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UPD

UPD Bytes

Friday, April 30 1:28 p.m. UPD placed a boot on a vehicle who couldn’t stand to be barefoot in the freezing cold. Also because it had a windshield full of unpaid parking tickets. 2:34 p.m. A male student was transported from the Student Health Center to Humboldt Sempervirens on account of his 5150 status. 1 comment

President Rodriguez

Associated Students 2010 Runoff Election Results Are In!

Last Friday, HSU Associated Students announced the results of last week’s runoff election and named Iban Rodriguez as AS President and Kristy Eden as Student Affairs Vice President. AS held runoff elections because neither of the candidates received a majority vote in the initial election two weeks ago.

J Point crunch time

Students find themselves with too many or not enough

The semester is almost over. Do you have $1500 worth of J points remaining, or $4? Students have until the end of finals week to use all their J points. Points roll over from fall to spring semesters, but not from spring to the next fall. Unlike some schools which give students a certain number of meals per year, HSU uses a point system.

You Are What You Eat

Have you ever wondered if you are getting a good deal buying food on campus? Marine biology and zoology major Tiffany Plencer said she focuses on what is more cost efficient. Working at the Depot, she hears complaints on prices constantly. “People say the drinks are more expensive here than off campus,” Plencer said.

Printing

To Print or Not to Print

Printing fee to change next semester

You might want to think before you print that 50-page paper in the computer lab. Next semester, HSU will adopt a “pay-per-page” system of four cents per page in an attempt to save money and paper. Students currently pay a $5 paper fee at registration for the entire semester.

Registrar

Down With Student Employment, Up With The Work Load

Cutting student staff positions is putting HSU’s registrar office in hot water as the paper work begins to pile up. The registrar processes degree audit reports, degree contracts and provides many other student services such as graduation and admissions counseling.

College Life Comes to a Screeching Halt

Adriane Stoia

As the class of 2010 get their caps and gowns ready, some graduates feel a whirlwind of emotions. Rocio Garcia says she is excited to start a new stage in her life but admits she is nervous to head into the tough job market. She says, “It isn’t pretty in the world, and in less than three weeks, I’m going to be out there, and I wont have a job.

Don’t Cut Yourself

CFA Analysts Question Necessity of Budget Cuts

As Humboldt State University slashes entire programs from its curriculum, Dr. Howard Bunsis, a professor of accounting at Eastern Michigan University, said that few of the budget cuts to HSU are needed. In fact, his audit of Humboldt State’s budget shows that HSU is in solid financial condition, and he has the numbers to back it up. 2 comments

UPD Bytes 4-28

UPD Bytes for the April 28 issue Thursday, April 22 9:29 a.m. UPD cited a driver at LK Wood and Sunset Boulevard for lack of registration and a seatbelt. Thus, a driver was served a ticket for a failure to click it. Oh, and for the registration thing.

Save Richardson Grove Coalition vs. Humboldt County Board of Supervisors

Coalition Demands Recognition for Cause from Supervisors

The Save Richardson Grove Coalition is fighting an uphill battle. Despite its members collecting over 10,000 emails, comments, signatures and letters opposing the California Department of Transportation’s (CalTrans) proposed “Improvement Project” and a comprehensive list of grievances, the coalition has been consistently ignored by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors. 6 comments

Delta Airlines

The One that Got Away

An e-mail is all it took to get the money off the runway. On Feb. 27, 2009, Vice President of Administrative Affairs Burt Nordstrom sent an e-mail warning that HSU needed to fulfill its commitment to spend $51,613 that was left from a pledge the year before.

Peace Corps

Peace Corps Comes to Campus

Even though HSU no longer has a Peace Corps office on campus, regional recruiter Jennifer Clowers said she hasn’t seen a decrease in student volunteers on campus. There are currently 23 HSU alumni in the Peace Corps. HSU ranked 15 out of mid-size universities in the country for producing Peace Corps volunteers.

former A.S. president

Out With The Old, In With The New

A.S. President Moves On

What happens in Humboldt does not stay in Humboldt. Political science major Brandon Chapin realized this when students elected him president of Associated Students. “I never realized how interconnected everything is,” Chapin said. “Not only the departments within our school, but within the CSU system.

Associated Students 2010 Election Results Are In!

Run-off Election Scheduled for Next Week

Last Friday, the results for the 2010 Associated Students election were announced  at the University Center, not to a crowded room of beaming candidates and fervent supporters, but to a handful of AS Elections Commissioners and one Lumberjack reporter.

Long-awaited program elimination decision made

Nursing students can put their protest signs away. Their program is now officially safe.  On Tuesday, HSU President Rollin Richmond announced his and Provost Robert Snyder’s decision to keep the nursing program. They chose to suspend computer science, computer information systems and the MA in film.

obit

R.I.P. Emperor of Hemp

One of the most prolific figures in marijuana reform, Jack Herer, known as the “Hemperor,” died last Thursday in Eugene, Ore., at the age of 70. The activist and author suffered a heart attack in September in Portland and had been in poor health ever since. 1 comment

WOS 1

WORD ON THE STREET 4/21/2010

Should California’s pot laws be decriminalized, legalized, or stay the same? -“Marijuana should not be one hundred percent legalized but it should be decriminalized.” Thomas Dienstbier, freshman, international business and law -“Pot laws should probably stay the same because we don’t know what the impact is on the community or the economy. 3 comments

HEMP VS. ALCOHOL

What is S.A.F.E.R.?

Humboldt County is a point on the Emerald Triangle, a shape that outlines the areas in Northern California where marijuana is mass produced. Each point of the triangle marks the areas that are most involved in marijuana sales, yet Humboldt State University has not adopted the Emerald Initiative. 3 comments

NORML

WONDR WHY NO NORML?

Marijuana enthusiasts cite lack of motivation

You can smell it in the forest and hear songs praising it blasted from dorm rooms. It seems like almost everyone here at HSU loves weed, but right now there’s no club for all those stoners, smokers and midnight tokers. NORML on campus fell apart after only three years and left HSU cannabis culture without any official representation. 3 comments

egg

Ethical Eaters

Cracking the case on cage-free eggs

HSU is going to start serving cage-free eggs. You may think, “Great! Finally I can eat the omelets served at The J.” Cage-free means happy chickens that roam around a field, right? Now, put two pieces of binder paper side by side. This is the amount of space that chickens live their entire lives on. 3 comments

4/20

Bud in the Mud

Zach St. George

It was 4/20 on the North Coast yesterday, and even pouring rain and police patrols couldn’t keep the people of Humboldt from celebrating their favorite holiday. The annual gathering at Redwood Park went on despite nasty weather and increased resistance from the City of Arcata. 2 comments

Program Elimination Reaches Final Stretch

Provost to make official announcement next week

The fate of four HSU programs rest in the administration’s hands now. Provost Robert Snyder will most likely announce his decision for program elimination early next week, said University Spokesman Paul Mann. The Academic Senate released their official rationale to Snyder last week.

Faculty Denied Pay Raises

Teacher's union worried about wage disparities

On April 16, Chancellor Charles B. Reed announced the CSU California Faculty Association, a union of 23,000 CSU professors, lecturers, librarians, counselors, and coaches, failed to close the gap in a $7 million salary dispute. Using the Law Offices of John Kagel as a neutral mediator, the two sides still could not come to an agreement.

WOS 1

Word on the Street 4-17

Will you vote in the AS Elections? Why or why not?   "Probably not, I don't really do many school activities."  - Claire Voigtlander, sophomore studio art major   "Yeah of course. A couple of my friends are running and I support their positions.

upd

UPD BYTES 4-14

Friday, April 9 12:27 a.m. UPD reported a noise complaint at the campus apartments. The complaint was gone, and UPD was greeted with nothing but silence. 1:27 a.m. The noise complaint was found again, this time in the Tan Oak Hall. This time, UPD cornered the noise complaint and warned it to stay quiet.

raging granny

Raging Grannies Stir It Up In Humboldt

Beware. There is a raging granny at HSU. HSU student Jean Doran turns 90 on April 14 and has more vigor than most of her classmates. Doran is involved in the local chapter of the international group, the Raging Grannies. The elderly women march and sing protest songs.

Emergency Response

Nursing students rally to save their department

Nursing Students are speaking out against the Academic Senate’s recommendation to eliminate their program. They collected more then 1,650 letters addressed to provost Bob Snyder in a week. In less than a day, more than 2,500 people joined the "Save the HSU Nursing Program" page on Facebook. 1 comment

A Voice For The Students

Humboldt State votes for student representitives

Less than 10 percent of HSU students voted in last year’s Associated Students election. Current Associated Students President Brandon Chapin ran without any competition. Changing the status quo may seem impossible in the wake of recent budget cuts and program eliminations, but every student can take action by voting or running in next week’s Associated Students election.

fee increase

New Fee Proposal

Will students pay more to get less?

It is official. Your school cannot afford you anymore. This week, the provost’s office proposed a new student fee to help pay for materials, services and facilities. Students taking six credits or fewer will pay $72 per semester. Students taking more than six credits will pay $144 per semester. 1 comment

UPD BYTES 4-7

UPD BYTES 4-7-2010

campus crime, misDemeanors and bad puns

Tuesday, March 30 12:40 a.m. UPD reported vandalism at the pedestrian underpass. At this point, there is probably enough graffiti there to support the road if all the concrete in the underpass simultaneously failed. UPD still does not consider these instances of vandalism a service.

counterfeit

MONEY FOR NOTHING:

Counterfeiter hits Arcata with fake $20s

You might want to check your wallet. About a month ago, counterfeit $20 bills started showing up in and around Arcata, and nobody is sure where they are coming from. Last month, bartenders at Sidelines found three fakes but not before the culprit slipped away. 1 comment

Google Us

Will Our Town be the New Hot Spot

Google is choosing a small number of trial locations across the United States to host its new venture into the world of high-speed broadband networks. With promises from Google of Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today, cities have been trying to out-do each other in their attempts to lure Google to their hometowns. 1 comment

nursing

Elimination Frustrations

Program elimination soon to be up to provost and president

After more than a year of debates, meetings and headaches, the Academic Senate made its final recommendation for program elimination yesterday. Nursing major Jen Sebo summed it up. “We just got the bomb dropped on us.” The fate of nursing, computer information systems, and the graduate theatre arts programs in sceneography and film will be up to Provost Robert Snyder for an impending April 20 decision. 9 comments

Program Elimination Nearly Complete

Rare Saturday meeting last chance for students and faculty to speak out

If you want to be a nurse, oceanographer, chemist or programmer, you might want to try your luck at a different school. A rare weekend session of the Academic Senate this Saturday, April 3, is the final opportunity for HSU students and faculty to talk to the Senate about program elimination. 1 comment

No Dean

Search for New Dean Fails

Only one of three HSU colleges has a permanent dean

The most recent search for a dean for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) failed. Interim Dean Kenneth Ayoob confirmed he will continue in his current position for at least one more year. It will be his fourth. An e-mail from Provost Robert Snyder announced a new search will be conducted next year.

Defining Your Freedom

New policy determines restrictions on free speech

Your First Amendment rights are not absolute on campus. HSU is rewriting its Quad policy to better define when and where topics can be discussed freely. On Thursday, April 1, the University Executive Committee will hold a meeting to discuss an updated version of the 2001 Quad Policy.

panhandling

Begging For Change

New law restricts Aggressive Panhandling

Alumnus Nicholas Bravo has two degrees from HSU. He is currently homeless and panhandles. When the Arcata City Council discussed an ordinance that controls where people can panhandle and restricts aggressive panhandling, Bravo spoke out, “We’re saying that people under a certain income level do not have the right to exist, do not have the right to survive. 34 comments

UPD bytes 3-24

UPD Bytes 3-24-2010

3.24 UPD Bytes Monday, March 15 7:29 a.m. UPD responded to a burglary alarm at the president's office in Siemens Hall. It was a false alarm, nobody was trying to steal the president. Tuesday, March 16 8:20 p.m. Two students were cited for skateboarding on the campus, which proves that sometimes skateboarding is a crime.

Humboldt’s Freedom Rally

The Communities for Justice and Peace Organization held a march and freedom rally March 20 at the Eureka Courthouse. The protest was held for peace, freedom and ending the war. The wind fluttered the peace flag hanging next to a large canvas painted with the words “The Declaration of Independence” as pro-peace activist Jack Nounman shouted to the crowd, “This is a collation of all things. 2 comments

Staff Hopes For More Say On Campus

As the minority group in the Academic Senate, staff members fight to be heard over the din of clashing faculty and administrators. A 2008 report by the consulting firm Keeling and Associates found that HSU leadership is ineffective. The Cabinet for Institutional Change (CIC) was created to set goals for change, and to give recommendations about how to accomplish it.

HSU Seeks Improved Graduation Rates

Only 43 percent of the 2009 freshmen class are expected to graduate from HSU within six years. The Graduation Rate Improvement Report, a study prepared by HSU, says that of the 1,338 freshmen enrolled, only 622 are projected to graduate within six years from HSU. 1 comment

Just don't do it.

Students and Staff Participate in Ending Sexualized Violence

The Act to End Sexualized Violence seminar came about when a ‘stranger’ rape occurred on campus in the Spring of 2006. The students in Eric Rofes’ class, Education for Action, gathered together in response to the rape and organized a demonstration the next day to protest the ongoing acts of violence against women in today’s culture.

Sac protest

Defending Higher Education

They came surging across the Tower Bridge by the thousands. Waves of protesters streamed down the avenue displaying signs and banners, filling the air with chants of “you say cutback we say fight back.” Corralled by motorcycle police, they marched westwards through the blocked-off streets of West Sacramento towards the Capitol building.

Billed For Insurance

Questions arise with president’s new bill

With the world watching, the House of Representatives passed President Barack Obama’s massive health care reform bill on Tuesday. It is the Affordable Health Care for Americans act and was passed 219 votes to 212. But questions about the bill are quickly surfacing, from what reconciliation means to the constitutionality of the mandate itself.

March Forth For Education

Noah Meisel sat on his father’s shoulders and shouted louder than the rest of the crowd: “Shut the prisons! Save my school!” Josh Meisel, Noah’s father, is a sociology professor at HSU. They were there to show their support for increased funding for education. 1 comment

faculty 1

A Voiceless Faculty

General Faculty Association faces elimination

Get ready for a fight. HSU’s faculty and administration are in a power struggle.  A 2008 report by the consulting firm Keeling and Associates found that HSU leadership is internally split and ineffective. In 2008, the Western Association of Schools & Colleges’ (WASC) accreditation team shared the same sentiments. 1 comment

alibi 1

Arcata’s Dive Bar Needs Some Love

With the front-entrance floor sinking and the walls rotting, reconstruction begins this year on The Alibi Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge.   Philosophy and literature major Joe Levi said he has gone to The Alibi at least once a week for the past two years.

HSU Student and High School Coach Arrested on Charges of Child Molestation

The Arcata Police Department arrested HSU senior Timothy Ryan Dossey, an Arcata High assistant basketball coach, on March 4 for charges of child molestation and sending harmful matter to seduce a minor. School officials notified local police after they heard that Dossey allegedly engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a female student while coaching the high school basketball team. 2 comments

protest 1

March Forth for Education

"Stop the cuts to my future!" "Save my education, keep the doors open!"     By 5 p.m. on Thurs., March 4, these signs were lining 5th Street in front of the Humboldt County Courthouse in Eureka as protesters yelled, "You say cut back, we say fight back!"      Several hundred teachers, students, parents and concerned citizens took to the streets to promote more funding for education in California.

upd

UPD BYTES 3/3/2010

Thursday, Feb. 25 1:00 a.m. UPD responded to a safety escort from Science D. You never know what might be lurking in Science D late at night... 12:29 p.m. UPD removed a boot from a vehicle on B Street when they discovered that the car had no feet and, therefore, did not need shoes.

water bottle guy 1

An Assault On Arrowhead

Unlikely hero speaks on HSU quad

Ghandi once said, “There is enough water for human need, but not for human greed.” On Monday, geography senior Maxwell Unger and his alter ego Captain Reducer spoke on the quad about the wrongdoings of the bottled water industry. Unger stood in front of Siemens Hall, with Ghandi’s words painted blue onto a paper sign on the ground in front of him.

HSU Scores Low In Campus Safety Report

Of 450 schools, HSU Ranks 384

With two assaults reported in the last three weeks, should students feel safe at HSU? According to Stateuniversity.com’s “Safest Schools List,” HSU is ranked 384 out of 450 in the nation and 38 out of 47 in California. Does that mean HSU is less safe than 383 other campuses nationwide? StateUniversity. 1 comment

Administration Hands Down New Cuts

Vacation just got longer for some staff, faculty and students

The administration greeted more than 70 staff members on Monday morning with news that they won’t be working as much in the coming year. One or two months are being cut from their positions and most of the cuts will take place when university attendance is at its lowest in June and July.

Head Count

U.S. Census won’t know you exist unless you tell them

If 1,000 Humboldt County citizens do not return their census forms, more than $1 million in federal funding will be lost. The population results of the 2010 U.S. Census determine how much money goes to each county. Next year, more than $400 billion in federal funds will go to schools, hospitals, public works projects, emergency services, job training programs and senior citizens. 1 comment

Lower Unit Cap Evens The Playing Field

As of last week, the unit cap to register for next semester's batch of classes has been reduced to from 17 to 13. Like last semester, students will be able to enroll for 19 units once the cap is lifted, and students can register for 24 units with faculty permission. 2 comments

tsnumai 1

Tsunami Watchers Flock To Trinidad

Thirty minutes before the tsunami was supposed to hit, cars parked on the bluffs behind the Trinidad Head Lighthouse. People set up lawn chairs and picnics and squeezed in for the best view of the shore. The ironic side effect of the tsunami alert system was apparent; people flocked to the coast, rather than away from it. 1 comment

UPD bytes

UPD Bytes 2/24/2010

Thursday, Feb. 18 5:02 a.m. Someone was spotted digging through the Creekview recycling. The subject was gone when UPD arrived. Worst case scenario: Somebody escaped with a potentially dangerous amount of empty soda bottles. Best case scenario: Raccoon in disguise.

funding

Taking the "Fun" Out Of Funding

Chancellor releases $50.9 million to CSU

Even with extra funding now available for academics, program elimination continues to gain momentum at HSU. CSU Chancellor Charles Reed released $50.9 million of federal stimulus funds this month. The money, $1.4 million of which is allocated to HSU, should “add critically needed courses and sections in fall 2010,” said Reed in his memo to the CSU presidents. 6 comments

taxes

Toiling With Tax Returns

Students can make tax season much less painful for themselves and their wallets

The time is now for students and parents to take advantage of commonly forgotten tax deductions as well as some new credits available. On April 15, tax returns must be filed. Many people will miss out on the opportunity to lower their taxable income or their overall amount due in taxes. 1 comment

Listen Up, Capitol Hill!

Students determined for change

March will have students from throughout California pressuring legislators to increase funding for higher education. Humboldt State University has two choices: stay here and get “pissed off,” or join the activists, says HSU Associated Students President Brandon Chapin.

CAMPUS ALERT

Assault on Granite Avenue leaves two students hospitalized

Two nineteen-year-old male resident students were hospitalized early Saturday morning after the second assault on campus in less than a week. A press release by the University Police Department said students walking along Granite Avenue at about 1:30 a. 2 comments

health center

Counseling Costs Climb

It’s no secret that California is in a budget crisis, and the CSU system is suffering as a result. HSU feels this crunch as increased tuition, mandated furloughs and dropped classes become the norm. Next academic year could be even harder with more proposed fee hikes and less classes to choose from. 1 comment

decision makers

A Bite with the Bosses

On Monday HSU students were treated to free pizza and one hour to ask any question of the five most powerful men on campus, courtesy of the Associated Students. The men taking questions were President Rollin Richmond, Provost Robert Snyder, Vice President of Administrative Affairs Burt Nordstrom, Vice President of Student Affairs Steve Butler, and Vice President of Advancement Rob Gunsalus.

geology

Shifts In the Geology Department

Perhaps inspired by the recent earthquakes, the Geology Department is shaking things up for its annual field camp trip. This year the camp has been shortened from six weeks to four. For some seniors set to graduate this year, the switch leaves them two units short. 1 comment

sexual assualt

Sexual Assaults on Campuses Are Underreported

“Messages from society tell us that it’s the woman’s fault,” said HSU Professor and Women Studies Program Leader Kim Berry. “Women have survived the most brutal forms of rape and still get blamed.” Ninety five percent of students who are sexually assaulted remain silent.

onlines classes 1

Tech No Classes

Student and Facult Undecided About Onlines Classes

 Go ahead. Wear your pajamas, kick up your feet and leave on those embarrassing duck slippers. It’s time for school. Of course students want to take online classes. It’s a no-brainer. Right? Although this picturesque option has some students racing to sign up, others say it’s an unrealistic mode of education. 1 comment

CAMPUS ALERT

UPD Seeks Leads About Campus Assault

Campus police are seeking information and anonymous tips to help identify suspects involved in an alleged physical assault that occurred early Sunday morning near the university Art Building. The assault left a 23-year-old male HSU student with bruises and abrasions inflicted after an attack by an unidentified male. 1 comment

UPD Bytes

Your Unquestionable Source for Campus Crime: Viewer discretion is advised. Friday, Feb. 12 12:04 p.m. UPD rescued some keys that had been negligently locked in their owner's car. The car owner was told that a locked car was a bad place for keys: they could run out of oxygen and die of heat stroke. 3 comments

Tainted Love

Long cell phone calls on Valentines Day bring added risks

Valentine’s Day is a creative holiday for couples in long-distance relationships. The fancy dinner out turns into reservations for a Skype date, and at the end of the night the cell phone ends up as a cuddle buddy. Freshman studio art major Gabriele Morales can guarantee that her cell phone will be by her side on Valentines Day.

U.P.D. Bytes

Friday, Feb. 5 2:17 a.m. UPD was called to the Campus Apartments’ gazebo because of some rowdy folks who were disturbing the peace. They were given beaded necklaces, flowers, tie-dye shirts, and a warning not to disturb Humboldt’s peace again.

math lab 1

Math tutoring center moves into library for evening hours

Two locations, 21 tutors, 59 hours per week plus $4,600 of new funds equals a new future for HSU’s math tutoring lab. The math lab, located in the Behavioral & Social Science building (BSS) room 302, will be open nearly 40 hours per week. The math lab will now also be open in the evenings in library room 208.

Heads Up!

When strong winds blow, students beware of widowmakers

After last month’s 6.5 magnitude earthquake, HSU geology professor, Bob McPherson warned students and faculty of the many dangers associated with an earthquake. One in particular stood out. “Look out for widowmakers,” said McPherson in the  Jan.

map

Paving Paradise

Some say Highway 101 project threatens state park

A plea lies at the southern entrance to Humboldt County: “Save Richardson Grove.” Despite years of public opposition, the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) plans to adjust the alignment of Highway 101 in Richardson Grove just north of the Humboldt/Mendocino county border in order to make room for semi trucks. 1 comment

bake sales

New Food Policy Leaves Bad Taste

Guidelines for next semester will likely end bake sales on campus

As if program cuts, budget cuts, and furloughs weren’t enough, now there are bake sale cuts.  Under new rules discussed by university officials, sales of homemade food on campus will be subject to stricter regulations, and baked goods may not be allowed at all.

WASC

W.A.S.C Returns to Humboldt

Team finds progress but still concerned

All last week the HSU campus was host to the accreditation team of Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). “I’ve only been here a few days and I already love this campus,” said team member George Morton on Thursday afternoon during his open meeting with the staff of HSU.

Haiti Crisis Sparks Local Relief Efforts

    Motivated by the horrific images that flash daily on the news from Haiti, Kate Martin knew she had to help. Martin is just one of many people in Humboldt who are planning benefits to send funds and support to Haiti in the upcoming weeks.

Butler

Goodbye, Dr. Steven Butler

Vice President of Academic Affairs announces retirement

      When Vice President of Student Affairs Steven Butler talks about his career, it is clear he has great passion for his job. Nonetheless he knows it is time to retire. “I have been doing this for 37 years now. I’m not getting any younger, I’m not getting any healthier,” said Butler.

reimbursment

Whistleblower Tip Leads to CSU Audit

Finds $150,000 in "incorrect reimbursments" to one official.

“Chancellor Reed must get his own financial house in order if we are going to make it through this economic crisis intact,” said Lillian Tiaz, President of the California Faculty Association. Like many others across the state, Tiaz was outraged at the findings in a December 2009 report by the California State Auditor.

Hutchins

The Magician’s New Trick

Local business owner makes merchandise reappear on shelves

     Arcata’s most popular magician and affable owner of Hutchins Grocery & Liquor, Shantaram Jones, is back in full business.     The year 2009 was economically and emotionally difficult for the 28-year-old entrepreneur.

Schwarzenegger’s Raw Deal

Governor’s plan to restore CSU funding prompts doubt

     In his State of the State speech, Gov. Schwarzenegger promised to restore funding to higher education. Budget cuts are behind the California State University system according to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. “Spending 45 percent more on prisons than universities is no way to proceed into the future,” he told an applauding state legislature.

youth protection act

“Don’t Recruit Me, Bro!”

Federal Judge overturns local law to keep military recruiters away from minors

Military recruiters continue business as usual with their rounds at local high schools as the “Youth Protection Act” goes to the Ninth Circuit Court. Dave Meserve, coordinator of the ballot initiative ordinance, feels that voters of Arcata and Eureka should have a say in whether or not military recruiters can have access to their kids while at school.

Faculty says ‘unique’ classes not important

Academic Senate votes to drop ‘Uniqueness’ from criteria for Program Elimination

Here at HSU, some classes are clearly more “unique” than others, but after an Academic Senate vote on Jan. 26, the uniqueness of a class will no longer be taken into consideration for program ranking. Although there are other criteria for the Senate members to consider (such as impact and financial measures, department costs, and prioritization rankings, etc.

Haiti

On The Ground in Port-Au-Prince

 Traveling from Henche in the north central highland plains of Haiti to Port-au-Prince you get an idea of how far the damage extends into the country side. Buildings have slid off of their slab foundations and walls have fallen like a house of cards starting twenty miles from the city’s center.

Student Remembered

Eric Daniel Kilgore, an engineering sophomore at HSU, passed away in a fatal car accident during Thanksgiving break on his way home to San Bernadino, Calif. The CHP reports that the 19-year-old was driving southbound on the 101 in heavy rain near Willits, Calif. 1 comment

Police/Homeless 1

Police Disband City Hall Encampment

On Sunday night, Police raided a tent settlement at Eureka City Hall, an action that resulted in one arrest. The encampment had served as a makeshift homeless shelter, and sought to have the city recognize the needs of the homeless. The settlement had been in place since Dec. 4 comments

science grant 2

Students Get $1.6 Million for Stem Cell Research

As the Bush administration fades away into the past, so too does its influences on medical research. Recently, the Obama administration lifted restrictions on stem cell research. HSU students who are involved in the research of stem cell applications may see an increase in funding and government support.

New Policy Gives Students a Voice

Students are currently filling out instructor evaluations, but they have never been able to evaluate administrators, until now. In a recent campus-wide email, President Rollin Richmond announced a new pilot program in which the entire campus (students instructors, administrators, and staff included) will be able to evaluate two different HSU vice presidents every year. 1 comment

Walter Warren House

Decline in Native American Students Shows Lack of Diversity

On land that was once owned by the Wiyot Tribe, Native American student enrollment is on the decline at HSU. The campus was built almost 100 years ago on what was once tribal lands, and is located within 30 minutes of three of the biggest native tribes in California today - the Yurok, Hoopa and Karuk tribes.

Stranger than Science Fiction

NASA Discovers Water on the Moon

One small sip for a human. One giant drink for humankind. After the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) impacted the moon’s surface on Oct. 9, 2009, it took NASA a little over a month to announce it found water. Several possibilities and opportunities emerge with this discovery.

Finding Funds Elsewhere HSU Loses Competition for Federal Grant

HSU Loses Competition for Federal Grant

The magnitude of the need for funding is much greater in other parts of the state than here at HSU. However, we still have significant needs in our region according to Director Dr. Jeffrey White of the Humboldt Science and Mathematics Center. The CSU was awarded $35 million in federal funding to enhance teacher quality programs that will be used to support innovative teacher preparation and credential and master’s programs.

Micro 1

New Discovery Comes from Program on Chopping Block

Years of lumber mill toxins being dumped into the Arcata harbor may have created a new type of creature unique to Humboldt County. It may be the savior for polluted wetlands around the world. What began as a class project for undergraduate soils majors, Chelsea Hansen and Austin Tomlinson, has turned into a possible discovery of two new halophilic bacteria (Halomonas and Chromohalobacter). 2 comments

Academic Senate Votes to Keep Rangeland Resource Major

Will The Administration Agree?

After a two year study, a special meeting and a gaggle of students, alumni and community members voicing their opposition to the elimination of the rangeland resource science major, the Academic Senate finally cast their ballots. The Senate voted, 23 to two, to grant a 4-year probation period to the program, which is comprised of two majors, rangeland resources & wildland soils.

Humboldt Gets Millions In Donations

Every year donors contribute millions of dollars to Humboldt State University. This generous trend has not changed during these trying financial times. “We are happy the donations are right on line with last year’s, especially with the hard times economically,” said Frank Whitlatch, president of the Office of University Advancement. 1 comment

Panhandling

Spare some rights

City of Arcata considers panhandling regulations

The city of Arcata is considering an ordinance against aggressive panhandling. City Councilman Alex Stillman explained this ordinance would hopefully cover the entire city, even areas that aren’t being affected at this time. Aggressive panhandling is considered behavior that is disruptive, violent, threatening, blocks sidewalks or interferes with business. 5 comments

H1N1

Vaccines Containing Mercury are not the Public’s only Option

For those of you worried about swine flu yet reluctant to get vaccinated because you heard there’s mercury in the dosage, just ask for the nasal spray. It contains none. There are four types of swine flu vaccine. One type comes in multi-dose vials that contain thimerosal, a preservative that is about 50 percent mercury. 2 comments

Endevor 2

Helping Arcata’s Hungry

The Endeavor’s Thanksgiving Feast

The warmth and aroma of a freshly cooked meal fills the office of the Arcata Endeavor. Energy races through the veins of this community. Rarely is there a still moment. On an average day the Endeavor feeds approximately 200 people. Maintaining the rhythm of action is Lori O’Brion, general operations and kitchen manager. 8 comments

Arcata Ed Farm

Students Sustain Arcata Educational Farm

Planting garlic might not be high on your to-do list after you get out of class on a Friday afternoon. But that’s how HSU seniors Mac Maclaird and Maddy McCann spent their sunny Friday afternoon last weekend. Maclaird and McCann are student directors at the Arcata Educational Farm.

Day of Remembrance Gives Voice to Transgender Students on Campus

After gender reassignment surgery in 2005, Karin Fresnel was  told that people did not want to work with her because she was transgendered. She received a demotion at her job and was told that her office would be closed. She eventually lost her job as a geologist for a private consulting firm, and chose not to sue her employer because she felt it would damage her reputation in the geology community, Fresnel told the Bay Area Reporter.

A Whole Can of Worms

When your beliefs collide with your work

The means don’t always justify the ends; a fundamental moral argument of an animal rights activist like Oziel Padilla. Unfortunately for Padilla, his moral stance lowered his grade by 12 percent, a whole letter grade, and there is nothing he can do about it. 4 comments

CSU Pressures Students to Graduate

This past summer, the CSU Board of Trustees quietly passed an amendment that pressures students to graduate sooner than they want and by default, limits all other students to only one major. The amendment to Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations gives President Rolland Richmond, and all campus presidents in the CSU system, the authority to “preclude any student from enrolling in any additional state-supported courses when that student has met all necessary requirements for a degree. 2 comments

1st Amendment

An Uncomfortable Message

Preacher’s Words Spark Free Speech Debate

Eliot Altschul is concerned for the students he sees in his office everyday. He is concerned that the message of hate is alive and tolerated on the HSU campus. Last week, a traveling preacher known by the name of Brother Matt Bourgault came to HSU to spread a message that many considered hateful and disrespectful. 6 comments

Beached Whale 1

A Whale of a Task

Beached Whale Gives Students Hands-on Experience

It took volunteers and students from Sonoma State University, College of the Redwoods and HSU six days to move the 70-foot carcass of a blue whale to its final destination buried in the Ft. Bragg forest. Students and other volunteers provided a service to the community and themselves by participating in the necropsy of a blue whale beached in Mendocino County last week. 4 comments

Goodwin Forum

Students Dialogue On Race

Last week’s Campus Dialogue on Race gave students, faculty and community members multiple opportunities to talk about race, religion and class issues that are often ignored. But now that there’s no schedule of events, the structured forums become smoking sections, residence halls and eateries. 5 comments

Washington Redefines Discrimination

Spurs Discussion on Hate Crimes

 Lou Sherry is a transgender student at HSU who believes hate crime legislation for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community is long overdue. “We should have the same protections across the board and across the country,” Sherry said.

Soldiers to Study Halls

Veterans Enrollment and Transition Services

Veterans make up roughly 10 percent of our student population. But Kim Hall understands that every veteran is different. "Each individual veteran has their own needs." Established in the late 1980s by Kim Hall, Veterans Enrollment and Transition Services (V.

Protest 1

Preacher Provokes Students

 In a frenzy of buttons, handmade signs, and typed fliers, students hastily distributed material less than two hours after the arrival of Matt Bourgault and his controversial message. The Quad, normally a place for music and bake sales, became the epicenter for Bourgault and his words this past Monday and Tuesday. 16 comments

Ignorance is Not Bliss

Students call for transparency in program cuts

As programs face elimination, students call for more transparency from the administration on the process. Depending on the current vision for the school and where they want to focus funding, HSU’s administration and staff can change how the rankings of classes up for elimination. 9 comments

Hydration Station

Campus Welcomes Hydration Stations

Local movement provides alternative to bottled water

Natalynne DeLapp said simple, everyday conscious choices could have a positive effect on the environment. Thanks to the new Haws Hydration stations located in the Depot (to the left of Muddy Waters) and the Kinesiology building (on the way to the locker rooms) students can now make those choices easier while saving money with every cold drink. 1 comment

Counseling Services Try to Keep Pace with Students’ Psychological Needs

Unless it is a first-time visit or a crisis situation, students who come to HSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services in search of ongoing counseling will find a two-week wait list instead. Four professional counselors and three postdoctoral residents make up a staff in charge of serving nearly 8,000 students. 1 comment

Humbrews Expands Music Venue

 Humbrews is unlike other bars. It is clean, and the lighting is good enough to check the sports stats in the paper. The pool table is always in use and customers chat over a pint of beer. There’s food and music almost every night at Humbrews, and now if you go in for a late dinner you won’t be asked to leave early so staff can clear the tables to make room for the show.

Wayne Night

Professor Passes Away from H1N1 Complications

Campus Struggles to Cope with Tragic Loss

Dominic Efferson said Graphic Design Professor M. Wayne Knight pushed students to think outside of the box to create a design that meant something. “He wanted to see the next peace sign come out of his class.” On a gray day during the afternoon of Oct. 1 comment

Students

Open the taps! Let the beer and revenue flow!

Bjørn-Ola Skjefstad enters The Depot. He casts his backpack onto the closest chair then heads straight for the bar, throws his passport on the counter and orders a beer. But in this state, he can’t get one. While a passport is good enough to get him into the country and make HSU his home for the next year, it is not good enough to buy 12 ounces of beer in the university bar. 7 comments

Decision Makers

Administrators get to the point

Vice President of Student Affairs Steve Butler was short and to the point last Thursday for a forum hosted by Associated Students. “The bottom line: You will pay more and receive less,” he said to a group of roughly 30 students in the South Lounge.

Politics of Pot

Politics of Pot

The crowd filled Behavioral and Social Science room 166 for the Sixth Annual Victor T. Schaub memorial lecture on local politics. This year’s theme was Grow Houses and Governance: The Politics of Pot in Humboldt County. This discussion, hosted this past Monday, focused on the cultivation impacts on land use, housing and local governance.

Library

Learning Disabilities Leave Students Behind

HSU senior Autumn Glock has a reading comprehension problem. She found this out after being put on academic probation, the only way she said she could get tested for learning disabilities. Glock, a double major in zoology and art, noticed that she was having a hard time with her science classes.

Who’s First? Lack of Oversight on H1N1 Vaccine Leads to Confusion

 Although H1N1 vaccines will be available in Humboldt County on Nov. 1, you may have to wait longer to get them if you do not fit into a specific high-risk group. There is a question in Humboldt County as to who will oversee the decision making on who will get the vaccine first.

Thoughts on the wall

Beloved Professor Passes Away from H1N1 Complications

It was a gray day both inside and outside on the campus of Humboldt State University. Graphic Design Professor M. Wayne Knight, 60, passed away the morning of Oct. 21 at Mad River Hospital. Knight died from pre-existing conditions complicated by the H1N1 virus, confirmed HSU's Communication's Officer Paul Mann. 3 comments

WTF Ralley 1

A Call For Priorities

WTF? Where’s the funding? Nearly 50 HSU students and faculty members banded together at the “Where’s the Funding?” rally this past Wednesday in the Art Quad asking this question. They huddled beneath umbrellas in the pouring rain to protest CSU system-wide fee hikes, furlough days, and overcrowded classrooms. 1 comment

Library Protest

Students Protest Through the Night

Study-in Keeps Library Open

The pulsing rhythm of a solo drummer was a faint murmur under the passionate voices of concerned students voicing their frustrations over a mega phone. To facilitate a discussion about the current state of our institution, a newly-formed student coalition organized an all night teach-in at the library on Friday, Oct.

When Major Injuries Come Up, the Health Center Falls Short

With the rainy season upon us, our hills and stairs university transforms into a treacherous obstacle coarse. With the rain comes accident season. Student fees include a health service charge of $140 per semester that covers a very minimum of benefits provided by the student health center.

CSU Looks to Raise Energy IQ

The California State University system and HSU hope to save money through a new energy project funded in part by the government. The CSU system applied for $77.5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which will dole out $787 billion nationwide.

War Protest 1

Eureka Participates in Worldwide Protest for Peace

Helen Taylor said she feels like one of the characters in Michelangelo’s paintings, the Last Judgment. She feels like the character who hasn’t reached hell yet, but chews on his nails and has horror written across his face as he awaits his fate.

Oil & California’s Future

Drilling for an Education

California is the only oil-producing state in the nation that doesn’t receive a fee from oil companies that pump oil from state land. “Texas funds a large portion of its universities with this money,” said Beth Willon, Lt. Gov. John Garamendi’s communications director. 2 comments

Cannibus Club

Pot Club Offers More Than Marijuana

Keeps Special Needs Clinic Open

On any given day you can see the Humboldt Community Access and Resource Center [HCAR] building alive with people of all kinds taking part in community with each other. Once designated to the special needs citizens and care takers, the building has made room for a new citizenry.

Student Creates Community Forest Clean-up

After enjoying a beer at a friend’s house, HSU Junior Chris Bryan headed back to HSU through the Redwood Community Forest barely before sundown. But, because he was unfamiliar with the area, he got lost on the way, though not without inspiration to improve the condition of forest. 1 comment

Applied Tech

Applied Tech. Faces Elimination

For well over a decade, the Applied Technology Department has been fighting low enrollment, the loss of three tenure-tracked professors, allegations of misappropriated funds, and a growing list of administrators and staff calling for its elimination, including its own current department chair, Dr. 2 comments

Ramp

More than Just Wheelchair Ramps and Elevators

Classroom Access for Students with Disabilities

 Imagine you’re blind and have a class with a professor who turns her back to the class while she lectures. She writes notes on the board you have no use for because you can’t see. Plus you can’t hear half the things she says every time she turns her back.

Satellites Impact Moon

Fickle Hill Observatory Hosts Researchers

It was just after 4 a.m. when researchers from NASA along with other professionals were scattered every 250 miles from Canada to Guatemala hoping to witness a first in space history. HSU’s Fickle Hill Observatory was lucky enough to be host for some researchers to watch the event this past Friday morning.

Creek Ariel View

Couples Dream Housing Project Springs to Life

It is the kind of place you would see Thumper teaching Bambi how to walk. It is a place where birds sing sweet melodies that echo throughout the forest. It is a place that could be your home in the not-so-distant future. This place is 24 acres of third generation redwood forest located behind apartment complexes and houses on Ridge Road off of LK Wood half a mile north of HSU.

Group shot

Human Rights Vigil Spawns Dialogue

What began as a small group of concerned individuals gave birth to a passionate discussion on our rights not only as humans, but as students. On the corner of Harpst and B Street on Oct. 1st. five individuals surrounded a simple banner that read, “We Believe in Human Rights and Stand for a Place that is Safe for All” creating a space for individuals to speak their minds.

Camera

I Can See You

Taking a look at HSU’s Security Cameras

Being alone and undisturbed can be an American’s most prized possession. It is also a criminal’s most precious setting. In article titled “Student’s Art Sculpture Stolen” featured in the Sept. 22, 2009 issue of the The Lumberjack we reported that a thief stole a student’s art work from the Student Business Services building.

Preparing needle 2

Get Ready... Vaccinate

This fall, Heath Director Rebecca Stauffer said the Health Center is getting prepared for a large flu season. “In the past, peaks occurred right at final exams in 2005 and in the spring in the last couple of years,” she said. “We are told to plan for a big flu season this year because it is starting so early.

The Life of an Organic Peach

The Process of Organic Certification

You meander the produce section of Wildberries Market. Deciding what to buy, your eyes scan the selection of organic fruits and veggies. You think to yourself, “What makes ‘organic’ produce organic?” How do you know the juicy-looking peach you picked out wasn’t sprayed with pesticides? To help answer that question, we’ll go over the organic process from farm certification to produce wholesale all the way to your shopping basket at the grocery store. 1 comment

Food for the Masses

When summer ends and fall begins, the long warm days leave behind a great bounty to remind us of how sweet nature’s perfection can be. During this season of harvest Food for People, a non-profit organization, works hard to connect people with local produce for free.

U.P.D. Bytes

10- 2 - 2009 12:20 a.m. UPD responded to somebody drinking in the Redwood and Sunset quad. It seems that once midnight rolls around, Thirsty Thursday is in full swing. 5:03 a.m. UPD warned someone that camping on LK Wood  Blvd. was not to be tolerated at this university. 1 comment

Professor Resigns After Hate Incident

A Humboldt State faculty member in the Child Development Department resigned Sept. 25 after receiving a racially slanted written attack. The university is not disclosing the name of the individual, but The Lumberjack confirmed it is a female lecturer who began working at HSU at the start of this semester. 3 comments

Confinement and Suspension

Administrators Hold Students’ Fate in Their Hands

Next time you feel an emotional breakdown coming, be sure it does not happen on campus. If it does, campus officials can send you to a psychiatric facility, charge you with a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and punish you for it. One incident in early September shows the power HSU officials have over students.

Lifting the Veil of Secrecy

CSU Fights Financial Transparency Bill

You may not like telling people where you get your money or how you spend it. It is personal information. But not for HSU or any other public institution. The Advancement Foundation releases HSU’s budget at the end of every year. There is no legal force obligating them to publicly disclose all of their spending habits, yet. 2 comments

Turf Close-up

Trading Tradition for Turf

Cole Kirchner remembers when HSU first installed the artificial turf on the indoor field in the Student Recreation Center a couple of years ago. “I can still smell the fumes from the turf,” said Kirchner, an HSU Philosophy major. “I don’t know how people can play in there. 3 comments

Student Newspaper Fights Budget Cuts to Publish Paper Edition

Editor's Note: This article was updated on 11/3/09 to clarify a few inaccuracies.   The students of California’s College of the Canyons think their First Amendment rights have been taken away. Their school newspaper, the Canyon Call, was shut down. 1 comment

Out With the Old, In With the New

Californians Work to Rewrite State Constitution

Students, faculty and the administration all have one thing in common: They hate budget cuts. Now with the help of groups such as California Forward and California Action Network there is something everyone at HSU can do to help. Both groups want to see an end to the two-thirds majority vote needed in California in order to pass a budget.

U.P.D. Bytes

9 - 18 - 2009 1:14 a.m. UPD was called for a safety escort to the info desk in the Jolly Giant Commons. 9:43 a.m. A woman reported that her parking permit, which she reported stolen, had showed up inside of a bronze Nissan Altima, which she saw parked in front of the meters by the library lot.

Swine Flu Update

Don’t bother going to the Student Health Center if you have swine flu, H1N1. In an e-mail sent out to students, Rebecca Stauffer, Health Center director, said the center is no longer testing to differentiate between H1N1 and the seasonal flu. Since the Center for Disease Control and Prevention labeled H1N1 as the predominant influenza strain circulating worldwide, there is no longer a need to determine whether someone is sick with H1N1 or the seasonal flu, Stauffer said. 1 comment

Keeping The Doors Open: World Shelters Steps in During Renovations

With winter weather coming, homeless people in Arcata can rest assured that Arcata Night Shelter is prepared. World Shelters along with Arcata Night Shelter will erect five U-Domes for homeless people to find refuge during the cold winter months. The U-Domes will serve as temporary housing while the current shelter will be undergoing renovation.

Furlough Session

Time Off From Furloughs May Lead to Business Opportunities

HSU and the North Coast Small Business Development Center try to turn frowns upside down with workshops for furloughed employees. HSU’s Office of Human Resources and Development Center hosted the first Furlough Self-Employment Sessions Sept. 9. Sandy Neal from the North Coast Small Business Development Center led the noon-time session, “Convert Free Time into Working Time.

Puppet art work

Student’s Art Sculpture Stolen

To exhibit your work as an artist is not to place your painting on a wall or set your sculpture on display. It is an attempt of abstract communication. Art represents energy, time and pursuit. To share this experience in a tangible form is an extension of trust between the artist and the observer.

Library Dean

Library Turns Page Under New Leadership

Wayne Perryman describes his vision for the HSU library as a process of utilizing space, and designing a learning commons that would reflect students’ evolving needs.  As the recently appointed Interim Library Dean, Perryman can put to use his 40 years of library experience.

HSU’s first case of Swine Flu

Swine flu is here. On Tuesday, Student Health Center Director Rebecca Stauffer confirmed two cases of H1N1 in students seen last week. The two students, one male and one female, are both average student age, said Stauffer. “Several students seen today and yesterday also likely have H1N1 Flu. 6 comments

Inside Dorm room

Students Disagree On Quality of Dorm Life

When your living on campus, walking the line between responsibility and temptation becomes an everyday thing. Within the endless supply of social and academic opportunities, students often find themselves trapped. Dorm residents have unique situations. 10 comments

Construction Zone

On-Campus Housing Shortfall Continues

Assistant Director of Housing Holly Freitas said as of Sept. 14, there are still 57 students on the Humboldt State University waiting list for on-campus housing. Stephany Helbig, an incoming HSU student, applied to HSU in February, and in May she was number 37 on the waiting list for on-campus housing.

Lack of Off-Campus Housing Forces Students to Compete

With Arcata’s aversion to development, HSU students compete for off-campus housing. Perhaps the most devastating effect is on single parents. With no family units on the HSU campus, Brandi Fleeks, a 28-year-old mother and transfer student from Lancaster, has been looking for a place to live off campus in Arcata since March. 3 comments

Scott Paynton

Yell On Your Cell

If students statewide called their representatives in between every class, state representatives would receive thousands of calls every 30 minutes five days a week. Some people think this could be enough motivation for the state to increase funding to the CSU system. 2 comments

Front of store

Video Store with a Sweet Scene

Intimacy and intrigue echo throughout the aisles of film. Warm red and orange tones leak out from behind video-covered walls, welcoming you into the space. Seemingly petite upon entry, you are initially ignorant to the depth of the selection. It is not until you begin  exploring that you discover the labyrinth of film that is Le Dolce Video. 2 comments

The Swine Flu and You

Better Safe Then Sick

The time for students to prepare for flu season is now. On top of the several strains of seasonal influenza that will be floating around, people will have to deal with the H1N1 virus commonly known as swine flu. Although seasonal flu vaccinations will be readily available around the county within the month, and H1N1 vaccinations will possibly be available in October, there are plenty of things students can do to protect themselves and others from getting sick. 4 comments

No More Sick Notes

This semester students should brace themselves for the upcoming flu season more than ever. While last semester students could get sick notes to excuse them from class, this semester the Student Health Center is no longer writing those notes. Health Director Rebecca Stauffer, explained that the new “no sick note” policy is an effort for the medical center’s staff to stop wasting time on students who are just trying to get out of going to class and to focus on students who really do need medical attention.

F the Furloughs

AS Organizes Furlough Letter Writing Days, Faculty Offers Students Complaint Forms

While students are paying more for their education, they are attending classes less and have limited access to vital resources on campus like the financial aid office and the Student Health Center. These regressions are the result of mandated furlough days higher educational institutions across the state were required to implement due to the massive state budget deficit. 5 comments

Spring Admission Closed for 2010

Overall, budget cuts to the CSU system have prompted the fiscal tourniquets to stop the bleeding out of state funding. Although HSU stopped accepting Spring 2010 applications, it continued to accept them for transfer-ready locals, according to an e-mail sent out by the Office of Admissions, and if you expect a refund for your application fee, good luck because the fees are non-refundable according to Director of Admissions Scott Hagg.

Student Remembered

HSU senior Michele “Shel” Ann Keys, 21, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep after a life-long battle with diabetes in her Arcata apartment on July 28, 2009. Keys, a Women’s Studies major, was born on Oct. 14, 1987 to Jenni and Bob Keys in Tarzana, Calif. 5 comments

President Richmond

On The Hot Seat: President Answers Questions at AS Barbecue

Under warm sunny skies, students packed the quad and filled their stomachs and minds during a Q & A lunch sponsored by Associated Students. Completing the answer section: HSU President Rollin Richmond and Provost Bob Snyder. Asking the questions: the student body.

Cow

Humboldt Creamery Fosters Corporate Sponsorship

One of the remaining flagships of Humboldt County’s locally-owned and operated businesses has sailed. Humboldt Creamery was recently sold at auction for the sum of $19.5 million to a corporate parent company, Foster Farms. The once small but sturdy creamery was in a state of emergency over the last year due to issues with management, which led to the demise of its independent status. 2 comments

Flavored Cigarettes Go Up in Smoke

With each drag, clove cigarettes and an assortment of flavored tobacco products are slowly beginning to disappear as a result of the Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act. This new law, signed by President Barack Obama on June 22, 2009, gives the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the power to regulate tobacco products. 17 comments

1-800-Dial-A-Nurse: New Service Gives Health Advice After Hours

There is a new service being provided by the Student Health Center. If students have health questions when the Health Center is closed they can now call 1-866-724-5057 and speak with a California licensed nurse. “It’s like a tele nurse,” said Rebecca Stauffer, MD, director of the Health Center.

Class Size Protesters

Classes increase as options disappear

Bigger Classes On a bright Tuesday morning, Lou Ann Wieand holds signs with her colleagues Betteye Elmore and Kay Labahn Clark, boycotting HSU’s convocation along with other members of the faculty. Clark’s sign calls for justice. Elmore’s tells people that students deserve better than what they are getting this year. 2 comments

Outside Museum

Budget cuts threaten closure of Natural History Museum

The staff and volunteers at the HSU Natural History Museum found themselves racing against the clock this month, in a last minute attempt to keep the museum open despite massive budget cuts throughout the CSU system. HSU, faced with a $12 million reduction in its own funding from Sacramento, recently announced that the Natural History Museum would be closed, in order for the university to save about $100,000 a year. 1 comment

The big F has arrived

The application of furloughs continues to cause confusion and frustration among campus employees

As the California State University system puts work furloughs into effect, employees like HSU Library Assistant Catherine David are lost and bitter. After forty years at HSU, 63-year-old David will take a second job as a cashier to make up the for her 10 percent pay cut caused by furloughs. 1 comment

Higher education’s “Mega-Meltdown”

How budget cuts will affect us all

While most of us were away on summer vacation trying to forget about school, the face of California's higher education system took a seismic plunge into the red. Over break, the state faced massive budget failures after years of bad planning. While handing out IOUs to creditors, legislators put their brains together and came up with what would be best called a bandage on a gaping wound.

Protesters infront of Van Duzer

Confidence in HSU President Richmond continues to run thin

In a meeting to signal the start of the school year, around 20 members of the HSU faculty boycotted outside in a display of disapproval in HSU’s President Rollin Richmond. “I am here because I feel the educational process has been lost in this administration,” said psychology professor Bettye Elmore.

Finacial Aid Office

Finacial aid causes frustrations

Some students are still waiting for their much-needed financial aid checks. Others are being denied aid altogether, and must rethink their educational goals. Cal Grants are frozen while the state scrambles to fix the budget deficit. So the CSU system deferred fee due dates for grant recipients and increased the award to cover the recent fee increase. 2 comments

Bob Snyder

Meet second in command of HSU

HSU named Robert Snyder to permanent Provost last spring. He serves as the vice president of Academic Affairs. His job is to oversee the colleges and departments at HSU and the academic operations of the campus. He sat down with the Lumberjack to discuss how budget reductions will affect the academic side of the university and to address concerns about the inevitable degree program and major eliminations and reductions.

Parking lot

Parking from hell

Brenda Gonzalez circles the SBS parking lot as she munches on her breakfast. It’s 10:35 a.m., and she has been searching for an open spot to no avail for almost half an hour. With her first class at 11 a.m., time is of the essence. “It sucks,” she said. 5 comments

AS president Brandon Chapin

New AS president ready to take on bleak year

Associated Students President Brandon Chapin is a litical science major and  is in his third year at HSU. He is originally from Dublin, Calif. which is near the Bay Area. He came to HSU because he fell in love with the area and the campus. Chapin may be young, but his age never held him back.

Student fees increase in dollars, pesos, euros and yen

When Alexandra McGee left for her study abroad trip in July, she thought she had taken care of everything. She packed her bags, bought her plane ticket and planned her tuition payments. What McGee never saw coming was a 20 percent increase in student fees for all California State University students. 1 comment

Sweatshop pic

No more hoodies from Honduras

HSU cuts ties with sweatshop brand

Check the tag on your favorite HSU sweatshirt. It probably reads, “MADE IN HONDURAS.” But what the label doesn’t tell you is that the true cost for your apparel may be blood, sweat, and tears. Oh, and death threats. Fortunately, this will no longer be the case. 12 comments

Rainy-day fund dries up

Richmond takes a dip

The only way that Environmental Science Major Jocelyn Orr found out about the $100,000 taken out of the Instructionally Related Activities reserves is via a sheet of paper handed to her by Associated Students President Sofia Pereira. It was an executive memo from President Rollin Richmond.

No cupcakes on the quad

Home-cooked food sales could be banned next fall

Selling fresh baked bread on the Humboldt State University quad has been pretty successful for Sierra Leash the past five weeks. Along with her campus club, Students for Global Health, the Nursing junior racked in an average of $100 each time she sold her bread to raise funds for overseas hospitals’ medical supplies. 3 comments

Lyme disease is “a huge epidemic”

New non-profit spreads awareness

Four years ago, Sylvian Schwarz forgot where she lived while driving home on Highway 101. All of the sudden, she didn’t know her address or how to call her husband. This was not a case of amnesia, however, it was Lyme disease impairing Schwarz’s memory. 2 comments

Is the oath of allegiance unconstitutional?

Around the U.S., graduating seniors are taking finals, securing jobs, and preparing to walk down the aisle in commencement ceremonies. For one HSU alumni, who completed the Second Education Credential program, studying had nothing to do with whether or not he would receive his credentials.

construction

Construction Update

Soccer field, dorms, and an Internet cafe

New and returning students who attend classes in the fall will have a lot to look forward to with the introduction of not only a new soccer field, but also progress made on the new dorms and an Internet cafe in the library. HSU construction projects are proceeding apace, following the temporary suspension imposed earlier in the semester during the state budget crunch.

Four steps to graduate next year

It seems like just yesterday you sat in lines of chairs on the field, playing with your tassel and batting around beach balls as your high school valedictorian spoke about his or her high hopes for college and the future. Three years and 60 units later, you’re officially a college junior, and it is time to prepare for graduation all over again.

Free information can cost you

HSU Freedom of Information Act project probes universities

Public information is exactly that - public. That doesn’t mean you will get to see it. Ask a public university about their number of sexual assault complaints. Or even their suspensions for students smoking pot. They won’t answer. The school may have no problem sharing its numbers with you, but first the school would have to hand the numbers over.

Swine Flu triggers global traveling scare

Virus could put university trip to Mexico on hold

Twenty Six HSU students are hoping to get the green light from the university for an extended education trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. The recent outbreak of the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, has the status of the annual summer program up in the air. Study Abroad Adviser Penelope Shaw expressed concern over what she termed “a delicate issue”.

climate award

Jack Pass helps save the planet

HSU receives award for alternative transportation

The National Wildlife Federation has named Humboldt State University a winner in the annual Chill Out competition. HSU was one of eight universities across the nation to be honored with the award. The Chill Out competition promotes universities reducing their carbon footprint in an effort to prevent global warming.

drag

Boys will be girls

Drag Show excites audience

Between the lip-synced performances, glittering outfits and the occasional penis peek-a-boo, the Night of Drag Show had the audience laughing so loud it took a few minutes for the room to stop echoing. The show was in response to the national Day of Silence, a day to protest against the oppression of people who have to live in secret about their sexuality. 3 comments

silence

The silence was deafening

Day of Silence protests discrimination

We all have our secrets, but some secrets should not carry the burden of fear. Silence is a tool of secrecy. Often it is used as a tool of self-defense from hateful homophobia. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network held a silent protest during Spring Preview last Friday in the Art Quad. 1 comment

LEAP

Summer L.E.A.P. looks to make a splash at River Night

Annual fundraiser set for this Friday

As Emily Apodaca sits in the Depot planning River Night 2009, the words of author Edward Abbey lie etched onto the face of her notebook: “The river flows. The river will not wait. Let’s get those boats on the current.” The senior wildlife major is one of two Summer L. 1 comment

“No” means no, no matter what you wear

It is common knowledge that if a woman is wearing jeans, it is okay for her to be raped, right? A 1999 ruling by Italy’s top criminal court suggests that it is. In 1992, an 18-year-old woman was raped by her 45-year-old driving instructor in Muro Lucano, Italy, a small town about 60 miles east of Naples.

The night belongs to everybody

Sexualized violence is a problem in any community. It can happen to anyone and affects many. One of the actions against sexualized violence is Take Back the Night. Take Back the Night at HSU is a week of events starting on April 18. It ends on Friday, April 24 with a march through Arcata and the campus.

fin aid

Pell Grant funding increased

“I see the money and I spend it,” said Neal Jones, an education major. He doesn’t really know how much financial aid he gets, but every little bit helps. Jones is part of the 3,000 students that received a Pell Grant this year at HSU, said Kim Coughlin-Lampear, director of financial aid.

cover

WebReg out, Student Center in

HSU unveils new student registration software

This year, HSU kicked WebReg to the curb for a sleek new software program called Student Center. Launched just in time to sign up for classes, the software aims to simplify the registration process for students and faculty. The new Web site hints that no student will be left scratching their head.

geobulb

A Bright Idea

New LED bulb may be the future...eventually

LED lights are light everyday household items like digital clocks, remote controls and even the red stop light you almost ran through today. LEDs are small light bulbs powered by an electrical circuit. They don’t burn out like a usual incandescent light bulb and radiate less heat.

Endeavor

Arcata Endeavor keeps a well-stocked pantry

The Arcata Endeavor stopped serving hot meals for lunch in February. But that doesn’t mean they stopped helping poor, homeless and disabled people of the city. The Endeavor, a non-profit organization, offers services to help itigrate the poor and homeless populations back into the community.

Eureka paper

Eureka High newspaper editor fights censorship, gets award

The Eureka High newspaper got a prestigious award last month for defending its First Amendment rights. Editor-in-Chief Drew Ross accepted the James Madison Freedom of Information Award for successfully defending his student paper from school censorship. 1 comment

upd bytes

UPD Bytes 4/1/09-4/7/09

3:30 a.m, 4 - 2 - 2009 A suspicious person was spotted by Founders Hall. They were told that if they kept acting suspicious, they would have to leave. 8:33 a.m., 4 - 2 - 2009 Several bikes were tied to a disability access ramp. The owners of the bikes were told that they had to tie up their bikes elsewhere.

big time

Ready for the Big Time

Raja Storr sits at a picnic table stringing necklaces of beads and shells preparing gifts to honor tribal dancers at this year’s California Big Time celebration. “It is a big part of our native culture to give gifts to honor guests,” said Storr.

Indoor Air Pollution: Coming to a home near you

Ah, a breath of fresh air. It just may be the best thing for you. For the last 30 years Americans have been sealing themselves tighter and tighter into the boxes we call homes. The air becomes stagnant and full of harmful chemicals and particles. Researcher  Richard Corsi calls it “bad air. 2 comments

Not a Tool campus veterans deal with anti-war sentaments

 Living in a wet and gloomy environment is a downer. It doesn’t help when people are colder than the weather. Veterans, just like many students, share the sentiment of culture shock when moving to Humboldt County.  “It was a shock to come here, said Brenna Toel, Student Veterans Association member. 2 comments

The origins of April Fools Day

April 1st is known by many as April Fools’ Day. An informal holiday, it is a day marked on the calendar where it is customary to play practical jokes on friends and family with the intention to embarrass the gullible. Not unlike all holidays celebrated in the western world, its history and origin is as colorful and diverse as it is obscure.

March Photo 1 3/25/09

March in Eureka protests the six-year anniversery of the Iraq war

More than 150 demonstrators make their way down E Street in Eureka to the sound of trumpets, tubas and drums echoing behind them. The upbeat vocal musings of activist group The Raging Grannies fill protesters with gusto. They do not let the rain or hail get in their way. 2 comments

New AB 390 bill looks to legalize cannabis

This is how a revolution starts, said Daniel Pasko under the cover of Arcata’s giant redwoods. “It starts with a few people talking under a tree. A true ‘grassroots’ movement.” On March 14, a rainy Saturday, Pasko met his brother Michael and friend David Acord to discuss the legalization of one of Humboldt’s favorite plants, Cannabis. 35 comments

Int. Cafe 3/25/09

Internet cafe opens in May, right here in our library

A new Internet cafe is expected to provide students at HSU with a comfortable environment to unwind and learn. As major programs wiggle out of a noose that may end their existence, the university still manages to find time and money to provide students with coffee, Wi-Fi and electrical outlets. 2 comments

cab. inst. change. 3/25/09

Working together for change

Cabinet for Institutional Change meets to discuss needs

 Beth Weissbart is nervous. She wants to help students, but students don’t seem to care. Weissbart, a nursing student, is the legislative vice president of Associated Students. Her newest position is part of the Cabinet for Institutional Change. 2 comments

upd

UPD Bytes March 16-March 23, 2009

3:33 a.m., 3 - 16 - 2009 A man was arrested for breaking into the new Music building. 3 a.m. is a bad time to decide to take up the trombone, apparently. 10:41 a.m., 3 - 16 - 2009 A suspicious person was reported in Siemens hall. They vanished before UPD could get there.

March On!Anti-War March to take place in Eureka

On March 21 at 1 p.m. the Communities for Justice and Peace will march at the Eureka Courthouse. The Communities for Justice and Peace include students and members of the community who voice their thoughts and opinions about current events. The organization, led by Jack Nounnan, participates in educating the community of Humboldt County on local and national issues that directly or indirectly affect its citizens.

Long overdue state budget leaves HSU with less money

Penny pinching reaches new levels

While details of the proposed budget effects begin to surface, the implications for HSU students and faculty remain blurred. Although Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the California budget on Feb. 20, the new agreement depends largely on citizen approval.

State Department warns against traveling to Mexico

With spring break just around the corner, many students are dreaming of white sand between their toes and panoramic views of clear blue skies just south of the border. But before you toss your rain boots for sandals, the U.S. Department of State urges college students to think twice this year about traveling to certain regions due to the escalating violence in cities along the U. 3 comments

CR Enrollment Photo

Bad Economy Spurs Community College Growth

College of the Redwoods looks to keep up

As the economy shrinks with each passing day, there is one thing on the rise: enrollment numbers at community colleges. This spring, College of the Redwoods has seen a more than 12 percent increase in enrollment, with 6,774 students compared to 6,013 a year ago.

upd bytes

UPD Bytes

11:28 A.M., 2 - 24 - 2009 Someone was cited for camping in the library. They were escorted out of the building. We still don't know how they were able to pitch a tent indoors without anyone noticing. 10:36 P.M., 2 - 24 - 2009 UPD arrested a man for being drunk in public next to the natural history museum, which, as we all know, is one of the biggest party spots in town.

photo law photo.

Newsflash : You can’t shoot cops

New UK law prohibits photographs of law enforcement

You may want to think twice before taking that picture, it could land you in jail. With the latest additions to the Counter Terrorism Act in the United Kingdom, it is now illegal to photograph police, intelligence officers or members of the military. There have been several arrests in the U. 19 comments

Permits Photo

More Permits Than Spaces

Anyone who drives to school knows that parking sucks. You have to get here early in the morning, drive around for at least ten minutes and  mentally battle it out with the Subaru that is eyeing the same spot as you. Chances are you are late to class anyway, or maybe you are one of the lucky students who gets to park in the lot next to the Marine Wildlife Care Center and then run to Founders Hall in about five minutes.

upd bytes

UPD Bytes

1:43 a.m., 3 - 7 - 2009 A man was arrested for driving under the influence and violating his probation. It just wasn’t his night. 3:11 a.m., 3 - 7 - 2009 Another man was arrested for driving under the influence. This fellow had no probation to violate, or else he probably would have been violating that, too. 2 comments

Internet Photo

Sagging economy needs a broadband face lift

Broadband is widely viewed as an enabling technology that will eventually change the way Americans live and work. The Redwood Coast Connect (RCC) report touts that it can provide an economic catalyst for rural communities by allowing them to work from remote locations, but allowing them to keep clientele in a global market. 2 comments

Evac plans photo

HSU's precarious emergency predicament

Chances are that you are far from home. Chances are that you also live in Arcata. And even though you can rely on the University Police Department (UPD) and the Arcata Police Department, in the case of a major natural disaster such as earthquake, you have better fend for yourself.

KHSU Takes Steps To Prevent Financial Crunch

Manager Patrick Cleary hires new development director

With the budget pressures from the state deficit looming overhead, KHSU hired a new development director to further efforts towards raising money and maintaining membership support. KHSU is a commercial-free public radio station run from campus that offers a diverse selection of programs to Humboldt County and southern Oregon.

PLO Speaker Photo 2

Mayhem ensues at HSU anti-terrorism talk

Self-acclaimed ex-terrorist Walid Shoebat thinks he knows the difference between fundamental Christians and fundamental Muslims. He claims that he’s been both in his lifetime. “Fundamental Christians give the whole world a headache. Fundamental Muslims chop heads off,” said Shoebat. 2 comments

Family Pact Funding Cuts limit Free Birth Control

California could lose federal funding for the Family Planning Access Care and Treatment (PACT) program unless it begins verifying the immigration status of its participants. Family PACT is a program that provides free reproductive health services to low income men, women and teens whose annual incomes do not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

Budget meeting shrouded in secrecy

Uncertainty is widespread regarding an off-campus budget retreat held Feb. 20, and whether or not open-meeting laws were violated. The retreat took place instead of a Humboldt State University budget committee meeting scheduled that day. The meeting was canceled without notice to the public, but is still shown as scheduled for Feb. 1 comment

State Budget Leaves CSU Little Room to Breathe

For the sixth year in a row, the California State University system is receiving more cuts to its budget. The signing in of the budget marks the second consecutive year the CSU system will go without funding for future enrollment and overall operation costs.

Climate Change Photo

Amazon Deforestation Endangers Global Climate

Global climate may soon collapse due to Amazon deforestation. Hydroelectric power plants, biofuel crops, cattle ranching and the war on drugs are among humanity's self-destructive habits decimating the rainforest. Environmentalist author Peter Bunyard said local, regional and ultimately global climate will become uninhabitable due to continued Amazon deforestation. 2 comments