Underrepresented Student Initiatives (PDF, 2.6MB) supports the retention and persistence of marginalized populations including, but not limited to, those who identify as Latino, African American/Black, Asian American & Pacific Islanders, LGBTQ+, Assembly Bill (AB) 540, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA), or Undocumented. Our services seek to provide resources and foster a student-centered campus community dedicated to the holistic success of our students.
Key Events & Services
Events
- Mariposa's Achieving and Resisting Retreat (each semester)
- And Still We Rise Series
- Adulting 101 Series
- Undocumented Student Ally Trainings
- Women of Color Retreat
- DACA Workshops
- Mental Health & Immigration
- Night of Liberation
- Undocumented Student Stoling Ceremony
- Workshops on scholarships, graduate school, know your rights and more
Services
- Mariposa’s Achieving and Resisting (MAR)
- Help with the submission of the AB540 affidavit
- Help with the submission of the California DREAM Act Application
- Immigration Legal Services
- Women of Color Peer Mentoring Program (WOCPMP)
- Academic assistance
- Career exploration
- Coaching and student leadership development
- Graduate school preparation
- Mentoring
Mariposa's Achieving & Resisting (MAR) Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility
MAR is a program for undocumented students at CI, to ensure your academic success. The program is focused on meeting with you individually to support your academic, personal, and post-graduation goals. To participate in this program, contact the mdc@csuci.edu to get involved and get connected with our staff.
Requirements
Students are asked to meet with Natalie Johnson (natalie.johnson@csuci.edu) twice a semester to check-in about academics, personal challenges, and overall experience while at CI. These meetings will be an opportunity for students to learn about various resources and opportunities on campus to support their academic pursuits.
View additional CSUCI Undocumented Student Resources
Undocumented Student Ally Training Program
Faculty, staff, and student employees on campus can choose to take part in our ally program to serve as allies to undocumented students on campus. The program offers three levels of training so that individuals can choose how involved they want to be and how much in depth knowledge they want. Students are able to identify allies by looking for "keys" posted around offices. Learn more about the Undocumented Student Ally Training Program.
Free Immigration Legal Services for Students and Employees
Direct immigration legal services are available free of charge to CSU students, employees and immediate relatives (i.e. parents, children, spouses, and siblings). Attorneys and paralegals are available to assist students with general consultations, DACA renewals and general assistance in filling out forms such as family-based petitions. This project aims to serve undocumented students, students with immigration questions, staff and faculty. Schedule a meeting with the immigration lawyer.
For help with scheduling an appointment please contact Natalie Johnson at natalie.johnson@csuci.edu.
Women of Color Mentoring Program (WOCMP)
The Women of Color (WOC) Mentoring program is a great opportunity for CSUCI students who identify as WOC to help other WOC like them succeed in an intentional and purposeful way. Current successful students who are seeking an empowering interpersonal leadership experience and who meet the program criteria are encouraged to apply to become Peer Mentors. Peer Mentors are committed to sharing their personal and academic experiences to encourage, guide, challenge and support new students in their academic growth, goal achievement, and overall success as a CSUCI student. The program matches successful continuing students with new students, connecting them as partners for a yearlong experience.
The WOC Mentoring Program Purpose
The WOC Mentoring Program is a great opportunity for our WOC at CSUCI to find community, develop a sense of belonging, and seek academic support resources. The impetus of this initiative stems from the Graduate Initiative 2025 to increase graduation rates for all CSU students while working to eliminate opportunity and achievement gaps. Therefore, the purpose of the WOC Mentoring Program is to promote the improvement of academic success, persistence and successful graduation of student participants.
Peer Mentor Expectations & Responsibilities
- Commitment to be a Peer Mentor for the 2019-2020 academic year
- Have demonstrated success in college and wish to serve as a role model for new students
- Maintain good academic/judicial standing, as well as suitable progress toward graduation
- Meet with Mentees at least twice a month throughout the fall and spring semester
- A passion to help incoming students to be successful and build community at CSUCI
- Dedicate adequate time and willingness to develop relationships
- Support the transition/acculturation from high school/community college to CSUCI
- Engage new students with campus resources, staff, and faculty that support their success
- Employ effective interpersonal/communication skills
- Seek personal growth and development through the peer mentoring process
- Participate in one social and immersive experience per semester
- Monthly check-in meetings with professional staff member in the MDC
- Participate in peer training sessions on mentoring/leadership development
Mentee Expectations & Responsibilities
- Commitment to be a part of the 2019-2020 academic year
- Maintain good academic/judicial standing, as well as suitable progress toward graduation
- Meet with Mentor at least twice a month throughout the fall and spring semester
- Dedicate adequate time and willingness to develop relationships
- Seek personal growth and development through the program
- Participate in one social and workshops per semester
- Monthly check-in meetings with professional staff member in the MDC
The program also has Faculty/Staff Mentors (PDF, 810KB) who support all the mentees and peer mentors through their academic journey. And we wanted to honor and acknowledge their contributions, so thank you for everything you do!
For more information about the program or to access the Fall Application, please reach out to Natalie Johnson (natalie.johnson@csuci.edu).