CSUCI Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About California State University Channel Islands

Q: What majors are offered?
A:  Our 20 majors include art, biology (BA, BS), business, chemistry (BA, BS) computer science, economics, English, environmental science and resource management, history, information technology (through Extended Education), liberal studies, mathematics, performing arts, political science, psychology, sociology, Spanish, and Multiple- and single-subject teaching-credential programs are also offered. Beginning in fall of 2007, the following majors will be added:  communication, early childhood studies, and nursing.

Q: What degree programs are available through Extended Education?
A:  Degree programs offered through Extended Education include: Master of Business Administration; Administrative Services Credential (M.A., Education); Master of Science in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics; Master of Science in Biotechnology and Master of Business Administration (dual degree); Master of Science in Computer Science; Master of Science in Mathematics; Master of Social Work; and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. For more details, visit http://www.csuci.edu/exed/index.html.

Q: How many faculty members are there and what is their teaching style?
A:  Currently, there are 69 tenure-track faculty members and approximately 178 lecturers (full and part time). The faculty embrace “student-centered” cross-disciplinary learning, a University philosophy that emphasizes meeting each student’s needs. Faculty mentors are available to all undergraduate students who seek course and career guidance.

Q: How many students attend the University?
A:  Approximately 3,123 students were enrolled for the fall 2006 semester. For more details, visit http://www.csuci.edu/about/ir/index.htm.

Q: Is student housing available?
A:  Yes, the Anacapa Village Student Housing complex opened in August 2004. Students have the opportunity to share a four-bedroom suite, which includes a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, stove/range and oven, microwave, refrigerator, a furnished living area, and two bathrooms. The complex also features a pool, spa, two computer rooms, laundry facilities, and a furnished commons area with a full kitchen, a 60-inch plasma-screen TV, and an entertainment center with a DVD/VCR player. Santa Cruz Village is phase two of student housing and will be open for fall 2007 occupancy. For more details, visit http://www.csuci.edu/students/enrolled/housereslife.htm

Faculty/Staff Housing: University Glen, a revenue source for the University, is a development of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The unique program has been developed to ensure a continuous source of affordable housing for campus faculty and staff. Homes and townhouses are offered for sale according to a priority system, with highest priority given to CSUCI faculty and staff, followed by other educational partners and allies. Information on University Glen, including floor plans, rental rates, and "eligibility to rent criteria" can be found on the website at http://www.universityglenhomes.com.

Q: What campus activities are available to students?
A:  During the first several weeks of school, social activities take place to encourage student involvement and active participation within the campus community. Several student clubs have been formed with diverse interests based on career choices, social and athletic interests, political affiliations, spiritual awareness, and academic interest, as well as a variety of hobbies and leisure activities. Students also can serve in Student Government in elected or appointed positions, Student Programming Board, where students work with the professional staff to present events on campus or the student managed newspaper, Channel Islands View and yearbook, The Nautical. Students may also participate in Dolphin Days, which includes six days of events ranging from a movie marathon to interactive competitions with faculty and staff and carnival-style activities. Leadership, volunteer services and civic engagement opportunities are also available through the office of Student Leadership and Community in addition to a number of cultural-enrichment programs which are presented each year.

Q: What are the on-campus dining opportunities?
A:  Islands Café, the new dining services area, is located on campus near the South Quad off University Drive. Presented by Sodexho, the café offers a variety of contemporary menu formats for students, faculty, and staff to choose from throughout the day. For more details, visit http://www.csuci.edu/students/enrolled/dining/index.htm. The Java Hut, a coffee shop that serves a variety of baked goods, is in the Bell Tower Building across from the Student Store. A Town Center complex, in the final stages of construction, will include a community market and restaurants.

Q: What are the school colors and mascot?
A:  The school colors are red and silver. The red is consistent with the tradition of the region, and the silver is for the dolphin, the University mascot. The land the University sits on was inhabited by the Chumash, who asked CSU Channel Islands to consider making its mascot the dolphin, which is cherished by the tribe. The University and student leadership warmly embraced the idea.

Q: What recreational opportunities are there?
A:  A fitness center with free weights, weight-resistance machines, and cardiovascular equipment is in the newly renovated gym, which also offers open recreation opportunities to play basketball and volleyball. There are basketball and volleyball intramural tournaments and leagues. Sports clubs now forming will provide additional opportunities for competition. An aquatic center, scheduled to launch in Channel Islands Harbor in the near future, will offer sailing, kayaking, and rowing classes. In addition, hiking, surfing, and boating opportunities are minutes away.

Q: Why is “Channel Islands” in the University’s name when the campus is on the mainland?
A:  The name, California State University Channel Islands, was the choice of a committee of Ventura County educators, students, community leaders, and activists. The name represents an entire region rather than a single city or county, and so the University was named after the eight islands located off the southern California coastline, which are a part of the Channel Islands National Park. On a clear day, you can see some of the islands from the University.

Q: What is a “green campus”?
A:  Cal State Channel Islands is committed to maintaining a “green campus,” which means it strives to implement environmentally aware programs and preserve its beautiful surroundings. Recycling is emphasized, alternative power sources are being developed, and the campus features a no-emissions fleet, which includes electric vehicles and carts that are used by faculty and staff.

Q: How was the campus used before it became a University?
A:  The structures date to the 1930s, when the Spanish-revival architecture was built as part of a federal program to put people to work. From 1936 to 1997, it was the home of Camarillo State Hospital and included a dairy, crop fields, a hog farm, and a pool (now the site of the new Science and Technology Building). The University has received statewide recognition for preserving the buildings, and University engineers won an engineering award for turning the site into a “beautiful university campus.”

Q: How much does it cost to attend Cal State Channel Islands?
A:  Fees for the fall semester of 2006 were approximately $1,490 per semester for full-time undergraduate students and $1,781 for full-time graduate students. Full-time means a student is taking more than six units each semester. Part-time fees are scheduled to be $962 a year for undergraduates and $1,130 for graduate students. Part-time means a student is taking six units or less each semester.

Q: How does a student apply for financial aid?
A:  Financial Aid helps students apply for grants, loans, and scholarships. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. Call (805) 437-8530 or e-mail financial.aid@csuci.edu. To access additional financial information, go to http://www.csuci.edu/financialaid.

Q: What programs exist for students with learning disabilities?
A:  Disability Accommodation Services (DAS) provides support services and accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. All accommodations are based upon the student’s documentation and the disability-related recommendations. Some of the support services might include books on tape, extended time for exams, classroom note-takers, and the use of a computer with special software. Appropriate academic adjustments and auxiliary aids are determined in consultation between the student and the coordinator for DAS. There are many other accommodations, all based on the functional limitations indicated in the disability documentation. Call (805) 437-8510.

Q: Is alternate transportation to campus available?
A:  A shuttle service is available from 7 a.m. to 10:20 p.m., Monday through Friday, from the Camarillo Metrolink Station on Lewis Road and from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, from the C Street Transfer Station in Oxnard. On Saturdays, the service runs from the Camarillo Metrolink station on Lewis Road from 7:30 a.m. to 5:20 p.m, and from the C Street Transfer Center in Oxnard from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cost is $1 one way or $2 round trip. A transit card costs $25 per semester and also serves as a countywide bus pass. Parking at the shuttle sites is free.

Q: How can I take a campus tour?
A:  The Recruitment office offers individual and family tours, Monday through Friday, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Weekend tours are available at noon on the first Saturday of every month, excluding holiday weekends. For large groups, high schools, community colleges, or organizations, a custom program can be provided. Tours must be arranged by appointment. Call (805) 437-2724 for more information.