HSU President Says the University Has ‘issued a notice of termination of the Operating Agreement between the Board of Trustees of the California State University and the UC’
Humboldt State University [Photo by Oliver Cory]
Since my appointment as President of Humboldt State University, I have been consistent in sharing with the campus community, alumni, families, and others that my top priority is providing a positive, meaningful educational experience for our students. We have an enormous responsibility and a broadly shared commitment to ensure we are student-focused in all we do.
The programs and services provided by the University Center (UC) are important to the vibrancy of the student experience and are also valuable to those living in surrounding communities. As HSU embarks on immediate and long-term plans to enhance the student experience, it is imperative we have partners committed to collaborating and ensuring a continued focus on the mission of our University.
On occasion, tough decisions are required to ensure our values are upheld in supporting our students. After consultation with, and concurrence from, CSU Chancellor Timothy White, HSU has issued a notice of termination of the Operating Agreement between the Board of Trustees of the California State University and the UC.
The notice outlines a series of breaches we hope the UC is able to cure in the 90-day period outlined in our operating agreement. It is my sincere hope the UC Board will work closely with HSU to cure and resolve these matters, and to create sustained solutions for the numerous breaches. This can only occur through a spirit of collaboration and a resolute focus on meeting the fiduciary responsibilities assigned to members of the Board. Students, and these student services supporting their needs, must remain a high priority. Through resolution of these breaches, the UC can become and remain a student-first auxiliary.
During my brief tenure at HSU, we have sought to work in collaboration with the UC to address concerns and make improvements in a variety of areas. These have ranged from ensuring venues are set-up and functional to the quality and cost of food services. Students and their representatives in Associated Students have made frequent appeals for changes.
We value, and are committed to continuing to deliver, the types of programs and services that the UC provides to the students and in the community. This may include ensuring students still have employment opportunities and that services supporting students are continued as the UC Board addresses the items of breach. Employees of the UC, each a valued member of the campus community, should be aware that addressing these issues is not tantamount to employment reduction or elimination of their jobs. The UC professional staff and student employees who work hard for our campus, community, and students each day are outstanding, and resolution of issues at the executive and fiduciary level should not disrupt them as they continue to serve and support HSU students.
Tom Jackson, Jr., President
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Better idea, terminate Tom Jackson’s contract. Much bigger cost savings.
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My hope is that Tom Jackson will exemplify good character by apologizing for his disrespect to Dr Frankovich. My hope is that he understands the value of good will collaboration between the local community and HSU (town and gown) as HSU’ s last president did not. I did not understand from his letter what are the breaches?
And what the heck are these breaches that are so serious? And does that mean a loss of acreditation? And what collaboration is he execting?
Click on the “notice of termination” hyperlink provided in the statement for the full list of breaches. The University Center breached its agreement by issuing a $300,000 line of credit to the NHRPD, which is unrelated to HSU, as well as transferring funds directly to the NHRPD. The University Center also failed to submit documentation that ensures organizational and financial transparency. Let me remind you all that the University Center is funded in-part by a $123 / semester Student Union fee that every single HSU student is forced to pay. What’s worse still is that in Fall 2019 the University Center attempted to pass an additional $60 fee increase via a university-wide vote, which is during the same semester in which the $300,000 line of credit was issued. Those who will suffer most here are the students, first by having a portion of their Student Union fees misused by the University Center, and second by potentially losing the services provided by the University Center due to its mismanagement at the hands of a few individuals at the top. Think what you want about Tom Jackson, but any issue that you have with him is a separate issue entirely from the University Center’s gross misuse of funds and failure to behave in a responsible and transparent manner. The bad behavior of Tom Jackson during his tenure does NOT obviate the bad behavior of the University Center BEFORE Tom Jackson was even brought onboard. This shouldn’t even be an issue, but apparently it is because everyone allows their own bias to run away with their rationality.
Is there a reason why my comment was removed? Is it against the terms of service here to express a reasonable opinion in a respectful way?
Hmmm… earlier on he was going to bring in an ‘outside contractor’ (that he had employed at his old school) to provide er… ‘input’ for the current school year, and then maybe bid on services for next year (?).
Dunno what happened to that idea.
>”…resolution of issues at the executive and fiduciary level…”
Hmm… all secret I guess.
It’s pretty disgraceful to see my comments deleted here for no reason. This is worse than LostCoastOutpost’s comments section, at least they have a policy, whereas here it appears that I’m being silenced due to bias.
As far as I can tell, you made your first comment here tonight (at least under this name). New commenters are held for me to moderate to cut down on spam. That said, one commenter yesterday did have a comment end up in the trash and I’m unsure why. But I did restore it. However, none of yours are in the trash. [Edit: I’ve approved several that were further back up the cue. None of your comments broke the rules.]
Here is the commenting policy: https://kymkemp.com/2018/05/20/commenting-rules-on-redheaded-blackbelt/
We on campus all know this is a ploy to get his Aladdin buddies In on the future juicy action. First he pushed Dave Nakamura out who wasn’t going to be part of this corrupt move, now he comes up with these phony breaches at the UC. The UC has operated well and in sync with HSU’s unique ways, which Mr Jackson just refuses to understand no matter how it is presented to him. We are starting to organize on campus as we don’t want this to be what our great institution looks like. We know here he is hoping Covid makes it easier to get these corrupt actions through, and the approval of the chancellor is flawed as it was flawed when presented. We had leaders before who where’re great but this will be a corrupt move… Mark my words
Jed the Coffee Maker, thanks for the over view you provided. I had such high hopes with the new president coming in but being in So Humb it’s hard to keep in touch with what’s going on. Especially since the, still mourned, loss of KHSU.
I feel there is still a county wide underlying hope the former self of KHSU is some how restored to the community.
In my heart, HSU and the good will of its adminstration, died with KHSU. The lack of acknowledging and meeting the need of this community we know HSU can, and has provided in the past, by the Presidents and institution that places them here does not bode well for future changes that really benefit the students on campus or our community.
Still better idea. Close HSU. Problems solved.
No ! running from issues ya don’t like doesn’t make them go away
Hey I’d like to make a comment without bothering to read all of the text of the “notice of termination”. I tried to get through it, but then I felt tired I’m just kind of lazy already but then I had a couple drinks.
I did notice that the HSU press release was so inclusive and sounded so concerned and thoughtful that it made me want to be rude to a nice person for no reason. Maybe a person of different ethnicity than I am? Since it’s impossible to object to anything in the tone or content of that press release, I feel a need to counterbalance it in some very meaningless way.
I just threw the rest of my drink on my cat and I feel better.
I just wonder what happened to the once great radio station which lately cannot even maintain their south county signal. There is no way available to contact the station to inquire. No email, no phone. The content is an endless loop of the norning & evening NPR news interspersed with some BBC. The promo for “FRESH AIR” is broadcast but not the show and they NEVER announce the time.
I agree that is disgraceful. Never any explanation to the community as far as what happened or what will happen. I feel very much taken for granted as a listener and a longtime financial supporter.