The informal, virtual gatherings are an opportunity for prospective students to get to know a professor and learn about studying their discipline at the college level. The sessions are open to high school and College of the Redwoods students, parents, and anyone interested in learning more about HSU programs.
The Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) typically brought groups of high school students from local area schools to campus to sit in on classes, meet with faculty, and staff, and get an in-person sense of college life. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HCOE and HSU pivoted to virtual chat sessions last fall.
“Speaking to the high school and CR students who came to our College Chats was awesome,” says Bori Mazzag, Computer Science Professor. “They were a motivated and knowledgeable bunch! I was struck by the insightful questions they had, and how excited and open they were to explore options for their future.”
The program coincides with an ongoing effort by HSU to recruit students from the North Coast who may otherwise choose a school out of the area or not seek higher education. Efforts include “Humboldt First”, a series of school tours and a $4,000 scholarship for all local freshmen, and another $4,000 scholarship for Fortuna High School students from Alumnus Dan and Cindy Phillips. Learn more about Humboldt First.
“College Chats are meant to be casual, and give students an opportunity to learn about subjects on the university level,” says Jim Ritter, HCOE College Connect Coordinator. “They see that professors are friendly and personable. It helps demystify some of the unknowns about higher education after high school.”
Spring Semester 2021 College Chat schedule, Wednesdays from noon–12:45 p.m. on ZOOM:
• February 3 — HSU Kinesiology
• February 10 — HSU Psychology
• February 17 — NO CHAT, President’s Week
• February 24 — College of the Redwoods Nursing and Dental Programs. (This chat will run 1 hour from noon-1 p.m.)
• March 3 — HSU Theatre Arts, Film, & Dance
• March 10 — HSU Economics
• March 17 — HSU Native American Studies
• March 24 — HSU Art
• March 31 — HSU Geology
• April 7 — HSU Oceanography
• April 14 — NO CHAT, spring break
• April 21 — HSU International Studies
• April 28 — HSU Critical Race, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
• May 5 — HSU Child Development
Learn more and register for College Chats at the HCOE website.