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College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
The College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS) is an artistic, creative, and intellectual community. It is an equitable partnership of staff, faculty, and students who are devoted to teaching, learning, and collaboration. The many fields within CAHSS provide the greatest breadth for service-learning, creative engagement, and professional opportunity within a diverse and changing society.
Hands-on Experience
Our programs and majors offer many unique opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom including student performances, studios, laboratories, newsrooms, internships, and more. Hands-on learning enriches the student, the university, and the community, tying academic study to real-world experiences.
Study Abroad
Studying abroad is an exciting way to enhance an undergraduate experience through exposure to different cultures, languages, and communities. Travel, explore, embrace new environments, all while making progress toward graduation.
Personal Attention
It’s the difference between sitting through a lesson and playing a role in creating it. Feel challenged by faculty who expand students’ worldview and supported by departments that pride themselves on personalized attention.
Dr. Aaron Donaldson, Charlie Burrowes, Genevieve Caruso, Wes Christensen, Ethan German, Aly Greaver, Oz Kimbell, Evan Moreno, Mia Rivera, Sylvia Seay, Sadie Shields
Communication
Cal Poly Humboldt’s Debate Club marked a major milestone with its first full squad trip since before the pandemic, competing at Las Positas College against teams from 33 institutions. Five debate pairs participated, most at their first collegiate tournament. Sylvia Seay and Oz Kimbell advanced to quarterfinals, the program’s first elimination round appearance in six years, earning top‑eight finishes and speaker awards. Arcata High student Gamma Caruso also excelled, placing 2nd in Novice Debate. The successful weekend was supported by staff, student organizers, and Debate Coach Dr. Aaron Donaldson, signaling renewed momentum for Humboldt’s speech and debate program.
Go Jacks!
Dan Mar
Sociology
Dan Mar received a $65,000 grant from the Resources Legacy Fund to support initiatives within the Cannabis Studies Program, including the 2026 Cannabis and Environmental Stewardship Symposium on April 17, 2026, and student-led podcast production through the Cannabis Studies Lab. Funding will provide paid opportunities for undergraduate students in event planning, research, and media creation, and allow the purchase of podcast equipment. Through the podcast, students will explore cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions of cannabis. The all-day symposium will feature moderated panel discussions on sustainable cultivation, environmental restoration, and cannabis research. Together, these initiatives will expand hands-on learning opportunities and strengthen the Cannabis Studies Program.
Joshua J Frye
Communication
Dr. Frye has published the Citizenship+ Communication Action Guide with the upcoming nationally convened Civic Learning Week, March 19-23, 2026. The Citizenship+ Communication Action Guide is an open source educational resource developed by Dr. Joshua Frye and Dr. Steve Goldzwig (Marquette University) to accompany their 2024 book, Rhetoric and Democracy in a Post-Truth Era. The OER includes several applied learning activities to advance ethical and effective citizenship+ communication. It also includes a series of topically organized quotations to help inspire democratic attitudes and practices.
CAHSS Alumni Updates
Tracy Alvarado
Art, 2025
As an Associate Governmental Program Analyst (AGPA) State of California DMHC for the Provider Complaint Branch (PCB) for 25 plus years, your core responsibilities center on protecting the financial stability of California's healthcare system by ensuring health plans pay providers accurately and on time.
As an Associate Governmental Program Analyst (AGPA) on the DMHC Equity in Action team, l analyze internal and external data sets to identify inequities and recommend strategies for promoting a more diverse, inclusive workplace. You are responsible for coordinating equity activities, such as healing circles and training sessions, to normalize conversations around race and ensure that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) are integrated into the Department's day-to-day operations.
Benjamin Scott Endsley
Politics, 2024
Currently, Benjamin is a legislative aide in the office of Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, working on legislation related to housing, medical training and education, and agriculture.
Brian Law
Applied Anthropology, 2024
Hello, I enjoyed my time in the BA Leadership Studies program, so I decided to join the MA Applied Anthropology program in the Fall of 2024. I just had my first anniversary as a Teaching Assistant and Peer Advisor, and I will continue to do so as long as I am eligible for student employment.
Upcoming Events
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CAHSS News
- Cal Poly Humboldt Celebrates 4th Annual Fiesta Folkórica
- International Education Week Connects Humboldt to the World
- My Best Lecture Series Continues Jan. 28 with Adolfo Soberanis’ (Re)imagining (Real)ity
- Legal Cannabis is Opening New Doors for Women, Global Study Finds
- Fall Commencement Graduates Celebrate New Beginnings (PHOTOS)
- Big Wins, Bold Discoveries: Humboldt’s Best Stories of 2025 (VIDEO)