Taking place Thursday, Feb. 27–Saturday, March 1, RUSH is a pilot initiative that was designed to connect students with the supportive services of our Umoja Center for Pan African Student excellence and is open to all admitted students, including self-identified Black students. Timed around Black Liberation Month activities, RUSH is an expansion of Preview Plus, an existing program designed to help students with limited resources visit Humboldt.
Students who participate in Preview Plus activities receive financial support to help alleviate costs associated with travel. RUSH students receive travel reimbursements of up to $350. During Spring Preview weekends, the University provides round-trip transportation to the campus, and visiting Preview Plus students are hosted in area hotels while spending significant time on campus, giving them the opportunity to be immersed in campus life.
All Preview Plus students interact with representatives from their academic department, and they’re introduced to key campus resources like housing, financial aid, and wellness services. Preview Plus and RUSH ensure students feel prepared and connected before they even begin classes.
The program is a collaborative effort between Cal Poly Humboldt’s Umoja Center for Pan African Student Excellence, Black Humboldt, and the University’s Admissions Department. It is also part of the California State University Chancellor’s Office initiative, Advancing Black Student Success and Elevating Black Excellence, which seeks to increase Black student enrollment, retention, and achievement across the CSU system.
Preview Plus students engage with not only the Umoja Center but also the University’s other Cultural Centers for Academic Excellence such as El Centro Académico Cultural de Humboldt and the Social Justice, Equity & Inclusion Center. The centers are open to all students, regardless of their background, and play a critical role for cultural exploration, student leadership, peer mentoring, and community engagement.
Aside from being an informational event, RUSH hopes to help students foster a sense of belonging—both on campus and in the wider Humboldt community.
“The purpose of this event is for admitted students to see themselves in Humboldt,” says Sulaina Banks, visit experience coordinator at Cal Poly Humboldt. “It’s important for students and their families to meet the Black community here, both on and off campus.”
Banks recalls her own experience arriving in Humboldt County. At first, she primarily connected with other Black students, but it wasn’t until she attended a local event that she realized the area had a strong Black community beyond campus.
“That really helped solidify my decision to stay here during and even after college,” she explains. “Yes, this is a predominantly white area, but there is a strong Black population, and it’s a close-knit community.”
The program kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 27, with a welcome dinner followed by the Black Out Game Night at Lumberjack Arena, where students and their families can attend Cal Poly Humboldt’s men’s and women’s basketball games—a night that also honors Humboldt’s Black staff and faculty across campus. On Friday, students will have the opportunity for one-on-one academic meetings, where students will connect with faculty and current students to start building their academic paths. Followed by a community event with food, music, and tabling, in addition to an optional movie night.
Throughout the weekend, students will participate in programming focused on academic success, financial aid guidance, housing, and health and wellness services. A key part of the event is the involvement of Alexus-Harrelle Deshazier, Umoja Center program coordinator, and her team from the Center. Throughout the programming, they will be with the students and their families to develop the necessary rapport and connections in preparation for their transition to campus in the upcoming months.
“There’s a lot more to college after the admissions process,” Banks explains. “Financial aid, housing, and choosing classes can be overwhelming—especially for first-generation students. RUSH is here to help make that transition easier while also introducing students to the resources and people who will support them throughout their journey.”
Black students often face unique challenges in the college admissions process, including difficulty finding culturally relevant support systems. RUSH directly addresses these issues by creating mentorship opportunities, and ensuring students feel seen and valued from day one.
“We can make sure you’re supported during this event—and even after this event,” says Banks.
For more information about RUSH, reach out to Admissions Director Aolany Navas-Griggs at amn98@humboldt.edu or (707) 826-6209.
(This story has been updated to include more details about Preview Plus, the Cultural Centers for Academic Excellence, plus new contact information.)