and snacks will be provided.
•  Sticky Problems, Community Solutions, 10/26 Noon-1pm, Library Fishbowl. This is a bagged lunch meeting to discuss any areas of our work we could use other eyes on! Do you have a question or concern in your area and you aren't sure how to solve it? Do you have a design or schedule you'd like to get outside opinions on? Would you like some compassionate feedback and support? Join the EMSS Professional Development Group for a bagged lunch where we talk through some of our sticky situations. Please come if you would also like to offer support and feedback to your colleagues in a compassionate way. Email Ravin Craig for more info, rdc23@humboldt.edu

As always, if you have items for inclusion in this division communication, share them with me via e-mail, or with the EMSS Leadership Team member in your area.

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Chrissy Holliday

Vice President, EMSS

Cal Poly Humboldt