EMSS Team Members:

Good morning, everyone, and happy Friday! It’s hard to believe we are cruising towards the end of the semester - it seems like we came back from winter break just recently! I’m taking some time off next week to enjoy a family vacation during my son’s spring break - I know many of you also likely have local school-related breaks you are managing (enjoying?) now as well - find joy where you can!

As time allows, I invite you to learn more about happenings across our division and the campus:

Volunteers Needed for Commencement

Spring Commencement is one of the most important events on our calendar, and Spring 2026 ceremonies are fast approaching on Saturday, May 16, at the Redwood Bowl. The chance to celebrate with our students on this landmark day is truly special, and we depend on our campus community to help us staff the event. At this time, we only have 30% of the staff needed, and we urgently need employees to ensure a safe, smooth, and celebratory experience for our graduates and their guests. Simply put, commencement cannot happen without your support.

Please consider whether you can assist with behind-the-scenes roles such as:

Greeting guests

Ushering

Shuttle and wheelchair escort support

Parking and traffic assistance

Supporting graduate and faculty/staff lineup areas

If you are able to help, please coordinate with your supervisor and submit your Commencement work interest and availability by April 15. Shift details and assignments will be shared closer to the event.

Don’t Forget About Next Week’s Accreditation Visit

We have been talking as a campus for quite some time about the fact that our accrediting body, the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) is visiting us next week! We will welcome them to campus April 15-17, and while I will be traveling, I will be taking part virtually in some of their key meetings with our teams.

I am asking that EMSS engage fully where possible - by encouraging staff and students to participate in the appropriate sessions, by turning out for the last preparation session next Monday, or by attending the closing session next Friday.

I want to reiterate the Provost’s invitation from earlier this week to those who want to know more about the process overall, and how they can engage. Join the final WSCUC Accreditation Site Visit presentation and “prep” session on Monday, April 13, from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Great Hall. We will review the 2018 recommendations from WSCUC, the work Humboldt has done since then to address those recommendations, the current Lines of Inquiry, and open the room to discussion. Light refreshments will be provided.

Please encourage participation in these forum events:

• Staff Open Forum: Thursday, April 16 from 8:15 – 9 a.m. in the Great Hall (light breakfast and refreshments provided)

• Student Open Forum: Thursday, April 16 from 12:40 – 1:45 p.m. in the Native Forum, Behavioral & Social Sciences, Room 162 (lunch provided). The open forum begins promptly at 1 p.m.

• Faculty Open Forum: Thursday, April 16 from 2 – 2:45 p.m. in the Great Hall (light refreshments provided) 

These conversations help the Review Team understand how our collective efforts support students and advance Humboldt’s future. You may also provide confidential written feedback to the review team at humboldt@wscuc.org.

We are aiming for an extraordinary showing at the Campus Exit Meeting on Friday, April 17, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Join us at 9:30 a.m. for light breakfast and refreshments, community, and some fun. At 10:15 a.m. sharp, the Review Team will share their preliminary commendations and recommendations.

EMSS Goes to Capitol Hill

On March 3, Janeth Serrano of the Financial Aid Office had the opportunity to participate in Capitol Hill visits in Washington, D.C., alongside fellow California State University representatives, where they met with congressional staff from the offices of Representatives Norma Torres, Mike Levin, Jimmy Gomez, Kevin Kiley, Representative Mullin, Senator Padilla, and Senator Schiff.

These conversations focused on advocating for federal student aid, specifically the urgent $16.9 billion Pell Grant shortfall projected for FY27. This experience allowed them to elevate the CSU’s collective voice and highlight the critical role Pell Grants play in supporting our students across the system.  During the meetings, they emphasized the real-life implications of potential funding cuts, including reduced award amounts, stricter eligibility requirements, and the possible elimination of Summer Pell. At the CSU, more than 211,000 students rely on Pell Grants, receiving approximately $1.1 billion in aid annually. Without congressional action, many of our students, especially those who are low-income, working students, or students who are parents, could lose access to essential financial support, directly impacting their ability to enroll, persist, and complete their degrees. These visits were a strong reminder of the importance of advocacy in ensuring equitable access to higher education and protecting the resources our students depend on.

Coming Soon: Utilize EBT at The Cupboard

We will soon be accepting EBT benefits at The Cupboard! EBT benefits can soon be used to purchase meat, poultry, sushi, bread, cereal, frozen meals, dairy products, and more on campus. The Cupboard is conveniently located on the bottom floor of the JGC and is open every day 5p-11p. EBT will be coming to more locations soon, but this is the first step in responding to requests from campus to make it possible for students to leverage their benefits. To apply for EBT/SNAP benefits visit GetCalFresh.org. 

Dining & Bookstore News

New Extended Bigfoot Burger Hours: Now open all day weekdays. Come enjoy your favorite burger or chicken sandwich combo any weekday between 11 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Staff and Faculty 10% OFF entrance into the J Dining Hall: Enjoy an all-you-care-to-eat meal in the J Dining Hall and receive 10% off the cost of your meal. Our two hot stations feature Latin-style cuisine and homestyle comfort food. Check out our vegan station and enjoy vegetarian options as well. Head to our salad bar and sandwich bar or enjoy a made-to-order meal at the J Grill! We have coffee, soft drinks, sparkling flavored water, and delicious sweet treats to end your meal. Our current door rates include breakfast for $9 and lunch for $12 PLUS 10% off for Faculty and Staff to enjoy!

Sip Sustainably & Get Free Coffee: Bring your own mug six times and earn a free coffee for being sustainable! Use StampMe, our digital stamp card, to collect your sustainable stamps. On average, ~166 people get two stamps weekly, saving at least 300+ cups from the landfill every week! Join the zero waste movement and save with StampMe.

Matcha Lemonade has arrived on Campus: Our Green & Gold Matcha Lemonade is both delicious and full of school spirit. It's the perfect way to enjoy the spring weather and is here for a limited time. Available only on Boost Mobile Ordering, download the app today to enjoy your Matcha and skip the line with Boost. Plus, use code 'Dine20' for 20% OFF! 

Text 2 Chat Feedback: Tell us about your dining experience! Message us at 707.633.2338 and we will get back to you shortly. Feedback helps us improve your experience, so we thank you for sharing!

Follow us on social media @humboldtdining and stay updated with dining news, events, important resources, giveaways, and other fun posts!

New Team Members

We're excited to introduce our new Orientation Coordinator, Rachel Samuelson, who brings over a decade of experience in student engagement, community building, and program development across higher education and nonprofit sectors. Rachel has held roles at Portland State University and Washington State University, supporting student organizations, leadership development, and campus partnerships. Most recently she served as a Preschool Director, leading strategic growth, strengthening operations, and building sustainable programs. We're thrilled to have her join our team in this interim role and look forward to what she can bring to our orientation efforts and campus partnerships. Be sure to say hi if you see her on campus!

Accolades

YES Serve-a-Thon: More than 80 volunteers joined us on Tuesday, 3/31, contributing over 243 collective hours to a variety of gardening projects at the  Potawot Community Food Garden. Together we made an amazing impact! 

I hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Take care of yourselves and each other,