Dear HSU community:

During the last two weeks, I have heard from students, faculty, staff, and alumni about the ways in which Humboldt State University has, can, and should support students from all experiences and backgrounds, including the Native American community. I’d like to share some of the strongest messages I have heard — and my plans for next steps.

Some major messages:

* The profound sense of disruption and loss associated with the recent transition in leadership in the Center for Academic Excellence in STEM (INRSEP).
* A deep belief within the University community of the importance of providing the necessary and appropriate support services for all our students to be successful.
* The need for a clear, shared vision about what those support services and structures should be.
* The criticality of having consistent assumptions about how to measure the value and effectiveness of academic support programs. * The importance of understanding what the next steps for the University will be — and the necessity of consulting with members of the University community in developing those steps.

Many questions have been raised about the reasons behind the leadership change. Please understand we value all of our employees and their contributions; decisions that affect them are taken very seriously. Discussing a personnel case publicly would violate the employee’s right to privacy, and the University is obligated to protect the employee’s rights under state and federal law.

This situation has highlighted a deeper need for all of us to understand several aspects of our University: (1) the organization, structure, and services for student academic success, (2) the underlying campus climate for students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds, and (3) a consistent and shared definition of student success that is appropriate for our University.

Next steps:

* As of now, Dr. Patty Yancey (HSU Professor Emeritus, School of Education) is serving as interim director of the Center for Academic Excellence in STEM/INRSEP, and she is already working with students, staff, and faculty to continue the support for students offered by the Center.
* Within two weeks, I will appoint a broadly representative advisory group that will consult with me on improving campus climate and supporting diversity. I plan to invite members of the Univesity community to serve on this group and convene the first meeting as soon as possible. This discussion is not intended to usurp the on-going strategic planning efforts, but to provide a foundation, context, and ideas for the process going forward
* Within the next four weeks, the Office of Retention and Inclusive Student Success (RISS) will establish a committee to undertake a national search for a new director of the Center for Academic Excellence in STEM/INRSEP. The search process will actively seek input from students.
* Within two months, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, after broad consultation, will establish specific metrics for assessment of the effectiveness of the Centers for Academic Excellence.
* Over the next four months, the University Resources and Planning Committee will include specific consideration of appropriate and necessary funding for academic support services as they develop the budget recommendations for 2015-16, and I will weigh these recommendations carefully as we establish the University budget for the upcoming fiscal and academic year.
* On a continuing basis, HSU remains deeply and unwaveringly committed to supporting students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds.

I believe we have the perspective and background here on campus to understand the issues and find the best solutions for how to move forward. The University's core values of respect, integrity, diversity, and social and environmental justice will serve us well as we work together to build our shared future.

With appreciation,

LAR

Dr. Lisa A. Rossbacher
President
Humboldt State University
1 Harpst Street
Arcata, CA 95521
707.826.3311