Cal Poly Humboldt University remains on a hard lockdown until May 10th, but as of today the university is “planning for various scenarios to help students celebrate” graduation.
The university released a statement that went into detail about student access to facilities, remote work for staffers, and a warning for protesters.
“The individuals who are occupying Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East, or illegally camping around those facilities, are urged to leave the campus peacefully now. Leaving voluntarily will be considered as a possible mitigating factor in University conduct processes and may reduce the severity of sanctions imposed. This does not, however, eliminate responsibility for any potential conduct or criminal charges.”
Over the weekend, Cal Poly Humboldt released a statement estimating the damages to campus from the pro-Palestinian protests to be “in the millions.”
A few of our followers on Facebook wondered about that estimate. Mary Hammond asked, “Are you going to cover the graffiti with gold flake paint?”
“Repainting a single exterior wall can cost thousands of dollars, for example. In addition, doors that have been broken into will require full replacement, and any broken windows or furniture will need to be repaired,” said Iridian Casarez from Cal Poly Humboldt’s Marketing and Communications office. “It’s important to note that this estimate does not include any potential damage to Siemens Hall, which will require significant effort from our facilities team to address. There’s also the cost of the supplies and personnel needed for repairs, in addition to the loss of revenue from disruption to University operations.”
Casarez reiterated an earlier statement from the university saying the “true cost has been the disruption of the education of our students.”
Read the full statement from the university here:
CAL POLY HUMBOLDT ALERT – This has been a challenging time for all of us. The safety and security of our entire campus community are at the forefront of every decision being made. Since Monday, the University’s goal has always been to bring a peaceful end to the occupation. The University continues to talk to anyone willing to have productive and respectful dialogue.
[See the University’s response to the protestors’ demands at humboldt.edu/emergency.]
The individuals who are occupying Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East, or illegally camping around those facilities, are urged to leave the campus peacefully now. Leaving voluntarily will be considered as a possible mitigating factor in University conduct processes and may reduce the severity of sanctions imposed. This does not, however, eliminate responsibility for any potential conduct or criminal charges.
Campus leaders are offering to escort individuals who are concerned for their safety off campus.
A hard closure of campus is now being enforced through May 10, and individuals are prohibited from entering or being on campus without permission. Work and academic instruction will be remote.
There have been requests by many across campus to participate in decision-making related to the recent events, and we are grateful for your desire to help us navigate this difficult time. Once the situation has further stabilized, the University will host opportunities for conversations with the campus community in order to ensure we are moving forward and healing as a campus.
Housing and Dining: Student residents are allowed to come and go from campus and access Dining facilities, and have been emailed details. Residents and authorized staff are permitted to be in the residence halls and dining facilities areas. Residence halls will remain open to residents and housing operations will remain the same through the end of the semester.
The J, College Creek Marketplace, and the Cupboard will continue to operate during their regular business hours. Residents with meal plans will maintain access to these locations for their dining needs. Student residents should refer to the email that was sent to them.
Access to Campus: UniversityDivision leadership or supervisors will email personnel who are authorized to access campus to provide instructions on the check-in procedure for accessing campus, which will be effective Monday morning. Authorized personnel are approved based on their inability to maintain business continuity in a fully remote environment.
Commencement: Many people have asked about Commencement. The University is planning for various scenarios to help students and families celebrate this important milestone.
Technology Support
- Computer pickup: Information has been emailed to staff and faculty about a process for computer pick up to facilitate remote work.
- Laptop Loaners for students:
- A limited number of loaner laptops are available for students who need to complete instructional related work.
- Students must schedule an appointment with the Information Technology Services department in advance by sending an email to help@humboldt.edu with the subject: Student Loaner Laptop Request, and including the following information: software needed, description of use case, contact phone number and preferred pickup time (between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday)
- ITS will respond with a specific time confirmation and meeting instructions.
- Please bring your Humboldt ID, we cannot get you a laptop without it.
Health and Counseling Services
- Students: Student Health & Wellbeing Services is open for telehealth visits during regular operating hours. Please email health@humboldt.edu for medical appointments or email humboldtcaps@humboldt.edu for counseling appointments. TimelyCare is available 24/7 for both acute and scheduled medical and counseling sessions as well as health coaching and other resources.
- Employees: Staff or faculty seeking additional support may utilize the Employee Assistance Program, LifeMatters, offered through Empathia 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Events
- The University is working to relocate athletics events and activities. Coaches will share information with athletes.
- All other on-campus events have been canceled through May 10. If you had catering services scheduled for your event, all services will be canceled with no fees applied.
- Off-campus events are still continuing as scheduled.
Off-campus academic activities: Buses will not be transporting students to field trips, but any activities such as academic internships or field placements that can be conducted safely off campus can continue.
Children’s Center: The Center is open during regular operating hours.
