Communities by Affinity/Identity

Bedford and Dr. Irene Pinkard Community

This community honors the continued legacy of Bedford and Dr. Irene Pinkard, founders of the Ventura County Chapter of Black American Political Association of California, and their work in the underserved communities of Ventura County. The goal of this community is to develop leadership and mentoring skills to encourage a sense of belonging at CI, critically analyze issues that impact the Black and other vulnerable populations of the world and to imagine and create more inclusive futures. A peer mentor will be embedded in the UNIV course to help you adjust to college life and share resources you need to succeed.

Eligibility/Condition: Open to all first-year students.

Fall 2023:

• UNIV 150 First-Year Seminar (GE: A3 Critical Thinking or E Lifelong Learning)
• AFS 202 Introduction to Africana Studies (GE: F Ethnic Studies and Multicultural Graduation Requirement)

Spring 2024:

• ENGL 160 Genre Fiction: Afro Cyber Punk (GE: C1 Arts)

Michele Serros Community

This community is named for Michele Serros, celebrated Chicana author/poet, who was from the City of Oxnard in Ventura County. This community engages students in critical dialogue on educational empowerment, creativity, community advocacy, multiculturalism and social justice and equity, fostering a sense of familia and support for all its members. A peer mentor will be embedded in the UNIV course to help you adjust to college life and share resources you need to succeed.

Eligibility/Condition: Open to all first-year students.

Fall 2023:

• UNIV 150 First-Year Seminar (GE: A3 Critical Thinking or E Lifelong Learning)
• CHS 100 Introduction to Chicana/o Studies (GE: F Ethnic Studies and Multicultural Graduation Requirement)

Spring 2024:

• HIST 271 The United States Since 1877 (Title V American Institutions Requirement)