Program Description

The University Experience Program promotes the success of all CI students through courses that

• highlight the four CI mission pillars (multicultural, international, interdisciplinary, and civic engagement/service learning);
• scaffold the learning of critical thinking competencies and multiple literacies;
• focus on the transition to university studies;
• embed high-impact learning practices such as learning communities, undergraduate research, and interdisciplinary learning; and
• employ faculty- and peer-support strategies.

Most University Experience courses meet General Education Requirements  outcomes.

Funded by Project ISLAS (Institutionalizing Student Learning, Access, and Success), a Title V Hispanic Serving Institutions Institution-Strengthening grant, the UNIV 150  , UNIV 250  and UNIV 349  courses have embedded peer mentors, University Peer Associates (UEAs), who also lead Dolphin Interest Groups (DIGs) learning communities. Project ISLAS also established the University Experience Program Director position. For further information go to:  http://www.csuci.edu/islas/.

The University Experience Program benefits from on-campus partnerships, and external funding from the U.S. Department of Education, the Keck Foundation, and the Give Students a Compass Project.

For more information on

• multicultural educational experiences, go to the Center for Multicultural Engagement at http://www.csuci.edu/cme/.
• UNIV 392 International Experience, go to the Center for International Affairs at http://www.csuci.edu/cia/international-experiences.htm.
• the Model Union Nations Team at CI, go to Model UN at http://www.csuci.edu/news/releases/2012-modelunteam.htm.
• the Stepladder Program for Interdisciplinary Research and Learning (SPIRaL) undergraduate research courses offered through the Center for Integrative Studies, at http://www.csuci.edu/spiral/.
• experiential and service-learning opportunities, go to the Center for Community Engagement at http://www.csuci.edu/communityengagement/.

Contact information:

Marie Francois, Ph.D., University Experience Director, Professor of History
Madera Hall, Room 1725
(805) 437-3123
Fax: (805) 437-8817
marie.francois@csuci.edu