Introduction to CI

History of California State University Channel Islands

Founded in 2002 as the 23rd and newest campus of the CSU system, California State University Channel Islands (CI) offers an unparalleled student-centered learning experience in one of Southern California’s most scenic settings.

Located only minutes from the Pacific Ocean with panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains, CI is a wonderfully planned and preserved campus that includes a unique collection of architecturally significant buildings organized around a central mall, formal quads, quiet courtyards, and sprawling open spaces. Its newly renovated 1930s California Mission and Spanish revival buildings house a state-of-the-art, 21st century university.

Planning for the University began in 1965, when Gov. Pat Brown signed a bill to study the need for a four-year, public college in Ventura County. Over the next three decades, the plan inched closer to reality with the establishment of the UC/CSU Ventura Learning Center and CSUN Ventura Campus. In 1996, the CSU Chancellor appointed Planning President J. Handel Evans to lay the groundwork to establish the 23rd campus of the CSU in Ventura County. Later that year, a community panel adopted the name “CSU Channel Islands.” In 1997, the campus found a home when the CSU Board of Trustees accepted the site of the former Camarillo State Hospital.

With the arrival of Founding President Richard R. Rush in 2001 and a team of hand-picked faculty members, CI launched on a course of innovation, growth and regional partnership. It opened its doors to the first transfer students in fall 2002 and welcomed the inaugural freshman class in fall 2003. The University earned rapid accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, which commended it for “learning-centered practices that place it far ahead of many much older and better-established universities within the CSU, state and nation.”

Over its first decade, CI emerged as a nationally recognized institution for the quality of its faculty, work environment, community service and student/faculty research. Faculty members garnered prestigious awards and grants from the National Science Foundation, Mathematical Association of America, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and the U.S. Department of Education, among others. The University is a four-time winner of The Chronicle of Higher Education’s “Great College to Work For” designation and was recognized on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll three years in a row. Collaborative faculty-student research projects consistently win awards at both the state and national levels.

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Education designated CI as a Hispanic Serving Institution for having an enrollment that is more than 25 percent Hispanic. The designation, held by fewer than 10 percent of all institutions of higher education, allows CI to compete for federal Title 5 funding and other financial support for all students on campus.

CI saw remarkable physical growth during its first decade, doubling in size to over 1,200 acres and undergoing more than $233 million in building and renovation projects. The campus artfully blends original 1930s Spanish and Mission style architecture with a modern learning/living/working environment. Among its many striking features are the world-class John Spoor Broome Library, the iconic Bell Tower, the well-appointed Student Union, two modern student residence halls, and cutting-edge labs, studios and classrooms.

As it celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2012, CSU Channel Islands had grown to more than 5,000 students, 750 employees and 7,500 alumni. It offers 23 undergraduate majors, five graduate, three teaching credential programs, and eight centers and institutes that support regional prosperity and the University mission. Its programs continue to expand based on regional input and workforce needs, with the goal of preparing students for the most promising jobs of the future.

CSU Channel Islands is a student-centered University, committed to academic excellence, civic engagement, environmental responsibility, and leadership for the 21st century. Students tackle problems in their community and the real world; conduct meaningful discussion, research and exploration; and work closely with expert faculty to make a difference. At full capacity, the University is expected to serve 15,000 full-time equivalent students.

As it enters a second decade, CSU Channel Islands is poised to grow in size and renown, while maintaining one of the most thoroughly student-focused learning environments in public higher education.
 

Accreditation

CI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, #100, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001. CI was granted initial accreditation for seven years effective May 19, 2007

University Colors

The University’s colors are red and silver. The red is consistent with the tradition of the region, including the lush fields of strawberries that are a part of the diverse agricultural region, and the silver is for the dolphin, the University’s mascot.

University Mascot

A petition was presented in 1998 to the University by local Chumash leaders that the dolphin be the University’s official mascot. Simultaneously, the founding student leadership of CSUN–CI petitioned to have the dolphin as CI’s mascot. The request was warmly received by the students, faculty, and staff. The sacred story of why the Chumash cherish the dolphin can be found on the University’s Web site.

President’s Cabinet

	Richard Yao President, 2022-Present Interim President, CSU Channel Islands, 2021-2022 Vice President for Student Affairs, CSU Channel Islands, 2018-2021 Dean of Students, Nevada State College, 2015-2018 Director of Student Development, Nevada State College 2014-2015 Senior Psychology Lecturer, 2006-2014
	Mitch Avil Provost, 2021-Present Dean, College of Arts & Humanities, CSU Dominguez Hills, 2015 Associate Dean for Academic Programs, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, CSU Fullerton, 2010 Professor, CSU Fullerton, 2010 Visiting Professor, Kumamoto University (Japan), Global Joint Education Center for Science and Technology, March 2012 Visiting Professor, Foreign Trade University (Vietnam), March 2012 Chair, Department of Philosophy, CSU Fullerton, 2009 Associate Professor, CSU Fullerton, 2005 Visiting Adjunct Professor of Philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA), Fall 2007, Winter 2005 Assistant Professor, CSU Fullerton, 2000
	Laurie Nichols Assistant Vice President for Administrative Services and HRO, 2021-Present Interim Assistant Vice President for Administrative Services 2019-2021 Executive Director of Human Resources 2017-2019
	Barbara Rex Assistant Vice President for Budget & Planning/Interim CFO, 2021-Present Assistant Vice President for Budget, Planning & Analysis, 2019-2021
	Toni Deboni Interim Vice President for Student Affairs, 2021-Present Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students, CSU Channel Islands, 2016-2021 Associate Vice President for Assessment & Strategic Operations, 2015-2016 School of Education Lecturer, 2015-2016
	Richard LeRoy Interim Vice President for University Advancement, 2022-Present Associate Vice President for University Development, 2021-2021 Senior Director of University Development, 2017-2021
	Kaia Tollefson Chief of Staff to the President, 2022-Present Interim Chief of Staff to the President, CSU Channel Islands, 2021-2022 Professor of Education, CSU Channel Islands, 2016-2021 Associate Professor of Education, CSU Channel Islands, 2010-2016 Assistant Professor of Education, CSU Channel Islands, 2006-2010 Teaching Assistant and Lecturer, University of New Mexico, 1998-2006 Administrator, Kodiak Island Borough School District, 1992-1997 Teacher, Kodiak Island Borough School District, 1983-1992

Alumni & Friends Association

University Hall
(805) 437-3525
Email:  alumni.friends@csuci.edu.
http://www.csuci.edu/alumni

Students, join today.  Alumni & Friends offers valuable career mentorship programs that pair you with professionals within your field giving you the opportunity to learn first-hand from those who work your dream job every day.  The Association can also use the over 10,000 CI alumni as a network to help you through the college process or after graduation.  Look for our great events including our annual Dodger Day event in September.  Dodger Day offers transportation to and from Dodger Stadium and a fun-filled day for students, alumni, faculty, staff and more.  For more information or to learn how the CI Alumni & Friends can help you, contact Alumni Relations at (805) 437-3525.

For more information, contact Alumni Relations at (805) 437-3525

Human Resources

Lindero Hall, First Floor
(805) 437-8490
Fax (805) 437-8491
Web Site: http://www.csuci.edu/hr

Our mission is to support CI’s mission to place students at the center of an educational experience that emphasizes experiential learning, multiculturalism and international perspectives by providing a comprehensive human resources program to University department managers, directors, supervisors and employees designed to support and compliment this effort. Human Resources is committed to creating a consistently cooperative and productive work environment that enriches all University functions and thereby enhances student success. We accomplish this by providing quality personalized guidance and support to our faculty and staff in benefits administration, work/life balance, compensation and classification, professional training and development, diversity and equity, and amicable resolution of employment and labor disputes through collaboration, mutual respect and dignity. In addition, a Student Assistant classification is also available and is intended to provide a vehicle for students to work part time while they are in school to enable them to gain valuable experience related to their educational goals and to assist them with financial support while they are enrolled at CI.

SAFE on Campus

SAFE (Students, Administrators, and Faculty for Equality) on Campus is a program sponsored by the Center for Multicultural Engagement.

Mission. The SAFE on Campus program seeks to reduce homophobia and heterosexism at CI. Through education, advocacy, and promoting awareness, the program contributes to building a campus climate that is safe and accepting of all members of the University community.

Purpose. SAFE on Campus provides an avenue through which all members of the campus community can actively show their support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, intersex, queer, and questioning people. SAFE on Campus members identify themselves by displaying the SAFE on Campus sign at their office. Members attend at least one workshop, after which they receive the SAFE on Campus logo. By displaying the logo, members signal to students and employees that they can be “out” or safely discuss their sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition, members can serve as a valuable source to help locate resources on campus, or help report harassment or discrimination.

Definition of an Ally. Someone who, regardless of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation, is supportive of LGBTIQ people and who wants to foster a campus climate that is safe for everyone.

For additional information regarding SAFE on Campus, please contact Sofia Samatar, Assistant Professor, English and Faculty Director of the Center for Multicultural Engagement (805) 437-3870.

Police Services

The CI Police Department is a certified police agency and is responsible for providing comprehensive law enforcement services for the campus. Its administrative offices are located in Placer Hall, adjacent to parking lot A1. CI Police Officers are commissioned peace officers with full enforcement authority who are also certified as emergency medical technicians.  Police Officers and 911 dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are the first responders to all campus emergencies.

Important Telephone Numbers

For emergencies dial - 911
For non-emergencies dial - (805) 437-8444

California Campus Safety Plan

The Police Department publishes a California Campus Safety Plan each year in compliance with California Education Code Section 67380.  The Campus Safety Plan provides information related to each of the following:  the availability and location of security personnel, methods for summoning assistance of security personnel, any special safeguards that have been established for particular facilities or activities, any actions taken in the preceding 18 months to increase safety, and any changes in safety precautions expected to be made during the next 24 months.  The report may be accessed on the Web at https://www.csuci.edu/clery/california-campus-safety-plan.htm.

Crime Reporting

The CI Police Department is officially designated to receive crime reports. Call the Police Department immediately to report any crime that occurs on campus. Timely crime alerts are prepared and distributed campus-wide via a comprehensive communication system when there is a continuing threat to the safety of students or employees. The Police Department maintains a daily activity log, and crime reports may be obtained, subject to restrictions allowable under California’s Public Records Act, at Police & Parking Services Customer Service in Placer Hall.

Crime Prevention

Crime prevention literature is available at CI Police located inside Placer Hall and via the department’s Web page (https://www.csuci.edu/publicsafety/police/). The department’s crime prevention function offers various services and workshops that aid in the prevention of crime on campus.  Every student, faculty, and staff member must bear an appropriate amount of individal responsibility for their own safety and security as well as that of their fellow students, faculty, or staff.  To this end, please observe the following guidelines:

• Report all crimes immediately. Prompt reporting may assist in apprehension and the prevention of future crimes. Call 911.
• Report all suspicious persons and circumstances to the Police. This may prevent a crime from occurring.
• Keep all wallets, checkbooks, credit cards, and cash on your person and out of sight. Ideally, backpacks should be within your view at all times.
• Do not leave items such as a laptop computer, cell phone, or wallet/purse unattended or visible in a car.
• Do not prop open or try to defeat the security features of any exterior door. If you find such a door propped open, please close it. If it will not lock, please notify any staff member or call the Police Department at ext. 8444.
• Adequately secure any property left outside, such as bicycles.
• If you must walk across campus late at night, consider going with a friend or two. The campus is very safe, but that does not mean crimes will never occur here. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security because of the peaceful surroundings.

Fire Safety

Call 911 to report a fire on campus. The University is subject to and obeys all state fire regulations. Acquaint yourself with fire evacuation routes for your building as well as the location of all fire extinguishers. Fire alarm systems, smoke detectors, and other fire equipment are placed throughout all campus facilities for your protection. Fire drills are conducted periodically. During fire alarms, all students, visitors, and employees must evacuate the building and report to designated evacuation sites. Failure to respond is subject to disciplinary action.

Emergency Procedures

The University has a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan designed to assist campus officials with managing a response to a man-made or natural disaster. Emergency Procedure Posters located at entrances to all buildings on campus are designed to provide instructions to students and employees in the event of a disaster. In addition, each building on campus has designated Emergency Building Marshals who have been trained and equipped to provide direction to students and employees if an order to evacuate or shelter in place is given by public safety officials. For more information about the campus’ emergency preparedness efforts please visit the Web at https://www.csuci.edu/publicsafety/emergency-management/.

Lost and Found

If you have lost or found an item on campus call (805) 437-8444, or visit the Police Department in Placer Hall. Property that has been turned in will be logged and held for six months. After six months, if the owner does not claim the item, it may be disposed of in accordance with CSU regulations. If you believe an item has been stolen, a police officer will file a report or assist in filing a theft report with the appropriate jurisdiction.

Pets/Animals

With the exception of certified service animals, pets or animals are not allowed in campus buildings. Pets occupying the campus grounds must be properly restrained and attended. Limited exceptions for educational purposes are allowed with prior approval from the Dean of the Faculty.

Access to Campus Buildings

Laboratories and classrooms are typically open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. After hours, a member of the faculty and/or department chairs must authorize access to classrooms. Protect yourself and others by helping us keep the campus secure. Do not prop open doors and be sure to secure locked areas.

There are still large portions of the campus facilities that are not in use and have not been renovated. Entering these areas is trespassing, could create a safety hazard, and is strictly prohibited. Students violating this rule will be subject to discipline. If you have questions about a particular area, please contact a member of the Police Department.

Transportation & Parking Services

Transportation & Parking Services provides a variety of services to the campus community. Information about these services is available at Police and Parking Services Customer Service in Placer Hall, on the Web page at www.csuci.edu/parking/index.htm or by calling (805) 437-8430.

Parking permits are required for all vehicles on campus, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This includes holidays and periods when classes are not in session. Vehicles without proper permits, or that are in violation of parking regulations according to the California Vehicle Code, are subject to citation. Citation appeals may be filed through the Parking Management Bureau at http://pmbonline.org/. Parking Regulations are also available on the Web page.

Vista Shuttle Bus Service

As an alternative to parking on campus, a shuttle service is free for students, faculty and staff. For your convenience, the shuttle operates from three (3) sites:

The shuttle service is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10:20 p.m., and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. To utilize this service you show your campus I.D. to the bus driver.  Free parking is available at off-campus shuttle locations with the exception of C Street Transfer Point which is for shopping center customers only.

Alternative Transportation Resources

The campus encourages all forms of ride sharing as a strategy to reduce single vehicle trips to campus. For more information about alternative forms of transportation please visit the Police & Parking Services Customer Service located in Placer Hall or read about rideshare on the Web at http://www.csuci.edu/parking/alternativetransportationresources.htm.

Bicycles

Bicyclists must comply with all applicable California Vehicle Code regulations while riding on campus. Riding is restricted to roadways and main pedestrian pathways. Riding inside buildings, on stairs, and other facilities is strictly prohibited.  Please see the Policy on Bicycles, Skateboards, and Other Similiar Devices at  http://policy.csuci.edu/FA/81/FA.81.002.htm for more detailed information.

Skateboards, Scooters, and Rollerblades

Skateboards, Scooters, and Rollerblades are allowed but must comply with campus policy.  The use of motorized skateboard, scooters, and other similar devices is prohibited on campus.  Please see http://policy.csuci.edu/FA/81/FA.81.002.htm for more detailed information.

Information Technology Services

For more information, visit https://www.csuci.edu/its/

The Cove Book Store

The Cove Bookstore is dedicated to serving the academic mission of California State University Channel Islands. We take great pride in serving you with affordable textbooks in rental, digital, used and new formats. We also stock trade books, school and art supplies and CI emblematic merchandise. You may shop in our store or through our virtual bookstore at www.csuci.bkstr.com. In addition to serving the faculty and students with their academic needs, we also invite the community to visit the store, browse our extensive assortment, and relax in our comfortable lounge area. The bookstore is located in the Town Center behind the Library. The bookstore is open Monday - Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday closed. Extended hours and weekend hours as needed. For additional information about our products and services please contact us at csuci@bkstr.com or (805) 482-5456.

Campus Dining Services

Islands Café

The University’s main dining services area, Islands Café, is located at 71 University Drive in the South Quad.

Presented by University Glen Corporation, our dining area offers a variety of contemporary menu formats for students, faculty, staff and campus visitors to choose from throughout the day:

Santa Rosa Pizza and Grill - Features favorites like cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and grilled chicken breast sandwiches, with plenty of promotional sandwiches on a rotating basis. Pizza by the slice is featured daily.

San Nicholas Deli - Offers the sandwich that you want when you want it. With multiple choices of gourmet breads, meats, cheeses, vegetables and spreads, your possibilities are unlimited. Take any sandwich and make it a Panini.

San Miguel Mexican Grill - Takes you across the border and lets you sample the flavors of Baja. Tacos, nachos and burritos top the list of favorites.

Catalina Entrée - Is the station where our chefs get to shine. Comfort foods like fried chicken with mashed potatoes, and carved tri-tip with Santa Maria style red beans. Our chef will prepare a wide variety of regional and International dishes as well as daily vegetarian and vegan dishes.

San Clemente Pasta - Features fresh made pasta selections prepared in our display cooking section.

Anacapa Salad and Soup Bar - Farm Fresh vegetables and a wide variety of your favorite dressings as well as two soups featured daily.

Santa Barbara Breakfast Bar - A wide selection of cereals, fresh fruit, pastries, and waffles will be available for you to enjoy breakfast all day.

Santa Cruz Beverages and Sweets - The dessert bar is stocked with a wide variety of your after meal favorites. Also featured will be soft serve yogurt and toppings for you to create your own special dessert.

Student Union

Lighthouse Café - Located on the first floor of the Student Union serves specialty salads, deli sandwiches, hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, grilled tuna, hotdogs and  everything is made to order.

Freudian Sip - Located on the first floor of the Student Union adjacent to Lighthouse Café, Freudian Sip provides a wide variety of coffee drinks, frozen specialty drinks, delicious pastries and frozen yogurt.

Sea Store - Located adjacent to the games room in the Student Union, the Sea Store provides a wide variety of snacks and beverages.

Broome Library

Freudian Sip - Located on the first floor of the Broome Library next to the entrance, Freudian Sip provides a wide variety of coffee drinks, frozen specialty drinks, delicious pastries, grab and go sandwiches and sushi.

Campus Community Meal Plan: Dining Dollars

Note: This optional meal plan is for use in all campus and Town Center food operations. It does not apply to students living on campus in student housing who participate in a mandatory meal plan program.

This meal plan allows campus community members to deposit a balance on your Dolphin (campus identification) card. Advantages to having this meal plan include bonuses received when adding dollars to your card. The larger the deposit applied to your Dolphin card, the greater the discount! (see Discount Chart below). With Dining Dollars campus community members can even treat family and friends to a meal. When compared to other meal plans at various campuses, our plan provides the maximum benefit and great flexibility.

Discount Chart

Islands Incentive Plan

The Islands Incentive Plan offers commuter students, staff and faculty the opportunity to enjoy the Islands Cafe. With an innovative menu and exceptional service, we look forward to serving the campus community.

20 meals at the Islands Cafe for the special price of $180 and receive your first meal free. (Regular Price $210 if purchased per meal) This program can be purchased at the Islands Café.

University Glen Town Center

The Town Center is located at 45 Rincon Dr. on the hill adjacent to the Broome Library. Enjoy dining in this beautiful courtyard filled with plenty of options.

Pizza 3.14 - Specialty pizzas with homemade sauce, favorites are Backyard BBQ or Vegan Delight, also serving buffalo wings, local veggie salad bar, and F’real shakes.

Tortillas Grill & Cantina- Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Serving homemade corn tortillas, sopes, chile rellenos and fajitas, with certified Angus beef or grain fed poultry.

Mom Wong Kitchen-  Open Monday through Saturday.

For more information about campus food services, meal plans, catering and weekly menus, click the campus website through the following link: https://uas.csuci.edu/hospitality/hospitality-services.htm

Availability of Institutional and/or Financial Assistance Information

The following information concerning student financial assistance may be obtained from the Financial Aid office, Sage Hall, 805-437-8530:

1. A description of the federal, state, institutional, local, and private student financial assistance programs available to students who enroll at CI;
2. For each aid program, a description of procedures and forms by which students apply for assistance, student eligibility requirements, criteria for selecting recipients from the group of eligible applicants, and criteria for determining the amount of a student’s award;
3. A description of the rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance, including federal Title IV student assistance programs, and criteria for continued student eligibility under each program;
4. The satisfactory academic progress standards that students must maintain for the purpose of receiving financial assistance and criteria by which a student who has failed to maintain satisfactory progress may reestablish eligibility for financial assistance;
5. The method by which financial assistance disbursements will be made to students and the frequency of those disbursements;
6. The way the school provides for Pell-eligible students to obtain or purchase required books and supplies by the seventh day of a payment period and how the student may opt out;
7. The terms of any loan received as part of the student’s financial aid package, a sample loan repayment schedule, and the necessity for repaying loans;
8. The general conditions and terms applicable to any employment provided as part of the student’s financial aid package;
9. The terms and conditions of the loans students receive under the Direct Loan and Perkins Loan Programs;
10. The exit counseling information the school provides and collects for student borrowers; and
11. Contact information for ombuds offices available for disputes concerning federal, institutional and private loans.
     

Information concerning the cost of attending CI is available from Student Business Services, Sage Hall, 805-437-8810, and includes tuition and fees; the estimated costs of books and supplies; estimates of typical student room, board, and transportation costs; and, if requested, additional costs for specific programs.

Information concerning the refund policies of CI for the return of unearned tuition and fees or other refundable portions of institutional charges is available from the Financial Aid office, Sage Hall, 805-437-8530.

Information concerning policies regarding the return of federal Title IV student assistance funds as required by regulation is available from the Financial Aid office, Sage Hall, 805-437-8530.

Information regarding special facilities and services available to students with disabilities may be obtained from Disability Resource Programs, Educational Access Center, Bell Tower, 805-437-3331.

Information concerning CI policies, procedures, and facilities for students and other to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus may be obtained from Police Services, Placer Hall, 805 437-8444.

Information concerning CI’s annual campus security report and annual fire safety report may be obtained from Police Services, Placer Hall, 805-437-8444.

Information concerning the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse and rehabilitation programs may be obtained from Student Health Services and/or Personal Counseling Services, Student Health & Counseling Center, Yuba Hall, 805-437-8828.

Information concerning athletic opportunities available to male and female students and the financial resources and personnel that CI dedicates to its men’s and women’s teams may be obtained from the Wellness & Athletics, 805-437-8902.

Information concerning teacher preparation programs at CI, including the pass rate on teacher certification examinations, may be obtained from the School of Education’s Credential Services and Field Placement office, Madera Hall - Suite 2900, 805-437-8936.

Information concerning grievance procedures for students who feel aggrieved in their relationships with the University, its policies, practices and procedures, or its faculty and staff may be obtained from the Dean of Students office, Bell Tower, 805-437-8512.

The federal Military Selective Service Act (the “Act”) requires most males residing in the United States to present themselves for registration with the Selective Service System within thirty days of their eighteenth birthday. Most males between the ages of 18 and 25 must be registered. 

Selective Service registration forms are available at any U.S. Post Office, and many high schools have a staff member or teacher appointed as a Selective Service Registrar. For more information on the Selective Service System and to initiate the registration process, visit the official Selective Service System website.