Provost Communication, Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Hello and happy Wednesday. On this last green day, I want to express my gratitude for all that you have done to contribute to the successful 2024-2025 academic year. As we move into the summer, I hope you find time to recharge, whether it’s taking some time off, focusing on projects that are important to you, getting outside, and/or reflecting on the past year and planning for the future. You are appreciated. 

Leadership Transition 

Dr. Carmen Bustos Works, who has served as the Associate Vice President for Academic Programs, Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO), and Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies for the past four years, will be departing Cal Poly Humboldt in July 2025 to assume the role of Dean of Science at CSU East Bay. I want to congratulate Carmen and thank her for her numerous contributions to Cal Poly Humboldt, including her student and equity-centered approach, significant efforts to improve general education and graduate studies, her support of several new academic program adoptions, and her leadership during our WASC special visit and preparation for our upcoming reaffirmation visit. She will be missed.

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Heather Madar, Associate Dean in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, has agreed to assume the Interim Associate Vice President for Academic Programs upon Carmen’s departure. Dr. Madar, a Professor of Art at Cal Poly Humboldt since 2006, has most recently served in the role of Associate Dean for the past three years. She is a well-respected colleague who is known for her knowledge and leadership in policy and curriculum.  A timeline for the search for a permanent AVP for Academic Programs will be finalized during the next academic year. 

I am also pleased to share that Dr. Mark Wickland, Director of Assessment and leader in our WASC reaffirmation work, has agreed to assume the role of Interim Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO). As a trusted faculty member since 2012 and Director of Assessment since 2017, Mark has partnered with faculty in building a culture of meaningful assessment at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Please let me know what questions you have about these transitions

Reminder of Start-up Week Activities in the Fall 2025

• University Welcome Back: Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 9 am-10:30 am in Lumberjack Arena

• Professional Development Day: Friday, August 22, 2025, from 8 am-1 pm

Theme: Artificial Intelligence: Human Learning in the Age of AI

• Academic Affairs Welcome Back and Promoted Faculty Reception- Thursday, September 18, 2025, time TBD, Kate Buchanan Room (KBR)

Emeritus Status for Tenured Faculty, Lecturers, Staff, and Administrators

Applications for Emeritus Status for Tenured Faculty, Lecturers, Staff, and Administrators are due to the University Senate Office by Monday, September 1, 2025. Cal Poly Humboldt Retired Faculty, Staff, and Administration Seeking Emeritus Status Should email their Nominators “The Informational Template” by August 15, 2025.

Emeritus Status “Nominations” for Emeritus Status for Tenured Faculty, Lecturer, Staff, and Administrators are due to the Senate Office by September 1, 2025.

Guidelines: How to apply for Emeritus Status - The retiree must complete the Informational Template for Emeritus Status. They email the information to their Nominator. It is available at the Emeritus & Retired Faculty & Staff Association homepage. https://erfsa.humboldt.edu/. 

The retiree’s Nominator must complete the Fall 2025 Humboldt Staff & Faculty Emeritus Status Nomination form. It is available at the Emeritus & Retired Faculty & Staff Association homepage. https://erfsa.humboldt.edu/. 

Provost Communications Hiatus Until Fall 2025 Green Days

With that, the Provost Communications will go on hiatus until the first green day of the Fall 2025 semester, which is Monday, August 18, 2025. Thanks again for all that you do.

With appreciation,

Jenn Capps