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Place-Based Learning Communities
Navigate college life, make connections, and enhance your curiosity for the world at Cal Poly Humboldt. Our unique Place-Based Learning Communities provide first-year students with a tight-knit community of like-minded peers before classes even start.
You and students in similar disciplines will connect to the Cal Poly Humboldt and broader communities, gaining a sense of belonging to the area. On top of that, you’ll get to know faculty and peers, who help you navigate and excel at college life from day one.
Take learning to the next level
Learn with and from like-minded peers and expert faculty, as well as take your education outside the classroom.
Learning in a Living Lab
We will introduce you to Humboldt and the surrounding areas through practical experience including field trips, projects, research, and tours accompanied by faculty and staff in your major.
Instant Connections
Join a community of other first-year students who share your academic and professional interests, building a network of peers committed to making a difference.
Academics Tailored to You
The courses you take as part of a PBLC will help you explore what it means to be a student at Humboldt. You’ll have seats reserved for you in classes you need alongside students with the same interests, and you’ll get guidance on other ways to learn more about your major, your interests, and yourself.
Support from Day One
Small class sizes and experiential learning mean you’ll work closely with professors, peer mentors, Humboldt staff, and professionals who share the goal of helping you grow academically and personally.
You Belong Here
Community is at the heart of our Place-Based Learning Communities at Cal Poly Humboldt.
We pair you with a support trio that includes a peer mentor, an advisor, and a faculty member- all here to help you navigate your way here at Humboldt.
- A peer mentor is typically an upperclassman in the same field or related major who will provide you with support for anything you need during your first year at Humboldt.
- An advisor will guide you through your academic journey from freshman to senior year. Your advisor is here to help with registering for classes, exploring careers, and navigating campus policies and procedures.
- Faculty members will offer career experience and expertise in your interests and help discover potential career and research paths.
Themed Housing
Some Place-Based Learning Communities offer Themed Housing, giving you the chance to live in campus residences with peers in your program. We work with Housing & Residence Life to create fun and educational programming that corresponds with your unique interests and needs.
Choosing our themed housing is not required, but is strongly recommended. It has a noticeable positive impact in helping you form and maintain close friendships with others in your major and in your PBLC.
Your Built-in Support System
Our team is here to help you learn, in and from the environment around you. The PBLC staff, your department faculty, academic advisors, peer mentors, and the broader campus community are here for you. From application to the end of your first-year, we’re ready to support you in your journey at Cal Poly Humboldt.
