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Updated: HSU Suspends Classes After Spring Break, Also Cancels Sports and Large Events

Classes will be taught remotely starting March 26
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Classes will be taught remotely starting March 26

Latest press release from HSU:

  • All classes are canceled on March 23-25.
  • Classes will be taught in alternative modes starting March 26 to April 17.
  • The campus will remain open and all student services will be available.

Humboldt State University will suspend face-to-face instruction and move to alternative modes of instruction on March 26. This will follow the regularly scheduled Spring Break and an extended three-day faculty preparation and development period (March 23-25) during which instruction is canceled. Based on the parameters set forth by the CSU system, this suspension of face-to-face instruction is temporary and currently scheduled to remain in place through April 17. 

The schedule and agendas for three days (March 23-25) of mandatory faculty preparation and development is forthcoming. Lecturer faculty will receive a stipend for participation. 

The schedule and agendas for three days (March 23-25) of mandatory faculty preparation and development is forthcoming. Lecturer faculty will receive a stipend for participation. 

Alternative modes of instruction will include use of Canvas, Zoom, and other instructional technologies. For more information on preparing to use alternative modes of instruction please see the Keep Teaching website

Students: Please look for email and Canvas-based communications from your instructors about plans for individual courses. Please also see the FAQ page on the HSU COVID-19 web page: https://covid19.humboldt.edu/faqs for general information. 

The decision is intended to mitigate spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), and is based on current guidelines from the CSU system, Office of the Governor, as well as local and state health officials. It was made following consultation and meetings of the academic department Chairs, Deans, Provost and Chair of the University Senate. 

The decision was not made lightly. The goal of these changes is to minimize the need to gather in large groups or spend prolonged time in close proximity in spaces such as classrooms.

The University remains open. Residence halls, dining, student support services, health, counseling, disability services and other related offices remain fully available in support of all students. Students who need computers, Wi-Fi, or other technological support can continue to use the Library and computer lab spaces on campus. A social distancing policy is likely to be in place on campus following Spring Break. More information on HSU’s social distancing policy is forthcoming. All staff are expected to report to work. Student employees should return to their normal work as scheduled following Spring Break unless alternative arrangements are made with their supervisors.

There is currently no community spread of COVID-19 in Humboldt County. There have been no cases of COVID-19 on campus. Because information about the virus is changing rapidly, please check your humboldt.edu email and HSU’s COVID-19 websitefrequently during the break for announcements from HSU and California State University system.

Don’t forget there are basic steps you can take to protect yourself and help prevent the spread of COVID-19

  • Stay home if you are sick or have a fever. 
  • Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face and eyes, nose, mouth.
  • Routinely clean your home, particularly high touch surfaces like doorknobs.
  • Consider limiting attendance at optional large gatherings because this is where colds, flu, and other respiratory viral infections are spread.

It’s important to remember to treat each other with care, respect, and empathy as the virus continues to disrupt daily life. 

Please know that support and health and wellbeing services are available on campus. Students who would like to talk with a counselor can contact Counseling & Psychological Services in Student Health & Counseling at 707.826.3236 anytime. Staff or faculty seeking additional support may call the Employee Assistance Program at 707.443.7358.

Old press release:

Humboldt State University acknowledges its important role in the North Coast in bringing thought-leaders, visitors, artists, musicians, and entertainers to campus and the local community. In an effort to mitigate the possible spread of COVID-19, HSU continues to assess the impact of hosting large events on campus.

There is no one response that works for all events. HSU understands that each event is different.

HSU leadership, consistent with CSU guidelines and guidance from local health officials, continues to assess events and their relationship to HSU’s core mission. This ongoing assessment looks at event outcomes and whether postponement or other alternative modalities (such as virtual) can be used, participants’ ability to travel, participants’ relationship to high-risk areas or populations, local health standards, size of the event, fiscal and opportunity costs related to the event, and any other unique campus contexts that warrant consideration.

Subject to change, effective Saturday, March 14 until Friday, April 17 all on-campus large events (greater than 150 attendees) are suspended. Event planners will be asked to cancel, postpone, or use an alternative modality (virtual). Events after April 17 will continue to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with additional information and campus decisions made as more information becomes available. 

All HSU-sponsored athletic events are scheduled to continue. However, based on strong guidance from CCAA, events will now be “fan-less,” meaning there should be no fans at the events and only essential personnel are permitted for the event.

The campus continues to assess the most appropriate guidelines for smaller events, and will communicate new guidelines when available.

This is a difficult decision, but the University asks the community and event planners to support these efforts in trying to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

  • Please consider staying in Humboldt during Spring Break.
  • If you leave during Spring Break, plan carefully about where you travel.
  • After Spring Break, classes, assignments, and exams are cancelled on March 23-24.
  • Instruction resumes as normal on March 25.
  • Stay home if you are sick or have a fever. 
  • Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face and eyes, nose, mouth.
  • Routinely clean your home, particularly high touch surfaces like doorknobs.
  • Consider limiting attendance at optional large gatherings because this is where colds, flu, and other respiratory viral infections are spread.

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