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Place-Based Learning Communities

Navigate college life, make connections, and enhance your curiosity for the world at Cal Poly Humboldt. Our unique Place-Based Learning Communities provide first-year students with a tight-knit community of like-minded peers before classes even start.  

Joined by students in similar disciplines, you’ll connect to the Cal Poly Humboldt and broader communities, gaining a sense of belonging to the area. On top of that, you’ll get to know faculty and peers, who help you navigate and excel at college life from day one. 

Take learning to the next level

Learn with—and from—likeminded peers and expert faculty and take your education outside the classroom.

  • Learning in a Living Lab

    We will introduce you to Humboldt and the surrounding areas through practical experience including field trips, projects, research, and tours accompanied by faculty and staff in your major.

  • Instant Connections

    Join a community of other first-year students who share your academic and professional interests, building a network of peers committed to making a difference.

  • Academics Tailored to You

    PBLC courses will help you explore what it means to be a student at Humboldt. You’ll have seats reserved for you in classes you need alongside students with the same interests, and you’ll get guidance on other ways to learn more about your major, your interests, and yourself. 

  • Support from Day One

    Small class sizes and experiential learning mean you’ll work closely with professors, peer mentors, Humboldt staff, and professionals that share the goal of helping you grow academically and personally.

You Belong Here

Community is at the heart of our Place-Based Learning Communities at Cal Poly Humboldt.

We pair you with a support trio that includes a peer mentor, an advisor, and a faculty member. 

  • A peer mentor is typically an upperclassman in the same field or related major who can provide you with support for anything you may need during your first year at Humboldt. 
  • An advisor will guide you through your academic journey from freshman to senior year. Your advisor is there to help with registering for classes, exploring careers, and navigating campus policies and procedures.  
  • Faculty support members offer career experience and expertise in your interests and help discover potential career paths. 
Ramp mentors sitting together outside

Themed Housing

Some Place-Based Learning Communities offer Themed Housing, which places you in campus residences with peers in your same program. We work closely with Housing & Residence Life to create fun and educational programming to correspond with your unique interests and needs.  

While choosing themed housing is not required, it is strongly recommended as it has a noticeable positive impact in helping you form and maintain close friendships with others who share your interests.

campus housing with redwoods in background

Your Built-in Support System

Our staff is here to help you learn, in and from the environment around you.

shoes and a bag that says future found