Humboldt State University

Humboldt State University Summary

Humboldt State University is the northernmost campus of the California State University system. The schools was renamed Humboldt State Teachers College and Junior College in 1921 and put under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Education. The college was renamed Humboldt State College in 1935 and the next year adopted the Lumberjack as its mascot. In 1960 Humboldt State College joined the California State College system. The college terminated the junior college program in 1962, followed by the establishment of College of the Redwoods in 1964. A protest of about 800 students (out of about 3,600), with the consent of the college’s President Siemens, occured on 15 October 1969 and, after the Cambodian Incursion, the campus shut down in May 1970 due to a student strike. In 1972 the college was renamed California State University, Humboldt, and would be renamed Humboldt State University two years later. Through the 1980s mature students became a larger part of Humboldt State’s student body, and in 1986 40% of the students were over the age of 25. The university is divided into three colleges: College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Many of Humboldt State’s unique programs, such as the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology, Youth Educational Services, and Student Access Gallery, are student-initiated, student-directed, and student-employed programs. The University has one of the strongest Associated Students Incorporations in the California State University system offering more services and programs than any other ASI.

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Humboldt State University History

Humboldt State University was founded in 1913 as normal school and received university status in 1972. It is part of the California State University system. It is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It focuses on liberal arts, public service, and the environment, saying in its Vision Statement that “Humboldt State University is a progressive institution that instills learning to make a difference, and attracts students who are driven to improve society. . . The heart of our curriculum and programs is a commitment to a healthy planet.” It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.

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Humboldt State University Academics

HSU makes no bones about being a progressive school, priding itself on its rural location, outdoor learning opportunities for students, and emphasis on making a positive change in the world. Humboldt State has been recognized by the National Science Foundation as ranking #1 in the nation for public, non-PhD granting institution for Biology/Agriculture, Earth and Ocean Sciences, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences, indicating the University’s emphasis on hands-on, out-of-classroom experiences for students. Humboldt offers 48 undergraduate degrees, 78 minors, 18 credential programs, and 17 certification programs. The University is home to the largest greenhouse system in the California State system of universities and home to the Telonicher Marine Laboratory and the Coral Sea, a 91-foot research vessel. While the sciences have their place, Humboldt also encourages students who pursue the arts. Humboldt State employs 290 full-time faculty, the majority of which hold the terminal degree in their field. The average size of classes is 26 students.

Humboldt State University has academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are 3 colleges: the College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences, the College of Professional Studies, and the College of Natural Resources and Sciences. There is also an Undergraduate Studies Office for interdisciplinary studies, liberal arts, and undecided majors, and a Graduate Studies program.

Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as art, botany, business administration, computer science, forestry, industrial technology, liberal studies, Native American studies, nursing, rangeland resource science, wildlife, and zoology. Other programs offered as minors or options include aquaculture, Chinese studies, environmental ethics, forest hydrology, health education, linguistics, social advocacy, and women’s studies.

Graduate programs are offered in 12 areas, some with several specializations or concentrations. These include master’s level programs in biology, business, education, English, environment & community, environmental systems, kinesiology, natural resources, psychology, social work, sociology, and theatre arts. There are no doctoral programs.

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Humboldt State University Unique Programs

The Bachelor of Arts program in Native American Studies leads students to discover the relationship between the United States and Indian Nations in the context of history, politics, sciences, and philosophy. Students acquire a familiarity with the strengths and weaknesses of these areas and an expertise in the various disciplines. The ultimate result is a critical knowledge of the different cultures that comprise Native American history.

HSU has ranked #30 out of 1400 total four-year institutions for mentorship in the fields of Science and Engineering. Students excel particularly in the areas of natural science, including Western Wildlife, Forestry, and Modeling.

Humboldt State University has a Freshman Interest Group program for new students, which puts approximately 25 students together for several thematically linked courses during the fall semester. Many of the groups also include a seminar related to the theme.

The Scientific, Recreational, and Leadership Dive program offers diver training programs. Students can take diving as a minor and dive in oceans, lakes, and river, explore kelp forest, and learn how to do scientific diving research.

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Humboldt State University Financial Aid

Humboldt State provides the traditional four types of financial aid awards: grants, loans, scholarships, and student work-study. Most aid awards include a package of awards from the different types. The financial aid office recognizes that a significant portion of awards come from areas where demand exceeds the amount of available funds, and therefore encourages applicants to submit their FAFSA and admissions applications as soon as possible. Humboldt also targets those students with the greatest financial need.

The student registration fee and other required fees at Humboldt State University total $3,079 for the 2005-2006 academic year for in-state, undergraduate students attending full-time. Students applying from out of state and graduate students have higher costs.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available for students who have significant need, including Community Work Study. Students who seek financial aid will need to fill out the Federal Student Financial Aid Form, available on-line. There are some special fellowships for graduate students.

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Humboldt State University Students

Student life at Humboldt State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. Among the academic and professional groups, sports groups, political and religious organizations, cultural groups, and other groups are the American Indian Alliance, the Astronomy Club, the Culinary Arts Club, the Juggling Society, the Wilderness Club, and the Zen Meditation Group. There are a few fraternities and sororities.

Students can also attend the Art & Music festival, which in 2005 included workshops on sustainable living, participate in intramural sports, write for the student newspaper or work at the college radio station, or view exhibits at the Natural History Museum.

Humboldt is home to more than 200 student clubs and organizations. Most majors have organizations associated with them, and there are a number of social clubs available, also. The University Center is a lively place to meet and mingle, Figueiredo’s features independent and popular films, and the Humboldt Bay has a fun and scenic bike trail for cycling enthusiasts. Humboldt is also host to or at least nearby such events as the Arcata Bay Oyster Festival, Humboldt County Fair, and the Humboldt Juggling and Unicycle Festival.

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Humboldt State University Traditions

Humboldt hosts a number of events, primarily surrounding athletic teams, which imbue the campus with a sense of tradition and camaraderie. These include the Celebrity Dinner & Sports Auction, Hoopsters Golf Tournament, and the Hall of Fame Dinner.

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Humboldt State University Local Community

Humboldt State University is located in Arcata, California. It is located on the Pacific coast. The surrounding environment is rural and forested with redwoods. It is 275 miles north of San Francisco and 90 mile south of the Oregon border. Near-by attractions are largely outdoor, including a community forest and the Arcata Mash and Wildlife Sanctuary.

Arcata is located in some of the nation’s most beautiful countryside, nestled between the redwood coast and sitting on Humboldt Bay. The population numbered over 16,500 according to the 2000 Census. The weather is mild, cool, and often wet with an average year-round temperature of 59 degrees. Arcata is home to plentiful wildlife and protected acreage, including the Arcata Community Forest and the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.

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