Provost Communication: Thursday, September 24, 2026

Dear Colleagues,

As we move further into the semester, this is a good time to remind our students, and one another, of the many resources and opportunities available across our campus. Sometimes a conversation, a question asked at the right moment, or a connection to the right person can make all the difference.

This week, I want to highlight an opportunity to help our students connect early with academic support, as well as two opportunities for our campus community to engage in the ongoing conversation about artificial intelligence and its role in higher education.

Encourage Students to "Ask Early": Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Please join the Learning Center and Academic Advising on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 from 12 to 3 pm on the main floor of the Library, between the Cafe and Learning Center for "Ask Early," a pop-up event designed to help students identify one manageable next step when they encounter a challenge and personally connect them with campus support.

Students often turn first to a trusted faculty or staff member when they encounter academic or personal challenges. A timely conversation and connection to the right resource can make a meaningful difference.

I encourage you to stop by to familiarize yourself with available campus resources and meet participating support staff. Just as importantly, please encourage students to attend, even if they aren't quite sure what kind of help they need. We can all help reinforce the message that encountering academic challenges is a normal part of the college experience and asking for help early is a strength.

Share Your Perspective on Artificial Intelligence with the CSU

As generative AI continues to reshape aspects of teaching, learning, scholarship, and our daily lives, it is important that the perspectives of our campus community help inform how Humboldt and the CSU navigate these emerging technologies.

The CSU is inviting faculty and staff to participate in an anonymous survey about generative AI, including tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. You are encouraged to participate whether you regularly use AI, occasionally engage with it, or choose not to use it at all. A broad range of perspectives will help clarify Humboldt's needs, interests, concerns, and potential boundaries related to generative AI while contributing to the CSU's broader approach.

The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and will remain open through Monday, October 19, 2026. Participants may also enter a drawing for a gift card or iPad.

Please take a few minutes to share your perspective using the following link: Take the CSU AI Survey.

A Conversation About AI Literacy and Resistance: Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Our campus conversation about AI continues on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Kate Buchanan Room with a timely discussion about writing, education, and artificial intelligence. Visiting author John Warner, author of More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI, will join Dr. Lisa Tremain, Director of the First-Year Composition Program, for a conversation exploring these rapidly evolving issues and what they mean for teaching, learning, and writing.

This event is free and open to everyone, and audience members will have an opportunity to participate with questions and comments following the discussion. Northtown Books will have copies of Warner's book available for purchase, and the author will be available for a book signing.

I hope you will take advantage of these opportunities to connect, participate, and contribute your perspective. Whether we are helping a student find their next step or grappling together with questions about the future of education, these conversations are an important part of how we learn from and support one another as a University community.

Sincerely,

Shawna