California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) may be youthful, but it’s rich in tradition
We honor the history and culture of the land where our campus is situated through:
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Our colors: We chose red and silver—red to be consistent with the tradition of our region and silver for our mascot, the dolphin.
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Our mascot: To honor the heritage and culture of the Chumash, we chose the tribe’s cherished dolphin as our mascot.
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Our commencement: Our inaugural commencement ceremony in 2003 launched traditions, such as:
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A Chumash blessing is provided by a Chumash leader signaling our recognition of building on the knowledge base of the indigenous people who first inhabited this area.
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The ringing of a University Bell is bestowed upon honored campus staff members and symbolizes the official opening of commencement ceremonies. The University Bell was donated for the 2025 commencement ceremonies by 2005 CSUCI alumna and Associate Vice President for Communication & Public Relations, Nancy Covarrubias Gill. Commencement ceremonies from 2003 to 2024 included a Navy ship bell loaned by Naval Base Ventura County.
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Carrying the Light of Learning by an honorary marshal, to symbolize the University’s commitment to a life of the mind and the central role played by our outstanding faculty.
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Welcome in multiple languages, signifying CSUCI’s commitment to graduating students with multicultural and international perspectives.
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Passing through an arch, symbolizing graduates entering a new phase of life.
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Carrying the CSUCI mace, which was carved from native walnut by local artists. Two dolphins dancing on waves, honoring the Chumash crossing the Rainbow Bridge to get to the mainland, top the mace.
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Sounding of the Bell Tower carillon signifies the last candidate crossing the platform.
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Our alma mater: We continue to celebrate CSUCI through song every day at 11:55am.
- New Student Convocation Ceremony: We welcome and celebrate our new student Dolphins and invite them to ring their own bell to signify the beginning of their academic journey at CSUCI as part of one Dolphin pod.