Provost Communication, Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Good morning and happy Wednesday. I hope everyone is having a good (albeit) rainy week.  

Well done

Thanks so much to Joice Chang, Rosemary Sherriff, Tani Sebro, Leena Dallasheh, Gabi Kirk, and Kathy Lee for organizing, hosting, and/or speaking at Monday’s event entitled Israel-Palestine 101 teach-in. This was desperately needed as evidenced by the approximately 230-250 students, faculty, staff, and community members that attended. 

As Dean Jeff Crane shared with a few of us yesterday, he noted, “I was struck by the balance between thoughtful historical and social analysis and your strong personal feelings about the horrors of the current conflict. There was no pretense of false objectivity. You spoke brilliantly and with authenticity and our community is better for it. The careful and respectful listening by the audience indicates they felt similarly. It is moments such as yesterday that remind me of the value of the university in society. It was an ideal moment, showing the best of who we are as we demonstrate the way to grapple with, understand, and take action on the pressing issues we face.”

Thank you and I truly appreciate your leadership in creating spaces like these on our campus. 

Reminder: Budget 101- Come for the Snacks, Stay for the Budget Information 

The University Resources and Planning Committee (URPC) of the University Senate will be holding an Open Forum for the Campus Community today, Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in Goodwin Forum. The purpose of this forum is:

• Introduce University budgeting concepts
• Provide information about the state of the budget at the CSU and specifically at Humboldt
• Describe the charge, timeline, and processes of the URPC. 

At least 30 minutes will be set aside for campus community members to offer feedback and suggestions, and ask questions. The session will be offered in person only and snacks will be provided. This session is being offered in person only but will be recorded and available for review at a later time. I really encourage you to prioritize attendance at this forum to engage actively with university budget information. 

You’re Invited: Jimmy Santiago Baca is Speaking on Campus Tomorrow 

Please join us tomorrow Thursday, October 19 at 6:00 pm in the Native American Forum for a speaking engagement by Jimmy Santiago Baca. Mr. Baca is a poet, screenwriter, author, and activist for all aspects of prison reform, social justice and so much more.  Please join us and share widely with students in your courses, folks in your departments, and your community. 

Interim Leadership Change in the Division of Administration and Finance

As announced in the University Senate and President’s Cabinet, Sherie Gordon, Vice President of Administration and Finance has had to step away from the university for a few months to address a health matter. Please send her your best wishes. Carla Ho’a has joined Cal Poly Humboldt as the Interim Vice President of Administration and Finance during this time. Carla is an experienced leader who comes to us out of retirement after serving in various roles at the University of Colorado at Boulder most recently as Vice Chancellor and CFO. She also served in this role briefly at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Please welcome Carla. 

Thanks and have a great rest of your week.

Jenn Capps

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Jenn Capps, PhD 

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs 

Cal Poly Humboldt