11 Things Two Decades of Transformation

Completed in 2007, the Behavioral & Social Sciences Building gave several departments a modern home and quickly became one of the most recognizable academic structures on campus. It was also celebrated as one of the “greenest” buildings in the Cal State University system.

The Kinesiology & Athletics Building opened in 2008, bringing together Lumberjack Arena, the swimming pool, classrooms, labs, and faculty offices under one roof. It's hard to imagine campus without it now.

When the College Creek Apartments and Marketplace opened in 2010, they transformed the eastern edge of campus at the former site of the lower playing field. The Marketplace quickly became a popular stop for everything from coffee runs to late-night snacks.

The former University Center building was reimagined as a student-centered hub and officially named the Gutswurrak (“guts-wuh-dock”) Student Activities Center (GSAC) in 2022, honoring the Wiyot people, their language, and the traditional land on which the University sits. The South Lounge of the GSAC also underwent a major makeover and has become one of the most inviting spots on campus for studying, relaxing, or meeting friends.

The first floor of the Student Business Services building (SBS) looks very different these days. The Admissions Welcome Center received a major renovation, creating a warm and welcoming first stop for prospective students and their families—and giving visitors an immediate taste of Cal Poly Humboldt.

One of the campus's historic buildings received a second act in 2023 when the Trinity Annex was renovated into the home of the Trinity Children's Center and Child Development Lab, creating a space where education, research, and community come together.

In 2025, Cal Poly Humboldt opened Hinarr Hu Moulik ("hee-NOD huh MOO-leek"), the largest student housing project in the University's history. It’s located just a half-mile from campus and offers modern, apartment-style housing for nearly 1,000 students.

Jenkins Hall has undergone a $12 million renovation, transforming the 75-year-old building into a modern space for sculpture and ceramics. Read more about the renovations in the Campus Scene.

Remember the wide-open Campus Events Field? Today, it's home to the Engineering & Technology Building, a hub for hands-on learning, innovation, and future problem-solvers, which is set to open in Fall 2026.

For generations of students, the Campus Apartments were home. Today, the buildings have been replaced by open green space overlooking Laurel Drive, creating a great view of the east side of campus and the bay. The rehabilitation effort includes native and wild landscapes, green space, and seating for the community at the top of the hill.

Perhaps the biggest change of all came in 2022, when the University became Northern California’s first polytechnic and officially adopted a new name: Cal Poly Humboldt. The designation expanded opportunities for students while building on the University's longstanding strengths in experiential learning, research, and community engagement.