Provost Communication, Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Dear Colleagues, 

As we move further into the spring semester, our campus continues to inspire through a wide range of opportunities for engagement, celebration, and impact. From cultural and academic events to funding opportunities that advance our shared commitments to inclusion and accessibility, there are many ways to connect and contribute.

With commencement approaching—one of the most meaningful milestones of the academic year—we also invite you to consider participating in this special tradition. The presence and support of our faculty and staff play a vital role in creating a memorable and celebratory experience for our graduating students and their families. I encourage you to explore the opportunities below and consider how you might take part.

Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series: Dr. Daniela Mineva, Thursday, April 2, 2026, 5 - 7:00 pm

All campus and community members are invited to the third installment of the Distinguished Faculty Lecture Series, featuring 2024–25 award recipients. Dr. Daniela Mineva, Scholar of the Year, will present “A Magical Journey Through Music.” 

The lecture will be held in Fulkerson Recital Hall (Music B, Room 132). Admission is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Decolonizing Sustainability Speaker Series: Dr. Qualla Ketchum, Thursday, April 2, 2026 5 - 6:30 pm

Presented by the Department of Native Studies and the Environment & Community Graduate Program, this series explores the intersections of settler colonialism, white supremacy, and systems of power within sustainability and environmental movements.

Dr. Qualla Ketchum will present “Engineering in Relationship: Reciprocity, Respect & Repair.” The event will take place in the Native American Forum (BSS 162) and is free to attend.

2026-27 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Grant Program Request for Proposals is Open

The 2026-27 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Grant Program Request for Proposals (RFP) is open for submissions. Grants up to $5,000 are available to support projects that cultivate awareness of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts on campus. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to apply for this opportunity, which offers valuable experience in grant writing. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) invites all interested individuals and teams to apply. The deadline for applications is Monday, April 13, 2026, at 5 pm.

Visit the DEIA Grant Program webpage for more information on RFP and grant program guidelines, a timeline, and the application portal at this link: DEIA Grant Program. For support with the submission process or questions about the RFP, please contact the DEIA Grant Administrator, Michele Miyamoto, at Michele.Miyamoto@humboldt.edu. 

Call for Spring 2026 Commencement Staff: Saturday, May 16, 2026

Commencement is one of the most joyful and meaningful traditions at Cal Poly Humboldt, and we encourage our faculty and staff to be part of this special day on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Your presence and participation help create a celebratory and supportive atmosphere for our graduating students as they reach this incredible milestone.

Employees are needed to assist at Commencement behind the scenes to ensure the day runs smoothly. This includes administrators, faculty (including coaches, librarians, and counselors), staff, student assistants, and even volunteers. Roles include activities such as greeting guests, ushering, providing shuttle and wheelchair escort support, assisting with parking and traffic, and helping in the graduate and faculty/staff lineup areas.

Employees who would like to provide support at Commencement should make arrangements with their supervisor for their hours of work and submit their interest and availability by Wednesday, April 15, 2026 using the Google Form linked here: Spring 2026 Commencement: Staff Support Interest and Availability. 

Thank you for helping make Commencement a memorable and meaningful celebration for our students and their families.

Sincerely, 

Shawna Young