Protecting Your Student’s Mental Health

Humboldt State’s Counseling & Psychological Services counselors always work hard to help students cope with the many stresses of college life. Counselors offer advice and a friendly ear to students who are navigating new relationships, work and money issues, academic stress, and other things that arise.

This past year has been even more stressful, but the CAPS team has worked hard to be able to provide continued support to our students. Cedric Aaron, Jr. joined us for a Q&A to talk about the unique challenges that students are facing these days:

What are some of the top challenges for students?

• Distance learning - “It’s a shared concern for everyone”
• A loss of identity - “Their sense of being on campus, in a classroom was taken away.”
• Isolation - “Students are following protocols, but it’s making them feel isolated.”
• Social unrest - “It’s affecting students in rural areas as well as larger cities.”

What do you tell students who reach out to you?
“I work hard to normalize and validate their feelings. They’re not getting that so much from their normal support systems, given the isolation. I tell them, ‘It is ok to be how you’re feeling.’ Everybody’s circumstances are different.”

How important is it for students to listen to themselves?
“Make time for your thoughts, versus distracting yourself by just plugging away on homework or scrolling through Instagram for hours. Put life on pause and hear your voice.”

What are the best ways students can stay connected?
“Reach out to your friends—you don’t have to tell them it’s because you’re feeling down. Just connect, video chat, make and share memes.”

What advice do you have for families of students?
“Be supportive, but not hovering. Sometimes with adult children, you need to let them come to you. Offer that you’re there if they need you. And listening goes so far. They may not be looking for you to provide them the answer. Meet them where they're at, and if you want to say something or offer advice, ask permission.”

Finally, Aaron recommends pointing out campus resources to your student. A lot of them are already paid for by their tuition and fees, including Counseling & Psychological Services, the Dean of Students’ CARE program, the Cultural Centers for Academic Excellence, and clubs and activities in their own social groups.

Planning for Fall Classes and Operations

Planning for Fall 2021 is underway, which will include assessing the options for providing a modest increase in face-to-face course offerings, as well as the capacity to safely house a limited number of students, expand face-face student activities if able, and maintain day-to-day operations.

Read more at the Campus Ready website

$16 Million in New Federal Stimulus Funding will Help Students

Millions of dollars in additional federal emergency funding is on the way to support Humboldt State University during the pandemic. HSU has received $16 million in the latest round of funding with at least $5 million earmarked directly for emergency financial aid grants to students.

Read more about CARES funding here.

New Presidential Speaker Series

This Spring will see the launch of Humboldt State University’s Presidential Speaker Series, which each year will feature national and international experts on issues regarding higher education and of specific interest to HSU and the North Coast. On Wednesday, March 10, George Yancy from Emory University will share a presentation along with students and faculty from HSU’s Department of Philosophy.

Register for the presentation and learn more online.

Spring Semester Schedule

Like most of the country, Humboldt County is currently experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases.

In response, the Governor’s Office announced a regional “stay at home” order and the California State University Chancellor’s Office has requested that all CSUs reduce the density of people on campuses during the Spring 2021 semester to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Because of this, Humboldt State will modify its academic calendar for the Spring 2021 semester to ensure face-to-face instruction can be done safely. The changes to the calendar will not alter the number of instructional days or academic work days.

Spring 2021 Academic Schedule

• Tuesday, Jan. 19: Fully virtual Spring instruction begins
• Feb. 22-26: Spring Break
• Monday, Mar. 8: Limited face-to-face instruction for approved courses will begin and continue through to the end of the semester
• Monday, May 10: Final exams begin

Spring 2021 Housing Schedule

• Friday, Feb. 19: Move-in for new Housing residents and those who left over the Winter Break
• Housing will send out a communication to all residents, Winter Break stayovers, and new applicants about move-in details. All residents must check out with Housing when they leave for the break.

Find Spring semester resources and more information about HSU’s response to COVID-19 at campusready.humboldt.edu.

President’s Spring Welcome

President Tom Jackson, Jr. welcomed the campus community to the Spring semester in an online address last month. Find links to a video of the presentation, as well as breakout sessions from each University Division on the President’s website.

Join the Conversation

Social Network » hsufamilynetwork.org

Website » family.humboldt.edu

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Campus Ready

Humboldt State University has developed plans for instruction, flexible repopulation of campus, and student experience during the 2020-21 academic year. Learn more at campusready.humboldt.edu.

You Can Make a Difference!

The Student Success Scholarship is HSU’s most flexible scholarship, helping students in all disciplines, with the greatest needs. Your gift to the HSU Student Success Scholarship will be combined with other donors’ gifts to help provide as many scholarships as possible. Visit the Humboldt State Foundation website to learn more and give today.