Happy Friday, EMSS team members. I hope you have all had an excellent first week of class – the energy on campus has been amazing, and various teams throughout the division have been hard at work these past few weeks, ensuring a fabulous move-in, Welcome Week, and first week for all of our students. Not to mention – enrollment is up for the third consecutive fall (we will share more details after census in late September). Thank you for all you have been doing to make an exciting start to the semester possible!

Division Welcome

I am looking forward to seeing all of you at the EMSS Fall Welcome on Friday, Sept. 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Great Hall. We will have a welcome and remarks from new President Michael Spagna, who is excited to interact with you all. I’ll share some important updates for our division before we enjoy lunch together (for those attending in person). I know this time of year is hectic, but I hope you can make time to spend in fellowship together, and prioritize in-person attendance if it is in any way possible. If it is not, then we look forward to having you with us virtually this time as well. If the event is not on your calendar, please contact Jess Etter at jle74@humboldt.edu.

College Colors Day

College Colors Day is Friday, September 13th from 12-4 p.m. Head over to Redwood Bowl to hear from President Spagna, then on to the Upper Playing Field for lunch and festivities. You can join in on the fun by wearing your favorite college colors, cheering on the division kickball team, jumping around in a bounce house or participating in one of many games on the field! It's a great opportunity to reconnect with campus colleagues, let loose and have some fun!

TPM

I know we all received the campus messaging last week regarding the new CSU Time, Place, Manner (TPM) Policy and our campus addendum. I want to encourage our teams to become well-versed in the policy and practices so we can help our students and campus colleagues navigate the requirements. Much of the responsibility for educating and supporting students in this work fall to members of our team, and my hope is we can all serve as a second line of support for them. I also want to draw everyone’s attention to the opportunity that was shared Monday to take part in the Campus Engagement Team, which will play a significant role in helping to encourage understanding and civility during free speech actions on our campus. While the deadline was earlier this week, if you are interested and willing to commit to the training and service requirements, please contact Dr. Mitch Mitchell at jam624@humboldt.edu.

Some of you were able to attend the TPM session for employees on Professional Development Day, but I know a number were otherwise engaged with return to school activities. We are currently finalizing the educational plan we will submit to the Chancellor’s Office by Sept. 16, and will then announce a number of opportunities for all of campus to continue learning about the policy, but also more general interaction on topics including free speech, collegiality, elections, and proven tips for disagreeing while remaining in community. Until then, I invite everyone to review the Free Speech page that provides excellent resources.

As I start my second fall semester at Humboldt, I find myself reflecting on the significant work we have ahead, but also the sense of joy and excitement that is enfolding on our campus in a way I have not seen here before. I remain grateful for each of you, and the commitment you have to our campus, our students, and the community – you make this job one that keeps me engaged and hopeful, and I am honored to serve as your vice president.

I encourage you all to take some time over this long weekend to relax, enjoy the weather, and gear up for a busy semester. Let’s have a great semester and academic year!

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Chrissy Holliday

Vice President, EMSS

Cal Poly Humboldt